Front porch ?

[Cruzn-TNT]

Am visualizing a HF 4x8 trailer with an easy to build 6x4 foot box shelter that starts at the back of the trailer. This leaves 2x4 foot of usable frame plus the V shaped tongue area. Has anyone ever built such a primitive camper with a 2 level "front porch" ?

 

[Pmullen503]

What would you use that porch for that would be worth giving up interior space?

 

[Vtec44]

I built mine on a HF trailer but the opposite direction, with 1 foot extended out of the rectangular frame in the front and 2ft over on the back. If you extend the too much onto the A frame, it would decrease your turning radius and the house may hit the car during very tight turns. I thought about it during the planning phase and decided against it and extend the house on the back of the trailer instead.

 

[Cruzn-TNT]

4X6 is more than enough for one person for the weekend. If 2 or more go I plan on adding a SUV tent to the back end. The front porch would be used for fire wood, water, bicycle or propane bottle while rolling. At camp I'm envisioning a place to sit off the ground when it rains with the attached porch roof extending out.

 

[Dan242]

Built mine on a HF 4x8, You will always wish for more room.... My sleeping area is 5x8 with a 2' by 5' V area up front for stuff. Small back porch with storage underneath.

 

[Pmullen503]

4X6 is more than enough for one person for the weekend. If 2 or more go I plan on adding a SUV tent to the back end. The front porch would be used for fire wood, water, bicycle or propane bottle while rolling. At camp I'm envisioning a place to sit off the ground when it rains with the attached porch roof extending out.

In that case, I'd put it on the back. More accessible when the TV is still hitched. Maybe make it larger and hinged so it can fold against the back.

 

[Vtec44]

Built mine on a HF 4x8, You will always wish for more room.... My sleeping area is 5x8 with a 2' by 5' V area up front for stuff. Small back porch with storage underneath.

Very nice build @Dan242 . How long did that that take you?

 

[Vtec44]

Built mine on a HF 4x8, You will always wish for more room.... My sleeping area is 5x8 with a 2' by 5' V area up front for stuff. Small back porch with storage underneath.

Very nice build @Dan242 . How long did that that take you?

 

[Vtec44]

Built mine on a HF 4x8, You will always wish for more room.... My sleeping area is 5x8 with a 2' by 5' V area up front for stuff. Small back porch with storage underneath.

Very nice build @Dan242 . How long did that that take you?

 

[Dan242]

About a year, took several breaks during construction. Lived in it all summer last year while i remodeled our house
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=68161&start=15

 

[Tony Latham]

At camp I'm envisioning a place to sit off the ground when it rains with the attached porch roof extending out.

Here's our solution. If the weather is iffy--too hot or looking like rain--we put up our awning. And for sitting, we always have our chairs out.

Tony

 

[troubleScottie]

Most people would agree, they would like more space in their TD. Giving up 2 ft of an 8 ft platform is a significant reduction. Depending on how you build, this might mean your sleeping area is restricted. Most people would like to use that space for a galley or enclosed storage.

In addition, your putting a porch in the front means the tongue, trailer jack, safety chains, the hitch and anything else in this area are in the way when sitting/standing. Depending on the canopy size, there may not be enough room when the TV is attached. Making a relatively good water seal to the TD might be hard resulting in a wet porch.

Also, the towing vehicle (TV) might not be hitched to the TD or parked directly in front.

Your idea of storing various items there is good. Making attachment points for these items and sitting there might not work out. Also it means they have to go somewhere when the porch is in use.

As above, adding a canopy or awning and chairs might be simpler. Popup are pretty light, inexpensive, easy to setup for 2 (can be done by 1), can have side panels for rain or sun.

 

[Vtec44]

Well I didn't mean post that many replies

 

[Cruzn-TNT]

Thank you all for your input and pictures. The front porch I'm imagining is treated slats in between the available 2x4 frame and tongue rails only, with an attached 4x6 foot plywood roof hinged from the top front of the box to partially protect the cargo while in transit ( lowered and secured to the tongue ), while being easy to elevate at camp. The 4x6 box will serve as a sleeping tent on wheels only as I don't expect to spend much time inside. If that were the case a 5 foot wide trailer would be better. But that would lead to increased weight and possibly force me to move up from my 4 cylinder tow vehicle. Keeping this in mind, I won't be building any " storage " for galley or supplies. I'll use small hammocks attached to interior walls and duffle bags that can be easily moved around inside the box. With nearly 84 inches of diagonal space between the corners one person will most certainly sleep fine. Keeping my Honda Element as the tow vehicle is paramount so keeping the build low and light is my goal. Plus it has to be easy to build. I envy you all with great construction skills! Saddly, I'm constructionally challenged.

 

[Pmullen503]

I would recommend you mock the porch up and try it out before you commit. I'm assuming you would only have 4 ft under your porch roof. That's not a lot of height to get in and out of even a low chair.

Hang a tarp or even a sheet 4ft off the ground and try out whatever chair you are going to use.

 

[Cruzn-TNT]

That's a good idea. I'll remember to do it. 46 inches plus the 20 inch deck height should work since I won't be using a chair, just a cushion on the porch.