Ira is back in the house. Aren't you thrilled!?

[M C Toyer]

And I've already changed my mind about design. I AM going to go boxy, because of my limited length. It would be nice to have the max headroom the design will allow throughout the entire interior. So...

I want to do a log cabin design, with a slightly pitched roof and overhanging eave, for the looks effect. Short chimney extension on top to hold vent/fan. And skins...I have no idea how to get this log cabin effect.

I guess I'll start looking at log cabin photos for inspiration, but any ideas you guys have, bring 'em on. I'm assuming my roof is going to be built with trusses.

[Tom Kurth]

Don't know how authentic you want the look to be but there is faux log siding available. Aluminum or steel, I don't know which.

[noseoil]

Unless you need the space inside the truss for duct runs, pipes or wires, I wouldn't use them for your build. Granted, they would add some structural integrity to the build, but I don't think you would need to go that far for a camper (serious over-kill). Conventional stick-framing with a ridge board (2x4?) & rafters (2x3?) would be better, use less interior head room, give a more open feel & still be plenty strong for a small box. You could even drop down to a 1x4 ridge & 1x3 rafters in something that small & be plenty strong enough.

I make trusses for a living, so if you want me to run some numbers for you, I can. The simple ridge & rafter setup would be better in this case in terms of money, time, weight & effort. Most trusses made with conventional technology are now made with 2x material due to the analysis, steel connector plates, & finish roller for tooth bedding. Ends up being about 10 times stronger & much heavier than you would need in trailer size. Just my $.02 worth.

[M C Toyer]

The material in the 3rd post above is roll formed 26 gauge steel; aluminum would look exactly the same. A vinyl simulated log panel is also available
========================

I agree with noseoil - simple and lightweight for rafters/trusses if that is the route you go.

I used 2 x 3 cedar fence rails, glued and screwed, as per the attached diagram.

I did not use a ridge board but ran a 1 x 12 on the underside the full length of the ceiling and 1 x 4s on the bottom of the rafters to simulate an open beam.

The ceiling material was laid on the 1 x 4's from above, topped with rigid polyurethane foam, then decked and roofed with standing seam steel.

The short collar ties provide a base for the 1 x 12 and accommodate the wiring for the recessed ceiling lights.

Slope is approximately 2/12 to 12 resulting in a 72" interior height and 96" exterior height at the peak.

[Vedette]

Wow! A cabin on wheels?
Nice Job!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Greg M]

Welcome home Ira!

[robfisher]

Yes Welcome Home Ira. Glad to see you back.
Rob

[CAJUN LADY]

Ok, please share your Bleu Cheese Potatoes recipe. And WELCOME BACK!!

[mikeschn]

Hey welcome back IRA,

How's the hurricanes been treating you lately?

As for your new design, just use a single sheet of 4x8 on each side, cut to your perfect shape of course. If you plan wisely you can build that on a 4x6 trailer. I did a mockup of something similar last winter... lets see if I can find it...

ah here it is...



Although, if you want to watch a lot of TV, maybe starting with an Adirondack chair in the front is a better starting point...



And the air conditioner is a no brainer. Put it underneath so it won't interfere with your watching TV...



Mike...

[whitefishpoint]

W E L C O M E
B A C K
I R A ! ! !

I am sincerely glad you are back! I always enjoyed your posts of old - you always have something interesting to say.

I've gone from a 4'x8' teardrop to cutting it down the middle to make it a 5'x8, to building a custom 6'x10' for wanting to be able to stand up in it to put my clothes and shoes on.

[angib]

Well, lookee who came scuttlin' back.

Welcome, Ira.