Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Andrew Herrick wrote:...You probably already know that in order to build a simple teardrop you need a drill, jigsaw, circular saw and sander. I would add an oscillating multi-tool, like a Rockwell Sonicrafter or Dremel Multi Max, to that list. It's a lifesaver for plunge, flush and trim cuts, all of which are extremely awkward and/or dangerous with a jigsaw. I've experienced almost no kickback with an oscillating multi-tool; can't say the same for a jigsaw....

• I've used a oscillating tool, also. It's good on cutting trim (on-the-spot, making up for measurement inaccuracies) and especially making electrical cut-outs in wallboard. I, for some reason, never even tried it on my TTT project, relying on my Rotozip for cut-outs (even cutting out my door openings thru double stacked 3/4" plywood sheets). When I would use the Rotozip accessories to try to make precise straight line cuts, or circular openings, it was not so bad, but I usually pushed the cuts too quickly, making rough cuts instead. Perhaps it is best suited for drywall, as it was first marketed for. I used it in lieu of any work with a jigsaw...I never could keep the blades from flexing-breaking-flying off, no matter which brand I tried. I can't remember using a circular saw, using my old tablesaw instead. I used a friends router table once, to make recessed door trim, but it kicked back on me, so I never tried it again.
• Large steel tubing frame components were done on a chopsaw, while all other thick metal pieces were cut by reciprocating saw, followed by angle grinder with either cutting or grinding wheels. The grinder with cutting wheel made all the aluminum (and some wood) cuts, as I always have two grinders on hand (my go-to tools).As you see, my trailer was done with minimal wood-working, and basic metal-working tools: I made straight cuts wherever possible, drilled out holes to use carriage bolts and steel angles/corner braces to hold everything together,and tube after tube of PL Premium adhesive in every seam, inside and out.
• I used Spax and Tek screws for wood-to wood and wood-to-metal attachment. I used pre-sanded plywood, to be covered with multiple layers of poly, alkyd resin-based, and enamel coatings, so my sander only addressed the rough cut made with the Rotozip. Bolts and locknuts were widely used to secure most peripheral parts (I am a backyard mechanic, at heart), and the most used tools were drill bits and hand wrenches. I used cordless Snap-on drill and impact tools, when constructing at my friend's shop, and after missing their availability when I brought it home to finish, bought a set of Milwaukee cordless tool for myself (they are now my everyday go-to tools!).
• When I look back, it's amazing to me that I built it using mostly primitive tools, some in a manner they were not intended for, but acquiring new skills and tools along the way, it was done. I'll bet that there's someone out there that can utilize an oscillating multi-tool (with its' various attachments) to build a trailer from scratch. Where there's a will, there's a way.