Long time reader, ready to build and participate

[rodtermaat]

I have been reading for years. Looking back I wish I would have just built a tear and I be camping now instead of still in a tent. I have finally decided to become a builder. I know what I want to build, but need a bit of guidance.

I would like to build a Joey clone. I want it to be 5 wide and open inside. I like how the Joey has the folding table. I do not want a full kitchen at this point and will use a chuck box set up. As a woodcarver I collect logs and wood of all sizes and shapes and want to be able to use the tear as a cargo / wood hauler when not camping. I also started building chairs and need a way to move them around along with a shaving horse and tools. I like to do a few demos each year and I teach woodcarving up along Lake Superior each year - camping for 2 weeks. I feel pretty confident in my woodworking skills, but really do not want to get into epoxy or fiberglass right now. The idea or a convertible top (even partial) is spinning in my head too.

I have looked at the generic benroy and the pico light plans. I am leaning towards the PICO as I like the shape, but would probably overbuild it a bit. Are there others I should have found, or should review? Also should I go with the full size hb trailor of the mini? Seems like I could use the mini and build the floor over the fenders to get to five feet. I wonder if I will regret the shorter length? Of course I would like it to be light so any future car could pull it. I think if I could stay around 500 empty that would be great.

Anyway, thanks for listening and any thoughts you may have.

rod

[rodtermaat]

Wow. that is an old scarey picture of me. I will update that soon. I am a lot nicer then that pic shows.

[lee senn]

Hi Rod Welcome aboard !! With your woodworking skills your tear should come out real well. I just started my build and hope mine is a good effort. I would recommend the Northern Tool heavy duty 5x8 trailer. That is the one I purchased. It is a really solid little unit. They were on a special deal for $460.00 with free shipping when I got mine. Maybe we can share hints as we progress together. I have a little experience with fiberglass so will be covering much of the wood on mine with glass . Hope we both can be camping soon !! Lee

[Oldragbaggers]

Welcome to the forum Rod. I'm happy you decided to get off the pot and join us. Good luck with whatever you decide to build. I am looking forward to checking out your build journal when you get it started. Lots of please.

[Junkboy999]

Welcome aboard.

There a few TD that have a complete but removable galley. There is a nice Benroy that has a partial galley
( more just to hold a chuck box ) it is removable and the back wall folds into a bunk. To the life of me I
can’t find that link. If you are going to use it to collect wood, install in a tuff floor, forward wall, and back
wall. I can’t tell you the number of times I stopped on the side of the road and picked up wood just laying
around. Don't forget your door size as well. need to get that carving bench in there as well. Nothing like
sitting around the campfire with a spokeshave.