*Steel Built Tiny Travel Trailer from the NW- UD 5-30-2011*

[fastway40]

My name is Chase and I live in great Oregon. This whole small camper trailer and teardop stuff is pretty new to me. But I have a strong mechanical background as I have been auto racing for 10 years, fabricating ever since I was a little kid, a lot of auto aftermarket and repair, and house construction to name just a few things. In short, I, like everyone else on here, like to make things and work with my hands. I think this small trailer stuff is pretty cool and fun so I will do my best and create a build log because, I will certaintly have questions and will always appreciate input and suggestions.

So, I have already started on the build by first finding an axle on craiglist for $40. It is a 2000lb axle with a 58" spring center and 5x4.5 hubs

Next I have started building the frame with 2"x2" steel tubing, a 2.5"x2.5" steel tubing tongue. I have used a combination of MIG and TIG welding on it already. Frame size is 9'x58.5"

I will be adding some more crossmembers but use angle steel instead of square tube.

Now just waiting for a spring hanger kit so I can mount the axle to the frame.




The plan is to keep it as light as possible while staying within a budget I can afford. (otherwise I would have made an aluminum frame) The goal is a MAX total UVW of 600-700lbs, although less would be nicer, but that is the max.

My design is to have rear galley and front sleeping quarters. But thats where it stops being like a teardrop. I will not be going with a tear shape but rather a more square and rounded corners shape to maximize interior space. I designed it on to 3D CAD and will try to post it on here.

As a fabricator, I will be making the body of the camper with a light steel frame and aluminum sides.

This will be the tow vehicle and the reason the camper needs to be light-


I have already towed 600lbs with it many times with ease.

[grizz]

Welcome Chase.

You are right, there is loads of knowlege and many helpers here on this forum.

I like the bold lines on your Focus.

Look forward to more updates on the design and build.

[Carter]

Welcome Chase,
Nice looking frame. Simple is good. I realize the axle is not attached but I have to mention that the present location is too far forward for most loaded trailers.

Have fun
Jim

[Dark Horse]

Welcome Chase.

[fastway40]

Well, I got some new parts recently so I was able to get a little more done on the chassis.


Here is the axle hanger kit I got tacked in place-




And fully welded-




I also got new wheels and tires, 4.80X12 tires





I still have some chassis things I want to get done before I paint and move onto the floor, like more crossmembers using angle iron, tongue diagonal supports, and a rear stabilizer jack.


I am still trying to figure out how to post a pic of my google sketch up design, so any help would be appreciated.

[Chuckles2153]

From one newbee to another, Welcome and any questions you might have can certainly be answered on here. Everyone is really helpful.
Good lick on the build.
Chuck

[fastway40]

Ok so I have figured out how to post pics of my design.


The first view is a profile view:




A view from the rear. Here you can see a plan to have a counter with an overhead cabinet and open storage under the counter:




View from the front. I have left the roof off for better viewing and working on it:




From the front of the trailer looking into the side door. A headboard storage cabinet and a overhead cabinet:




Looking into the side door from a rear view. Another storage cabinet where a flat screen will be mounted:




And one more view of the galley:




Here is a couple pics behind a WorldRallyChallenge Ford Focus:




Im pretty sure it wont be green, but i dont know yet.

Of course all the small details are missing but I would like to hear everyones opinions on my designs here and maybe provide some feedback.

Thanks

[Rigsby]

Looks like you are about ready to buy some wood. How about a small hatch or window between the bed and the galley areas, allowing easy passage of the early morning coffee, and an easy way to get rid of the mugs late at night without going outside

Ive just thought about your tug as well, Focus,s (or should it Focii) dont like too much weight in the rear end, so keeping the galley area clean and easily packable with the heavy stuff, to keep the tongue weight down is a good idea. My father in law has one, and with his heavy cargo trailer on, and having a heavy front end,even him being a doddery old sod can manage a good burn out, trying to set of sharply at junctions

[S. Heisley]

It's simple and efficient. That'll do it!

[fastway40]

Looks like you are about ready to buy some wood. How about a small hatch or window between the bed and the galley areas, allowing easy passage of the early morning coffee, and an easy way to get rid of the mugs late at night without going outside

Ive just thought about your tug as well, Focus,s (or should it Focii) dont like too much weight in the rear end, so keeping the galley area clean and easily packable with the heavy stuff, to keep the tongue weight down is a good idea. My father in law has one, and with his heavy cargo trailer on, and having a heavy front end,even him being a doddery old sod can manage a good burn out, trying to set of sharply at junctions

Fortunetely I have stiff rear springs installed on my focus so that definetely helps with tongue weights, but yes I plan on keeping it light as possible.

[fastway40]

Here is my wiring plan so far as it is not finished, i dont think.

Pretty basic, I dont want to much because of weight.

[2bits]

Reminds me a little of James' Cowboy Camper... check it out!

[fastway40]

Finally have some updates after some recent progress-


Here I have added tongue diagonals and a tongue jack-




I put in 2" angle steel every 2' for crossmembers for supporting the floor-




And also added a rear stabilizer jack-




Tomorrow I will be putting down the floor, 3/4" T&G OSB and undercoat the trailer, stay tuned for updates!!

[fastway40]

Today I got the 3/4" OSB sub-flooring down with coated #6 1 5/8" self tapers every 8 inches.

Then I was able to flip it over and coat the bottom with asphalt emulsion.












Next I will start on the body skeleton using 1" square tubing .049 wall.

Here is my current design-

[fastway40]

So, a little more exciting news today.

I have started frame for the body using 1" .065 square tubing, and I bent the top front corners with a 5.5" radius die. I also managed to get the axle cleaned up and painted as well today.