Hello To All

[Danidog]

Hi,
I'm Dani and found you all a few months ago. I've had a life-long interest in camping and as I get older I appreciate the "finer" points of camping (mainly getting up off the ground ). So, I have an old (1950's vintage 7x16 trailer frame I want to convert to a TD. I have bought the bigger travel trailers but want to go minimal now. I can cut the frame down to 5 x whatever because the two main frame members (channel iron) are exactly 5' wide, outside measurement.

My first (of many I'm sure) question for you experienced folk is this; Should I cut this large frame down, or, start with a 4x8 HF trailer built to 5x8, and save the larger frame for a later build (I understand that this is addictive)?

Love all the builds I have seen and am envious of all your skills and dedication to your endeavors.

thanks, and hope to start my build very soon...,

Dani

p.s. I'm a guy kind of Dani.

[bobhenry]

Get a good picture of the frame from a birds eye view. Drag out the step ladder or stand on the garage roof. Then perhaps we could help you a bit.

I am always hesitant to mess with a good well built frame.

I have built better than 1/2 a dozen tiny trailers and have always let the frame guide my build.

The frame you have may trim easily to a smaller size but frames are laying in bushes and backyards everywhere.
I have simply walked up and knocked and asked a price. Some I bought for $50 - $60 bucks and a couple were free.


I heard the magic words " Just get the damn thing out of here " when I was given this.....



.

And it became this .....

[Danidog]

[img][/img]

It's all cattywumpussed right now 'cause I robbed the old springs on one side, but everything is straight. Almost hate to cut it down when it could be much more.

Gotta love those 'almost free' frames!

[bc toys]

Welcome to this great site of info If you want it big then let it be much more or start cutting and let it be what you want. Good luck either way you go and keep pics coming thats how we learn and admire others work.

[Danidog]

Aww man, this is SOOO BAD! I just found Nano Weekender and Sunhopper and I'm going nuts...,

[Danidog]

bobhenry, I don't know if this could be considered a well-built old frame (and I'm thinking it's not), compared to some others I've seen on here, but I am hoping it will suffice for a smaller trailer. If someone sees something about the old frame that would be a concern, please let me know, I plan on starting cutting and grinding this weekend.
Funny you should mention the old almost abandoned trailers sitting around. I have had my eye on a falling-down pop up, but my only concern is getting it off the owner's property and to my place in one piece to dismantle it later.

I had originally had my eye on the traditional teardrop styles, but after finding and reading through some nano weekender and the Sunhopper threads, I've decided to go that route. That Sunhopper is a thing of beauty, kudos to the owners/builders.

The more I read here the more impressed I become with the community and their builds. I can only hope to do half as well.

Hopefully, I'll have some progress photos in a week or so.

Regards to all,

Dani

[Danidog]

Stopped by the house for lunch and found the new HF flyer in the mailbox. The HD folding 4x8, 1195 lbs. capacity is listed on sale for $269.99. I don't think I can get the other frame into a buildable state for that price, so happenstance will be driving the trailer decision on this one.

cheers,

Dani

[Mary C]

Dani there are some things to consider: do the axles support brakes? that is worth a lot $250 do you enjoy bikes, canoes when you go camping do you want to build something you may want to take with you that would take up the rest of the space? of a longer trailer? Considerations.........think it thru there are lots of things you can incorporate into a longer trailer. just my thinking...

Mary C.

[Danidog]

Took a short road trip to my almost-local HF yesterday to look at the aforementioned 4x8 trailer on sale with a super coupon. I'll use that frame for my first build.
Yeah, I know, I'm already thinking plural and that's because I know me. I couldn't stop at building just one boat or just one piece of furniture so why should I lie to myself about just one TD.

I've decided on a Nano-weekender-sun-hopper and intend to KISS it. This will be a basic camper (basic does not mean cheesie) with modest amenities that can be added on to later. First priority is getting it camping worthy and then worry about the finer details later.

My tow vehicle is rated for 5k and I've towed a 3900 lb. dealer-bought travel trailer with it for two years. I am nearing retirement age and want to hit the road more often so lighter means less gas in the tank and more $$ for long weekends doing the things we like to get out and do (usually involves salt water, the east coast and fishing gear.

Mary C, thanks for the thoughts and I agree with you, there is much to consider.

Wish me luck, the fun about to go from paper to plywood .

Dani

[pchast]

Luck and skill.

[Morris_09]

nice post.

[Danidog]

Went to HF,found another coupon online,came home with 1750 lb cap. Trailer for under $300. Including tax. Happy Day!

[Danidog]

Well, this will be it (for now), trying to reclaim the lost 15" from the Nano weekener so we can have a galley. Critique is appreciated.

We really like the paint job done on the Sun Hopper (rmclark?). I hope I got his username correct

I have no imagination so there will be a lot of thievery going on with this build. I'll try to give credit to all stolen ideas and dreams.

[Danidog]

HF trailer is together now (as together as it can be missing parts). The coupler base was missing, Customer Support suggested I go to store for it, doesn't really matter since I am not using the provided coupler anyway after the tongue extension.
Will be starting a build thread soon in appropriate area.

thanks, Dani