Westling's 8'X5'

[Westling]

Greetings, fellow TNTTTers. I had already started on my first trailer when I discovered this forum, so I'll post some pictures showing my progress so far. My semi-retired father has been helping with designing and building, but this is also his first foray into travel trailers so don't expect perfection just yet. That comes with trailer number 2.

We started the design process with a few loose guidelines...

Finished weight less than 1,500 pounds (under 1,000 if possible) for towing with minivan.
Fits in garage (under 7 feet)
Sleeping accommodations for two adults and three kids (ages 2 to 5).
Preferred to keep the width and height small for minimal drag.

Here's the trailer I had to start with. 8X5 flatbed with one foot side rails.

t2094n2.jpg (35.39 KiB) Viewed 2851 times

[Westling]

Good luck on your build!! I used a 4' X 6' version of the same trailer and it worked out great.

Thanks! I checked out your photos, very nice work!

Here's a few scribbles from the early part of my design process. Some of these ideas were influenced by images from the internet (maybe some from this forum, though I didn't know it yet)...

eadpn972.jpg (90.19 KiB) Viewed 2800 times

And here's a photo after building and insulating the floor and framing up the walls....

wtwn9_2.jpg (60.32 KiB) Viewed 2800 times

[KCStudly]

That is looking very much like what I envision I would build for my No. 2 (if it ever happens... need to finish No. 1 first ).

Will it be a slide out or are you installing it on the trailer permanently?

I will be following your progress with interest.

[Westling]

Will it be a slide out or are you installing it on the trailer permanently?

Good question. In the earliest stages of my plan (Octoberish) I was hoping to build it slide out style, but after examining the pros and cons I decided to go with a permanent installation. By then the trailer with side rails was already purchased and registered so I decided to go with it. In hindsight it would have been a simpler build without the rails, but I don't mind having the extra points to secure the box to, especially since my prior engineering experience was pretty much limited to tree forts and deer stands.

[Westling]

Side walls installed and windows roughed out...

wagon_walls_802.jpg (43.08 KiB) Viewed 2682 times

[rand_98201]

looking forward to following your build.keep up the good work.

[Westling]

looking forward to following your build.keep up the good work.

Much thanks, rand_98201.

Here are a couple of shots showing more detail of the wall construction.

wagon_walls_work340.jpg (27.67 KiB) Viewed 2528 times

wagon_walls_working340.jpg (40.51 KiB) Viewed 2528 times

The skin is 3/8 inch plywood. Funny thing is I meant to get 1/4 inch, but the hardware store had 3/8 inch in the 1/4 bay. I didn't realize the error until I had already started installing it. Had to make a couple of adjustments, but I don't mind the extra strength.

[Westling]

Much progress was made in the last week. Here's the back wall and homemade 5-foot door with 18"X24" acrylic window. Note 18 inches of overhanging roof... originally planned to trim it off, but may support it instead as a permanent awning.

wbd98_003g.jpg (36.53 KiB) Viewed 2450 times

I also stained the sides and installed windows, here is the driver side awaiting it's 30"X20" emergency exit window. My apologies for poor quality pics and terrible lighting, weather has not been conducive to opening the garage doors and letting in natural light. Also, early sunsets this far north generally mean completing work in the dark.

win690803g.jpg (19.95 KiB) Viewed 2450 times

[Westling]

My oldest helping me test the newly installed exit windows...

wagon_windowte.jpg (90.7 KiB) Viewed 2377 times

[Westling]

Merry Christmas Fellow TNTTTers! First test drive with seams and corners sealed (Eternabond) and wings installed: Christmas morning 2014!

Wagon_small1.jpg (40.74 KiB) Viewed 2345 times

Wagon_small2.jpg (45.26 KiB) Viewed 2345 times

Feels great to be "done"... just don't ask about the interior!

[KCStudly]

Nice job, and a very merry Christmas to you, sir.

[dales133]

Looks good, nice design

[tlsallada]

Your Christmas gift to yourself was your maiden voyage!! Looks great !!

[Westling]

Thanks, everybody, for the thoughtful comments. And Merry Christmas to all of you!

[Vedette]

Well Done!
You should be an inspiration to all of the Newbies here on the Forum, that would like to build their own TD.
But are worried it can't be accomplished in a reasonable time???
Watching your progress over the past month should help others with their confidence level.
Hope your are as stoked about the upcoming Camping season as you were about your build?
We are looking forward to meeting you and your family down the roads somewhere!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi