Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hello Everyone,

I have decided to build the Generic Benroy with a few additions and not sure if it will be possible. Here's what I would like to do.

1. Ordered a 5x8 from Redtrailers.com.

2. I would like to not cut 2" off the crossmembers of the trailer and leave stoc length. Here's one question, do I still need to install a wooden crossmember in place?

3. I would like to build the biggest Benroy I can. Can I build the Benroy 10 feet in length on an 8 ft trailer? If so, what would be best placement for the floor?

4. Since I am not cutting my trailer down and leaving stock width, what effect would that have on all width measurements provided in the plans? Will I need to add 2" to all spar lengths and galley cabinetry? I am building mine where the frame will be covered and not building on top of the trailer.

5. Is it true that only Luan plywood is made wide enough to allow for the wider width of the trailer? Where can I get Luan plywood? Home Depot? Lowes?

That's all the questions that come to mind now. Any help much appreciated.

sandman wrote:Hello Everyone,

I have decided to build the Generic Benroy with a few additions and not sure if it will be possible. Here's what I would like to do.

1. Ordered a 5x8 from Redtrailers.com.

2. I would like to not cut 2" off the crossmembers of the trailer and leave stoc length. Here's one question, do I still need to install a wooden crossmember in place?

This was done to allow the side walls to hang over the frame and not hit the tires. (to hide the frame) The crossmember is used as a extra brace. Depending on how you make your floor I would use it.

3. I would like to build the biggest Benroy I can. Can I build the Benroy 10 feet in length on an 8 ft trailer? If so, what would be best placement for the floor?

You can hang the two feet off the end or hang a foot on front and back. You will want to pay attention to your axle and be sure it is not too far forward if you add on.

4. Since I am not cutting my trailer down and leaving stock width, what effect would that have on all width measurements provided in the plans? Will I need to add 2" to all spar lengths and galley cabinetry? I am building mine where the frame will be covered and not building on top of the trailer.

Yes to the spar length. Measuring is always the best way to be sure. If you build where the frame is covered you need to make arrangements for the tires to not rub the sidewall.

5. Is it true that only Luan plywood is made wide enough to allow for the wider width of the trailer? Where can I get Luan plywood? Home Depot? Lowes?

NO! Luan comes in the same 4'x8' that most plywoods come in. In some areas they are finding 10' lengths and even some 5' width (rarely in luan.) You can get Baltic Birch in 5' x 5'. HD and Lowes will carry about the same things. You should try the smaller real lumber yards and cabinett shops also.

That's all the questions that come to mind now. Any help much appreciated.

Hope it helps. You can also go to the Hall of Fame and read the builds and look at the pretty pictures. They really help get an overall view of the different ways to facilitate your build and any changes you may want.

Git R Dun

I'm gathering that the trailer is acualy 5'2" wide. Is this true? If so you can build to that width. Mine is 5' wide. I have a pile in my shed of 4'x3' Luan and 3' spars. I bought 4x8 Luan and had to run it sideways. I am starting to use the scraps for other projects. Waste is a fact of the 5' wide TD life.

As far as the 10' length, it is probably a good guess that you want to keep the TD centered. That is you want an overhang of a foot front and rear. You will want to hitch up your trailer to your tow vehicle and turn to the piont just before jacknifing. Measure the distance between the front of the trailer and your TV. This, minus an inch or two, would be a safe overhang. This does not include a tongue box if you want one. You may need to mount your battery inside your TD. You could deffinitly have the front overhang and a tongue box if you replace the tongue with a longer one.

sandman wrote:Hello Everyone,

I have decided to build the Generic Benroy with a few additions and not sure if it will be possible. Here's what I would like to do.

1. Ordered a 5x8 from Redtrailers.com.

2. I would like to not cut 2" off the crossmembers of the trailer and leave stoc length. Here's one question, do I still need to install a wooden crossmember in place?

3. I would like to build the biggest Benroy I can. Can I build the Benroy 10 feet in length on an 8 ft trailer? If so, what would be best placement for the floor?

4. Since I am not cutting my trailer down and leaving stock width, what effect would that have on all width measurements provided in the plans? Will I need to add 2" to all spar lengths and galley cabinetry? I am building mine where the frame will be covered and not building on top of the trailer.

5. Is it true that only Luan plywood is made wide enough to allow for the wider width of the trailer? Where can I get Luan plywood? Home Depot? Lowes?

That's all the questions that come to mind now. Any help much appreciated.

1. I also ordered the 5 x 8 Red Trailer.
2. I did not cut the frame by 2 inches. But measure the trailer after you get it together. Mine is just a shade (1/8") over 60" and my 3/4 plywood is just a shade under 3/4. With the floor and sides on the trailer there is a very small oversize to the trailer frame. I put a wood crossbrace in see #3.
3. I am also building a 10' TD. I extended the frame to 10' by using the cross braces inside the side rails and bolting it together. As it works out the predrilled holes put the axle at about 41" from the rear which is where most people on here say it should be.
4. If you want the side frames covered, mine is not, you will either have to narrow the trailer frame or widen the TD.
5. HD can order 1/8 5x5 birch.

Now that I have given you all that so called expert advice read my post entitled "Major setback" before you take it.

Jim