Nano Weekender: becomes a mockup

[mikeschn]

Currently I am laying out the spars so I can figure out how to cut the sides...



What became very painfully apparent this evening is that whatever simplicity we gained by going to flat panels, we lost, because we have to cut angles on myriad spars...

Oh, I am still tweaking the layout, so what you see is not final yet...

Mike...

[mikeschn]

Here I put on the inside and outside skins to make sure I'm not overlooking something important...

Seems to be okay. What do you think?



Mike...

[ekuklewski]

Mike thanks for picking up the nano project again. Have a hf trailer kit waiting for assembly and and really like the nano or full weekender designs. This newbie will probably have lots of questions in the coming months.

[mikeschn]

The Nano Weekender is incredibly small. It's primary benefit is being able to cut the side out of 1 sheet of plywood. The trailer has to be shortened before you can set the body on it.

The regular Weekender adds an incredible amount of space, and it's very easy to splice on the extra 2 feet. And you don't have to shorten the trailer.

But construction aside, you'll have to decide what size (and weight) weekender works for you.

Here are some build plans for the regular Weekender...

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/mikes- ... inal-2.pdf

Mike...

[flbikejunkie]

I like the nano weekender. Something quick and easy to build. I'm already thinking about #2. Don't tell my wife

[mikeschn]

Here's the plan for this weekend... Cut this on the CNC... here's the simulation preview...



Mike...

[mikeschn]

Okay, I got the first piece cut...







Mike...

[mikeschn]

I just framed up the first layer of door framing. Once the glue dries I'll do the 2nd layer.



Mike...

[Glenn Butcher]

Currently I am laying out the spars so I can figure out how to cut the sides...



What became very painfully apparent this evening is that whatever simplicity we gained by going to flat panels, we lost, because we have to cut angles on myriad spars...

Oh, I am still tweaking the layout, so what you see is not final yet...

Mike...

Mike, what kept you from moving the spars off the skin joints, then butting the skin pieces and overlaying the joints with trim? I'm a software guy, so sometimes laws of physics escape me...

[mikeschn]

The second layer is added...



Mike...

[mikeschn]

Here's a quick preview of the side... The hinge placement looks a little strange, until you look at the inside and realize that I've screwed the hinge into the 1x3s at the top and bottom of the door.





Pepper and Joey came down to check it out too!



Mike...

[mikeschn]

Glenn,

I suppose if I was skinning in aluminum, and had a brake as wide as the body, I could move the joints away from the spars.

But this is going to be skinned in wood. Probably 1/4" moisture resistant luan. Each panel will be less than 48" so all the edges of the wood will fall on a spar.

I am also planning on experimenting with garage floor epoxy on the outside, and in the galley.

Mike...

Currently I am laying out the spars so I can figure out how to cut the sides...

What became very painfully apparent this evening is that whatever simplicity we gained by going to flat panels, we lost, because we have to cut angles on myriad spars...

Oh, I am still tweaking the layout, so what you see is not final yet...

Mike...

Mike, what kept you from moving the spars off the skin joints, then butting the skin pieces and overlaying the joints with trim? I'm a software guy, so sometimes laws of physics escape me...

[chimpta]

I love what you are doing with this. I am looking for something like this for a foamie and I love your intent to create something easier for newbies. A couple of questions:
Is it important for the front part of the roof to be at an angle from the back? Would there be a disadvantage to a flat roof?
Just trying to make it easier on myself as long as it makes sense.
I was also thinking of a vertical back to the galley with possibly just a very small section of the back roof angled.
I may also have the front half flat and streamline it with a cargo box in the front. I am thinking of adding foam to the main 4x8 body to create the front.
What do you think? I know this sketch is very crude but something like this.

[mikeschn]

Chimpta,

I personally think that the beauty of the teardrops and tiny travel trailers is the shape of the body. So I would not be inclined to design a square box.

However, since that is what you are interested in, here's an example of a square box...

http://davidbyrum.blogspot.com/

Mike...

[grant whipp]

I probably missed it Mike ...

... but, how thick is the plywood for the walls ...?

CHEERS!