Hello from northwest Florida

[CLChastain]

Hello from northwest Florida. I've lurked for a while, and finally joined, though I'm not certain I'm right for this forum. I want to build a small travel trailer, but not a teardrop. And although a trailer built to my concept would be small, I don't know if it qualifies as tiny. Cramped, maybe? LOL.

Actually, I've wanted to build stuff -- something! -- since I was a kid, but sewing most of my life assuaged that itch, I think.

In any case, I have searched for "build your own travel trailer" forums and they seem to be scarce as hens' teeth -- but this one looks great. I hope my design ideas aren't out of place here.

What stands between myself and starting the project is a couple of knee replacements. I've been unable to do any serious walking or standing for a long time, so I also need to get myself back in shape. Not sure how long this will take, but six months at minimum ... which seems like adequate time to plan and prepare and design ... and consult with folks who've done it.

Speaking of which, some of the trailers pictured here are fantastic. Hats off to you all!

Connie

[dales133]

Welcome connie looks like a nice little van.
Plenty of people making "standys " around here,youll fit right in.

[Racquetman]

Welcome Connie, I've had both my knees replaced, but I have'nt built a trailer, good luck to you, I hope you get it all done!

[CLChastain]

Thanks, dales133 and Racquetman. I'm looking forward to learning, and having fun, here. I guess I need to hit those standy threads, huh. Although there's a lot one can learn from teardrop builds, too.

And those foamie threads! Intriguing! I suspect a 12 x 7 standy would be too big for foam, but a part wood, part foam, part painted canvas skin might work together. I guess I'll start reading and find out!

[dales133]

Check out the foamstream thread and a few of the other foamie threads.
They build them big!
And your quite right,witch ever build style or method or size for that matter they are all pretty similar

[pchast]

Welcome Connie!

I noted your plan sketch in another thread. Nice idea...

I noticed many overhead cabinets. You may have to
move enough to lower(floor height) weight to reduce the
tendency to sway in turns.

[CLChastain]

Thanks, Pete. Good to know. I don't know if it will make any difference, but I wasn't planning to put any thing heavy in the upper cabs. Pillows, sleeping bags, fold-up clothes, paper goods (plates, cups, paper towels, etc). The heaviest ones would be in the galley, where food would go in the top cabs.

I've already changed the design again... but those top cabs are still there!

[CLChastain]

Adding some pics from my design gallery....

Filled floorplan


Curbside layout

[dales133]

Looks nice but I too would advise on limiting upper cupboards or the weight thereof.
I hired a motor home not that long ago in Darwin and it had loads of big heavy cabinetts around the roofline and it wallowed like a pig.
Was no fun to drive so if you do go for overheads do as you said and only store light stuff there and make the cabinetts of the lightest material possible.
If its only holding pillows ect youd be fine with 14 inch ply for alot of the construction of them