Arizona newbie checking in

[CCOWAN]

Hello everyone! I've been interested in building a TD for at least a couple of years now. I've lurked around here and there and have recently been given the green light on moving forward. I plan on building a fairly light (but not ultra-light) TD, as my tow vehicle will be primarily a Jetta TDI.

I still have a lot to figure out on my own- wall construction style, design/shape, skin, trim and finish, etc. First things first, though, I'll be moving forward on building the trailer. Most likely, this will be from scratch and will be welded frame. I'm pretty sure I'll be going the 5x8 route. I'm a pretty tall guy, so the more room, the better.

With a very wide variety of experience (ranging from aircraft overhaul, light construction framing, plumbing, home and automotive electrical, and all the way up to communication tower, overhead power line, and substation engineering and construction), I think I'll be able to pull off a decent homemade job. I truly will have to be careful to avoid over-building the TD, though. It should be said that I lack any sort of skill in finish carpentry, however. This element will definitely be a HUGE learning experience for me. Thankfully, one of the guys I work with has a side business of cabinet making, complete with CNC setup and all. I'll try to beg help from him, if it gets down to it, but hopefully I can limit it to having him fabricate the cabinet faces and doors for me. He's not cheap, and I really need to be cheap on this build.

The plan is to have this TD be the roving home for my little miniature Australian Shepherd and I on little treks across the western U.S. We plan on taking small 3-day trips, maybe a day or two longer here and there. For the big family trips, the Class A diesel pusher will win out, and the TD will have to stay home.

Anyway, thanks for having me as part of your community. I very much look forward to journaling the build here and meeting some of you one day!

-Charlie

[steve cowan]

Greetings to you new member.Don't know how long you have been "lurking" here but there is vast amounts of info and pics and topics.Lots of helpful

pros willing to give advice.You might consider stretching the length a foot or two.Even though you aren't close to needing cabinets yet,many find just

shelves and a few storage totes serve there needs better.If you haven't already,check out design resources at top of page for plans.

Steve

[mikeschn]

Hello everyone! I've been interested in building a TD for at least a couple of years now. I've lurked around here and there and have recently been given the green light on moving forward. I plan on building a fairly light (but not ultra-light) TD, as my tow vehicle will be primarily a Jetta TDI.

Charlie,

I towed a T@B with my Passat TDI; same size engine as the Jetta. With all that torque, you can pretty much tow any T or TTT that we talk about here on this forum!

Mike...

[buckisland1950]

I currently tow a LG 5 wide with a Jetta Sportwagen TDI and love it. The only problem I have is with low ground clearance and I bottom out on the receiver if not careful. I had firestone airbags installed and am really not sure they help much but they do keep the car from squatting much lower when towing. Good luck with your build, I'm sure your TV will handle anything you hook to it.....

Franke

[CCOWAN]

Thanks for the welcome, guys! I'm glad to hear the consensus with the TDI- I'll definitely keep looking at longer (than 8 feet) TDs. Good to know that car has a good reputation for being able to pull.

Thanks again!