With the M916 RV build thread reaching 4 pages I decided to start my own thread.
As many may know I've been trying to get my hands on an M920 for a completely separate project.
I've also been considering a M916 for it's own project. An expedition support vehicle or an XV for short. Unicat of course is one of the high end makers but with a cost into the high six figures it's not something I can afford.
As I get more and more interested into vehicle fabrication the idea of building my own is high on my list.
Projects like EcoRoamer;
EcoRoamer: The High-Tech, Zombie-Proof Survival RV
Turtle Expedition;
Turtle Expedition The Turtle V
And companies like Earth Roamer;
EarthRoamer Home Page
and Unicat;
Unicat - Go Anywhere Off-Road RV - Vehicles for Rescue, Escape, Survival, or Pleasure
Have been great inspiration, but I have to admit my addiction to OD green is somewhat lost. Not only that but even the base vehicle costs in the above vehicles is not something I can just write a check for.
With SS guys like Soni, Reb87 and Floridianson's M916, and M920 mods, I think I've found a good base truck.
I had considered bidding on some of the M820 carcass trucks that came out TX this last week. Combining the expanding van with a stretched M916. Would make for an interesting mod.
However considering I have a family of 5 and the wife probably wouldn't be to keen on camping in one. I think building my own box would not only make for a more unique vehicle but would also make for a more comfortable stay.
Just to see if I liked the idea I borrowed Floridianson's M920 image and added a moc up box on the back.
I did stretch the frame 24" with the intentions to add 48" total to the vehicle length of course if I used a M916 I would have to stretch the frame 50".
The box would be composed mostly of Nida-core or Rhinokore Panels with aluminum edging. The box would use a triangulated mount to the frame to allow for frame flex thus isolating the body. Assuming I used a crawl-through cab I would need to utilize some sort of bellows.
To reduce the chance of running gear contact 2 of the 3 mounts would be over the rear tandems and work in concert with the suspension.
All of this is just an idea right now but I though to toss it out there for kicks. I have yet to find a CAD rendering of an M916 or M920 so I'm really limited until one is in my drive.
I'll probably through some ideas together for the box in sketch up, see if I can reduce the overall length and height a bit. I used the 12' high 30' long max dimensions. With spare tire etc, on the back she is over that now...or at least in the image.
Thanks for reading.
Hopefully I can win powerball...LOL
Cheers
As many may know I've been trying to get my hands on an M920 for a completely separate project.
I've also been considering a M916 for it's own project. An expedition support vehicle or an XV for short. Unicat of course is one of the high end makers but with a cost into the high six figures it's not something I can afford.
As I get more and more interested into vehicle fabrication the idea of building my own is high on my list.
Projects like EcoRoamer;
EcoRoamer: The High-Tech, Zombie-Proof Survival RV
Turtle Expedition;
Turtle Expedition The Turtle V
And companies like Earth Roamer;
EarthRoamer Home Page
and Unicat;
Unicat - Go Anywhere Off-Road RV - Vehicles for Rescue, Escape, Survival, or Pleasure
Have been great inspiration, but I have to admit my addiction to OD green is somewhat lost. Not only that but even the base vehicle costs in the above vehicles is not something I can just write a check for.
With SS guys like Soni, Reb87 and Floridianson's M916, and M920 mods, I think I've found a good base truck.
I had considered bidding on some of the M820 carcass trucks that came out TX this last week. Combining the expanding van with a stretched M916. Would make for an interesting mod.
However considering I have a family of 5 and the wife probably wouldn't be to keen on camping in one. I think building my own box would not only make for a more unique vehicle but would also make for a more comfortable stay.
Just to see if I liked the idea I borrowed Floridianson's M920 image and added a moc up box on the back.
I did stretch the frame 24" with the intentions to add 48" total to the vehicle length of course if I used a M916 I would have to stretch the frame 50".
The box would be composed mostly of Nida-core or Rhinokore Panels with aluminum edging. The box would use a triangulated mount to the frame to allow for frame flex thus isolating the body. Assuming I used a crawl-through cab I would need to utilize some sort of bellows.
To reduce the chance of running gear contact 2 of the 3 mounts would be over the rear tandems and work in concert with the suspension.
All of this is just an idea right now but I though to toss it out there for kicks. I have yet to find a CAD rendering of an M916 or M920 so I'm really limited until one is in my drive.
I'll probably through some ideas together for the box in sketch up, see if I can reduce the overall length and height a bit. I used the 12' high 30' long max dimensions. With spare tire etc, on the back she is over that now...or at least in the image.
Thanks for reading.
Hopefully I can win powerball...LOL
Cheers
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