Modifying the Weekender for family of 5

[Alfred]

Hi Mike,

I was just thinking it would hold up better long term if I keep it stored under some shelter when I wasn't using it. Do you think the firewood shelter would be sufficient to protect it from elements long-term, too? I know when people sell these, they often advertise whether it has been "garage-kept".

AL.

[mikeschn]

Garage kept is always better. But you don't always have a choice.

Mike...

[mikeschn]

Alfred,

I tweaked the design just a touch this evening. Here's what I have so far..

It's built on a 5x8 chassis.
It uses weekender style construction.
The kids bed slides forward during the day so you can use the galley, and slides back at night so that you have room to sleep.
The adults have 18" of airspace for their legs, and the kids have 18" to sleep in also.
The adults have a queen sized bed (60x80)
The kids have a shortened queen (60x68)

Mike...



and if it looks like the body is way up in the air... it is... just like the Escape Hatch...

[Alfred]

Wow Mike,

Your drawing looks great! I know the weekender is a simple build, too. Do you think it would be much more difficult to do a rounded weekender? I really like the looks of the rounded version, but it looks like the sqared off verision would be easier!

I've been looking at the other build on the list, that is similar, but with a stationary bed (See picture below). The slide would certainly give the kids more room to grow. Do you think it would be much more difficult to add the slide than to make the bed stationary? Would there be much loss of structural integrity without the stationary bulkhead there?

(Edit: I just realized that's a dumb question. The bulkhead is still there, right? The slide-out goes over it?



Wow! I really appreciate you working on this. I can picture it a lot better now!

Al in Asheville

[mikeschn]

The slide is real easy to build. You screw a 2x2 to the inside of each wall, and set the bed frame on that. To slide it, you just pull.

A rounded weekender is only slightly more difficult to build. If you have access to 1/8" plywood that I would definitely consider it as an option.

The hatch is more difficult to build if you have a rounded one. Perhaps you want a rounded front and a flat rear for the flat hatch.

Your bulkhead would go halfway up, so you'll have all the structural support you need.

Look how easy this hatch is to build...



Mike...

[Alfred]

Hi Mike,

OK, I'm sold on the rounded front and the easy to build squared hatch! Actually, I think it'll look really nice that way. The rounded front will give it a teardrop sort-of look!

Oh! And I get the "Slide" now. For some reason I thought I was going to have to buy some sort of industrial strength slider assembly (like in a file cabinet). I have to keep remembering "Keep It Simple".

This is exciting! I feel like we're making a lot of process in conceptualizing my build. Its becoming more real and concrete! I really appreciate your help!

Al in Asheville

[mikeschn]

Remember to take lots of pictures!!!

Mike...

[Alfred]

I went to Northern Tools today and looked at the 5x8 no-floor trailer. They are on sale until 11/13/07, here in Asheville for $299.00.

The wheels are 12". The bed of the trailer sits about 14" off the ground. The axle is 5' from the front and 3' from the rear. It takes a 1 7/8 inch ball hitch. There is a 2" ledge/lip that runs around the front and sides of the bed (but not the rear). I am glad I will not be extending the front another foot after all, as I was trying to figure how I was going to get over the 2" lip.

Now gotta talk sweet Wife into letting me buy it before it goes off sale next week!

AL in Asheville

[mikeschn]

This design IS 10' long. It does extend a foot in front of and a foot behind the trailer, only it does so at an angle...

BTW, I rounded off the front for you.

Now go sell 20 pieces of silver and go buy that trailer!



Mike...

[Alfred]

Mike - I love it!

Bravo, Way Cool, Awesome, Infinitely Buildable! Cool beans!



Man oh man, I caint hardly wait to Git R' Done!

AL in Asheville

[mikeschn]

I added a few dimension for you to assist in your planning. In doing so I realized you only had 14" of airspace for your legs. So I moved the upper bed up a couple inches.

It's tight, no matter how you look at it. If you can get a lower trailer you could add a few very valuable, very needed inches.



Mike...

[mikeschn]

If the top of the bed is really 14" off the ground, that's 5" less than a HF trailer. You could add that 5 or 6" to the side of your trailer, and give everyone a little more room.

As for the front lip, that can disappear into the floor.

Here's the design with the new dimensions...


Mike...

The wheels are 12". The bed of the trailer sits about 14" off the ground. The axle is 5' from the front and 3' from the rear. It takes a 1 7/8 inch ball hitch. There is a 2" ledge/lip that runs around the front and sides of the bed (but not the rear).

[Alfred]

Hi Mike and Gang,

I almost hate to ask a dumb newbie question like this, because it shows what a beginner I am. But if I am going to build walls higher than 4' and longer that 8', is it difficult to splice the plyboard together, or should I try to special order 5x10 plywood?

Also Mike, now I am going back and forth again about the rounded front, because I am thinking if I do the flat front, I can put another window up there in front? I still think the rounded front looks cooler, though. But I also like the idea of a front window...Good grief! Decisions, decisions...

Al in Asheville

[Steve F]

Splicing is easy is you pick the right spot. Around the door somewhere is the normal place as there is less seam to hide. I did mine right on the door hinge, made it easier to cut the door out as well. Not sure regarding the horizontal splce but I imagine it would be the same process just need to make sure it is framed well.

And certainly go the front window, mine isn't complete but I'm already glad I decided to.

Join and window





Cheers
Steve

[mikeschn]

What Steve F. said!!!

Mike...