Ultrlight trailer build October 2016

[R. W. Alexander]

Looks a lot better with a coat of paint on the aluminum.

[ELM]

It looks great.

[R. W. Alexander]

Added skylight, vent and the front molding covers. I'll start working on the galley area tomorrow.

[friz]

Looks great! What did it end up weighing?

Sent from my Altair 8800 using Tapatalk

[R. W. Alexander]

Looks great! What did it end up weighing?

I haven't weighed it yet. I still have more to do.

This is the latest work. I did the weather strip covering on the galley lid. I took a piece of J channel a spaced a 1/4" gap between the higher section of J channel. I used a metal ruler that had the required (3/32")thickness I wanted to keep the J channel away from the wood side. I then added some holes through the J channel that were offset from the middle to connect the screws to the galley lid. I also ground off a bit of the screw so the plastic molding fit better. In case you are wondering about water getting in. especially during driving. the plastic hinge extends to the edge of the side. And I will add a bead of rubberized adhesive to prevent water from getting under the J channel at this area.

[R. W. Alexander]

Got some of the interior done. I finally weighed the trailer. the weight was 440 lbs. About right where I figured when I designed it.

[R. W. Alexander]

More photos.

[QueticoBill]

This is a really a sweet build. Really handsome. Do you know what it weighs?

[R. W. Alexander]

This is a really a sweet build. Really handsome. Do you know what it weighs?

440 lbs.

[R. W. Alexander]

About done. Here is what I did for the spare tire holder. I cut a circle out of some 3/4" cdx plywood, then sealed it up with some waterproofing. I then got a length of all thread, bolts, and a wing nut. I then made a lightweight aluminum frame to help hold the tire until it was pulled tight against the bottom of the trailer. Originally I was going to put the spare tire at the front, but with the extra height of the torsion half axles I had plenty of room at the back.

[R. W. Alexander]

I needed to keep the doors from flying open from a gust of wind. So I made some leather door holders. I used 2 for each door . They are positioned over the top and bottom hinges. They are compact and do not interfere with getting in or out. And they hold the door at the proper angle. I have a laser engraver so I added some Indian clip art to the leather, as I cut them out.

[Dirtclod]

Those leather door stops are a great idea. I may have to steal that for my build.

[R. W. Alexander]

In keeping with a lightweight design. I made these adjustable lift blocks out of redwood rems. I can adjust them in 1/2 inch increments. I have 2 for the back of the trailer. And one for the front tongue. Since the trailer is Very light I can just lift with one hand and slide a jack under the trailer. For the trailer jack in front. It slides in place and I lift the tongue to set the height. The extra block on the top of the front tongue jack, allows me to move the trailer without taking off the redwood lift jack.

I also did a small trip to see how the trailer tows, and to get a idea of gas mileage. I went over two mountain passes in a 180 mile trip. I got about 28 m.p.g.

[pchast]

Nice!

How tall is your trailer from the road in relation to
your tow vehicle?

[R. W. Alexander]

Nice!

How tall is your trailer from the road in relation to
your tow vehicle?

The trailer is 15 inches from the road to the bottom of the trailer. It is taller than my last one I built. And I prefer the extra height of this trailer.