Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Since a cargo trailer conversion is essentially a MacGyver, that's what I've decided to call mine.

But I thought I'd start a new topic: MacGyverisms for the MacGyver.

I define a 'MacGyver' as putting something to a use other than what it was designed. It should be simple and elegant and be either better, more flexible, lighter or less expensive than what it is a substitute for.

A dumb example is one I posted as a cheap, lightweight bed frame; basically a $40 plastic put-it-together shelf system laying on its side.

Another I'm planning but haven't used is a 4.5" suction cup that's rated at 80 lbs. Only $4. i'm thinking of using it on roof as a removable anchor point for an awning.
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/cata ... ge_839.jpg

I'm working on an idea for adding a gasket to an Igloo cooler to help it perform more like a Yeti or Engel at 1/4 the price. Maybe some rubber gasket tape, or rubber sealant, or gluing in surgical tubing, maybe cut in half, or weather stripping. Anyone tried this?

I've already taken some campaign signs, the plastic ones about 3/16" thick and covered them with Reflectix to make interior, removable panels for the Igloo.

This group prob'ly has 100's of ideas for MacGyvers for small trailers.

I told my girlfriend how much I enjoy MacGyvering and she said:

'Obviously. You take sh** and turn it into bigger sh**.'

I'm pretty good at MacGrubering things.

legojenn wrote:I'm pretty good at MacGrubering things.

Is that like MacGoobering? Another of my specialties.

Dant wrote:

legojenn wrote:I'm pretty good at MacGrubering things.

Is that like MacGoobering? Another of my specialties.

Do you let things distract your conversation then cause disasters to happen? I do, just ask my friends in the Liberty Bell TJ Chapter.

Self-taught, unapologetic MacGyver here. My Dad was the type who very rarely paid someone else to do anything for him. I inherited that trait from him, and have expanded on it. Since I was a kid, I have been able to "see" projects completed in my head. (No, no voices in my head, just pictures). It was frustrating when I was young, because I lacked the experience to make it happen sometimes, but as an adult, it usually serves me well. Usually, as I have plenty of things I toiled over to build, that I could have bought for the same or less expense... My question to all of you is, do you think we are the last of a line? I am 39, and have two stepkids. Looking around, I see hardly a trace of the MacGyver spirit that my generation had. Not all of us, mind you, but for gawd sakes, these kids today can't figure out how the chain goes on their mountain bike. (If they put down the Xbox controller long enough to ride it). I have taught my kids to weld a little, ride a dirt bike, and rebuild their bicycles, etc, etc. The spark never turns to flame, as the saying goes, and I don't see it in any of the kids around me either. Is it regional? Are we raising a generation of utter incompetence, depending entirely on the latest version of Windows to solve all of life's issues? I know it is far reaching subject, but specifically....Is MacGyver a dying breed?
Regards, Kyle

I don't know if there's a trend, but it does seem to unusual to see people think outside the box. There's always the danger of out-Macgyvering oneself, i.e. making something more expensive or troublesome when there's an existing product made for the purpose.

I'm having fun with my Workforce shelving bed frame. Very solid and I'm guessing it only weighs 15-20 lbs. Found a Rubbermaid 95 qt 'tote' that fits perfectly between the shelves, so I'll have enclosed storage under the bed.

As you point out, having some experience with various materials and tools increases one's chances for seeing things you can make. I have a heavy duty sewing machine I've used for making my own awnings. I enjoy working with natural colored canvas. Will prob'ly make window coverings out of it.

May use Reflectix sandwiches for window insulation/blockage; velcro corners for easy on and off. A CT conversion just begs for inventive customizing. I think that is one reason I'm keeping mine an open plan, no interior walls. I want to keep it flexible.

I'm thinking of making an easily movable wall. Maybe by using that pink rigid XPS, sandwiched between thin plywood and decorative cedar tongue and groove. Need to think through some simple way to attach it securely, but not permanently.

Dant,

"McGroober" was a satire on McGyver seen on Saturday Night Live for a few years. Richard Dean Anderson even joined in on a few of the skits. It was hilarious to see the real McGyver as a failure. (I know, I'm sick.)

By "Out-McGuyver-ing"... you mean something like:

If it ain't broke - don't mess with it.
If it is broke - fix it til you're injured, or broke.

Or as my ex would say . . . ."You cheap bas***d!"