Brett's V8 ML Triton. "WRONG"

[Fatmans_Triton]

I love the whole build up as I have similar plans one day, all the way through it I was going to post and ask "how do you go with the kids and camping etc,as in , where do you pack all your camping gear for everyone as when we go camping we have heaps lol but now the trailer is in motion you wont have a problem, I want a camper trailer and was just wondering how you all fitted, with all your gear etc

[Bilbo]

I love the whole build up as I have similar plans one day, all the way through it I was going to post and ask "how do you go with the kids and camping etc,as in , where do you pack all your camping gear for everyone as when we go camping we have heaps lol but now the trailer is in motion you wont have a problem, I want a camper trailer and was just wondering how you all fitted, with all your gear etc

Thanks mate, in regards to packing for the kids etc. every nook and cranny has something living in it. I've found that a solid routine helps, everything has a place and everything in its place.
We seem to manage although it does get tight.

[Bilbo]

So another update for the Triton,

Recently I swapped the ML tub for a MN tub, with the ML tub etc to become the foundation of a camper/bike trailer.

The MN tub on the Triton has turned out fantastic and the extra storage space in it is great. However I started getting sick of everything getting wet, the lack of security etc. I started looking for a second hand canopy to fit up. After hunting around for something of good value and not being able to find one I decided to make my own. With a difference of course.

I've made a steel frame and will have it covered at this stage with canvas or PVC material (this may change). It's a fastback style canopy. The front section stands tall enough to stand a 33 inch tyre against the back window and the hatch will hinge at the top and have gas struts to hold it up.

Here is some pics.

[har05l]

I love your thought process Brett

I've had many thoughts over the last few months to try and do a canopy of sorts as my custom soft lid frame has fallen apart but may go the hard lid option......or after I see your finished version may go back to my original plan

Keep the updates coming

[c-dale]

Fastbacks look great on the Tritons

[Bilbo]

Fastbacks look great on the Tritons

Hi there, I did see yours, and I agree, I think they look great. I've stolen ideas from everywhere and tried rolling them into one. Probably the most influential would be the ARB Fastback canopy ( you can see it on you tube.).

I'll probably cover it in canvas or similar material, however I've also thought of covering it in HDPE plastic sheet, sheet steel?? Still thinking!

Will see how it evolves.

[c-dale]

Looking forward to seeing it evolve. If your other workmanship is anything to go by its going to be top shelf.

The ARB ones arent bad, seen a few on the HiLuxs and a Great Wall of all things but custom is the way to go

[motoz]

Just finished reading your build. Great stuff mate and I like your ideas on developing things outside of the norm.

Looking forward to see how the canopy turns out.

[wi53yz_4wd]

canopy design looks the goods mate

[wi53yz_4wd]

canopy design looks the goods mate

[Bilbo]

Been busy today working on the canopy. I had some 1.2mm sheet steel rolled to match the top of the canopy to form a solid platform for the canvas when it goes on. It's added a bit of weight and has stiffened the whole structure up. Now to find some gas struts to hold it up, get it painted and then covered in canvas. Here is some pics.

[c-dale]

Mate you have some serious skills!!! That is a very cool set up

What colour canvas are you thinking?

[Bilbo]

Mate you have some serious skills!!! That is a very cool set up

What colour canvas are you thinking?

Thanks mate. I'm pretty happy with it so far.

There is a few things I'd change if I did it again. I guess that's the research and development you pay for when you buy a mass produced accessory.

Thinking now of using the same material they use to make tonneau covers. In a grey, darker than silver but not gun metal. I don't want people thinking I'm trying to match the car. Should look smart.

[c-dale]

Sounds like a plan. Looking forward to seeing it complete.

[trumpy955]

WOW this is a pretty cool build, i would love to have your skills... and time. Cant wait to see more on the trailer and the ute.

[Bilbo]

WOW this is a pretty cool build, i would love to have your skills... and time. Cant wait to see more on the trailer and the ute.

Thanks trumpy, Time comes at a cost, lack of sleep.
I run my own business, starting at midnight everyday, I consider it a waste of good time sleeping during the day, so I generally put in a couple of hours on the Triton or other projects while the kids are at school. Sleep happens between 7.30pm and 12.00am. It's all fun and games!!

[Bilbo]

Canopy frame painted and ready for canvas.

[motoz]

Hey mate whats the rear end riding like now that you've removed all the extra weight with the tub / canopy transfer ?

[Bilbo]

Hey mate whats the rear end riding like now that you've removed all the extra weight with the tub / canopy transfer ?

G'day, too stiff, rides a bit like a donkey!

I have a 150lt fuel tank (3mm plate steel) in the making to replace the original spare wheel, a 33inch wheel will stand up in the canopy against the rear window, a second battery will go in there aswell and I have a Mcc rear jack bar coming. Hopefully once I've added this lot she will settle down a bit.

[motoz]

That should settle it down nicely.

Looking forward to seeing the finished canopy.

[Bilbo]

I came across a MCC rear bar the other day, my arm was twisted, and some how it found its way back to my place.

Fitting was a bit tricky due to the Tritons body lift. I spoke to an engineer, we cut the mounts, repositioned them, re welded and plated where we cut. I think it's now stronger than original.
The fit up turned out really well.

Canopy gets wrapped next week.

Pics......

[Bilbo]

.

[Bilbo]

Canopy wrapped but not quite finished.

[har05l]

That's come up very good

What have you used to eliminate water and dust ingress at the hinge section in the centre

[Bilbo]

That's come up very good

What have you used to eliminate water and dust ingress at the hinge section in the centre

Thanks, that's the not quite finished yet bit.
I've got a couple of rubber profiles that will fit snug around the bottom of the hatch to seal the gap, I've also had two flaps sewn into the top of the canopy at the hinged section. These use Velcro to make a water proof seal. Similar to the double seal around the Rhino rooftop bags. I'll put some more pics up of the weather proofing tomorrow once complete.
Cheers Brett