Subframe mount Improvements #72

I modified the Total Composites expedition camper to EarthCruiser subframe mounts since installing new with some fiberglass U channels and bar to provide a solid mating system between the expedition truck subframe and expedition camper that are structural and outdoor rated. This lightweight, non-conductive and non-corrosive system connects the camper to subframe without movement or flex or stress at the mounting locations.
This is my continued progress in building out my DIY expedition camper on a customized Earth Cruiser CORE #4 Mitsubishi Fuso 4x4 expedition vehicle and share with you my build-out experience. I plan on using my expedition camper on this truck chassis for long-term domestic and global travels with its Offroad all-season capable expedition truck with four-wheel drive for full-time DIY RV travels, adventures and exploration.
#VanLife #MitsubishiFuso #ExpeditionTravel #VanTripping #ECB #HeroTranserCase #Subframe #DeaverSpring ‪@toyotires‬ ‪@methodracewheels‬ ‪@DynatracProducts‬ #Overlanding #ExpeditionCamper #ExpeditionTruck #MountainBlueBirdtheVan #ExpeditionVehicle ‪@EarthCruiserOverlandVehicles‬ ‪@totalcomposites484‬ ‪@vantripping‬ #diycamper ‪@mikegxv‬ ‪@actionmobil8946‬ ‪@blissmobil1238‬
www.VanTripping.com
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[@AMCUSOLDIER]

You are very knowledgeable so I am fallowing this piece of engineering overland all capable truck.

[@vantripping]

Thank you. Glad my videos are helpful.

[@allanhugh2044]

I remember when you were mounting the floor to the chassis rails and thinking that what you had done was pretty neat. Now that you have upgraded to this version, that certainly looks as though it will be the better long term solution.
I hadn't noticed the length of the nuts before, not to mention the length of the bolts and springs being so much longer than the ATW spring mount system that we have.
Our bolts are approximately 140mm long and the spring material is small and thick. Interestingly, our bolts are upside down compared to yours, but our nuts are also quite long, possibly as long as your original nuts. I wonder if there is something in the length of the nuts being important from an engineering perspective?
Sent you a picture of our chassis rail spring mounts.

[@vantripping]

Thanks. I would've done this before mounting the camper but there wasn't time and also at the time didn't know the spring mount bolts would protrude to just barely touch the bottom of the camper, so this little "fix" solved for that. The EarthCruiser subframe mounts us 3/4" (19mm) bolts but I don't remember the length. Probably about 5 to 6" long, so pretty close to the same as yours at 140mm. If EC had installed the bolts "right side up", the bolts would not be able to removed or replaced, so best they are in the upside down configuration. As for the nut length, I checked into strength between the thinner and regular buts and they are nearly the same in strength, but the ones I replaced with are a stronger stainless metal, and also nylon-locking like the thicker ones, so shouldn't be any difference other than about 2 threads less engagement--still more than enough threads to get max strength in the connection. I used some higher strength thread locker to ensure they don't loosen as they are a coarse thread. Overall, these size bolts and nuts are likely way over-sized for holding the camper down, especially with each of the six having a rated strength more than the dynamic forces the camper can produce.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

👍

[@vantripping]

Thanks.

[@saff226]

What made you use the rubber between the box and subframe instead of just gluing it straight down. That way the bolts are not really doing much

[@vantripping]

Great question. I used rubber because some experienced camper builders said that is what they use, and I wanted to be able to remove the camper and subframe and mount it to another chassis someday which would likely require a new subframe. That may never happen, but nice to have that as option. If that wasn't an option, your idea of applying glue between the camper floor and subframe rails would help to soften vibrations between the two as well as prevent movement and dirt build up, so likely would work well. And add strength connecting the two. I think it is a great idea and certainly would add strength and other benefits.