the XM971 "command camper" build

[Csm Davis]

I picked up a onan 4kw CCK generator that was used in a guard shack on a old military base.. the shack is about 1/2 mile from my house (dont worry, I went through all the correct/legal channels) well the shack was close to the river, so every spring it went under water for 2-10+ days.. so the gen was very locked up when i got it home.. I pulled the heads, let the cyl(s) soak in WD-40 (after cleaning all the river mud out) and lightly tapped the pistons after a couple days, and it broke free!! i sanded down the cyl walls, and put the heads back on and cleaned the points.. after that i cleaned the generator head out.. replaced a couple broken wires in the head, and cleaned the starting brushes, and put some power to it.. and it FIRED on starting fluid

I have a generator like that, and this thread makes me makes want to build my camper in my XM971 instead of my M129A4

 

[jdknech]

I have a generator like that, and this thread makes me makes want to build my camper in my XM971 instead of my M129A4

I say GO FOR IT! But, I learned that after you start hanging stuff under the trailer, it takes up the ground clearance really quick.. That's why the gen is going in the front, and not under.. With it mounted under I had 8-9" of clearance left under it.. I suspect the M129 would not have that problem... I also wish I had double doors so I could pull a ATV inside.. But overall I like the M971 because of the air-ride.. I think the air-ride makes up for all it's other downfalls

 

[agazza2]

Looking good. I did see one of those Onan 4kw generators for sale on craigslist. Are they these generators easy to get parts for, and are they reliable? Will you go directly into a breaker box, or into a inverter? Keep up the great work.

 

[jdknech]

Looking good. I did see one of those Onan 4kw generators for sale on craigslist. Are they these generators easy to get parts for, and are they reliable? Will you go directly into a breaker box, or into a inverter? Keep up the great work.

They are VERY reliable.. And easy to get parts for is relative.. Everything is available (unlike Chinese units) and it's a pressurized oil system.. And it runs at 1800rpm (most other generators are 3600rpm units) so it's quieter then most others.. In my mind the onan generators are the best ones out there..

 

[rustystud]

They are VERY reliable.. And easy to get parts for is relative.. Everything is available (unlike Chinese units) and it's a pressurized oil system.. And it runs at 1800rpm (most other generators are 3600rpm units) so it's quieter then most others.. In my mind the onan generators are the best ones out there..

For reliability no one beats "Onan", but for sound I have found the "Honda" whisper series is the way to go.

 

[jdknech]

 

[agazza2]

Nice place to do work. Wish I had that available to set the AC on the top of my M146. Where will you mount the fuel tank? Do you also have the control panel to mount on the inside of the trailer? Keep the pictures coming.

 

[jdknech]

Nice place to do work. Wish I had that available to set the AC on the top of my M146. Where will you mount the fuel tank? Do you also have the control panel to mount on the inside of the trailer? Keep the pictures coming.

Thanks! working for a airline has its perks sometimes lol I plan to mount a 30-40gal tank under the trailer and feed the gen with a low press. fuel pump.. I do not have a control panel yet, but the gen is wired for it. I need to get a new control board for it first though, mine has been "fixed" so that it will run, but for my peace of mind I am getting a new controller

 

[ke5eua]

Thanks! working for a airline has its perks sometimes lol I plan to mount a 30-40gal tank under the trailer and feed the gen with a low press. fuel pump.. I do not have a control panel yet, but the gen is wired for it. I need to get a new control board for it first though, mine has been "fixed" so that it will run, but for my peace of mind I am getting a new controller

Onan control panels are super simple, at least the one in my coach is.

One dpdt or spdt switch for start stop and a hour meter.

If it is an older model it will likely be the same. Schematic should be in the service manual. From what I could gather it is just an extension of the start stop switch on the genset and a separate set for the hour meter.

 

[jdknech]

Onan control panels are super simple, at least the one in my coach is.

One dpdt or spdt switch for start stop and a hour meter.

If it is an older model it will likely be the same. Schematic should be in the service manual. From what I could gather it is just an extension of the start stop switch on the genset and a separate set for the hour meter.

you sir are correct, a single SPDT momentary switch is all thats required.. the start/stop is controled through the ground side of the control panel..

 

[ke5eua]

you sir are correct, a single SPDT momentary switch is all thats required.. the start/stop is controled through the ground side of the control panel..

Yeah I couldn't remember if it was single or dual, knew if was double throw.

I actually need a new controller circuit for mine, onan wants a nice chunk of change for them.


Did you get a gas or diesel version?

 

[jdknech]

Yeah I couldn't remember if it was single or dual, knew if was double throw.

I actually need a new controller circuit for mine, onan wants a nice chunk of change for them.


Did you get a gas or diesel version?

mine is a 60's CCK gas gen.. and check out http://www.flightsystems.com/standby-generator-ats-controls/onan-regulators-and-controls.html if you have the part number for your board, they should have it.. and there bored are supposed to be MUCH better then the factory ones

 

[agazza2]

Yeah I couldn't remember if it was single or dual, knew if was double throw.

I actually need a new controller circuit for mine, onan wants a nice chunk of change for them.


Did you get a gas or diesel version?

Check pplmotorhomes.com for the controller circuit. Just go to the website, and select parts superstore, and type Onan in the search box. I have found them to be cheaper on most items I am looking for.

 

[ke5eua]

mine is a 60's CCK gas gen.. and check out http://www.flightsystems.com/standby-generator-ats-controls/onan-regulators-and-controls.html if you have the part number for your board, they should have it.. and there bored are supposed to be MUCH better then the factory ones

Will do. Mines a gasser, better than the propane on the last coach we had.

Actually looking to scrap the body of the coach and put a 5 ton bed on it. It has formed leaks and Louisiana weather hasn't been fair to it. Probably going to use the generator and put it on the 750 trailer I'm getting.

I love what you have done with this build, defiantly an inspiration to all who want to turn their trailers into campers.

Check pplmotorhomes.com for the controller circuit. Just go to the website, and select parts superstore, and type Onan in the search box. I have found them to be cheaper on most items I am looking for.

I like ppl, good prices and good selection. I'll check them out and see.

 

[jdknech]

Will do. Mines a gasser, better than the propane on the last coach we had.

Actually looking to scrap the body of the coach and put a 5 ton bed on it. It has formed leaks and Louisiana weather hasn't been fair to it. Probably going to use the generator and put it on the 750 trailer I'm getting.

I love what you have done with this build, defiantly an inspiration to all who want to turn their trailers into campers.

.

thanks! I'm glad other people can get something from it.. even if its the "what not to do" lol but I am learning as I go, and it is slowly getting there

 

[jdknech]

WOW! just realized i have 1 day off before I am due to take the trailer to a MV show for 4 day, then 3 days after that to get it ready for haspin fall rally!! I need to get the gen wired up, and the water tank plumed in.. lots to do, and soooooooo little time!

BUT! there are some very fun plans in store for the winter.. I am looking into super slide out systems!! I want to have both walls slide out 3ft each, and have the kitchen mounted in one of the slides, as well as a fridge and dinette.. then the other slide have a couple of combo sofa/beds and coffee tables..

the "kitchen slide"(right hand side facing forward) would be 17-18ft long and the left slide would be 16ft this would effectively make the inside main part 14'x16'!!! much much more space..

also going to move the shower to where the counter is currently, and make a actual bathroom with a sink and crapper (yeah yeah.. I should have listened to you guys the first time around.. lol)

also going to redo the walls.. the paneling I used is bowing out, and coming off.. and is really really wavy.. SO PLEASE POST YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR WALL MATERIAL!!
I would like something paintable.. I was thinking 1/4" plywood.. but if there is somthing I havent thought of, POST IT UP!

I think I might start a new thread when I start construction on the re-model.. or should I stick with 1 thread?

 

[jdknech]

A quick sketch of my plans

 

[212sparky]

Looking good

 

[LowTech]

This is new to me, how are you going to hook up the plumbing (water, gas, drain) w/ it sliding out?

 

[Jeepsinker]

You may look into wood paneling for the walls. Also consider 1/4" gypsum board. With air ride it should hold up fine.