Greetings from Central PA!

[JagerSteve]

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.

My name is Steve, wife Rebecca, 14 month old Sean. We reside in a small town in Central Pennsylvania, Dillsburg. Yes... Dillsburg, Dill... like the pickle, It's the theme of our small town. We have the Pickle Fest, and we even drop a pickle on New Years.

I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, Jones Creek, Sparrows Point, Maryland to be exact, fishing, out on boats, yadda yadda.

While growing up, I spent most of my fall weekends camping in the Lancaster, PA area. A lot of fond memories, and friendships that I have now had for over 20 years. Then life happens. Camping fell by the wayside. Well, recently I've gotten the bug again. For the past few months, I've been exploring options, and even talked the wife into it. Started looking for tents, then considered a pop-up in need of restoration... Then, while browsing the popular facespace social media site, I seen a friend's recent purchase... a Little Guy 5.

I asked him about it, what he liked, disliked, etc. He pointed me in this direction. After some browsing (trolling?) around, I've totally fallen for the teardrop concept.

What helped to make my decision to build something custom? My extensive background in fabrication and general gear-headed-ness. I spent 7 years in the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Baltimore, welding, plumbing, hvac, and more. I played with plently of 12 volt car and boat wiring and audio when I was young. Welding, fabrication, construction, building, and creating are hobbies of mine. And my current field? I am a CNC Machinist with a local company that manufactures custom machinery.

And to top it off, I already happen to own the 4x8 folding Harbor Freight trailer, with current tags and registration. Perfect platform to start from what I've seen.

Of course I cannot just throw the checkbook at this project... It's going to take some time, but spreading it out will lessen the blow.

I'm envisioning a Generic Benroy style. I'm thinkin of stretching my HF 4x8 trailer to the 58" width. In the interior, basic. I'd like to do a footwell for storage, as well use a narrow futon that would double as a sitting area and sleeping (hence the reason to go 5' wide to fit the IKEA fold out). The table top would drop and cover the footwell opening for sleeping. I'd also like to add a fold down bunk on the back wall to fit our son. As far as the galley, I'd be happy with a space for a Coleman Grill and a wash tub with water jugs, as well as a space for a cooler, and storage. Of course I'd love to do a small built in sink and stove, pipe it out for propane and water, drainage into a simple blue wheeled grey water tank, etc... But I want to keep the cost low. I could always modify it later.

Also, my tow vehicle is a Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4.0L... so weight in not a huge concern.

So in closing, just wanted to take a moment to say hello, and I'm sure I'll have some questions and call upon the vast knowledge I have seen in this community. Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday!

Best wishes,

-Steve

[KennethW]

A more difficult first build. Now the hardiest part keeping the momentum going and the race to the finish.

[pchast]

Welcome Steve et all.


I had the same restraints as do many. Lots of small
purchases can add up though. Take your time and
look for bargain parts.

With your skills you should have little trouble.

[bc toys]

welcome Steve and Family good luck with your build you and family will enjoy the build and camping in it Do a build section post as you get started thats how we follow others as they enjoy there craftsmanship

[JagerSteve]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Once I nail down the design and specs, I'll be sure to start a build journal with the progress.

I'm already thinking that since it's my first, I may be better off sticking with the stock 4x8 dimensions of my HF trailer. I think to go 5x8, I would be better off just building the frame from scratch instead of widening the 4' HF.

Catch everyone soon.

-Steve

[bc toys]

with a family you will want at least a 5x10 go for it you can do it

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Hey Steve, welcome! I'm just down the road in the snack food capitol of Hanover.

Since you already have a 4x8 that's registered and titled, then that's obviously the easiest route. Although with a family 4x8 will be tight. Modding the trailer to go larger isn't necessary - you just have to build out over the wheels. I did that on my last build (The X-II).

If you haven't come across the many threads on the subject already, you may also look into lengthening/strengthening your trailer tongue. Its an easy and relatively inexpensive modification that I (and many others) swear by.

Once again, welcome to the forum, and I look forward to seeing your build!