Considering a build

This is the place where you can introduce yourself, and include a photo if so desired.

Considering a build

Postby Midnight345 » Wed Feb 12, 2025 5:01 pm

Thinking and planning...pricing things, etc.

Story: I built myself a 4x8 trailer to move sometime back in the '80's.. I did this on the family farm when visiting. Found some old well casing pipe (2-1/2"?), welded it up with a Lincoln stick welder, and used a front I-beam axle and wheels from a 1956 Chevy panel truck. Pretty stout little trailer that I've dragged around with me over the years. Hauled garden soil/mulch, and occasionally other things. It's been sitting in the back yard for years now. It needs a new life.

Now: I love to travel, am retired, wife and I and two 5# puppies have traveled a lot in our old minivan. I have a Nissan Frontier to pull with.

Thinking of largely foam and PMF, haven't decided how much metal or wood frame. I've done a lot of building, remodel, welding, etc. So pop-rivet some aluminum, weld up a simple metal (tubing/angle?), or FAR more likely some simple 2X? water-proofed lumber. I want to do the interior in pre-finished 1/4" birch.

Design?? Modified "square-drop" of some kind. Galley, yes. RV windows/door likely. 100w solar, and Maxxfan likely. 4x8 easy and fast, 5x9 better room but more complicated. Will do a battery and refrigerator box on hitch maybe. Any suggestions are welcome. Glad to be here. -Midnight345 :)
Midnight345
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Feb 12, 2025 4:36 pm

Re: Considering a build

Postby tony.latham » Wed Feb 12, 2025 5:59 pm

4x8 easy and fast...


Grab your tape measure and pull out 22". That's how much each of you will have in a 48" wide teardrop.

Build a 5'-wide. ;)

Image

Tony
User avatar
tony.latham
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 7073
Images: 17
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:03 pm
Location: Middle of Idaho on the edge of nowhere

Re: Considering a build

Postby GO_C_DAVE » Fri Mar 14, 2025 8:36 pm

I'm 5'4' and mi wife is 5'4-1/2". combined 250 lbs. 4x8 is plenty big for us ( we like being cozy)
Attachments
IMG_5175.jpeg
IMG_5175.jpeg (886.78 KiB) Viewed 138 times
I can build that !!!!
GO_C_DAVE
Teardrop Advisor
 
Posts: 52
Images: 23
Joined: Fri Nov 25, 2016 5:07 am
Top

Re: Considering a build

Postby S. Heisley » Sun Mar 16, 2025 1:15 pm

Welcome!

Consider having a door on each side. It will make it easier for those middle of the night potty runs or when the dog needs out.

Oh, and 1x2 framework is usually plenty good enough for the sides and top because the plywood makes up the difference. The strength is the sum of all parts.
That should save you some weight and maybe some money.

Check where your axle is. If it's centered, you may have to move it back a bit because of the weight of the back galley. (It's the old 40/60 rule.)
User avatar
S. Heisley
Super Lifetime Member
 
Posts: 8865
Images: 495
Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:02 am
Location: No. California
Top


Return to Newbies, Introduce yourselves

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest