Taj Mah-Al (6 x10 CT Build)

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Al,
I have been jumping in to welcome newcomers, but wow, there are a lot of people getting into trailers...

I like what you have done; you have whipped your way through the build and did a great job...

[Adirondackersouth]

Here some of my build pictures. I’ve stolen so many ideas from this site, that I decided to put something back.

I found this 6x10 CT on craigslist for $800. It’s a 2004 model. The body is in good shape; the doors are solid and close properly. The floor is good shape. There are no leaks. I used a pressure washer to remove all of the vinyl decals.



Spare tire mount: The PO put this side mount spare tire on. I don’t like it, so I cut a part the old spare tire mount and made this:



[


Finished Tire Carrier




Here is a shot of the inside. The shelves came with the trailer


I repurposed the ATV tie downs that were mounted to the floor and mounted them to the wall. I cut them to length, scuffed off the rust and painted them black


Got a fire extinguisher and first aid kit installed. Also some coat hooks.



I stripped out the old shelves.



Using birch plywood, I started with the upper shelf. This was a pain to fit because the trailer has a curved front



Next I made a face frame using a pocket tool jig. This was the first time I tried this tool. It is fast and slick. The face frame was also curved at the top and a pain to fit





Next some more curves on the shelving unit that were a pain to fit. I used dados to set the shelves.



I took the face frame off to fit the shelves. It is also attached with pocket screws. I love these things!



Another productive day, I installed new flooring. I re-drove all the screws that hold down the plywood. I scrapped all the high spots and I used a cup brush/grinder around the edges to remove old caulk and grime. I used a electric heater to get the temp up into the 60s. The flooring was really easy to work with. (28)18" squares at $2 each, so $56 total:) I am leaving the heater in overnight to hopefully get a good seal down.



Finished, I need to get some black caulk and reseal the edges.


Got some more done on the trailer.
I made the counter top. It is 3/4 oak faced plywood with a piece of oak molding glued and brad nailed the front edge. This water based poly was easy to work with and dried in 30 minutes! I used 4 coats and sanded with 220 between


I pocket screwed simple cleats to the bottom to mount it.


I got this plastic drawer from a cubicle at work. It will work great as a junk drawer. I couldn't build one this light or strong on my own, plus it's recycled


I used screen mold to finish the edges on the birch plywood shelves. It is really easy to work with and makes a nice finish for cheap.


Here a shot of the complete concept. I painted the interior of the trailer "wild brambleberry". Looks exactly like my kitchen at home! I had 3/4 of gallon left over from last summer. I got some spring loaded cabinet latches from Stanly. I hope they stay shut when the trailer starts twisting/flexing, we'll see.

Dude -
I like your build and the idea behind the total product. Tell me how much did your trailer weigh once you were all done. I have a 2008 Highlander which can tow only 2K.
David