Looking for advice from more experienced members

[Tucguy]

There is a thread running here in the General Discussion recently called " 38" TTT" that you should look at. The coffin above is in there also. There are several small trailers from which you can learn that light weight construction is very possible and can be very attractive, aerodynamic, and affordable as well. This site is full of these types of trailers.

[Catherine+twins]

Hi pchast,

I've been looking for alternative construction methods/materials and haven't found much good information. Do you have any links that you could share on foam construction techniques?

thanks

gary

Hi, Gary.

I am pulling my foamy trailer with a Hyundai Elantra, with similar limits (750 lbs with no trailer brakes, 1200 with trailer brakes). When I weighed my trailer with all parts, it came in just under 600 lbs. I'll have a garage to finish working on it in just 10 days.

As for alternative construction methods, we have a whole section: Foamies!

viewforum.php?f=55

Catherine

[bobhenry]

I built Rip Van Winkle as a sleeper only ( no Galley in the rear ). It make a real simple build and no worries about leaks. Final build weight was 525 pounds.

I moved the galley outboard on slide on tables. With two 3' tables and a 4 foot wide trailer a 10 x 10 gazebo will protect the "out door kitchen" in bad weather. A simple string or long plywood rip will make a great compass to lay out the sided. I will see if I can find a couple of links that will help you.

Well here is my build of a 4x8 and I am most proud of this unit. http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=38489&hilit=rip+van+winkle

There is a link within this link where Andrew and I discussed laying out with a compass.

[bobhenry]

I went back thru the thread and noticed there is a link to the side table installation as well.

Have fun and hope some of my ideas help. Bob

[Mojave Bob]

I respectfully disagree with the notion that a 4-wide isn't suitable for two people. My wife and I love ours. At home, we sleep on a 54" double bed, and I can't imagine wanting more space - for us. The 46" wide mattress in our tear is a similar sleeping experience, because you can't fall out of bed in a tear. I don't have anything against a 5-wide, but it certainly isn't necessary. We are neither one of us heavy - I am 5'11" and 165 lbs, and my wife is 5'1" and just right.

[oakinteriors1]

1/8'' baltic birch plywood cabinet face frames and sides, backed with 3/4 X 3/4 cleats make very lightweight cabinets and cedar doors and drawers....Focus on lightweight lumber, poplar, soft maple, cedar....My 5X10 is 1000 lbs. viewtopic.php?f=50&t=57906

[tony.latham]

I respectfully disagree with the notion that a 4-wide isn't suitable for two people. My wife and I love ours. At home, we sleep on a 54" double bed, and I can't imagine wanting more space - for us. The 46" wide mattress in our tear is a similar sleeping experience, because you can't fall out of bed in a tear. I don't have anything against a 5-wide, but it certainly isn't necessary. We are neither one of us heavy - I am 5'11" and 165 lbs, and my wife is 5'1" and just right.

I have to agree that for some couples a 4-wide works great. I camped in one with my wife for nine years. I ran into a couple that had been camping in there 4x8' for the last eight years and it was clear that it was perfect for them. My sis and bro-in law love theirs (there skinny marathoners BTW).

And us? We love our 5-wide and wouldn't go back. But I do miss my 4-wide for solo hunting trips.

Tony

[rowerwet]

for your target weight and easy towing, I would build a 5' wide foamie. I built my tear with plywood and it is light enough to tow with a Focus, but I wish I'd done the whole build in foam. According to some a "raindrop" style nose is better on gas.