Down Under Camper

[donnan]

This is the FIRST entry for my build journal.

My 958TC trailer will be here in 2 days and I just can't wait to get started.

I had to rush out and buy some new tools just to make sure I have the right tool for the job at hand. From all the forums I have read so far it seems you just can't have enough clamps, so I thought I better start getting a collection of them together too.



The decision has been made to build the Widget Camper as I just love how it has everything you could need inside. The wife should be happier too that we aren't really going to be roughing it anymore.

Cost to date:
Trailer + freight = $920 AUD
Tools = $238 AUD
Fantastic Fan + freight = $113 US
Sun Roof = $43 AUD
Door Locks + freight = $112 US

A little history about me. I am actually a Handyman, that is what I do for a living, so I am no stranger to tools or carpentry and I love doing things with my hands. Self taught, jack of all trades and master of none.
I think the only tools I don't have for woodworking is a lathe and a band saw, though a scroll saw might not be too far away. I think I am your typical guy who loves collecting tools.
My wife and I have both travelled around Australia in a 21', full amenities, caravan and after deciding to settle down again and get back into the working life we sold that van and now we don't have anything. Well that is until now. I love to go to different places and be in the great outdoors. Not far from us are some fantastic National Parks and I think if we had a camper we could be enjoying our weekends a whole lot more. I think we need a camper of some sorts. A home away from home. That is why I love the idea of building my own and this site is just so fantastic with really special members and some spectacular builds I can only dream about matching.

I hope to show you my trials and tribulations of what it's like to build your own getaway home. I hope I can share what I know and learn what I don't know from this great site. Drop me a line, don't be shy.

[George Taylor]

Kind of looks like the trailers we can get at Harbor Freight in the states. The trailer you are looking to build is similar to one I almost bought, a TAB trailer. Good luck in the build.

[donnan]

Thanks George,

Yes, I think they are probably the same, they certainly look the same type of trailer as HF.

Cheers
Paul

[Roo Dog]

Paul,

We had a budget of around AUD$6000 and it came in around that all in.
We had a Falcon as Tug for the caravan but hung onto that after the van was sold as we did not know how the 1.4L Getz would tow the Tear. It does no trouble so the Falcon went too.
The Tear went over the scales for rego at 400kg. I think the scales were a bit on the high side. It was a truck weighbridge.
Comprehensive RAC insurance in WA is $146 pa.
The ally bin on the front of ours is a Rhino from Bunnings. Cheap and a good fit on the A frame.
Enjoy your build.

RD

[KCStudly]

This forum rocks!

I just love the cultural exchange.

Welcome and make sure you post lots of pics. I will be following!

The biscuit joiner is a good choice.

I have found that I use the belt sander very little, but your mileage may vary.

You will need more clamps!

[donnan]

Yes I agree totally KC, this forum ROCKS!!!

I want to make sure I get a nice flowing curve on the camper so a belt sander is a must for me. I have been meaning to buy one for some time as my work is as a Handyman and it was one tool I have been meaning to get one day. This project just pushed me into getting it. The Biscuit Joiner will be an invaluable tool for making the cupboard doors and joining framework together.

I just realised that I may need another router as I am sure I am going to be using the table for the router quite often so if I have 2 routers I won't have to keep removing the table router out of it's housing all the time. Any reason is a good reason to buy new toys.

Don't worry, I will take plenty of pics and post them. I know myself how I really enjoy reading other members stories when they also have pics in this forum.

Glad you are following, will keep you updated.

Paul

[Strop]

Hi from Armidale,

I will be interested to follow your progress. I just found this place as well.

All the best,

Laurie

[George Taylor]

Check out the tearjerkers.com site as well.

[donnan]

Nothing at tearjerkers.com George but I found it on tearjerkers.net. Thanks mate.

Just in preparation for tomorrow, I put a brand new saw blade on my table saw and sharpened some drill bits and my chisels get ready for the build.

Trailer comes tomorrow...... yippeeeee

Dan told me he has nearly finished the 3d SketchUp model so once I get that there will be no stopping me. Just can't wait.

Hang on.....I think this TD camper thing is addictive....

[KCStudly]

Hang on.....I think this TD camper thing is addictive...

You got that right!

[donnan]

I have a problem before I even get started building.

According to the 3D model from Dan the floor of the Widget is 2143mm. My trailer frame is longer than that, at 2440mm, which means I must make the Widget longer.

Can anyone tell me where would be the best place to lengthen the 3D model? Should I lengthen it in the curves front and rear. Perhaps just add the extra mm's to the straight sections of the walls?

Oh, the trailer turned up today......and I have started assembly of it. Sorry no photo's yet it got too dark, but photo's tomorrow.

Cheers
Paul

[danlott]

Take a look at Andrews drawings for putting the Widget on a harbor freight trailer. Your trailer looks to be the same size and construction at the harbor freight ones.

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/widget6-hftrailer.pdf

The the second page on the top photo you can see how Andrew suggest modifying the trailer frame to fit. You would have to change the location of a few of the cross members and cut down the sides to fit.

You could also build a longer body trailer to fit the frame size without modifying it. It would not look the same as the Widget, but you could make it fairly close.

Dan

[danlott]

If you do lengthen the trailer, you could do it at the top straight spot. One thing to keep in mind is the wheel location. You will want to have the proper trailer balance.

Dan

[donnan]

Sorry Dan, I have missed something. Why would I want to lengthen the trailer. I can understand lengthening the cabin but not the actual trailer frame. Maybe I am misunderstanding.

Is it easy to change the 3D model to suit my 2440 trailer frame?

Cheers
Paul

[donnan]

I have noticed a couple of threads talking about where the wheels should be located on the trailer. I think this is mainly based on weight of the actual complete unit, or am I misunderstanding?

Just want to do it right!

Cheers
Paul