5x8 Tall New Cub with Footwell & Removable Cabin

[PNWFTW]

Alright, Here goes nothing!

I have lofty goals to build a TD with the following features/specs:

Building on a 4x8 Harbor freight trailer, a 5x8 New Cub style. I want to have a booth table on the inside for rainy days, that can collapse into the bed. I also want the cabin to be able to be lifted off of the frame so that it can double as a utility trailer while I'm not camping. It's a tall order, but I've got plan! The HBF trailer has 8 brackets to receive 2x4s for side rails. I'm going to build steel fittings that utilize those brackets to hold it down tight. A jack on each corner will lift the cabin off and the trailer can drive right out. Because the the cabin uses a footwell, it will have a hole in the bottom of it when lifted off the trailer, and the trailer will have a strange basement on it, but hey, there has to be some compromises.

I've spent two days on the build so far and have the footwell build onto the trailer. I'll get some pics up just as soon as I can find the time to figure out how.

I have a super busy schedule and its not the best time in my life to be building a trailer, but I just can't wait! I have Saturdays to through at it and the is really it. I hope to be done in time for memorial day weekend.

[roamer]

I originally was going to build a cabin for my stake trailer.
Look forward to seeing your progress. There are stake pocket tie downs that might work for securing the cabin.
I changed my plans, as my cabin will be too big for my current trailer.
Good luck!

[PNWFTW]

Okay, Day one: Trailer Assembled! It took all day bacuase I spent a lot of time considering the design. I also started cutting some angle iron for the footwell.


Saturday #2! Footwell built! I'm very happy with my progress. It isn't glued in yet, but the pieces are cut and they fit! More refinement of the design and how the cabin will come off and attached again has taken place.


Because I wanted the front of the footwel to be angled back, it made for a very difficult time getting the toung through it! two different weird angles to work with. I had to tak ethe toung back apart and slide the peice through. Those should seal up fine with some silicone I think.



This weekend: Building the 5x8 sub-frame for the cabin that will sit on top of the trailer. I realize that a good side profile is missing. I'll be sure to get a pic of it next week.

[PNWFTW]

Because I plan to have the cabin removable fromt he trailer, I need to have a rigid and sturdy floor. I built the floor out of 2x4 and 2x2 frame sandwhiched between sheets of 3/8" 3ply. I used liquid nails everywhere and stapled it together with 1.75" staples.

I found a source for 5' x 10' 3/4" ACX for $125 each! I'm using 5'x10' so that I can have the curved teardrop shape go about 1' FWD and 1' AFT of the floor. That will give me a little more room in the cabin. I'll use the 5' width of the sidewall sheet to provide a 4' 4" inside cabin height (at it's peak) and give 6 inches below the floor to hide the trailer frame and provide a lower appearance.


I decided to go with the less expensive white styrofoamm insulation for the floor. I do not really intend to use this trailer in any environment that I wouldn't use a tent, so I am not putting a high value on insulation for this trailer. I really only put insulation in the floor to sturdy it up a tad bit more.


In the Below pic you can see the hole in the sub-floor lined up with the footwell. In the photo, it is sitting on 2x4's because I still need to notch out a section for the fenders before it can set directly on the frame.


Again from the side. The FWD protion of the "footwell" will be used for bedding stowage while the cabin is in the table booth configuration.


It's getting very exciting! I wish I could work evennings during the week on this project, but I'm an MBA student and work full time, so Saturdays are really all I have to throw at it. Next I have to get the trailer (less the cabin) ready for DOT licensing inspection. I plan to get it licensed as just a flatbed trailer. The cabin, being removable, will only be considered a load that the trailer is hauling. ...We'll see how that goes. What could go wrong?!
I've been putting licensing off due to a lights wiring issue. I thought the HBF trailer was wired caddywhompus, but turns out the 3-way/2-way converter in my truck seems to be failing...

.'till next time!

[PNWFTW]

One question I'll just put out there in case anyone sees it and can help,

I'm trying to decide if I can get away with not applying any type of skinning. Just a great water-resistance treatment, lots of primer, and lots of paint. ...at least for the sidewalls. The the front/top/rear piece is harder to envision not skinning. I have to put SOMETHING on the outside. Any suggestions?

[roamer]

What about Monstaliner? I like the texture and they have a lot of colors

[PNWFTW]

Monstaliner. hmm... I hadn't heard of it before. I don't think it is the texture that I would choose, but it may be a good solution. I'll have to give that some more thought. I'm sure I'll put off deciding what to do for at least a couple of months.

It'll cost me $400 (and about 130 lbs) for 4 sheets of 5'x10' .050 aluminum delivered. That'll be the most expensive thing on this semi-thrifty build, but I can't think of another good way to get a smooth, weather resistant, paint-able surface.