Hello from southern caifornia and moving north

[smallcornlife]

Hi all,
After much lurking I have joined the forum! I would love to get some advice and tips as I build my teardrop trailer dream.
But first an introduction:
My name is Allyson and I'm feeling a fairly young first time builder at 23, I was inspired to build a teardrop trailer by tiny trailer home living. My goal is unique and not for everyone, in that I would like to live in my tiny trailer in the driveway of a residence up north. I originally wanted a tiny home trailer but lacking a truck it's not a feasible dream at this point so I had to think even smaller. I also don't have a job so I'm thinking as cheap and free as I can, though safety is also a concern of mine. I have had some fun experiences at college and was lucky enough to spend time at the trailer park which was located on campus at the college! It was truly a special place that really got me into the idea of trailer living.

Some materials and skills I have are:
A great deal on the HF 4x8 foldable trailer with 8in wheels, on sale & with coupon for $175! I have assembled most of it and also have a free old boat trailer I can scrap parts from (most likely the wheel/tire/hub assembly, but I haven't checked to see if the boat trailer hub will fit the HF axle).
Lots of used 2x3 and 2x4s mostly 8ft a few at 10ft. A fair amount of 4x8 OSB. A small amount of plywood that is mostly 4x4 or smaller. Other various lumber 2x2s, 1x4s... All the lumber is in good condition and can be reused. I would like to reuse as much of this as possible! I also have some steel bits and scraps I can use. A 2012 Hyundai Accent for towing.
Anything I can find on craigslist freelist in my area. I have a few free table top pieces I plan to use for the galley, & I plan to find free flooring too.
Some skills I have are wood working, welding/metal working skills, and electrical engineering. I am an artist and love to engineer and design new things. I am excited to use an arduino micro controller to automate my trailer with LED lights, fans, and a water pump for the sink, all on 12v!

I am excited to start building and continue learning as I go. While I am unemployed now I do occasionally work for a family friend, I hope to save up this money to buy aluminum sheet for the roofing, but likely before that I will need to buy some plywood for my floor and sides as it seems OSB just won't cut it for exterior application. I also have a job lined up in the summer that will fund me when I get there! Taking it easy till then.
Now you know a little about me, what I hope to accomplish, and what materials I have to build with! Look forward to interacting around the forum and having fun.
Allyson

[pchast]

Welcome. It seems like you have much of the materials you need
already.

[Da'engineer]

Welcome!

When I start my build you will have to check out my integration of automation.

I hope the best for you in your ventures

[KennethW]

HF trailers use metric bearing so only the wheel may fit. For the lowest cost build.
I would use 3/8 plywood right on the trailer frame with the wall screwed up from the bottom. The walls would be 1x2's framed with luan plywood on the outside. The inside you could use low cost moving blankets for insulation and covering. On the outside you could use wood conditioner and dark base untinted paint if you like the wood look or for a lower maintain outside finish with canvas drop cloth glued on with titebond II then painted.(Foamy style). Window would be willys? style with the wedges. Galley hinge would be strap type hinges with a piece of aluminum flashing bend in a _/\_ shape (flip over) in to the hinge gap.
Just something for you to think about.

[smallcornlife]

Nice to meet yall, and thanks for the ideas!

Kenneth: I hadn't considered using moving blankets as insulation but seeing as they are available to me for free it seems like a great idea!
I'm hoping I'll be able to do another piano deconstruction and snag the hinge for my trailer, but this time won't have a flatbed with a crane attached to get the free piano.. hmm.. (Maybe I'll be able to find one on the curb so I can just take what I need haha!)

Da'engineer: It would be great to see your ideas for automating your trailer! no better way to file away some ideas I haven't seen or thought of yet.

pchast: Glad to hear it seems like I'm stocked for the start.

See everyone around the forum.

[ctstaas]

Hi Allyson, Welcome from Chico. Nor Cal is the hub of good times and a TD brings it even closer. My cabin is four sheets of 3/4" marine grade plywood and two sheets of 1/4" plywood, lots of glue and screws. Did you know you can click on the icon below our info and see our galleries. Very cool and the best to you on your build.
Enjoy, chris