cj5 camper unbelivable

we had a customer who owned one and used it a lot to go duck hunting

 

Not really a neighbor. The guy with all the "cool stuff" has a small engine repair shop and hardware store about 3 or 4 miles away where everything is stored. One of the pictures shows the camper hooked up to his Jeepster.

 

that is definetly a rare find,and one of the coolest things that i have seen in a while,as far as the wheel skidding in a turn,it may be set up like a trailerette if any body here knows what i am talking about? the wheels them self caster like a shopping cart wheel,therefore no piviot point required, i may be wrong it may not be that type of setup,but i have saw 2 trailerettes one with two wheels,and one with a single wheel in the center

 

Rear axel of the Jeep and the axel on the camper act like a set of tandem axels on a trailer. Go around a corner and they will "buck" each other and the one with less weight on it will skid. Just like a semi trailer thats fully loaded making a sharp turn around. I've seen some that look like the wheels would break off...

 

Seems logical. I wonder what braking was like though with the original drum brakes? Maybe the trailer had brakes?

 

Albeit I'd bet not too fast. I saw one from a distance once(about thirty five years ago)and all I could think of what it would be like to drive one or how fast you could drive it. Probably be a long trip to Tellico in one. On the other hand might be neat to pull out from under it and the be able to wheel then.

 

The guy I bought the jeep from a couple years ago used it for mud drags, so the factory 304 3speed has plenty of power. However I would like to locate a pair of j10 pickup, or wagoneer axles for a wider stance, and disc brakes the camper has it's own trailer brakes. So I expect it to cruise the back highways really well, 50 55 probably top speed I don't think I would ever have the balls to take it on the interstate, that just would'nt end well.
I have been emailing a fellow member in California who owns a factory jeep that came with the camper package. A previous owner junked the camper many, many years ago but he has the hitch I need sitting on his shelf. He has even teased me with these pictures, hopefully he sees this and remembers get in touch with me. Here is a few more pics for ya one is of this hitch, which by the way their is a trap door in the camper that allow you access to pin the hitch. The other pic is of my rear cross member on the jeep lined up with the front frame rail of the camper.
I love hearing your comments, and welcome any advice as you can see I have my work cut out for me. Not only does the camper need work, but the jeep is long over due for some attention as well especially if I expect it to handle this camper. It does'nt seem that many member live anywhere close to me, which is DesMoines, Iowa where there is nothing but sloppy river mud and miles of freakin corn. However though if anyone is relatively close I am going to be in need of a pair of axles sometime this spring. This is also going to make my factory 73 cj5 axles available if anyone is interested? I put a new spider gear kit in the rearend last summer, a couple of months before I found my camper.
Someone mentioned bringing it too an event, and belive me I can't wait but I really doubt it this year. First thing the jeep needs attention to be safer and roadworthy (just axles, brakes, and complete wiring). I mainly want to be able to at least enjoy the jeep itself this summer, because I could'nt last year thanks to a clutch and the spider gear issues. If I'm lucky though I hope to take the camper out at least close to home, by labor day. But come 2008 I can't wait to take it to shows or events and show it off, as long as their not too far considering the way gas prices are going. My goal someday is to have it all match, like all six tires the same. I also want to check into Realtree camo vinyl they make for vehicles, and by wrapping both jeep and camper it'll look more factory built, rather than the backyard contraption that it is.
Well thank you all again for your comments, and advice because a year ago I did'nt know they even made such a thing, and now I'm rebuilding one. I may drift off from time to time when I get parts available things get busy in the shop, and that usually cuts into my internet time but what ya gonna do. I'll do my best to keep ya all posted.

 

Hey Ryan, I guess close is a relative term, but if you could head east a few hours to Chicago some time, I can offer a good place to work on a Jeep (and get a lot done in a short amount of time) that is, if you have some free time between now and Summer....

 

Found this on ebay tonight.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1969-Kaiser-Jee...0QQihZ011QQcategoryZ10774QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Cheers!

 

Never thought of it until looking at the above ad on eBay, but I guess a half cab is a must now for ya when sporting your camper!