Hi all, so my build was officially started this week. still not 100% sure on the profile plans but the steel has been purchased and the frame box has been welded. below is a link to my Introduction post which included my original thoughts of mimiking my tow vehicle (subaru outback) I have since decided that a 5x10 benroy is going to give me the usable interior space i need for the fold down bunk for my newest addition and the curved profile will make the build easier.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=64778
the plan is to keep weight down wherever possible. walls will be [1/8 BB ply, 3/4 foam, 1/8 BB] with a minimal poplar frame only around the perimeter at the door and at the rear bulkhead/ cabinetry. floor is going to be 1 inch foam and the roof/front/back will be 1 inch as well. the frame is 9.5 ft long and 58 in wide of 2x2x.090 steel tubing with a 2x3x.120 tongue. axle is a 3500lb with 2000lb springs. I may take a spring off once we know the final weight. the goal is 800lbs dry and under 1200lbs ready for the road, ideally 150lb on the hitch. this is all well within my Outback limits (200/2700) and I want to keep it that way. the axle is overbuilt for the trailer because of A. Cost. and B. the option to add brakes later if i ever add running water and other amenities to get the weight up over 1500lbs total. I drove a 2200lb trailer from Alaska to Washington with this car. It did surprisingly well, able to maintain (a relatively quick)speed on the steepest of hills, but if this is going to be a regular tow, i want the ability to stop without having to worry about it.
the thickness of all the foam is still up for debate, I may go to 1 inch walls and 1.5 or 2 for top and bottom. and my father may yet talk me into 1/4 ply for the floor.
I have a line on some 5x5 3mm Baltic Birch (B/BB grade) for $19 and BB/BB for $17. the4x8 stuff is $30 but is A/BB grade. the plan is to make the interior of the cabin 4 high using 4x8 and then sheath the outside (to include the ends of the floor and roof) with 4 ft 2in high of the 5x5 sheets. I havent seen the B/BB grade stuff yet. I am hoping that it is good enough to finish so that i can go with woodie sides. the top will be .032 aluminum.
I have access to quite a few RV parts and materials because my father, uncle and sister are all in the industry (even with that they couldnt get me into a manufactured tear for under $8000. but I have some Darco weatherproofing for the bottom, some LED interior and exterior lights and a sheet of roofing membrane. The cheap side of me wants to use the membrane but I like the traditional aluminum tear look and think i am willing to spend the extra $220 necessary to make that happen.
pics to follow