Folding trailer design based on Coleman TT frame

[OP827]

Hi everyone,

I was watching some great designs and builds on this forum for half a year now, there are so many talented people on this forum!
I am now looking to design and build a folding frailer with two double/queen beds, bathroom, kitchen, just small fresh water tank, porta potty in the bathroom, no greay water tank as I can use external container if I need to dispose the grey water. The folding idea is not new, they are manufactured in UK as Gobur or Esterel trailers. It will try to make it as light as possible and it will be a foamie laminated with fiberglass and maybe reinforced where needed with plywood webbing similar to Singcore. I did some 1:10 scale foam board mockup, pictures are coming soon.

FIRST QUESTION: I have old Coleman tent trailer that I stripped down to frame and almost ready to paint it after lots of old paint and rust removal. What brand of primer/paint would you experts recommend to me that I can do in my garage, preferably applied by brush?

Thanks
O.

[OP827]

Pictures of concept mockup:



Constructive critique is welcome..

[mezmo]

Welcome to the forum OP827,

Since Esterel, and others, have done it, no reason you can't.

I'd go for using a rust converting primer first - Rustoleum has one,
and there are other brands too [Is it "Por15" for another brand name?]
- Then use a good oil base paint over that for UV protection.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[steveonzakon]

This is very similar to a design I am working on

[OP827]

This is very similar to a design I am working on

How far are you? Do you have any pictures to share and discuss?

[OP827]

Welcome to the forum OP827,

Since Esterel, and others, have done it, no reason you can't.

I'd go for using a rust converting primer first - Rustoleum has one,
and there are other brands too [Is it "Por15" for another brand name?]
- Then use a good oil base paint over that for UV protection.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

Thanks Norm! Good to be here.

[steveonzakon]

I'm right at the start with pencil drawings. Not even a trailer base to put anything on at the moment.
I didn't even know about the Esterel until I saw your post. Makes me feel much better about my idea.
The roof lift should be much easier with the lightness of foam.

[OP827]

Folding trailer idea like Esterel was around for a long time, check the vintage plans on this forum library here: http://tnttt.com/VintagePlans/foldingtrailer.pdf
Difference I have is substantially bigger design (7'x13') and it is XPS foam for most part. Currently my steel frame is around 350lbs. I want to stay within 1000lbs dry weight and I think it is achievable as I will not need all the amenities of those big rigs, but good enough to stay overnight in any parking lot by walmart or dry camp.

There are as always pros and cons and this design has the following:

Pros:
Substantial reduction in air drag while on the highway = fuel saving and safer tow
Lower Centre of Gravity when towing due to walls and roof folding down
I am designing a lighter roof comparing to "hi-lo", "trailmanor", "A-frame", and "Safari Condo" similar and current designs that seems to be more complicated to implement.
More space inside due to cubical, more like a normal living space.
Simple weather seal for roof lifting part.
Quick setup and brake down with no mechanical aids (ok, maybe a few gas shocks in front and back, but not essential to have) = more reliable and dependable.

Cons:
Much more moving parts to build and match, therefore straight/right angle cuts are preffered for folding parts.
Safety concerns over collapsing due to split sections, latches, hinges etc. potential issues.
More complicated vertical and horizontal weather seals along the folding wall parts.

So far I like the design, but this is my first build and I wanted to get some input from more experienced TDNTTT builders.

So please give me some comments here.

Thanks!

[steveonzakon]

I'll scan and post my pencil sketches here.
Basically I am going to glue several sheets of foam together to build up the roof thickness and make a cavity inside it so I can hinge the front and back panels to the roof. When I lift the roof the panels will fall into place. the bottom edges of these panels will have "flashing" internally and externally to form an internal cleat when resting on the bottom of the camper shell. The lightness of foam panels should make hand lifting the roof easy enough. A stepladder or camper ledge may be needed to stand high enough to get the roof to the proper height. The sides would then lift from inside the camper per standard folding camper technique.

[OP827]

I'll scan and post my pencil sketches here.
Basically I am going to glue several sheets of foam together to build up the roof thickness and make a cavity inside it so I can hinge the front and back panels to the roof. When I lift the roof the panels will fall into place. the bottom edges of these panels will have "flashing" internally and externally to form an internal cleat when resting on the bottom of the camper shell. The lightness of foam panels should make hand lifting the roof easy enough. A stepladder or camper ledge may be needed to stand high enough to get the roof to the proper height. The sides would then lift from inside the camper per standard folding camper technique.

I am very interested to see your concept.

Today was a productive day for the project. I pulled the frame from my garage and finished sanding, then primed it together with my wife, teamwork went great! I believe the build is officially started today!

Before primer:

Primer is done:


Plan for tomorrow to paint it black.
Maybe it is time to start the build thread?
Foam is in, plywood on the way.

Cheers!

[steveonzakon]

I need to redo my drawings. Pencil on orange background isn't very readable when its scans. I'm jealous you started already.

And yea I think you are ready to start a build thread lol