New Design Idea! Help, Please?

[gager2002]

Ok guys,
I have now decised to go forward with a project. This trailer will be like no other. I think. Lets get the inportant info out. I will not be building a traditional tear, but it will be homebuilt. My wife and I have 4 kids of our own and 2 foster kids. So camping with this group will be done in the pop-up. I do on the other hand, have another group that would use this sort of concept.

Think of a family tradition - one father, 2 sons, and a son-in-law. Three of us have been hunting together since we could walk and for the last 12 years we have been 4. We lost our normal hunting ground to the paper company, so now we are on National Forest Land. My father is slowly loosing his enjoyment because of the work it takes to pack everything, get there and unpack everything, and set up for an hour. At the lease we had, we left everyting there in a storage shed so when we got there, unpack gear and go to bed for the night - 5 minutes.

Well, I do not what this tradition to die, due to the fact my son, who in only 3 will want to join the 4 of us in about 4 or 5 years. I do have a 13 year old daughter that already does sometimes, pending on cheerleading and boys. My plan is a trailer is like some of the boxey or square tears due to internal storage needed. Ready for the other info.....

Let's go.
I thinking sleeping space for 4 in the main cabin with a nightlight for each. The galley on the rear for my main job on these trips. Yes i am the Cookie. Actually, they call me 'Skillet' in this camp we go to. The rear doors maybe like the doors on a standard cargo trailer, no offense to anyone. Weight is not an issue, as we always pull with a 1/2 ton truck. That is another reason for this, we only want to take one vehicle. We have to take our own water and electricity (battery) The trailer will only be hooked up at home for charging, or cleaning inside. I do want some fans to keep air circulating, and heater for the cold nights. Maybe 2 nice size venting windows on top. Propane bottles in rear galley, fire wood on tongue. Many more ideas and possibilities. I do plan on painting the outside. Any help on that would be appreciated, coating-waterprofing-painting.

Ok, is this possible. Can I get 4 grown men in a 5'x10' or what do you think?

[Chip]

Gager,,,its just my opinion but in a 5' wide and 10' longit just aint gonna happen,,, if you allow 24 to 30 inches width for a bed then you have no way to climb in at night,, and if you allow 30" seperation on the bunks with out matterace width then you are already 5' high minimum,, and also you havent allowed for any storage, water, propane, batteries, etc,,, now the galley,, thats no problem in a 5 wide,,

since ya taking a truck,, build one for the truck and then a trailer,,, sleep 2 in back of truck and 2 in trailer,,,

ya just cant squeeze 4lbs of taters in a 2lb sack

chipper

[gager2002]

I am sketching it now, and I agree. I will be building my trailer frame so I am looking into 6' wide, 10' long, and 6' tall. I will post the sketch as soon as I get it done. I am using solidworks to help out.

[apratt]

How about 6x10, that way 2 sleep up front and 2 toward the back. Cross way and bunk beds. and still a galley in back. 30 inch for front bed, 30 inch for door, 30 inch for rear bed then what is left is the galley.

[gager2002]

How about 6x10, that way 2 sleep up front and 2 toward the back. Cross way and bunk beds. and still a galley in back. 30 inch for front bed, 30 inch for door, 30 inch for rear bed then what is left is the galley.

I haven't thought of mattresses crossways. That's a good idea.. Of coarse my b-i-l is 6'5. He could have the bottom and sleep slanted. lol

[angib]

How about 6x10, that way 2 sleep up front and 2 toward the back. Cross way and bunk beds. and still a galley in back. 30 inch for front bed, 30 inch for door, 30 inch for rear bed then what is left is the galley.

Yup, my thoughts too.



It's an awkward size, 120" long x 60" high x 78" wide, as none of the dimensions match the size of plywood. So you might as well go to 64" high as that is 2/3rds the length of a 96" sheet, so two offcuts makes another panel.

The other thing is that unless you jack the trailer miles in the air, so that a smallish wheel will fit underneath (a 175x13 would be plenty big enough), you have to have the wheels outside the body and then you getting right up towards maximum width (102", right?) at 100" over the fenders.

But it works.

Andrew

[gager2002]

Thanks Arthur and Andrew. I believe I have a better start. I have most of the steel for the frame, now an axle, springs, and wheels. I am also working on restoring a '48 Willys Jeep CJ2A. This will look nice behind her. I need a paint scheme I guess. I need advice to get me through raw wood to a nice weatherproof finish. Any takers. I am new to exteriors. My work has always been under the hood.

Again, thanks guys.

[bdosborn]

<snip> I am also working on restoring a '48 Willys Jeep CJ2A. This will look nice behind her. <snip>

You'll get a good long look too if you're keeping it stock. The "Go Devil" engine only has 60 horsepower. My CJ-3B with the "Hurricane Head" had 75 horsepower and would slow down on hills I didn't even know were there. Did a lot better after I swapped in a V6.
Bruce

[gager2002]

Ok this is my first idea, but I think I need taller. Maybe 6' inside height.

[Finntec]

Man, I thought that land problem only happened in NY. (Not really) I too plan to use the TD for hunting trips. As far a space. How would you think sleeping in a tent will compare to the TD? They can be fairly similar, but the TD is better for setup, poor weather, etc. It will be certainly worth your while building the TD. Especally if you plan on taking the kids. They'll enjoy the experience even more. Best of luck. Welcome to the site.

[Chef]

Ok this is my first idea, but I think I need taller. Maybe 6' inside height.

Just a thought but if you are 6' wide x 10' long x 6' high on your interior demensions maybe you should just outfit a standard cargo trailer (which I have seen done) rather than starting from scratch?

[madjack]

Chef, I think you are right...he needs a 6'H x 7'W x 12L for all of that...could probably buy used and in good shape for cheaper than building...
madjack

[sdtripper2]

Chef & Jack:

Right... I have seen this in action. and it is much easier in the long run to do it with a pre-made trailer. That way you just go inside and put in creature comforts and design for the space inside.

[GPW]

Guys , My Bayou Bugout is 72 3/8" across INSIDE ... 12' long , 5' H .. plenty of room for a familar crowd... floorspace is 54sq ft. room for a few bunks too ... BIG galley ... still under 2 Large...