CapeBuild Build Journal

[Capebuild]

Hello! After a few months of planning I'm finally starting to build. I'll document the progress/process here.
I've not done anything on this scale before and I welcome any comments (positive or negative) from members.

I discovered this forum back in January of '21 when my wife and I decided to build a teardrop. Until then we always tent camped.
So......I'd like to thank the members on this forum for answering my (what seems like) endless questions and sharing their experiences.
This forum, and the member's help, has been invaluable to me as a source of information, inspiration and encouragement. Thank you!!
It all has been really appreciated!!!

I started by turning my garage into a studio of sorts. I've never welded before so I bought a welder and spent some time teaching
myself to weld. These first images show my CAD design for our trailer and the start of the frame. Today I'll work on the tongue.
Just tack welding the members together first.

[RJ Howell]

I look forward to following the build!

[western traveler]

It will be fun watching your build John. You asked questions that I then didn’t have to ask!

[Juneaudave]

Yes! Keep the pictures coming. We are all looking forward to following your build!

[Sparksalot]

Following!

[halfdome, Danny]

This will be an interesting build, you seem well prepared.
Danny

[TimC]

This may be the most watched build ever! Happy building John

[Capebuild]

Thought I'd share the last couple of days progress.
Got the frame tack welded together. Still need to add the rear hitch sleeve and the angle plates which will serve as the cabin attachments. Before that I'll weld up all the seams.
Ordered the Dexter axle last week... takes about 6 weeks to get that fulfilled.
Also received the wheel rims and had the Goodyear Endurance tires mounted on them yesterday.

John

[Sparksalot]

You can add hard points for stabilizer jacks very easily right now.

[Ottsville]

You can add hard points for stabilizer jacks very easily right now.

And connection points for your trailer light wiring(large lock washers work).

[Capebuild]

Thank you, Sparksalot, for reminding me about having a place to weld the stabilizer jacks. I did buy a pair to install.... so thank you for reminding me to finalize a way to install them.

Ottsville... I'm not sure I follow what you're describing. Could you please be a bit more descriptive.... thanks!
I think you're meaning if I intend to wire lights directly onto the metal chassis frame. But not sure if that is what you mean

[Sparksalot]

You can add hard points for stabilizer jacks very easily right now.

And connection points for your trailer light wiring(large lock washers work).

I think you mean tacking washers to the frame to give points to zip tie or otherwise attach the wiring?

[Ottsville]

I think you mean tacking washers to the frame to give points to zip tie or otherwise attach the wiring?

Yes. That's what I so poorly was getting at. I like large lock washers or something split so that you can actually run the loom or wires through it versus zip tying to it

[Sparksalot]

I think you mean tacking washers to the frame to give points to zip tie or otherwise attach the wiring?

Yes. That's what I so poorly was getting at. I like large lock washers or something split so that you can actually run the loom or wires through it versus zip tying to it

That's a great idea. I'm starting to think about rewiring the running lights on Rose, and may do this to make it easy.

[halfdome, Danny]

Here's how I wire my chassis.
I attach the wire loom with those plastic clips with stainless steel screws.
The black box towards the front is a 7 wire junction box.
That red thing in the center is a horn to ward off bears etc.
I put stabilizer jacks on my first build and never used them.
Too difficult to make them work, & found out I don't need them.
Danny