It’s too soon to call this a building log. I don’t have a trailer yet, but we’ve been shopping.
Our goal is to build a budget minded, mini toy hauler in the 6x12 – 6x14 range. I get to have fun exercising my woodworking trade.
I’m going to randomly type out some thoughts on the project.
Please feel free to comment.
(This might get long.)
I was originally thinking that ordering a 7 foot wide model would give us more interior layout options, but our large local dealer can give us a much better price on any of the 6 footers that they regularly have on the lot. Wind resistance is a consideration too.
My tow vehicle is a 2017 Nissan Frontier, V6, Crew Cab. Towing capacity – 6500lbs.
I’m sure I can come in well below that. I had it in my mind that a single axel would be plenty and would help keep the weight down, but the salesman mentioned that a double axel is more forgiving when it comes to weight distribution. – Something I’ve been wondering about in my planning thoughts. Brakes come standard on a double axel too.
We’re getting older and we want to keep it simple. Our camping will be confined, for the most part, to parks and campgrounds with bathroom and shower facilities and hookups. We do, however, want to avoid late night treks to the bathroom, so a porta-potty in a small, private compartment is a must. Also, a sink with a 10 gallon or so, gravity feed water supply for washing hands and brushing teeth, etc. with a portable greywater tank in the cabinet below. That’s about it for plumbing.
For electricity, I’m thinking a 110 system that powers lighting, air conditioning, a small microwave, and a small refrigerator that can double as an ice box. Also, a few 12 volt dome lights on a deep cell battery, just in case. I’m leaning towards a small window unit mounted partially inside a cabinet for air conditioning. They’re cheap to the point of being disposable and I’ve seen lots of ideas on how to rig them. I don’t like the idea of a roof mount. The mini split units are intriguing, but expensive. I don’t know how one would hold up to the jolts and vibrations of the road.
Cooking will be outdoors on a camping stove or grill. I want to stay away from plumbing propane through the trailer.
Our “toy hauling” will only consist of a pair of three-wheelers. (bicycles)
My plan is to have a ramp rear door. Just inside the ramp and mechanism, I would mount an aluminum screen wall similar in construction to a pool enclosure or add-on porch. It will have a 3’ screen door for getting the bikes in and out. Most of our camping will be in Florida and the southeast. Along with a couple of windows, this should give us great air circulation on nights when we don’t need the AC.
The bunk will consist of two twin beds. One fixed with storage below, and one that folds up to make room for the bikes and other gear. When down, the two will come together as a king size.
The trailers we’ve looked at were made by Forest River. They did a nice job with the interior plywood on the walls. Instead of tearing it out to insulate and run wiring, I’d be tempted to leave it and just add ¾” furring strips for the insulation. Then attach my ¼” plywood paneling. I think I can spare the inch. It might require some additional trim work around the window frames, etc.
I worry about roof leaks. I’ve thought about giving it a good coat of mobile home roof paint right from the get go… Just as a little added precaution.
That’s it for now.
Thanks for reading.