New here and trying to decide how to proceed with a TTT.

[Thunderknight]

Hi all! Name here is Matt and I live in upstate New York.

I've been lurking here for a few weeks and browsing the web for various ideas.
I am looking for a tiny travel trailer for 1-3 night dry camping. I am involved in wilderness search and rescue and we do training and searches on weekends, so I would like to be able to travel to the location and be all set for spending a night or two instead of haivng to head home each night. Often there are no hookups or other resources where we park. I also want some reasonable storage room so it could store emergency supplies if I needed to "bug out" due to a diaster.

I am short (5'7") and my wife is even less. I don't mind being a little cramped, as the intended use is short term.

I am currently looking down 2 paths: Buying an enclosed cargo trailer and converting it, or building a frame on to a trailer frame.

The cost of an enclosed cargo trailer would run from $2000 for a 5x8 with no side door up to $2700 for a 6x10 with a side door. And all I have is an empty box that still needs modification.

The other option seems most cost effective. Harbor Freight has the 4x8 1740# trailer on sale for $299 right now, and I have a 15% off coupon. So for $255 I could have a trailer frame. With some overhang, I could size my shell to at least 5x8. I can't see the materials to do that costing $1750 (the difference between buying an enclosed). So while much more time is involved, it is probably considerably less expensive. I already own the 4x8 8" wheel model, but I would rather keep that for a utility trailer and buy a heavy duty frame for the camper.

Weight is not a big concern, as I tow with a full size SUV. I would say my woodworking and construction skills are "marginally intermediate" and I have a good assortment of power and hand wood working tools. I have no experience welding, so I would like to keep the metalwork to a minimum.

Framing the trailer would be fairly easy. I am more concered about the shell. I am worried about how weather tight I can make it...I know a lot of people use plywood and then seal with...and while that is the course I would probably take, I have no experience with that type of sealing....but I do have experience with general painting.

My biggest priorities are an enclosed (ie closet type) bathroom. I realize that this will probably involve some type of Porta-Potty. Also some room to work (desk, two way radios) is important. A galley is not, as this is designed for 1-3 day use, I consider "home cooking" to be non-essential. As for sleeping, I am trying to decide whether to space a bed in to this trailer, or would I better using that space for my bathroom/work/storage area and instead sleeping in my SUV at night (seats folded down).

Shape wise, I am probably looking at something generally profiled like a Simple. The TD shape is not important <ducks>.

So, anyway, that has been what has been crossing my mind for the past few weeks. Any comments?

Thanks all!

[madjack]

Matt, welcome aboard...it sounds to me, that what you need is Steve Wolverton's Puffin or something very similar. We(Mike and the board) are currently working on a "Generic Standy" that may be more than you want...Whatever you want can be built by using the "Generic Benroy" plans in the top index and modifying accordingly...any additional info you should need for your build can be supplied by the members here...be aware that once you start this, all your SaR buddies will want one as well.....
madjack

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Matt.

If you look at the "Hall of Fame" you will find several builds that fit your needs. EZ has a rimple that would certainly do it and as MJ said the puffin. Although the wheels might be an issue if you are off the paved road. If you look at mine you will find a mix between the puffin and Benroy. With some rearranging it would work for you also. A bit big as it is 6'4" across and 5" high. Lots of room for all your needs and a galley

Enjoy

PS---here is EZ's album. http://tnttt.com/album_ ... er_id=2202

[Kankujoe]

Hello Matt... welcome to the forum.

To give you my take on your questions: I'd say decide if you want to build from the wheels up or outfit/modify a cargo trailer. Both are viable options.

A cargo trailer is weather tight when you buy it. You can easily install a few windows, a cott/bed, a porta potty and you're ready to go. You can then upgrade & modify things as you see what works or doesn't work for your needs.

Or you can build your own trailer... which depending on your abilities, time and expectations may work out better. Both will cost roughly the same when its all said & done (especially when you factor in time & materials). IMO from my readings on this forum... Some people (probably the majority on this forum) prefer to build because they enjoy the process & the challenge. A few like me are probably more utilitarian in that we want (primarily) to get out there & travel more than we want to build the perfect little camper or teardrop.

There are advantages & disadvantages to both avenues. I went through the same decision making dilemma myself a few months back and I am doing what works best for me right now. I'm also adding, modifying & planning a few additional changes (permanent DC electrical system in the works). With a cargo trailer it is easy to make gradual upgrades in between using it.

I may build from scratch down the road but for now my cargo-conversion TTT is doing well for me (the Mrs & I just did a 9 day journey along the Lewis & Clark trail & I've done several other shorter trips with several others planned).

My immediate plans are to utilize my TTT mostly for quick self-contained dry camping over weekends with occasional extended camping trips but even these are more like a string of overnights strung together. I rarely stay put for more than one or two nights so I'm not overly interested in "setting up" a camp & kitchen. Occasionally I'll camp/cook/stay-put but this is rare.

Regardless of what you decide the process will likely never be finished. There will always be something you want to upgrade, modify or start over with a new build.

[ARKPAT]

Thunderknight Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:57 am Post subject: New here and trying to decide how to proceed with a TTT.

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I am looking for a tiny travel trailer for 1-3 night dry camping. I am involved in wilderness search and rescue and we do training and searches on weekends, so I would like to be able to travel to the location and be all set for spending a night or two instead of haivng to head home each night. Often there are no hookups or other resources where we park. I also want some reasonable storage room so it could store emergency supplies if I needed to "bug out" due to a diaster.

....... Porta-Potty. Also some room to work (desk, two way radios) is important. A galley is not, as this is designed for 1-3 day use......"home cooking" to be non-essential. As for sleeping, I am trying to decide whether to space a bed in to this trailer...... bathroom/work/storage area and instead sleeping in my SUV at night (seats folded down).

So, anyway, that has been what has been crossing my mind for the past few weeks. Any comments?

Thanks all!

Hi Matt ;
I have completed my FunSAR class a few weeks back. We share the same interest and goals in a trailer.
Their are several types to look at. The CompacII, WinterWarror,CabinCar,Mikes new EVAC trailer.

In a few weeks I will be a Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas and maybe be I will have enought of my trailer done to have some pictures made. I'm still experimenting with the design and function of the trailer to the goals that you and I share to have in a Search and Rescue personnell Trailer. I will try to give some Ideas of what I find that does not work for me. You can PM me if you like about it. As for the sealing the trailer Madjack and Mike both have very good ideas about what works and does not work. The local SAR Counties has Enclosed trailer and or RV Command Post operations so food and tolet problems are not a issue at a incident area ( but nice to plan to have on your own campout ). Either enclosed Trailer or a home built trailer will work great.

Pat

[Thunderknight]

Thanks for the replies, all.

I came across the Puffin thread the other night and was quite impressed. The basic shape of the "eBay" trailer (#180139701950) looks good too...although both of them seem tall for my liking...I might build some type of shortened version.

I am definitly leaning towards buying the HF 1740# frame this week for $255 and just working from there. I will probably build the frame up (my new air ratchet should be nice here!) and then play it by ear as I go along. This may up being a "what part do I design tonight so I can build it tomorrow". Any detailed plan I draw up will probably just change anyway!

I think the first issue I will need to address is what method I will use to expand the width to ~5 feet. Then I'll build the floor and start planning for walls. My goal is to make the shell as generic, yet useful, as possible so I can fool with the inside plans as I find what I like.

Thankfully I have a Lowes, Home Depot and Wal-Mart all 10 minutes away. Harbor Freight & Tractor Supply 20 minutes, and I just found out tonight a Redneck Trailer 30 minutes away.

Let the fun begin!

[ARKPAT]

Matt;
That's what I did. Mine is 5'-9" wide x 10'-0" long x 4'-0" plus ??? high removable stand - lone cabin route with the HF 1750 trailer. Sandwich panel construction in the walls/floor/top.


Good luck on the build.



You are right all designs are in progress as you build.

Pat

[bobhenry]

If you really do not want a galley per say use that space for the radio shack and desk area you wanted. Put in the galley wall for strength to the tear and build a low desk so you can be comfortable seated on the ground. The hatch door becomes a roof as it is opened and with a little creativity you can attach a heavy waterproof curtain and get double duty as the port a pot area. This would let you sleep in comfort without the foul odor that may linger after a nature call. The build is the most fun you can have with your clothes on and you can brag for years that YOU made it .

GO FOR IT !

[mikeschn]

Hey Matt,

Please help me understand your application a little better.

Are you going to base SAR operations out of your trailer? Is that why you need a desk? Are two way radios enough, or do you need a high powered radio with an antenna?

Or is this trailer just going to be your little home away from home? (rustic of course)

As a home away from home, you wouldn't need a desk per se... a bed that converts into a dinette would be adequate.

How important is standing room?

Like the other guys mentioned, some of the trailers that might fit your application are:
A larger Winter Warrior (with bathroom)
A Sunspot; interior opens to the galley. That could be your desk
An ET (Generic Evacuation Trailer) Has a bathroom
The Puffin (with bathroom)
The Widget
The Midget (with area for Porta Pottie)
The T@B or homemade T@B clone

Mike...

P.S. I'd be interested in designing a SAR trailer if I understand the requirements better...

[Mike C.]

Hi Matt,

Welcome aboard. Hope you enjoy yourself.

[Thunderknight]

Mike: My trailer would not be a command post. However, being that I am involved in communications, mapping and logistics, the office space part is still important to me, as I need room to setup a laptop, printer, maps, etc for my own use. I have not discounted the idea of it being switchable in to a bed area either. I think I'll just have to figure that out as I go.
Standing room is not important...I'm okay with crouching room to get around, but I would like to be able to sit at the work area without having to crouch.
It is a home away from home + office away from home But I'm willing to make compromises to make it work.

I went to Harbor Freight on my way home and picked up the 1740 lb 4x8 trailer for $255. So I'm committing myself

I don't think I mentioned it in my first post, but I doubt I'll put more than 1000 miles a year on it (if that).

I think I'm going to assemble the frame in the next few days and at the same time, keep browsing the forum for ideas. I really want to get the profile and outer mounting details figured out and maybe even built. Then I'll worry about how to make up the interior with what space I have.

[ARKPAT]

Mike I maybe wrong but if Matt is like me all that is needed is a place to set at a writing desk and write and listen to traffic on the radio as things occure with the incident he would be at.

I do this as well while sleeping and awake you get use to listening while you are resting so you will know when and what is needed and can repond as Logistics/Communication.

As far the High power radios he knows his requirements, plan for the worst and hope for the best when you arrive at an incident site. If he is like me you have a box/footlocker full of emergency radios you carry with you or are issued before or after you arive at the incident site.

Antennas Push-up poles are the norm. I have 100' of 48" military stack poles and base and guy wire and pins with me in two military bags.
Also your ID and 24 hour pack ( required at all times ).

I wonder what I forgot ( big boyscout ). I need a bigger truck and trailer. HE HE HE ! ! !


Pat

[mikeschn]

Go with a winter warrior!!! Have your bed/dinette in the front, and your office in the rear... It'll work perfect on that trailer you just picked up...



Mike...

I went to Harbor Freight on my way home and picked up the 1740 lb 4x8 trailer for $255. So I'm committing myself

[ARKPAT]

Mike you are right about the Winter Warrior. Good size and utility for setup and to store gear, wash-up and sleep during an incident. It is sturdy light,small and holds just enough.
Then when off time you can use it to camp in on the weekends.
And if you insulate for sound and environent you can rest in confort and quiet.

Pat

[Thunderknight]

I finally finished the frame. Found that I had to take the axle and springs back off because it was too heavy to turn over at that step in the instructions. Once I had it right-side up again, I jacked it up and mounted the springs again.



I think the next step is the floor. Since I am going to overhang the floor, I will attach the trailer lighting to that.

Now that I have the trailer assembled, I realized how tall it is. Yikes. I am definitly thinking I need to take advantage of a dropped floor inside.