TwilightLane Cubbie Build

[TwilightLane]

I used a 2x6 at the tail end of the trailer. I plan to connect stabilizers to that piece. I happened to have the 2x6 lying around. Ahemdumpsterdivingahem. It's even already painted w primer!

[TwilightLane]

Here is the subfloor all pieced together. I had to hit the wooden crosspiece on the trailer frame with the belt sander to get it to lay right.

Once it was all lined up, I clamped it to the frame and slapped it w a rubber mallet to see where the bolts impeded mating the trailer and subfloor frame. I used my drill to make some shallow holes where there were marks from the bolt heads. Pretty easy work.

[TwilightLane]

Sawdust = progress...

[TwilightLane]

I wanted to make the subfloor storage and hatch as described in the cubbie plans. The plans call for aluminum angle lined up with the bottom of two neighboring cross pieces. That approach seemed like a PITA to tap and drill the necessary holes sideways. I just used a piece of metal strap that will lie flush w bottom of the metal cross piece. It also turned out to be slightly cheaper.

I drilled pilot holes in the strap to get things started...


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That's plain old new motor oil in the jar. To cool the bit and lube it. Helped a ton. It also pulled the shavings off the bit as well, helping keep things a little clearer. I was at ACE and asked a guy where the cutting fluid was. We got to talking and he told me to just use plain ol motor oil. It was a lot cheaper and still suitible for what I had planned. Kudos to ACE Hardware.

[TwilightLane]

Strap installed. I cut a piece of plywood to fit the space. About 20" by 44" IIRC. I painted it w exterior latex to seal it. That is it laying crossways on the frame.



Here is a detail:




Doing it this way I was able to drill down instead of sideways...

[Cliffmeister2000]

I used a 2x6 at the tail end of the trailer. I plan to connect stabilizers to that piece. I happened to have the 2x6 lying around.

On those stabilizers, if you use this kind



Be sure to point them so they open toward the back. I pointed mine to open tor the outside, and they don't stabilize the way they should. (rookie mistake)

[TwilightLane]

So I've been sweating the location of the axle. I originally installed it in the stock location. After reading some more threads and emailing with some other builders I decided to move it back a little bit.

I unbolted the bracket that holds the axle and just moved it around to see where it would line up with some existing holes. It turns out there were a couple of holes lined up if I moved it back about 6 inches. That moves it from 42" (the standard location) to 38 inches from the back. The plan calls for locating the axle 36 inches from the back.

I think this is a good compromise for our trailer. I don't think my galley will be built out as much as the standard cubbie plans.

SO this pic shows the bolt location for my axle. Right now 4 bolts will hold the bracket. Sufficient?



Detail:

[TwilightLane]

All that took another couple of trips to HD for the 2x2s and a sheet of 3/8 ply. So the tally stands at:

HF: 1, ACE: 5, HD: 3

[fishfinder]

Rob, there are severals reason why the axle is set at 36" from the back. One has to do with where the side door/doors are located. Also it is important to make sure to get enough tongue weight. Moving the axle back also aids in that task.

I just finished my TD and and used the same trailer. I ended up drilling new holes and also tack welding the axle bracket in the new location. Balance seems about right.


Good luck and have a ball.

Mike[/img]

[TwilightLane]

Thanks Mike! I don't have easy access to a welder. But I have a good friend that lives about a half days drive away. I was going to build the trailer and then make one of the first trips out to my buddy and have him touch up the frame as he saw fit and add a receiver hitch or three.

[TwilightLane]

So I've got the axle brackets attached. Moving on to the subfloor hatch. I looked around the hardware dept at HD to see if I could find any other options for holding that subfloor. THere was a display of hardware meant for decks, where I found these guys...


with some 1" screws:


Here they are in action (trailer is upside down):

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I think that will work really well.

[TwilightLane]

Once that was done, I thought I'd throw a coat of black paint on the frame. I thought I'd just use a couple cans of spray paint and be done with it. My wife recommended I use a roller. 'Pshaw!' I said. "A roller is too much work! Spray can and be done with it."



I learned a few things:

1. Spray paint can be kind of a pain in the ass after all.


2. My wife is smarter than me. I knew this already, but clearly she has forgotten more about construction that I'll ever know.

3. I suck at using spray paint. Multiple coats and some fine sandpaper will be necessary.



4. It's dusty in the garage.

[TwilightLane]

So I swung by Lowe's this time for the plywood deck. Turns out they had a nicer selection lumber than HD. I got a 1/2 ACX 4x8 sheet for the same price as a BC sheet at HD.

I noticed that my subfloor frame was a hair less than 48" wide, so I knew I'd have to trim the sheet a little. I was mulling over how do that with the tools and space I have available. I stumbled across a video that had some pointers on how to support a 4x8 sheet.

http://www.doityourself.com/video/How-t ... -228951456

This gave me the idea to cut some notches in my sawhorses to hold a 2x2 crosspiece. Genius!!

[TwilightLane]

I made some old beater sawhorses from scrap, so I didnt mind cutting them up a bit. Turns out it worked really well. Genius!


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This setup really did a great job of supporting the 4x8 sheet.
Genius I say!! (ahemforeshadowingahem)

[TwilightLane]

Here is the view from underneath: