My first build

[hallotp]

I've been lurking on this site for forever and am finally far enough along in my first build that I know it will get completed...one way or another!
The basics of the build are that its built on an M116 military trailer, 4 1/2 feet tall, 6 wide and 9 1/2 long. There's a small dinette that converts and an rv toilet with just enough room for a sit down shower. My wife and I are both fairly small, so that helps.
This was also my first big welding job, and although I have made many mistakes, I'm confident in its strength.

Here is trailer on the day we bought it:

[hallotp]

Building the cage was a humbling experience as to how lacking my welding skills were. Even took a semester of welding at the local community college but there's nothing like hours spent doing the actual work. Also just using a Lincoln AC buzz box. Wanted to use 16 gauge but couldn't manage it with the Lincoln so this is all 14 gauge.

[hallotp]

Here's the cage and trailer after returning from the painter. I'm not at all happy with the price/quality of the job, but I'll touch up where I have to.

Also of note, I removed 3 leaf springs from each side which resulted in about 2 inches of drop and a much softer ride. This should be more appropriate to the final weight of the trailer which certainly won't be a featherweight. I did strip off all of the extra steel parts other than the fenders which I just couldn't bring myself to part with. This has created some design challenges and if I had to do it over again those would have to go!

I riveted 1" aluminum tube to fill in the cross members and as framing for the windows.

[hallotp]

The interior skin is mostly .040 white aluminum, except for one side where cabinetry will be which is skinned with 1/4" oak ply.
The exterior will be .063 anodized. I'm using anodized angle as trim.

Conspicuously absent from these photos....the door. Havent started it and honestly I'm pretty nervous about getting it right. I'm hoping that some inspiration will strike me before I finish the rest of the work.

Presently I am cutting the foam insulation and fitting it between the cross members. Of all the jobs so far, this part is the least pleasant and most like work. Not sure why but I'll be happy when that part is over.