Albuquerque Lurker

[GeneralChingon]

Hello all,
I've been lurking on this site for the past month or two, planning on working on building an offroad "tear" in the upcoming months. I previously had a Jayco Baya, which I recently sold. It was great when the whole family went, but most of the time it was just my son and I, so it was just too much. When him and I took it, we didn't even use any of the cooking, bathroom, etc in the trailer, just as a big bed.

My tow vehicle is a 99 Land Cruiser, so weight is not much of an issue. I intend to build my own frame, with an initial target around 5 x 8 (or as wide as I can find Aluminum sheet. Here are my initial requirements:

- Off-road capable, however I do not plan on taking on any really technical trails. It will mostly be for forest roads.
- Battery (looking at a lithium battery for weight savings, longevity, and ease of location to put it in).
- Storage for 2-3 "Scepter" style water/gas cans
- All LED lighting (
- Easily Switchable from 2" ball and a 3-axis coupler
- Aluminum Skin
- 2 Windows (screened/crank style)
- Fantastic fan
- 4"-6" Bed (up to a small queen 58" x 72", if I can source wide-enough aluminum locally or will go with a full )
- storage for a Camp-Chef stove (portable)
- 5lb propane tank holder
- Rim/Tire 15/27-31, haven't decided on size. Will like go with a Jeep-style wheel (for ease of rim selection, and if I ever sell it, bigger market than 100 series wheel pattern).
- 3500lb axle (depending on the size I end up building, I may go down to a 2k)
-Possible (electric brakes) depending on where I source axle

Future:
- Possible Fridge
- awning
- Solar charging
- Power management unit (for RV Park usage)
- Heating unit for winter camping
- Roof rack
-Timbren Axle-less suspension

[bc toys]

go 5x10 and you will be a happier camper Welcome from Las Vegas Nv

[ChasCABQ]

Good to have another builder from 'burque
Your camping experience will really help. You've got a good list of requirements. I can recommend some local wood stores for quality lumber.

[captbobh2o2004]

Hi. Capt Bob, from SE Albuquerque, I am on my 3rd Tear, if I cam help drop me an E Mail, We have a few Tears in Abq. and I plan on another Meet and Greet soon, Capt. Bob

[GeneralChingon]

thanks for the welcome... I am definitely interested in any recommendations for local companies. I've purchase steel from Choice Steel in the past, and recently went and picked up some "scrap" from Metal Supermarkets to practice welding with. I'll be going to a couple places locally to look at what they have to offer in selection/price for an axle, or may just go ahead and order one from Etrailer.

I am going to call around the metal shops to find out the widest Aluminum this week, then start building the frame the first week of August, hopefully getting the frame done in a single weekend, and sourcing the major parts (windows, wood, fan) that need to be factored into the box. I haven't decided on a door, but I am currently leaning towards making one.

Ron

[ChasCABQ]

I'm building Benroy style on 5x8 Northern Tool kit trailer, 1/2" floor and 3/4" sidewalls of marine plywood, poplar 1x2s as spars, 1/8" birch plywood for roof and hatch.
Hunter Bower Lumber had the wood.
Stock Building Supply provided 1x2 poplar, actual 3/4"x2", slightly wider than Hunter Bower.
Teardrops.net supplied hurricane hinge, tee handle lock set, and RV doors to fit 4' sidewall height.

Also check out the free program Sketchup Make http://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-make