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Order of Operations

PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2017 2:13 pm
by KendaldaCosta
I'm wondering if someone has perfected the "Order of Operations" for trailer construction. If someone could lay out a step by step process I would be appreciative.

I can envision myself getting half into it and finding that I can't skin my interior because I already put the roof on or something like that.

I figure it goes like this (Please correct me if I go astray)

  1. Get trailer frame in order
  2. Create floor and attach to trailer frame- insulated wood frame with weather sealant on outside and finished floor inside. Make desired wall attachment solution.
  3. 3/4" plywood wall core - Cut out voids in for insulation as well as door/window openings. Route out areas for wiring.
  4. Adhere Exterior Plywood - Glue and screw exterior plywood to interior core, Flush Trim door and window openings, insulate the core
  5. Run and tag Wiring to exterior door lights, License plate light, inside hatch light, interior reading lights, 2 outlets in headboard, A/C. Leave all wiring extra long at both ends
  6. Adhere interior skin to side walls and galley back wall - Glue to core. Flush trim door and window openings.
  7. router out slots for wall joinery, cupboards and headboard
  8. stand side walls, galley wall, cupboards and headboard
  9. frame and insulate front curved area (leave roof framing out) and chase wiring for A/C
  10. Frame galley hatch and chase wiring for license plate light and interior hatch light
  11. Fit hatch latch
  12. Adhere interior Skin to front wall
  13. Hook up interior wiring and complete cupboards
  14. Frame roof and accommodate vent
  15. adhere interior skin for ceiling and flush trim hole for vent
  16. insulate roof
  17. Apply final finishes to interior
  18. Adhere exterior skin to entire exterior
  19. apply epoxy or the mix to exterior for weather sealing
  20. Apply exterior aluminum skin (if using)
  21. Apply corner trims
  22. Construct door and seals and install
  23. Install drip edging for doors
  24. install windows and roof vent and seal everything
  25. install drip edge for windows
  26. fill it with bedding and galley supplies and use!

Like I said, please let me know if I've missed anything

Re: Order of Operations

PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2017 7:28 pm
by tony.latham
Here's what I caught:

I build the cabin on a dolly. That way the trailer tongue and fenders/tires aren't in the way. My first teardrop was built on the chassis––never again. It's a lot easier to skin on a dolly.

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Apply your interior plywood (and poly) before you mount the walls on the frame.

I run the wiring in the ceiling––not the walls.

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I highly recommend Steve Fredrick's Teardrop Builder's Shop Manual. It'll answer a ton of questions.

http://www.campingclassics.com/shopman05.html

Tony

Re: Order of Operations

PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2017 9:21 pm
by KendaldaCosta
Tony, I've bit the bullet and purchased the manual. I trust it'll help out greatly when I receive it.

Re: Order of Operations

PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2017 10:09 pm
by tony.latham
KendaldaCosta wrote:Tony, I've bit the bullet and purchased the manual. I trust it'll help out greatly when I receive it.


:thumbsup:

Re: Order of Operations

PostPosted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 8:38 am
by aggie79
I second what Tony says!

The only thing I might add is that if you are certain of your cabinet needs and design and if you have the ability to accurately make the cabinets to the dimensions you need then you may want to pre-build the cabinets and put them in place as you erect the sidewalls. I did not do this because I didn't have a feel as to what we would like and I didn't have enough of a grasp of ergonomics to correctly design the cabinets for adequate leg & knee clearances.