I started with a large capacity Harbor Freight trailer, removed the fenders and removed the folding ability. At this point, the cargo/storage trailer was still a dream. I had the entire thing closed in when my mind was changed for me to build a cozy sleepable interior. This meant my plan of storing a battery and propane tank in onboard cubbies was dashed, and brackets for both needed to be added to the tongue, but more on that later. Originally, the body would be angular, but after cutting it out, I decided to make the transitions more rounded. Mistake.
All of the electrical was hidden behind boards so that any cargo being stuffed inside wouldn't snag wires. This was necessary since interior paneling wasn't planned. The galley is nearly complete at this point, complete with pull-out sink.
My plan, a simple sketch on paper, is no longer adequate for this. The front had been changed, the doors were a different design, and my interior shelf was removed. My from-scratch trailer is now being built ad-hoc, with mistakes being my learning curve.
An interior was added, with foam sheeting insulation, and more electrical was run to accommodate lighting, a vent fan, and a small control panel in the cabin.
My plan for the exterior was to cover it with PMF, or Poor Man's Fiberglass. The canvas was easy to work with, but it took a lot of trial and error with the Titebond II. It dried quickly, and wasn't always effective. If I had it to do again, I'd just use thinned paint. I'd also pre-paint the backside of the canvas to promote better adhesion and help remove bubbles.
I've read a lot about PMF and felt confident I could do it. I couldn't be more wrong. It is hard.
I painted the exterior in black, my wife's decision, to best match our jeep (the tow vehicle).
The windows were from an old coach that my father gave me, as was the vent.
The grey tank was liberated from an old water softener. The water tank is a 15 gallon concession type.
Most everything in the interior was sourced from Amazon.
After 4 coats of exterior latex, I added a pop of color. I was always told in woodworking that if you painted anything, it was to cover up flaws. And it works, I covered a lot of flaws.
Closer to completion for the maiden voyage.
After our first trip, I made a few modifications. The faucet would drip after a few minutes, and would soak the counter. A small rainshower convinced me to seal up some leaks, and rethink how water flows off the hatch when in the upright position. I also sewed up some "batwings" from the leftover canvas. I figure this will help keep me warmer when using the galley during my hunting trips in the colder seasons.
