Hi from San Antonio! I have been "borrowing" ideas and hints from many of your builds. Thank you! I found this forum about 2 years ago when I decided my tent camping days had run out. Once I made the decision to build, I drew a basic plan commensurate with my carpentry skills. As you will see from my build pictures, it is all angles and very simple. My idea was to raise the level of my comfort a couple of steps above the tent. I started the build in June of 2013 and in May 2014 I made a maiden voyage to Pedernales Falls State Park here in Central Texas. The second time out, it rained big dogs and cats at South Llano River SP. There were 4 small dribbles where I had mounted my kayak rack, but nothing that threatened major damage. I was so happy and proud...my baby was secure. This thing has taken on a life of it's own, and I will probably be refining the design for another year. I anticipate I will eventually tear it down and build another version...kind of like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. The project has not been officially named, but I am leaning toward "Bed In A Box".
I appeal to any other lurkers who are not sure if this is a project they can undertake to put your fears aside and just do it. I have put into this project about $1500 including the price of the Northern Tool 5 x 8 utility trailer. I had to have it weighed to register it as a travel trailer here in Texas, and it weighed in at 765 lbs. My tow vehicle is a 2012 Nissan Cube with 6 speed standard transmission. I have to shift down to 5th gear on any kind of hill, but on the straight away, I have trouble keeping it below 70.
There are build pictures from the first day, and as time permits, I will keep adding them to my album.
Lurkers, take heart....you can do it too!]
