Convertible camping trailer

A convertible camping trailer which may be used as a camping trailer and converted to a normal utility trailer when camping components are removed. The trailer includes a rolling chassis and a plurality of upwardly extending walls. A pair of doors are pivotally attached adjacent to upper edges of side walls of the trailer, and the doors may be pivoted between a closed position covering the trailer and an outwardly extending, substantially horizontal open position. A plurality of support arm assemblies support the doors when in the open position. Panels may be positioned adjacent to the doors and covering a portion of the compartment so that the open doors and panels form bed surfaces thereon. A tent may be positioned in a raised position covering the open doors and compartment. The trailer has a tailgate on which a step may be pivotally disposed to provide access to the trailer when the tailgate is closed. Leveling devices may be used to level the trailer when it is located at a camping site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to camping trailers, and more particularly, to a 
collapsible camping trailer which may be converted to a normal utility 
trailer when the camping components are removed. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
On camping trips, it is often desirable for the persons camping to utilize 
a camping trailer which is essentially a self-contained unit which may be 
used for shelter and storage. Such a trailer provides a mobile camp site 
which may be left in place when the campers' vehicle is moved. Camping 
trailers typically provide more amenities than a simple tent. 
Many camping trailers are suitable only for camping and no other purpose. 
Therefore, much of the time they are not in use. It is desirable to have a 
camping trailer which may be converted into a normal utility trailer for 
uses other than when the camping components are removed. One such device 
is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,568,895 to Lyons. This patent shows a trailer 
which can be used for camping, but which can be used for other purposes 
when the camping components are removed. This trailer has a pair of 
folding box bays which fold out to form a bed. Adjustable legs support the 
box bays. The tailgate may include a step. This apparatus requires the use 
of a plurality of legs to support a top portion. The setup of this 
apparatus is relatively complex, and there is a need for a more simple 
construction. The present invention solves this problem by providing a 
camping trailer with camping components which are quickly and easily 
assembled. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,003,816 to Allen et al. discloses a camping trailer which 
is constructed so that its sections can be removed and the trailer used 
for general hauling. As with Lyons, this apparatus is relatively complex 
and time-consuming to assemble as a camping trailer. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,953 to Bernard shows a collapsible camping trailer with 
bed platforms which fold out horizontally and are supported by diagonally 
supported bed braces. The upper end of each bed brace is pivotally 
connected to the underneath surface of the extended bed and has a lower 
end which engages the chassis. This apparatus is a dedicated camping 
trailer and not readily convertible to a standard utility trailer. 
The above-described patents require specially designed enclosures to 
protect the campers. A desirable objective is to eliminate some 
specialized components and provide a camping trailer which acts as a 
support for a tent of relatively conventional construction. U.S. Pat. No. 
4,657,299 to Mahan shows the use of a dome-type tent assembled onto the 
bed of a pickup truck. While this configuration utilizes a readily 
available tent, the camp site may not be left in place when the vehicle is 
moved since the tent is actually connected to the truck itself. The 
present invention solves this problem by providing a camping trailer which 
allows a tent to be affixed thereto, and of course, the trailer may be 
left in place when the vehicle normally towing it is moved. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is a convertible camping trailer which may be 
configured in a collapsed, traveling position for towing behind a motor 
vehicle and erected into an open, camping position at a camp site when 
desired. The major camping components may be removed so that the trailer 
may be further converted into an open utility trailer, thereby increasing 
the usefulness of the apparatus. 
The reconfigurable or convertible trailer may be described as comprising a 
chassis, a plurality of wheels mounted on said chassis to rollingly 
support the chassis above a ground surface, a floor on the chassis, a 
plurality of walls extending upwardly from the floor and defining an 
upwardly opening compartment, a frame detachably mounted adjacent to an 
upper portion of the wall, and a door hingingly attached to the frame. The 
door is movable between a first, closed position covering at least a 
portion of the upwardly opening compartment and a second, open position 
uncovering that portion of the compartment and extending substantially 
horizontally so that the door forms at least a portion of a bed surface. 
The walls comprise a pair of side walls and a front end wall extending 
between the side walls. 
The apparatus further comprises a tailgate having a closed position 
extending between the side walls at the rear of the trailer and pivotally 
connected to the chassis for pivotation between the closed position and an 
open position. A step may be pivotally attached to the tailgate for 
providing access to the compartment when the tailgate is in its closed 
position. 
Preferably, there is a support structure supporting the walls, at least 
along upper portions thereof. The frame is attached to this support 
structure. 
The trailer further comprises support means for supporting the door in the 
second position thereof. The support means may be characterized by a 
plurality of support arm assemblies, each support arm assembly having a 
first end attached to the door and a second end attached to the chassis. 
More specifically, each support arm assembly comprises a rod pivotally 
attached to one of the chassis and door, and a sleeve pivotally attached 
to the other of the chassis and door. The sleeve is adapted for receiving 
the rod therein when the door is in the second position and disengaged 
from the rod when the door is in the first position. A biasing means may 
be used for biasing the rod toward an adjacent wall of the trailer. 
In a preferred embodiment, the rod comprises an elongated portion and an 
end portion extending from the elongated portion. A housing is attached to 
the chassis, and the end portion of the rod extends into the housing. The 
biasing means is characterized by a spring disposed in the housing and 
connected to the housing and end portion of the rod so that torque is 
applied to the rod tending to rotate it toward the adjacent wall. 
The sleeve of each support arm assembly comprises a first sleeve portion 
and a second sleeve portion pivotally connected to the first sleeve 
portion. As the door is moved from the first position to the second 
position thereof, an operator may position the rod and sleeve so that the 
rod is initially received in the first sleeve portion and subsequently 
received in the second sleeve portion when the first and second sleeve 
portions are substantially axially aligned as the door is moved. 
The camping trailer may further comprise a tent having a raised position in 
which the tent is attachable to the door when the door is in the second 
position such that the door and the upwardly opening compartment are 
substantially covered by the tent. Preferably, the tent comprises a canopy 
and a pole for supporting the canopy when the tent is in the raised 
position. A bracket may be attached to the door, and the pole of the tent 
engaged with the bracket when the tent is in the raised position. 
Stated in another way, the apparatus is a convertible or reconfigurable 
trailer comprising a chassis, a plurality of wheels mounted on the chassis 
for rollingly supporting the chassis on a ground surface, a floor on the 
chassis, a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the floor such that 
the walls and floors define an upwardly opening compartment, a door 
connected to one of the walls and pivotable between an open position 
covering at least a portion of the compartment and an open uncovering that 
portion of the compartment, and a support arm extending between the 
chassis and the door for supporting the door and holding the door in the 
open position. In the open position, the door extends substantially 
horizontally and outwardly from the trailer. 
In a preferred embodiment, the door is one of a pair of doors which extend 
outwardly in opposite directions when in the open positions thereof. The 
trailer further comprises a plurality of bracket adapters which are 
positioned on a downwardly facing side of outer corners of each of the 
doors when the doors are in the open position and a plurality of brackets, 
each bracket being disposed in a corresponding one of the bracket 
adapters. End portions of poles of a tent may be positioned to engage the 
brackets for supporting a canopy of the tent when the tent is in a raised 
position. 
Stated in still another way, the present invention provides a camping 
apparatus comprising a trailer defining an upwardly opening compartment, a 
bracket attachable to the trailer, and a tent. The tent comprises a canopy 
and a pole. The tent has a raised position wherein the pole is engaged 
with the bracket such that the canopy substantially covers the compartment 
of the trailer. The camping apparatus further comprises a door pivotally 
disposed with respect to the trailer, wherein the door has a closed 
position at least partially covering the compartment of the trailer and an 
open position extending outwardly of the trailer. The bracket is attached 
to the door at least when the door is in the open position. In a preferred 
embodiment, the door is attached to a frame which is itself detachably 
mounted on the trailer. 
Numerous objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as 
the following detailed description of the invention is read in conjunction 
with the drawings illustrating such embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the 
camping trailer of the present invention is shown and generally designated 
by the numeral 10. 
Trailer 10 comprises a chassis 12 having an axle 14 with a plurality of 
wheels 16 mounted thereon. A tongue portion 18 extends forwardly on 
chassis 12 and has a trailer hitch 20 disposed at a forward end thereof. 
Chassis 12, axle 14, wheel 16, tongue portion 18 and trailer hitch 20 are 
of conventional configuration. 
A support structure 22 is attached to chassis 12. Support structure 22 
includes a plurality of corner posts 24 with one of the posts located at 
each of the four corners of chassis 12. Support structure 22 also includes 
a substantially rectangular lip 26 attached to the upper ends of corner 
posts 24. Upper lip 26 has substantially the same outer width and length 
as chassis 12 not including tongue portion 18. 
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, trailer 10 has a pair of longitudinally 
extending side walls 28 and a front end wall 30 which extends transversely 
at the forward end of chassis 12 between side walls 28. Side walls 28 and 
front end wall 30 are attached to and supported by corresponding corner 
posts 24, upper lip 26 and chassis 12. 
A forward opening 32 is defined in front end wall 30, and a front hatch or 
vent 34 is disposed across opening 32 when the hatch is in a closed 
position. Front hatch 34 is pivotally connected to support structure 22 by 
hinges 36 which interconnect front hatch 34 with a front portion of upper 
lip 26. Front hatch 34 may be pivoted forwardly and upwardly, as shown in 
phantom lines in FIG. 5, to open front opening 32, thereby providing a 
vent for trailer 10. A mesh screen 38 may be disposed across opening 32 to 
prevent entry of debris and insects into trailer 10 when the front hatch 
34 is in the open position. 
Still referring to FIG. 5, trailer 10 has a floor 40 therein connected to 
frame 12 and/or support structure 22. It will be seen that floor 40, side 
walls 28 and front end wall 30 define an upwardly opening compartment 42 
in trailer 10. Compartment 42 is in communication with front opening 32 in 
front end wall 30. 
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a frame 44 is attached to upper lip 26 of 
support structure 22 adjacent to the upper portion of side walls 28 and 
front end wall 30. Frame 44 is generally rectangular and preferably 
matches the shape and size of upper lip 26 and thus has substantially the 
same outer width and length as frame 12 except for tongue portion 18. 
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of elongated doors 46 are horizontally 
positioned adjacent to frame 44. Each door 46 has a substantially 
rectangular door brace 48 with a door panel 50 attached thereto. A first 
longitudinal edge 52 of each door 46 is pivotally connected to a 
longitudinal side 54 of frame 44 by a plurality of hinges 56. 
Each door 46 is approximately half as wide as frame 44 so that when doors 
46 are in the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, second longitudinal 
edges 58 of the doors generally abut one another. It will be seen that 
doors 46 thus cover and close an upper portion of compartment 42 when the 
doors are in the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
Each door 46 includes a pair of transversely extending gussets 60. 
Preferably, there is a gusset 60 in each door 46 nearer the front of 
trailer 10 and another gusset 60 nearer the rear of trailer 10, as best 
seen in FIG. 1. 
A sleeve bracket 62 is attached to each gusset 60 at an intermediate 
location thereon. Sleeve brackets 62 extend upwardly from doors 46 when 
the doors are in the closed position as shown in FIG. 2. 
Doors 46 may be pivoted approximately 180.degree. on hinges 56 so that the 
doors extend horizontally outwardly from frame 44, support structure 22 
and chassis 12 as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thus, second longitudinal 
edges 58 of doors 46 face outwardly in opposite directions from trailer 10 
when the doors are in this open position. Also in this open position, it 
will be seen that compartment 42 is opened. 
Doors 46 are supported in their horizontal, open position by a plurality of 
support arm assemblies 64. Each support arm assembly 64 preferably extends 
between sleeve bracket 62 on door 46 and chassis 12. Each support arm 
assembly comprises a rod 66 and a sleeve 68 adapted for receiving the rod 
therein when door 46 is in an open position. 
Referring to FIG. 5, a pair of rods 66 are located on each side of trailer 
10 adjacent to a corresponding side wall 28. As best shown in FIG. 7, each 
rod 66 has an elongated portion 70 and a relatively shorter end portion 72 
extending substantially perpendicularly from the corresponding elongated 
portion 70. Each end portion 72 extends into a housing 74 which is 
attached to chassis 12. A spring 76 is disposed in housing 74 and is 
connected to the housing and to end portion 72 of rod 66. Spring 76 is 
preferably a torsion-type spring which applies torque to rod 66 tending to 
bias the rod toward the adjacent side wall 28. Thus, when rod 66 is not in 
use, the elongated portion 72 thereof extends substantially vertically 
against side wall 28. 
Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, sleeve 68 comprises a first sleeve portion 78 
and a second sleeve portion 80 pivotally connected to first sleeve portion 
78 at a pivot 82. Each second sleeve portion 80 is detachably connectable 
to a corresponding sleeve bracket 62 by any means known in the art such as 
a removable pivot pin 84. When it is desired to open door 46, second 
sleeve portion 80 of each sleeve 68 is connected to one of sleeve brackets 
62 in this manner. When door 46 is still in its closed position, it will 
be seen that first end portion 78 of each sleeve 68 is free. As door 46 is 
opened, the operator may pivot rod 66 outwardly from trailer 10 and align 
the rod with first sleeve portion 78 of sleeve 68 so that the distal end 
of rod 66 is slidably received within the first sleeve portion, as shown 
in FIG. 9. 
As door 46 is rotated further outwardly from the intermediate position 
shown in FIG. 9, sleeve 68 moves downwardly along elongated portion 70 of 
rod 66. As this pivotation of door 46 occurs, corresponding pivotation 
between first portion 78 of sleeve 68 and second portion 80 of the sleeve 
also occurs. Eventually, first sleeve portion 78 is substantially aligned 
and coaxial with second sleeve portion 80 such that elongated portion 70 
of rod 66 may be received within second sleeve portion 80. In the final 
open position of door 46, shown in FIG. 10, elongated portion 70 of rod 66 
is substantially totally received within first and second sleeve portions 
78 and 80 of sleeve 68. Further pivotation of door 46 is prevented by the 
contact of end 86 of first sleeve portion 78 with housing 74, as best seen 
in FIG. 10. Thus, rod 66 and sleeve 68 interact to form a rigid angular 
support arm assembly 64. Two such support arm assemblies 64 are preferably 
located on each side of trailer 10 to provide balanced, rigid support of 
doors 46 when the doors are in the open position thereof. 
Those skilled in the art will see that the positions of rods 66 and sleeves 
68 may be reversed with the rods attached to doors 46 and the sleeves 
attached to chassis 12. 
Referring again to FIG. 3, when doors 46 are in their open position so that 
compartment 42 is exposed, a pair of longitudinally extending panels 88 
may be positioned on frame 44, thus covering a portion of compartment 42. 
Panels 88 are supported on a lip 90 which extends around the inner side of 
frame 44. Each panel 88 is coplanar with panel 50 of door 46. The width of 
each panel 88 is sized such that when added to the width of door 46, a 
longitudinally extending bed surface 89 is defined thereby on which 
bedding (not shown) may be placed. It will be seen by those skilled in the 
art that two such bed surfaces 89 are formed in FIG. 3. 
If desired, a center panel 92 may be positioned between panels 88 and 
supported by lips 94 formed on panel 88 and by a portion of lip 90. Thus, 
center panel 92 also covers a portion of compartment 42. Center panel 92 
is coplanar with panels 88 and doors 46 so that a transversely extending 
bed surface 95 is formed by doors 46, panels 88 and center panel 92. 
Bedding (not shown) may be placed on bed surface 95. One such transverse 
bed surface 95 is shown in FIG. 3 and extends between second longitudinal 
sides 58 of the doors. Thus, depending upon the number of persons who will 
be accommodated within assembled camping trailer 10, a variety of bed 
configurations and arrangements are provided in the present invention. 
Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a tailgate 96 is disposed at the rear of 
trailer 10. Tailgate 96 is pivotally connected to the rear of chassis 12 
by one or more hinges 98. Tailgate 96 extends transversely on trailer 10 
so that it closes a rear side of compartment 42 in a manner generally 
known in the art. Tailgate 96 is shown in a closed position in FIGS. 5-6, 
and the tailgate is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 5 in an open position. 
A step 100 is attached to tailgate 96 by pivots 102 on opposite sides of 
the lower portion of the tailgate. Tailgate 100 is shown in a raised, 
non-operative position in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 7 shows step 100 pivoted 
downwardly 90.degree. to a lowered, operative position. A linkage formed 
by first and second pivotally connected links 104 and 106, respectively, 
provides a support for step 100 when in the lowered position. First link 
104 is pivotally connected to a distal end of step 100, and an opposite 
end of second link 106 is attached to an upper portion of tailgate 96 by a 
pivot 108. With tailgate 96 in the closed position, step 100 may be 
pivoted to its lowered, operative position, as seen in FIG. 7, which 
provides access to compartment 42 when doors 46 are open. 
A telescoping leveling stand 110 is disposed on each side of trailer 10 
adjacent to the rear corner posts 24. Leveling stand 110 has a leveling 
housing 112 attached to the rear of chassis 12. A leveling stand post 114 
is slidably received in housing 112. At the lower end of each leveling 
stand post 114 is a foot 116 adapted for engaging a ground surface. Post 
114 may be locked in any desired relative position with respect to housing 
110 by a locking means, such as lock screw 118. In FIGS. 5 and 6, leveling 
stand 110 is shown in a non-operative, traveling position in which post 
114 is raised. In FIG. 7, leveling stand 110 is shown in an operative 
position in which post 114 is lowered such that foot 116 engages a ground 
surface 119. Leveling stands 110 may be utilized to level chassis 12, and 
thus trailer 10, when the trailer is located at a camp site. 
At the forward end of trailer 112, a trailer jack 120 is attached to tongue 
portion 18. Trailer jack 120 is of a conventional type known in the art 
having a foot 122 at the lower end thereof. By actuating trailer jack 120, 
such as turning a crank (not shown), foot 122 may be raised and lowered 
with respect to ground surface 119 for assistance in leveling. 
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bracket adapter 124 is attached to each 
door brace 48 in the corners adjacent to second longitudinal edges 58 
thereof. Thus, there are a pair of such bracket adapters 124 for each 
door. When doors 46 are pivoted to their open positions shown in FIGS. 3 
and 4, bracket adapters 124 are located on the lower sides of the doors 
near the outer corners. 
Referring now to FIG. 11, each bracket adapter 124 is adapted for receiving 
a tent pole bracket 126 therein. A retaining means, such as pin 128 limits 
the portion of bracket 126 which is received within bracket adapter 124. 
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a tent 130 may be assembled atop trailer 
10 when doors 46 are in the open positions thereof. Tent 130 is of 
generally conventional construction having a canopy 132 supported by a 
plurality of tent poles 134. In the embodiment shown, tent 130 is a 
dome-type tent with a pair of tent poles 134. Tent 130 is sized so that it 
substantially covers the total upper area of trailer 10, except for tongue 
portion 18, this area being shown in FIG. 3. The ends of poles 134 engage 
tent pole brackets 126, as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12. Tent pole 134 may 
clamp an end of a tent strap 136 against tent pole bracket 126, depending 
upon the construction of tent 130. Tent 130 may be a custom tent or a 
substantially conventional tent with the floor removed. Tent 130 
preferably has a tent door 138 which is positioned so that it faces 
rearwardly on trailer 10. 
Other accessories may be utilized with trailer 10. For example, in FIG. 5, 
a table 140 may be attached to trailer 10. In the illustrated embodiment, 
table 140 includes a table top 142 supported by an L-shaped bracket 144 
attached to a forward portion of frame 44. In one embodiment, but not by 
way of limitation, table top 142 is formed by utilizing center panel 92. 
That is, center panel 92 is attached to bracket 144 and acts as table top 
142, rather than as a portion of bed surface 95 as previously described. 
However, it is not intended that table 140 be constructed in such a 
manner, and a separate, specialized table top 142 may be utilized as 
desired. 
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION 
When it is desired to use trailer 10 as a camping trailer, frame 44, with 
doors 46 hingingly attached thereto are attached to support structure 22 
as previously described. When doors 46, tailgate 96 and front hatch 34 are 
in the closed positions thereof, it will be seen that compartment 42 is 
totally enclosed. Compartment 42 may be utilized to store various 
components and gear, such as panels 88, center panel 92 and tent 130, 
along with any other items which may fit within compartment 42. Leveling 
stands 110 are positioned in their raised position, as is trailer jack 
120. Trailer hitch 20 is connected to a ball (not shown) of a kind known 
in the art affixed to the vehicle (not shown) which is utilized to pull 
trailer 10. 
Once trailer 10 is located at the desired camping location, leveling stands 
110 are lowered to engage ground surface 119 to level the rear of trailer 
10. Trailer jack 120 is used to level the forward portion of the trailer. 
Wheels 16 may be chocked if desired. 
Doors 46 are opened and support arm assemblies 64 assembled, as previously 
described, deployed to support the doors in their open, horizontal, 
outwardly extending position. 
Tent pole brackets 126 are fitted within each bracket adapter 124, and tent 
130 is erected as previously described with tent door 138 facing 
rearwardly. Panels 88 and center panel 92 are positioned as previously 
described to form longitudinally extending or transversely extending bed 
surfaces 89 and/or 95, as desired. 
Tailgate 96 may be opened to remove items from trailer 10 as necessary, and 
once those items are removed, the tailgate may be returned to its closed 
position. 
Step 100 may be lowered to its operating position as desired to provide 
access to compartment 42 through tent door 138. Front hatch 34 may be 
opened to form a vent for fresh air into the assembled trailer as desired. 
Table 140 may be assembled on trailer 10 within tent 130. 
It will be seen that tent 130 and trailer 10 with doors 46 in their open 
position, provide a complete enclosure for compartment 42 and the 
horizontally and/or transversely extending bed surfaces 89 and 95 
previously described. With tailgate 96 in the raised, closed position and 
tent door 138 in a closed position, a weather-tight enclosure is 
substantially formed. An important aspect of the assembled apparatus 10 is 
that tent 130 does not have to be assembled on the ground, and the entire 
assembly is raised above ground surface 119 and supported by wheels 116, 
leveling stands 110 and trailer jack 120. Thus, even when mild flooding 
occurs, no water will enter tent 130. 
The entire apparatus is quickly disassembled and stored again in 
compartment 42 for further travel. 
An important aspect of the present invention is that when not being 
utilized as a camping trailer, frame 44, and thus doors 46, may be removed 
from support structure 22 so that compartment 42 is opened upwardly. In 
this configuration, it will be seen that trailer 10 may be utilized as a 
conventional utility trailer, thus making the apparatus highly versatile 
and economical. 
It will be seen, therefore, that the convertible camping trailer of the 
present invention is well adapted to carry out the ends and advantages 
mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. While a preferred embodiment 
of the apparatus has been shown for the purposes of this disclosure, 
numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art. All such changes 
are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.