Benroy style build 5x10

[jimun]

Hi, I am Jim and I joined Sept. 8, 2013. I have begun to build a Teardrop based on the Benroy design. I have downloaded, printed and gone through the "Generic Benroy Plans created by Mike Schneider. I purchased this trailer in August.

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Here is the trailer after some chopping.

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Here is the trailer today.

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[jimun]

This is a look at my beginning design using google.sketchup

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I have been tweaking it for the past 2 weeks and probably will be tweaking it till it is finished. I am trying to stick with a 5x10 floor plan and a 5' wall height. I am 6' 4" and would like the extra head room. It looks like I will be cutting 6" to 12" off the back of the trailer to get the trailer balance right. This will allow me to move the door back a few inches for ease of entry which was recommended by citylights. The tongue is over 5' long so I can still fit a 10' long TD on it.

Now I will be getting the trailer cleaned and painted.

I have gone through so many post already and I want to thank everyone for the help you have already given.

Jim

[campmaster-k]

Good work Jim. Keep the pictures rolling.

[jimun]

Ordered new bearings and seals yesterday. Also order chrome wheels. Next thing to do is shorten the back end by 6". I used the "Trailer balanced spreadsheet" to find out the best balance for the trailer with 5x10 layout and a couple feet of storage on the tongue.

[jimun]

Trailer stripped and painted, new bearings greased and installed, new chrome rims, and new tires.

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Springs and axle painted and installed and now ready to start the teardrop floor.

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I might still have to adjust the axle location. the bed is 5x10 and it has a 5' tongue that will have a storage area and storage box.

[mikeschn]

A 5x10 build is huge. That's the size of the Baja Benroy I built...

Check it out here: http://www.mikenchell.com/Baja_Benroy_Photo_Album/

Mike...

[jimun]

Here is a possible template on the trailer. I decided to go only 4' high, 5' was making it to big and I want to keep a lower profile. Also with 4 x 8 sheets there would be less splicing to be done on the walls. Now I have to redo my Sketchup design.

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[rebapuck]

Well, you knew there was going to be tweaking involved. Looks good so far.

[jimun]

Got the 1x4 and 1/2" plywood for the floor an then made some sawdust.

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Floor is built. Not perfect but nothing a little putty and sanding wont fix.

td-010.JPG (48.73 KiB) Viewed 10728 times

I bought a Kreg jig and tried it with splicing the 1/2" plywood. The 1/2" ply I got at HD did not hold the screws well. I had to glue and screw the 1x4 on to hold the splicing together. I don't know if the 1/2 ply is just to thin for it. I believe I seen where others used it on 3/4 with no problems.
Now I need to sand and seal the floor and then roof tar the bottom and attach the insulation.

[rebapuck]

I know nothing, but 1/2" seems too thin for Kreg screws. Maybe biscuits would have been better.

[citylights]

A 5x10 build is huge. That's the size of the Baja Benroy I built...

Check it out here: http://www.mikenchell.com/Baja_Benroy_Photo_Album/

Mike...

Sweet! My Benroy is 5x10 too. Lots of extra storage all over.

[citylights]

I know nothing, but 1/2" seems too thin for Kreg screws. Maybe biscuits would have been better.

I used biscuits to splice my 4x10 sidewalks. I just used a router bit that cut 1/4 inch tall by 1/2 inch deep groove in both pieces of plywood. Glue in 1/4 inch thick by 1 inch deep biscuit the entire length of the splice. I just glued and screwed my floor down making sure the splice landed on a strategically placed rib underneath, no biscuits in the floor splices. I used 3/4 ply for both floor and side walls. I haven't weighed my tear yet, but it is definitely not lightweight.

You might want to consider an under deck storage box. Convenient place to store a trailer spare tire or other seldom used (but uber important) emergency gear. I ended up with a pretty big under bed storage. Reminds me of the hidden storage / smuggling comparment in the Star Wars millennium falcon.

[jimun]

I know nothing, but 1/2" seems too thin for Kreg screws. Maybe biscuits would have been better.

Yes I would not recommend it for 1/2" plywood now (live and learn). I do have a 1x3 frame under the plywood and when I bolt it to the trailer it should be fine.

I used biscuits to splice my 4x10 sidewalks. I just used a router bit that cut 1/4 inch tall by 1/2 inch deep groove in both pieces of plywood. Glue in 1/4 inch thick by 1 inch deep biscuit the entire length of the splice. I just glued and screwed my floor down making sure the splice landed on a strategically placed rib underneath, no biscuits in the floor splices. I used 3/4 ply for both floor and side walls. I haven't weighed my tear yet, but it is definitely not lightweight.

You might want to consider an under deck storage box. Convenient place to store a trailer spare tire or other seldom used (but uber important) emergency gear. I ended up with a pretty big under bed storage. Reminds me of the hidden storage / smuggling comparment in the Star Wars millennium falcon.

I did think about it but this is my first build and I am trying to keep it simple, I think. I will have plenty of storage on the tongue and that will also help on the balance of the trailer, again I think.

I am building a Pantry cabinet for my wife this weekend and I got most of it done. I will get back to work on the td in a week or 2.

[Gunguy05]

Any updates here? How are things going?

[jimun]

Had to take a break over the holidays, family visiting thanksgiving and Christmas with our daughters family in Colorado. Had to be with the grandkids. Also got in a car wreck, no one hurt but totaled the car. Just got a Toyota Rav4 that can tow 1500# so I have to get back to my design to make sure I can keep it light. 1000# no trailer brakes needed, but if over required for the warranty. I am keeping the Benroy design, I just need to do some tweaking. I also have a large Hobie Kayak that I would like to carry as well. It weighs just under 200#, so I have some work to do on the design. I am hoping to get back on it in a couple of weeks.