Finally Started My 5x8 Square Drop Build

[Jwh92020]

I managed to find a 5x8 Ironton (Northern Tool) trailer brand new in the boxes on Marketplace for $450, so I grabbed it. I got he trailer assembled, deck built and insulated and now I'm ready to start the "cabin". I'm torn between PMF and FRP for the exterior, but the rest of it, I have semi figured out. I've never done a playlist on Youtube, so I thought I'd try it with this build. here is a link to it if anyone is interested. (It's not professional by any means, so be prepared).

My First 5x8 Square Drop Build

I've built or modified 20+ cargo trailer conversions over the past 8 years, and I've always wanted to try building a small camper. I figured a square drop wo...

youtube.com

 

[S. Heisley]

Wow! Congrats on a great deal on your trailer kit! Looks like you're well on your way! Reinforcing your tongue like you did was a good idea, too. ...Shouldn't hurt.

 

[Jwh92020]

Thank you. I'm trying to convince my CFO that I should buy a couple more "just because", but she hasn't authorized it... Yet!

 

[DrewsBrews]

Interesting. I've not seen ThermoPLY in person. They don't stock it at places in my area. Have to order it in.

Mega score on the trailer frame. I imagine the caveot is no CoO? Depending how your state handles self built stuff that might not be an issue though.

 

[Jwh92020]

Interesting. I've not seen ThermoPLY in person. They don't stock it at places in my area. Have to order it in.

Mega score on the trailer frame. I imagine the caveot is no CoO? Depending how your state handles self built stuff that might not be an issue though.

I've used Thermoply on another build. It was a different color and I remeber it being a bit thicker (I could be mistaken on that), and it was a great material to cover the 2x2 frame with while we milled the cedar shiplap. It went through several rainstorms with no water getting into the trailer and no damage to the TP. I did not get a COO with the trailer. That is not a huge issue here in OK. I can get a private trailer license with just the vin # and $20. If I want to title it as a travel trailer, I fill out a DMV form with vin#, make & mfg info and submit that & all my receipts (so they can determine if any excise tax is due) to the Tax Commission and they will issue title instructions to take to the DMV. Neither trailer registration or title are required here in OK. I will at least get it tagged so the vin # is in the system. I always put a secondary vin # tag on the trailer in an obscure location just in case it disappears and the factory vin is removed.

 

[HastaLaPasta]

Oops I posted in the wrong topic not used to posting on a phone.

 

[kipa]

Thermoply is available in 3 different thicknesses where you can get it. Regardless, I'd be leery about using it anywhere it could get wet despite manufacturer claims. It will allegedly absorb moisture slowly from direct exposure, but I have never touched the stuff, so can't speak to the reality either way.

Matt Risinger doesn't like it much.

 

[Pmullen503]

Before you get too far along, take a scrap of your Thermoply and submerge it in a bucket of water for a few days. If the edges swell or start to disintegrate do yourself a favor and replace it.

If it's too late, cover the edges with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. What kills trailers (or any building) is water that gets in somewhere and keeps the material wet and it starts to rot.

 

[Jwh92020]

I covered a 7 x 10 with Thermoply before covering the exterior with cedar shiplap (My profile pic). The Thermoply sat exposed to the elements for 2 months. During that time, we had several rainstorms and when it came time to install the dear, the Thermoply was fine. I had taped all the seams and had not cut out the door & windows openings while it sat outside. I put the Thermoply on the deck fame with Loctite Power Grab, put the 1/8" frame "fillers on and sealed all the edges with polyurethane caulk. After the caulk set up, I primed the Tp and rolled on 2 coats of Rustoleum satin black (because I have about 3 gallons of it sitting around. I also ran beads of the caulk on each side of the frame members before setting the deck on the frame. It was a bit of a mess to clean up, but having the frame/deck connections sealed was well worth the effort.

 

[Jwh92020]

I covered a 7 x 10 with Thermoply before covering the exterior with cedar shiplap (My profile pic). The Thermoply sat exposed to the elements for 2 months. During that time, we had several rainstorms and when it came time to install the dear, the Thermoply was fine. I had taped all the seams and had not cut out the door & windows openings while it sat outside. I put the Thermoply on the deck fame with Loctite Power Grab, put the 1/8" frame "fillers on and sealed all the edges with polyurethane caulk. After the caulk set up, I primed the Tp and rolled on 2 coats of Rustoleum satin black (because I have about 3 gallons of it sitting around. I also ran beads of the caulk on each side of the frame members before setting the deck on the frame. It was a bit of a mess to clean up, but having the frame/deck connections sealed was well worth the effort.

 

[Jwh92020]

I have a couple more short videos if anyone is interested.