I'm going to reserve the first few posts for the different topics on this build, so I can keep all the pics/progress somewhat organized.
The goal of this build is somewhat unique, as it's not canned ham, and it's not teardrop.
I like both, and I have respect for the designs of those who have gone before me.
Main design goals:
1. a floor - yea I know, not very exciting, but a place for muddy shoes that's not outside.
2. elevated bed / lounger -- again, seems simple enough, but a full size futon with a frame that makes it into a "double wide chaise lounge" is very interesting to me.
also the ability to sit up, and not just kinda lounge against a wall is a plus.
3. inside storage, including cooler space. I like a cold soda a night, morning, actually about any time.
4. ability to get dressed inside -- not everyone likes to do the "worm" to put their pants on in the morning, and the ability to sit on the end of the bed, and then stand up -- is huge.
5. safety -- no combustibles inside - period. To that end, not even a propane stove in a rear galley, where a propane leak could cause issue. All combustibles outside.
6. off road capable -- I know I know, build like an airplane, not a tank -- well, I'm thinking more like armored car....
7. low amp draw everything -- has to be able to boondock, and still run the heater at night if needed, or whatever else.
This is to be an expedition trailer for my son, who wants to backpack, well, everywhere. We explored T@b's and T@g's, and believe it or not, came away liking the T@g's much better, especially the off road wide version. Canned ham's typically try to put too much stuff in too little space, where a classic teardrop doesn't try. T@g's and T@b's kinda follow that trend as well. The only real downer on a T@g? no floor, etc.. so custom it had to be. I love the alde system in the T@b's, and have figured out a perfect DIY version of that (heat only, no hot water) with the combustion/boiler outside, running glycol, so no freezing issues. C-channel steel frame, and torsion axle, drop floor, solid walls. (yea, solid spruce, no plywood)
I'll get some pics up soon, I've got the trailer/drop deck / bed-futon lounge built, and ready to start the walls -- so hopefully I can put up pics at a reasonable pace.
Here's a couple to start, to show the trailer, and the deck that's on the "wrong side..."
- IMG_5683a.jpg (228.5 KiB) Viewed 6456 times
- IMG_5754a.jpg (228.06 KiB) Viewed 6456 times
not a dinette, but still comfy...
- IMG_5762.JPG (120.87 KiB) Viewed 6531 times
