mikek
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 2 
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Post by mikek on Oct 2, 2018 12:28:32 GMT -5
Hello new here.. 
Iv been searching for a narrow track 7x16 cargo trailer to convert into a camper/toyhauler because narrow track trailers have wheel wells instead of fenders. Meaning the 7' wide trailer is less than 7'6" wide and no wider than my full size truck mirrors.. That's important to me, because my destination is narrow colorado mountain gravel roads and I want the trailer wheel track to follow or be no wider than the trucks wheel track.
Anyway, I found a 2011 Spree Escape 19sb for sale and noticed it was only 7' wide with wheel wells. So I'm wondering, could I install a ramp door on the back or the Spree Escape instead of converting a cargo trailer into a camper?
I found a thread in a different forum that stated the floor of the Escape was only 1/2" ply on 2x2 joists, which doesn't sound strong enough for securing a motorcycle to. But also learned the walls were fiberglass, over a layer of luan probably, over foam and aluminum wall studs.. Aluminum studs might be strong enough to work with for the ramp door, but I was hoping someone with a Spree Escape 19sb could confirm these facts. And maybe get some opinion's of my plan to add a ramp door for loading one motorcycle?
Thanks!
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Post by nvguy on Oct 2, 2018 21:39:30 GMT -5
Based on my overall experience with RVs & having been asked this question before, I will say no, it just isn't practical to add a ramp door . Reason(s) being the framing for the rear wall has to be built to have an opening, to include enough structure on the sides to provide for locks. You also need a strong threshold / rear cross member to hinge the door as well as support the door and whatever you're loading. Also, don't forget this opening needs to have a flange to provide for a gasket I seriously doubt the wall could be used as the ramp. The aluminum studs are not designed to take a load like that. I can't say anything about the floor. I am assuming you will be removing interior cabinets. This can affect the walls. Factory built toy boxes have heavier / additional frame- wall bracing, (I am referring to those "wings" that go from the frame to the wall) to make up for the lack of interior cabinetry. Yes, the cabinets do provide some support / load spreading, as early toy hauler builders learned. With all that being said, if you have advanced skills and a well equipped shop, anything is possible.  |
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mikek
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 2
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Post by mikek on Oct 5, 2018 13:56:09 GMT -5
Based on my overall experience with RVs & having been asked this question before, I will say no, it just isn't practical to add a ramp door . Reason(s) being the framing for the rear wall has to be built to have an opening, to include enough structure on the sides to provide for locks. You also need a strong threshold / rear cross member to hinge the door as well as support the door and whatever you're loading. Also, don't forget this opening needs to have a flange to provide for a gasket I seriously doubt the wall could be used as the ramp. The aluminum studs are not designed to take a load like that. I can't say anything about the floor. I am assuming you will be removing interior cabinets. This can affect the walls. Factory built toy boxes have heavier / additional frame- wall bracing, (I am referring to those "wings" that go from the frame to the wall) to make up for the lack of interior cabinetry. Yes, the cabinets do provide some support / load spreading, as early toy hauler builders learned. With all that being said, if you have advanced skills and a well equipped shop, anything is possible. Thanks nvguy..
I hear and agree with everything you said. I wish I was close enough to go look, because I can weld and planned to build a aluminum door and discard the wall. The threshold's important, and if the frame extend all the way back to the back wall should be easy..
My old sold featherlite toyhauler, which I should have kept, had aluminum floor joists, but 24' x 8.5' was just to big for me. I miss it though because Ive been searching for a narrow track for over 2 years..
But it might take longer and more money to outfit the living space instead of building a door..
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Post by nvguy on Oct 5, 2018 23:37:02 GMT -5
Sounds like you have the skills and equipment to do either conversion, but the wildcard is the general suitability of the Spree. It might be easier to convert the cargo trailer. There are several RV salvage places scattered around Elkhart IN that have leftover parts from the various factories that would make the conversion easier. I haven't priced cargo trailers lately, but 4K looks good.
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