My 4x8 TD build

[paul.luna]

OK, I know I haven't post in forever, I actually haven't finished my first build. (http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=56691) My brother was so impressed, I know some people are easily impressed, by my trailer he asked if I could make one for him. Well after so coaxing and him sending me a check to start buying stuff I downloaded some plans and got to work. So I am pretty far along I've been posting pics on my Facebook page I need to figure out a better way to get the pics here. I'm pretty proud of what I've done so far I've learned a lot as well. My wife is already planning our 4x8 (I know, I'm a lucky guy!) OK so let me start with at least a photo of where I'm at now.



Actually I'm a little further along but this gets you the idea. I'll post more later.

[Junkboy999]

This think of the time you could of saved it you just started a 6X9 in the first place. You know after you finish this one for you for your brother, and build you a 4X8, your Brother will want a bigger one and them you guys will need a bigger one


When will the madness ever end.

[paul.luna]

6x9? We'll see. I'm not sure it's cost effective to build a 6x9. I understand having the extra room but really it's just for sleeping. I don't mind cuddling with my wife we've been doing it for over 20 years now, why give her the space to get away now? I need to look into the costs for a larger one, it just appears that there will be a lot of wasted wood.

Well the top got skinned today, had the trim arrived on Friday I would have had some Aluminum started as well. Here's to hoping Monday will bring the trim.

[KCStudly]

I like the profile, and the efficiency of space and access to the galley that comes with it.

Traditional tapered back TD profiles are neat-O, but a "high and tight" galley with a bit of curve, or "bustle" for the visual appeal work just fine in my mind's eye.

Nice job.

[bc toys]

you might want to look into a 5x10 you can find 5x10 plywood a 84 lumber in some towns most people like the extra room well good luck and thanks for posting pics

[paul.luna]

I like the profile, and the efficiency of space and access to the galley that comes with it.

Traditional tapered back TD profiles are neat-O, but a "high and tight" galley with a bit of curve, or "bustle" for the visual appeal work just fine in my mind's eye.

Nice job.

Thanks a lot KC! I feel the same way I am more into function than style I looked high and low for designs that utilized the small space the best. I personally would have avoided the 19" radius simply because I knew the interior skin was going to be a pain. Thanks again stay tuned there's more to come.

P

[paul.luna]

you might want to look into a 5x10 you can find 5x10 plywood a 84 lumber in some towns most people like the extra room well good luck and thanks for posting pics

Thanks BC I did a search and there's no 84 Lumber that's a cost effective drive away. I was not aware that I could get 5x10 Ply. If I can find it locally then by all means I may build mine as a 5x10. not sure I can find 5 x 10 aluminum sheets but I could try the resin/paint method instead of alum.

[eddiegrey]

This looks a lot like the plans I've purchased Ty-Dean customs...am I right? Just the front is more rounded which is what I am going to modify and do. Basically just like this one. I am however building on a 5x8 frame.

[paul.luna]

This looks a lot like the plans I've purchased Ty-Dean customs...am I right? Just the front is more rounded which is what I am going to modify and do. Basically just like this one. I am however building on a 5x8 frame.

Exactly, it started as a Ty-Dean I modified the plans by making it a 19" radius and changed the galley quite a bit. I'm also doing the hatch different. Frank at teardroptrailerparts.com helped me out with the hurricane hinge. He showed me that using the offset hinge and not notching the back. In fact I went with the hatch trim from Frank as well.

I'd love to talk to you about the cost difference in a 5x8 and a 4x8.

[paul.luna]

Working on the aluminum. Drivers side up, need to cut the door opening on passenger side. should have it all up tomorrow.

[eddiegrey]

This looks a lot like the plans I've purchased Ty-Dean customs...am I right? Just the front is more rounded which is what I am going to modify and do. Basically just like this one. I am however building on a 5x8 frame.

Exactly, it started as a Ty-Dean I modified the plans by making it a 19" radius and changed the galley quite a bit. I'm also doing the hatch different. Frank at teardroptrailerparts.com helped me out with the hurricane hinge. He showed me that using the offset hinge and not notching the back. In fact I went with the hatch trim from Frank as well.

I'd love to talk to you about the cost difference in a 5x8 and a 4x8.

Right off the bat, the trailer is Northern Tool and it's $500 compared to probably $299 for the HBF 4x8. That extra 1 foot will also add a lot more wood. I've not entirely convinced myself to go 5x8, I am wanting to read over the plans to be sure that's the route I want to go. Do some calculations and see exactly how much more. I have 3 kids one of which is 18months old so he will probably be able to sleep with the wife and I for some time. So the 5x8 is definitely beneficial to us.

The TD is looking great! What is the budget? Where did you get your aluminum?

[paul.luna]

[quote]Right off the bat, the trailer is Northern Tool and it's $500 compared to probably $299 for the HBF 4x8. That extra 1 foot will also add a lot more wood. I've not entirely convinced myself to go 5x8, I am wanting to read over the plans to be sure that's the route I want to go. Do some calculations and see exactly how much more. I have 3 kids one of which is 18months old so he will probably be able to sleep with the wife and I for some time. So the 5x8 is definitely beneficial to us.

The TD is looking great! What is the budget? Where did you get your aluminum?/quote]

I get my sheets from a local metal shop they sell all kinds of metal and some times you can get great deals if you get the stuff he gets from auctions.
yeah the way I figure it you nee to ad quite a bit of sheets of 1/2" or 3/4" ply since you have to run everything sideways. That's why I asked where people were getting 5x10 sheets and if they could get all sizes not just 1/2 or 3/4. I just see a lot of wasted ply with 5x8 or 5x10. I haven't seen someones plans that include Plywood placement and waste per build. Building the 4x8 has had very little waste.

What are you going to haul it with? I have a Tacoma with a shell and a Carpet kit so there's extra sleep space or rig a tent/canopy to your door for extra sleep space. Kids love tents!

[eddiegrey]

Right off the bat, the trailer is Northern Tool and it's $500 compared to probably $299 for the HBF 4x8. That extra 1 foot will also add a lot more wood. I've not entirely convinced myself to go 5x8, I am wanting to read over the plans to be sure that's the route I want to go. Do some calculations and see exactly how much more. I have 3 kids one of which is 18months old so he will probably be able to sleep with the wife and I for some time. So the 5x8 is definitely beneficial to us.

The TD is looking great! What is the budget? Where did you get your aluminum?/quote]

I get my sheets from a local metal shop they sell all kinds of metal and some times you can get great deals if you get the stuff he gets from auctions.
yeah the way I figure it you nee to ad quite a bit of sheets of 1/2" or 3/4" ply since you have to run everything sideways. That's why I asked where people were getting 5x10 sheets and if they could get all sizes not just 1/2 or 3/4. I just see a lot of wasted ply with 5x8 or 5x10. I haven't seen someones plans that include Plywood placement and waste per build. Building the 4x8 has had very little waste.

What are you going to haul it with? I have a Tacoma with a shell and a Carpet kit so there's extra sleep space or rig a tent/canopy to your door for extra sleep space. Kids love tents!

Land Rover Discovery. We have a good tent too. I'm gonna read the plans through a couple of times. I'm seeing a lot of tools that I will need.

Any suggestions on a critical must have list of tools?

[KCStudly]

Table saw, miter saw, router.

I've used a block plane and palm sander a fair bit.

...but the single most used tool on TPCE is a small chunk of oak 1x2 the same length as 1/4 sheet of sand paper. Wrap the paper around the block and use it as a sanding block.

[paul.luna]

I found a good deal on a Kreg pocket hole kit on craigslist. I love the pocket hole jig!