My name is John Spratt and my wife's name is Rose. I am a retired engineer with interests in Street Rods, Woodworking, Golf, Stained Glass, Grandkids, and a few other things.
After reading what seemed like thousands of posts on this forum, I finally bit the bullet. Harbor Freight had their 2000 # trailers on sale ($299) in the same week that they e-mailed me a 20% off coupon. I couldn't resist.
I am planning on building a 5 ft X 10 ft (approx.). I have extended the frame 9 inches front and rear using 2 inch X 1/8 inch angle . I have extended the tongue 22 inches using 2 1/2 inch square tubing with 1/4 inch wall, connected back through the first two crossmembers. I would welcome any opinions on the wisdom of what I have done so far.
Now for a couples of questions that I hope those of you with vast teardrop experience can help me with:
1. I am planning on a "rubber" roof. I don't know yet what material to use (liquid rubber roofing, TPO, sheet rubber goods, ???????) Anybody out there with personal experience?
2. If I decided to skin the sides with aluminum, what I have read would suggest .032 thickness is best. What I have not been able to determine is: a. What alloy to use? b. mill finish or anodized? c. best way to attach aluminum to plywood. d. Any recommended suppliers in the Central Indiana area?
I am hoping to gather information and materials to make this a winter project, and have it ready roll by spring.
We have had tent trailers and motor homes in the past and found drawbacks to all of them. We are looking forward to the teardrop lifestyle.