Build length of the Cubby frame and deck

[tvlawyer]

The Cubby plans call for chopping off the front edge of the deck at a 14 degree angle to account for the curve at the front of the body.


In order for the "short" edge to measure 93 7/8" after making the cut, don't I have to build the deck frame length slightly longer than the trailer frame?

[Steve_Cox]

I almost hate to ask this but here goes.

You can build any kind of teardrop trailer you desire, why a cubby?

One answer to your question, shorten the HF frame the appropriate length at the back with a hacksaw, bolt a 2 X 4 on each end so you can miter cut the frame face which will now be a 2X4 and there ya go. while your at it, try and cover the frame with wood or something, cubby frames look so naked.

Will I get any heat for this smart ass answer?

[toypusher]

You could just drop the front of the Cubby straight down and not have it curve back in. It will change the look a tiny bit but you will not have to cut the frame at all.

[down under tech]

tvlawyer: I'm with toypusher, I did not cut mine on my Cubby. I just went straight down at the front. It will also give you 2 more inches in length at the full 96 inches. Just make sure you place your axle at 36" from the rear. Don't cut the frame shorter either. I built a Cubby because I didn't know about this forum before I got into building mine.

Good luck on your build.

[tvlawyer]

I decided to build a Cubby because this is the first time I've built anything like a teardrop. I am not confident enough with my construction and woodworking skills to take on another design which may not offer as much guidance as the Cubby plans. I'm afraid to leave too much of the build to my own creativity.

My HF frame is assembled and will be spray-painted aluminum color as soon as we get a warm, dry day in Atlanta. The weather lady says it may be warm enough this Saturday and Sunday.

Since I haven't started on the floor, I am certainly open to your suggestions of other designs I can build on the HF heavy-duty 4x8 trailer. do see how the Cubby might not be the best design for my purposes.

Down Under: I did cut the frame. I have not yet made the axle mod because the "new" HF trailer has the axle centered at 39" from the rear. I plan to see how the completed trailer balances and handles before I go to so much work for 3". I also mounted the axle under the wheel per factory specs. I'll determine later whether over-the-top is better. I planned to pick up a couple of inches in cabin length by designing the galley cabinets accordingly. I hadn't thought of picking up the extra inches on the front end as you suggest.

toypusher: I would prefer to have the curve at the front of the trailer because I am an avid "wing nut", and so I have fantasies of having my teardrop look reminiscent of a vintage aluminum skinned airplane. I thought the front curve would work well with my idea. I've preliminarily named my trailer project the DC-TT.

So guys, what other designs do you suggest?

[toypusher]

If you have already cut the frame then the answer to your original question about the floor is that you should make it according to the plans, trust me it will work.

The axle placement will also effect the door placement. Something to think about.

[parnold]

I just hopped over to the kuffle creek website to see what the cubby was. I like the profile, and the retro look.

If you are most comfortable building off their plans, then that's what you should do. I agree with you that the curve needs to be there.

I'm anxious to follow your build, so hurry up and get to it!!!

[TwilightLane]

Hey check out my build thread. I used the cubbie plans to start, but heavily modified as I went. I don't know what the heat is all about for using cubbie plans. Good grief.

I did NOT shorten the frame. I also used a different profile of my own design for the front curve - and had to add 9" to the side profile.

Bottom line. Think it through and build waht you want.

[Shanty]

almost hate to ask this but here goes.

You can build any kind of teardrop trailer you desire, why a cubby?

Steve,

Could you explain your reservations about the Cubby?

David

[parnold]

Edited....

Build what you want, and what you are comfortable with!!

[LDK]

You could just drop the front of the Cubby straight down and not have it curve back in. It will change the look a tiny bit but you will not have to cut the frame at all.

That is how I'm doing mine. The top radius is 25 degrees and then it drops straight down.