Newbie from Florida (post holiday update)

[signofbarsoom]

Hello,

My name is John. Im a 36 year old HVAC tech in Florida. For about 6 months, I have been looking into small trailers that could be converted into a RV. After some research, I found this site and others. You have convinced me to build my own small trailer.

This is the rough idea. I have a better plan taped to the wall of my garage but this is close enough for now.



So far I have ordered some windows, a vent, and picked up a 4X8 trailer from Tractor Supply. For skill, I am a good electrician/mechanical guy but wood and I have been known to argue. This will be a real test!

[Mike C.]

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum. Building a trailer can be a challenge, but fun as well. If we can help any just ask. Looks like you've got a plan, so the hard part is done, now all you have to do is start making sawdust.


See you around.

[2bits]

Welcome to the board and to "the life"! I have learned through my build not to buy too far in advance. My plans have changed alot, so now I go step by step and buy what I need right before I use it.

[glider]

Hi signofbarsoom,

Welcome to the forum.
I also am very able on the steel and electrical parts. On the other hand wood can cause me some problems. What I have found is cut the big bits first. Then you can cut the small bits from the messed up big bits. Thus reducing waste. Everbody says measure twice cut once.... Don't sweat it. This aproach is not 100% in my case

The most important thing is enjoy.




p.s Don't forget

[mikeschn]

Hey John,

Welcome to the forum.

Lots of folks who are not always comfortable with wood have built some mighty nice teardrops. You can to. Just go slow and steady. And ask lots of questions.



Mike...

[bobhenry]

John : Welcome to the insanity ! Now when you go shopping you will be constantly asking yourself how can I work that into my build. Salvage stores and Goodwill be a high point of shopping for 1/2 price goodies. Dumpster diving and trash picking may become a serious affliction. Oh well it keeps us all off the streets.

[Mary K]

All-Right another Floridian.


Hi John and Welcome!! Good luck on your build and keep us posted on your progress.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground. Arguing with wood is a sure sign you will make a great TD. Hopefully you will win most of the arguements.

Now the addiction has started there is no cure, and the only treatment is to make sawdust and Don't forget the pictures cause they keep the bubble oil level.

[BillandMarijo]

Hey John,
Welcome. You can do it. Build your own Teardrop. Make your own plans. The wife bought some plans off e-bay and after looking at them I threw them away and did my own thing. And it worked out. I also made a drawing and its still on the wall of my garage. Make lots of sketches and have fun.
Enjoy your build.
Bill and Marijo

[Roly Nelson]

Hi John, welcome to the forum. Looks like you have a design in mind that will give you plenty of room. With the talents you mentioned, you shouldn't have any trouble working with wood.......after all wood-is-good, but I might be a bit predjudice.. Ask questions, take pics, post em and enjoy your build.
Roly

[signofbarsoom]

Thank you all for the warm reply. Yesterday I got a few hours in and basically framed out the floor. Thats all I had time for after work and before it got dark. Unfortuantly, I dont have a good lighted workspace but at least its warm! I'm heading of to class tonight but should get in a few hours tomarrarow. This is exciting!

Been taking pictures and will post soon.

John Ryan

[Steve_Cox]

Thank you all for the warm reply. Yesterday I got a few hours in and basically framed out the floor. Thats all I had time for after work and before it got dark. Unfortuantly, I dont have a good lighted workspace but at least its warm! I'm heading of to class tonight but should get in a few hours tomarrarow. This is exciting!

Been taking pictures and will post soon.

John Ryan

Hi John,

Think you'll be finished by Feb 12?. If you are, or not, there will be a bunch of trailer builders and friends at Manatee Springs State Park. the 12th, 13th & 14th. Come on over for a visit.

[dandan]

welcome from another newbeie.
all the resources & encouragement T&TTT members are prooving to be priceless.
hope you are able to spend some time trawling this site cos its full of gems.
any probs, just air them & they are soon solved !

best of luck
rgds dan.

[signofbarsoom]

Well, from gathering supplies this weekend, look what has materialized! I really suprised myself.







There was one small hiccup



Even though I was told and I knew better, I tried to bend the 3/8 over the front radius without scoring it. Hey, I just got anxious

Oh well, I'll fix it this weekend.

Think you'll be finished by Feb 12?. If you are, or not, there will be a bunch of trailer builders and friends at Manatee Springs State Park. the 12th, 13th & 14th. Come on over for a visit.

That might be a great time to break it in. The interior might not be finished but it should be close. I'll mark it in my calendar and check on reservations.

John Ryan

[Roly Nelson]

Hi John, interesting profile. Really, 3/8 might be a bit overkill for the radius bend on the roof plywood. Why don't you alter your plans and go for 1/4 inch or 2 layers of 1/8 inch? I guess I could make some goofy coment about your putting the floor plywood on the wrong side of the structural floor members, but I'll just wait for more pics that will show a plywood floor on the top side as well.........:-) Good luck on your build, and do bring your tear to that event, no matter what stage it is in.
Roly