To start, here is my build plan in graphic form:
Here is a bullet list of important items if you are going to follow the build:
1. Trailer is 7x14, round top and barn doors.
2. Weight was the issue, so while I will need to haul a motorcycle, the ramp door added to much weight, so will use an aluminum ramp.
3. Dry trailer weight is 1954 pounds.
4. Finished dry cannot exceed 2800 pounds, which gives me 846 pounds for the build
5. I built a weight matrix by component to make sure this was even possible, and this will work given the publicized weights of my components
Major component list:
1. Cabinets will be built in place, as this yields the lowest weight for cabinets
2. Cabinets will be built out of clear pine to save weight
3. Flat panel doors will be built
4. No AC, as it's too heavy, but will build to add one in case my total weight allows. For now, 14 inch vent with fan
5. Coleman DC fridge, as it's 19 pounds and will hold what we need for trips.
6. Small Microwave
7. No hot water tank. Will use portable unit with quick disconnects if we find we want hot water on demand.
8. two burner stove
9. Stainless sink
10. Portable toilet, as this allows us to empty waste before we start home and save the weight on the tongue.
11. 20 gallon water tank just behind axles under floor.
12. One propane tank and one battery on tongue. We have a 2200 watt generator to keep things charged and to run the microwave and TV. Also have a 1500 watt inverter to run off battery.
13. Murphy bed if weight allows. If not, folding queen cot. Setup when camping begins, fold down before we load the dual sport and head home.
14. large window in each side. Current plan is something in the 30x30 range.
15. Curtain to hide the bathroom area.
That should get us started. This is our winter project, so needs to be road ready by the end of February for dual sport riding. We rode 12,000 miles this year from March to October, and tent camped the entire time. This unit will allow for trips further from home. 1000 miles in a weekend means my wife is way too tired, so we plan to trailer the bike to get close to our riding spot for the weekend, which means she won't be so tired for riding in the dirt.
The first thing I need help with is the windows. The install is easy, finding the right ones is the problem. They need to open with screens, and the emergency type windows would be great, and can provide a lot of air flow. I am confused by the ebay postings, as they don't provide enough info for me to know if they will work for a cargo trailer install, as wall thickness seems to be the variable. Also, some folks here weld in braces, while other install wood support. I'm a welder/fabricator, so weld in is easy, just not sure if wood or welding is better. So, please post help on windows and I am continuing to search for posts that help me, just takes a lot of time to read through searched posts.
The journey begins....
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