Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

...ask your questions in the appropriate forums BUT document your build here...preferably in a single thread...dates for updates, are appreciated....

Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:00 pm

Hi everyone. This is my first build and first real adventure into carpentry. A 5x8 trailer with no galley. We wanted to open the hatch and have a full view of the mountains.

I’m very fortunate enough to find a deal wherever I can. Scored all the metal for the frame as well as an axle for $150. My biggest concern with the axle was that it had hubs to match my Tacoma bolt pattern. Should have went for electric brakes but I went with a 7 pin connector to upgrade in the future.

Designed the frame and pod in sketch up. A plan of attack really minimizes the 1 hour of work for every 4 hours of beer/thinking.

9920B5AE-6723-4A22-9FEC-1832DCEF27CA.jpeg
9920B5AE-6723-4A22-9FEC-1832DCEF27CA.jpeg (19.75 KiB) Viewed 883 times
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:10 pm

The frame came together really quickly. I run a sign shop in Edmonton and have access to all the tools I would need but ended up buying a few cordless tools because..well..who really needs an excuse to add to your arsenal LOL.

So this is where I started. An a-frame coupler for $10.
64A346F1-AE6F-43FE-8F71-17D3A016CD6A.jpeg
64A346F1-AE6F-43FE-8F71-17D3A016CD6A.jpeg (24.98 KiB) Viewed 881 times


Moved on to 3” C-Channel frame with 2” channel for the crossmembers. 2”x3” Tubing for the tongue. My axle was a foot too long so why not just cut it down right? Crown in the middle pointing up. I thought it was a tube. After cutting through half way I’m thinking “yeesh, this is some thick walled tubing”….turns out its 2” solid round bar. This axle came off a dump trailer with 9000# leafs. So I cut out the center, beveled the bar really good and ran two passes over it. Slapped it and said “that’s not going anywhere”.


3FCD4887-5805-4C30-BD2E-740152617EAC.jpeg
3FCD4887-5805-4C30-BD2E-740152617EAC.jpeg (31.23 KiB) Viewed 881 times

2B358F07-18A8-4241-8F1A-D71562DD0A16.jpeg
2B358F07-18A8-4241-8F1A-D71562DD0A16.jpeg (30.03 KiB) Viewed 881 times
Last edited by Metal_Magoo on Sun Jul 03, 2022 6:26 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby tony.latham » Sat Jul 02, 2022 7:08 pm

Looking good. Nothing like scrounging. :applause:

A 5x8 trailer with no galley. We wanted to open the hatch and have a full view of the mountains.


A couple of things come to mind. First of all, bugs. At least in the mountains around here. Especially if you turn on a light of course.

Image

But secondly, a basic teardrop has two shear walls--which tie the walls together fore and aft. Much more so than the roof spars. The front, where the roof curves around, is the frontal wall and the rear is the bulkhead (plus a properly attached countertop to help tie the walls together all the way to the hatch). That's why there are still 'drops around that are sixty years old.

Now, I'm not saying it won't work... but without a bulkhead, your 'drop won't be as strong.

Just a couple of thoughts.. :thinking:

Tony
User avatar
tony.latham
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 7011
Images: 17
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:03 pm
Location: Middle of Idaho on the edge of nowhere
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 7:27 pm

tony.latham wrote:Looking good. Nothing like scrounging. :applause:

A 5x8 trailer with no galley. We wanted to open the hatch and have a full view of the mountains.


A couple of things come to mind. First of all, bugs. At least in the mountains around here. Especially if you turn on a light of course.

Tony


BUGS!!! Dang skeeters and black flies I tell ya.

I had planned on a zip-on screen annex, which would also serve as a sheltered area outside of the camper. Bugs will still get in though, you’re absolutely right.

As for a bulkhead, excellent point, we will have to make a bit of a compromise and add a small shelf across the ceiling tying each wall together. Also, the “galley” we envisioned is a simple 6” high set of drawers across the back opening on the floor. It’ll be level with or slightly lower than the mattress. One side has the stove, the other side will be empty for whatever. The countertops of each drawer will be attached to those flip up coffee table hinges.
Last edited by Metal_Magoo on Sun Jul 03, 2022 6:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:00 pm

Had the frame cut and welded together in a couple hours

Edit: some have noted the axle placement and that it’s not as far back as it should be. I did the math and 8” behind center was where it should land for tongue weight. I’m not running a full galley here where that extra weight would have impacted towing.
70450E0B-5888-40B0-B84D-56F5CA768003.jpeg
70450E0B-5888-40B0-B84D-56F5CA768003.jpeg (42.91 KiB) Viewed 856 times

1A7B5CD3-025F-48EF-80EA-8608194E0EF7.jpeg
1A7B5CD3-025F-48EF-80EA-8608194E0EF7.jpeg (56.37 KiB) Viewed 856 times

BFFE7A5C-3FB3-4FAB-A3A0-B5A62A8CF301.jpeg
BFFE7A5C-3FB3-4FAB-A3A0-B5A62A8CF301.jpeg (38.31 KiB) Viewed 856 times
Last edited by Metal_Magoo on Sun Jul 03, 2022 4:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:07 pm

For the floor we went with a 1/2” sheet of plywood for a base (one side sealed with tremclad and rubber undercoating), 2”x2” framing, 1-1/2” foam, and then another sheet of 1/2” plywood.
DC39A49C-A90B-4D0F-85E3-EF794AC542F3.jpeg
DC39A49C-A90B-4D0F-85E3-EF794AC542F3.jpeg (30.2 KiB) Viewed 859 times

547A44DD-603A-45E8-BAC4-B5CDCA4E7116.jpeg
547A44DD-603A-45E8-BAC4-B5CDCA4E7116.jpeg (43.91 KiB) Viewed 859 times
Last edited by Metal_Magoo on Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby JasenC » Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:08 pm

And so it begins :)

As this is your first venture into something like this, my best advice is don't stress the small stuff, remember to have fun and the rest will fall in place.
I'll be done when I'm finished, if that's not fast enough, take a number.

Build Thread https://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=74269
User avatar
JasenC
The 300 Club
 
Posts: 420
Images: 122
Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2021 2:05 am
Location: Snohomish county Wa
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:11 pm

JasenC wrote:And so it begins :)

As this is your first venture into something like this, my best advice is don't stress the small stuff, remember to have fun and the rest will fall in place.


The small stuff and details are stressing me out :lol:
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:15 pm

3/4” ply for the walls. They seem solid. Glued and screwed everything as we go. Can’t rave enough about a pocket hole jig.
65B00C3B-A3DC-402A-9373-6E1446B746AA.jpeg
65B00C3B-A3DC-402A-9373-6E1446B746AA.jpeg (22.27 KiB) Viewed 857 times

D4017A9B-A006-4465-95F4-264C58B1EBF9.jpeg
D4017A9B-A006-4465-95F4-264C58B1EBF9.jpeg (27.68 KiB) Viewed 857 times

7EE0903C-0E14-4D36-A102-164B2A6AD983.jpeg
7EE0903C-0E14-4D36-A102-164B2A6AD983.jpeg (125.57 KiB) Viewed 857 times
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:25 pm

After the walls were up I started on the ceiling with hardboard and used 1/8” Baltic birch for the outer skin and more 1-1/2” foam for insulation.

0AE8D84E-67B1-44E8-B132-EAC900CAA1EA.jpeg
0AE8D84E-67B1-44E8-B132-EAC900CAA1EA.jpeg (102.6 KiB) Viewed 799 times

2DA6B174-D48C-4F84-9664-6C85643DB49D.jpeg
2DA6B174-D48C-4F84-9664-6C85643DB49D.jpeg (110.72 KiB) Viewed 799 times

BA86FF8C-B336-4315-A7E2-77059F54B90F.jpeg
BA86FF8C-B336-4315-A7E2-77059F54B90F.jpeg (111.81 KiB) Viewed 799 times
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Sparksalot » Sun Jul 03, 2022 3:30 pm

Nice doors. Did you find frames with seals to put you own skins into?
Holy cow, Rose is a teenager now! Done? Surely you jest. A teardrop is never "done".

The Compass Rose build thread: viewtopic.php?t=23213

Inspiration: http://tnttt.com/Design_Library/Trailer%20for%20Two.htm

It's got a cop motor, a 5.3 LS plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. ~ Elwood Blues
User avatar
Sparksalot
Silver Donating Member
 
Posts: 1624
Images: 682
Joined: Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:36 pm
Location: Texas by God
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sun Jul 03, 2022 4:45 pm

Sparksalot wrote:Nice doors. Did you find frames with seals to put you own skins into?


Thanks! I did fast forward a little bit as I can only post 3 photos at a time.

Looking at the price of doors (albeit really nice products) I couldn’t justify north of $500 per door. So, being frugal, if I can’t buy it then I build it!

Although there was already a cutout for a door I originally planned to build, I found a storage compartment door complete with the trim/frame. Only $50!! Those were the important bits to me. So now I had to fill in the oversized gap. Pocket holes to the rescue.

I framed out the inside of the door jamb with 1x4 strapping. It provided a 3/4” flange backing to put the door frame against.

Side note ** why do some of my picture post rotated 90*?
587B1FBD-41DB-47D4-9AB4-E7FD6935AAAC.jpeg
587B1FBD-41DB-47D4-9AB4-E7FD6935AAAC.jpeg (21.96 KiB) Viewed 728 times

0E1EB425-E06A-4150-A9C4-1CCBF4153CE7.jpeg
0E1EB425-E06A-4150-A9C4-1CCBF4153CE7.jpeg (95.82 KiB) Viewed 728 times

73FC2108-3E3E-4E65-9DD0-B860A1A16D66.jpeg
73FC2108-3E3E-4E65-9DD0-B860A1A16D66.jpeg (89.09 KiB) Viewed 728 times
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sun Jul 03, 2022 4:54 pm

Shot of the frame and backing.

08BEEFB5-9A99-43D5-8ACA-258A08100BF9.jpeg
08BEEFB5-9A99-43D5-8ACA-258A08100BF9.jpeg (123.65 KiB) Viewed 728 times

5563B59B-BB4B-4BD7-AE99-7A76EA37C789.jpeg
5563B59B-BB4B-4BD7-AE99-7A76EA37C789.jpeg (108.36 KiB) Viewed 728 times
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sun Jul 03, 2022 7:10 pm

Attempting the hatch was the most intimidating facet for me. Searching this forum provided a lot of great examples. I have no clue what I’m doing so naturally I dove in head first.

Made spars from 3/4. Clamped together and sanded. For the top and bottom plate I used 2x2 with dados half way through for each spar. Glue, staple, and screw!

[attachment=2]A2A50A75-D194-4038-BF3D-DF67ADA7B250.jpeg[/attachment]
[attachment=1]F7DBC951-79E7-4535-A7F9-86D79BB8D8F7.jpeg[/attachment]
[attachment=0]3C117CFA-3B2E-4AC8-9AC2-21BBCF6FCBD9.jpeg[/attachment]
Attachments
3C117CFA-3B2E-4AC8-9AC2-21BBCF6FCBD9.jpeg
3C117CFA-3B2E-4AC8-9AC2-21BBCF6FCBD9.jpeg (105.72 KiB) Viewed 692 times
F7DBC951-79E7-4535-A7F9-86D79BB8D8F7.jpeg
F7DBC951-79E7-4535-A7F9-86D79BB8D8F7.jpeg (110.41 KiB) Viewed 692 times
A2A50A75-D194-4038-BF3D-DF67ADA7B250.jpeg
A2A50A75-D194-4038-BF3D-DF67ADA7B250.jpeg (97.83 KiB) Viewed 692 times
Last edited by Metal_Magoo on Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Re: Magoo’s minimal overland tear/square drop

Postby Metal_Magoo » Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:25 pm

After the hatch framing was together, next was another 5x5 sheet of 1/8” Baltic birch for the sheathing. It’s really great stuff. Bends very easily around contours. This is when I wished that I had added a radius to the bottom of the pod too haha. Way too late for that.
BD369596-623A-4B71-B7AD-DFD6D1E2136E.jpeg
BD369596-623A-4B71-B7AD-DFD6D1E2136E.jpeg (112.49 KiB) Viewed 681 times


Right around this time the 5x8 trailer itself received its VIN! Kept it under 80” wide (79” fender to fender lol) to avoid extra lighting. It’s registered as a 3500# utility trailer due to the springs I used even though everything else is stupid beefy for its intended use.

Found some ash for interior panels at a Windsor Plywood, where I had bought the Baltic birch.
555D3E2D-B57F-4605-A88F-8DBD07ABCAB3.jpeg
555D3E2D-B57F-4605-A88F-8DBD07ABCAB3.jpeg (95.35 KiB) Viewed 681 times
Metal_Magoo
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:32 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Top

Next

Return to Build Journals

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests