First Timer

[kriellian]

Hi Folks – long time guest (reading posts) and have now decided to proceed.

My original plan was to build the Glen-L Bayou truck camper (have the plans, windows, door, stove top, etc) but decided to stay with a trailer (currently have a 30’ Fleetwood and a Silverado 2500HD).

First step was to decide on the type of build – which will be a “modern” Vardo for full–timing. The final design will be a composite of designs presented here (Little Gypsy, the Yahoo User Groups Vardo, Bobhenrys’ Barn) and other websites (Paleotools’ Gypsy Wagon, Paleopunks’ Vardo).

First of what I’m sure will be many issues has to do with the trailer. My design for the Nomad Vardo build is for a “ledge” with an overall width of 7 ft by 12ft length, on a modified 5 x 8, 2K axle GVWR Red Trailer. The trailer will have 13” tires and be fitted with a 36-inch tongue extension.

So, TNTT Frame Stretching Gurus, does this sound safe/make sense to do:

1. Stretch the 5x 8 folding Red Trailer to 5x10 by placing the two center cross bars into the side rails (keeping the axle about 40 in. from the rear), as described here in a couple of posts;
2. Build the floor/box frame similar to that of Little Gypsy (minus the foot-well and with the entryway at the rear) but lengthening it 2 ft forward (total length 12 ft), cantilevering over the front by 2 ft as in Bobhenrys’ Barn build.
3. The floor will be built “sandwich” style with 1/2 ext ply/1.5 x 1.5 framing/1/2 ext ply; stub wall, ledge and walls also sandwich style, 1/4 inch ply exterior/1.5 x 1.5 framing/ ¼ interior. All voids filled with either pink or blue “Styrofoam” (can’t off hand remember which one).
4. Not sure on roof design yet: flat, slight bow (as in Bayou specs) or barn. If I go barn, I may go 2x4 framing throughout (or stay with 1.5 x1.5 in the walls and 1 x 4 rafters)....not sure on this.

I’ve looked online at Harbor Freight and other trailers locally (HD, Lowes) and from a cost comparison it seems the best bang for the buck is the Red Trailer...if the modifications I’ve proposed make sense.

Once the trailer frame modification has been finalized I'll build a 1" = 6" scale model using foam core board to get the interior design figured out; did that with the Bayou TC and it makes interior design easy to visualize.

Ideas, comments, criticisms?????

Thanks

Dennis

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Dennis, good to finally have you on board. I have build all 4 of my teardrops on Harbor Freight trailer frames, but they all weigh less than 500 lbs. The 12" wheels and tires have never been a problem. I suggest you stay away from the HF frame, since your build will be substantially heavier, and the Chinese "May Pop" tires.......may pop any time, with your heavier load. Other folks with heavier trailers will probably have some thoughts about extending the trailer frame and the location of the axle. Good luck with those 13 inch wheels you plan to use, I'm not familiar with them or their load capacity. Take pics as you go along, and enjoy your Vardo style while you are full timing.
Roly ~~

[kriellian]

Thanks for the advice, Roly.

I agree, the weight of the Vardo will be substantially greater than a TD which is why I thought best to seek the advice of those who have modified stock 5 x 8's.
If the general consensus is that a single axle 5 x 10 or 6 x 12 landscape trailer would be best then that's the way I'll go....as in any build, the "foundation" better be strong enough to keep everything standing.

Dennis