Wanderlust Build Thread - Updates after two years!

[parnold]

Well my annual bonus was 800.00 more than I expected so I went out and bought the 4x8 hf trailer and scrapped my ideas to build on my 39" x 48" hf trailer.

got myself some sawhorses too

here's my windows and hatches from ebay

and my design as it stands prior to cutting any wood

[Juneaudave]

Ok...nice design, where does the wine rack fit?

[starleen2]

Looks like you're off to a good start

[parnold]

Let me start off by saying when I got done tonight it was too dark for pictures...
My frame was assembled two weeks ago, but we had torrential rains for what seemed like a year, some of you may have seen the flooding in NJ on the news.
Tonight, I hooked up the lights that came with the trailer, painted the frame black, and cleaned and repacked the bearings. Tomorrow night I'll throw the wheels back on and Sat morning it's off I go to the big box to get my lumber.
Cross your fingers, wish me luck, and Sat night hopefully pics will abound!!

[Wolffarmer]

When you pick up the lumber, don't forget the things to fasten the lumber together. The build will go much easier.

Trust me.




Sorry, could not resist. I have thought about making the side door hinge up also but then scraped it as it really would not be good for me. I was thinking it could do double duty as a sun/rain protection. I did make a flat rear hatch like you have planned but below it the rear opens up with two doors. There are pics in my album.

[parnold]

lol.. thanks.. but I have bags full of screws, glue, silicone, stainless screws, wiring, outlets, etc, etc, etc. I bought all that two weeks ago, just had no method of bringing home sheets of ply. There's only so much I can fit in my Hyundai!

[parnold]

I have thought about making the side door hinge up also but then scraped it as it really would not be good for me. I was thinking it could do double duty as a sun/rain protection. I did make a flat rear hatch like you have planned but below it the rear opens up with two doors. There are pics in my album.

Actually I have decided to mount the door so it opens up sideways, I realized that the upward mount would create some logistical difficulties. I am also going to build so that I can add an access hatch at the back at a later time, I see the benefits of that, and I've actually been browsing ebay for the optimal size access door.

[pete42]

Ok I have google's sketchup 7 but my drawings don't look like yours I guess I need to practice .
looks like a good plan.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I know what you mean about the rain storms! PA got drenched as well! Finally some great weather for us! Looking forward to watching your progress Paul!

[parnold]

Ok.. the promised pics.. more and better tomorrow if all goes well.
Here is the completed frame from two weeks ago.. note the snow.

And here is the trailer hooked up to my car after it's maiden voyage, all ready to go get lumber tomorrow morning!

The weather is supposed to be perfect tomorrow, 71 degrees and sunny. My goal is to get the floor together, and undercoated, and if I'm lucky to get the walls cut to form and start sanding them. I am not insulating the walls, they will be 3/4 ply with structural support added for windows and doors. I don't plan on camping in the cold and I want this to be a quick build. My second will be an all out build that I can take my time on.

[S. Heisley]

Yay, Paul! This build thread will be a quick fun read and we're looking forward to it! Go for it!

[parnold]

Home from the big box store...

and then there was sawdust!!!!!

got a new toy today.. pocket drill thing.. pretty cool

glued and screwed!

and finally, undercoated, and seams sealed with silicone.


Did I mention I had to wait til almost 11 am for my son to help me with the lumber. I was hoping for 9 am, guess I shouldn't complain, at least he helped!

Don't know what the weather is going to be tomorrow, hoping to bolt the floor to the trailer.

[parnold]

Well today was extremely productive, started the saw up at 9am.
Here you see my 65 cent home depot yardstick used as a compass to mark out the curves.

After I cut the first wall, I laid the door and window on top to trace the openings.

And... the holes are cut.

The 2x2's at the store we horrible, I ripped this entire pile from 2x4's.

With my son's help I got a lot of the roof spars installed.

And another angle....

From the back....

And finally all wrapped up.

It's supposed to rain the next couple days. I have Wed, Thurs, and Friday off this week... so more to come.

[H-Balm]

You weren't kidding when you said you wanted a quick build!

You're really moving!

[parnold]

Found this cool graphic to put on the back of the tear.