New Build "The Castaway"

[dploch]

After joining this forum several months ago, I have spent alot of time reading countless threads of outstanding builds and the one underlying thing that I get from all of the responses is the unlimited support that you all give to any and all. It is nice to see in todays world. With that said I wanted to tell you all about the start of me and my Dad's new build. First off I like to hunt, fish, and generally enjoy the outdoors. Which has led me to designing a TTT that would supporyt those pursuits. I wanted a TTT that would haul my ATV, coolers, fishing equipment, etc. but would also provide a comfortable place to sleep for me and my wife. My first order of business was a beginning profile. I decided on a oversized "Sunspot" toyhauler. Here is my first sketch.


Next I needed to convince my father (the one with the skills) to join me in this endeavour. Since he is always up for a challenge it did not take alot.
We have since started by building the frame here are a couple of pics.



I have collected most of the parts used and new and will keep ya'll posted on the rest of the build. I will also be asking questions as we go. Thanks in advance and thanks for all the info to date.

[Eunice]

it looks nice. My husband would kill for your work area. be sure to keep up the pics.

[deputydogrick]

very sharp, keep Dad working and good luck with your build.
Rick

[b.bodemer]

I like your design ....................and how cool that your dad is helping.

Have fun and keep the pictures coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barb

[Ira]

Wow--that frame looks AWESOME!

Is that 5 by 10, and are you going at least 6 wide building out over the wheels, judging by the wheel cutouts in your sketch?

[dploch]

The actual frame is 14 x 6 with 9x6 being the cabin and 5x6 being the hauler/open part.

[bdosborn]

Hey I think you stole my frame!





Nice concept, I look forward to watching your build, so post lots of pictures!!



Bruce

[dploch]

hey.... where was the picture of your frame when I was trying to decide what to do? haha

[Ira]

The actual frame is 14 x 6 with 9x6 being the cabin and 5x6 being the hauler/open part.

WOW!

But why not go wider to build out over the wheels then?

[dploch]

not sure why.....just figured it was easier. (did i say easier?) With that said I am getting extra room by the bedroom part being a slide out. If you notice in my frame picture there are two rails on the front of the trailer that will be embedded in the front deck. These will support rollers for a slide out once the deck is unloaded.

[Micro469]

not sure why.....just figured it was easier. (did i say easier?) With that said I am getting extra room by the bedroom part being a slide out. If you notice in my frame picture there are two rails on the front of the trailer that will be embedded in the front deck. These will support rollers for a slide out once the deck is unloaded.

Great concept...How much of the TTT will actually slide? and how are you going to waterproof the slideout???? Or do I have to wait until you figure it out yourself??

[dploch]

a 4and a half foot by five foot box will slide out. the TT will be 6 foot tall. I have purchased some cargo hatch latches like are on cargo trailers to hold the slide in tight against the gaskets. It will be built much like a commercial slide only it will be manually operated. In addition to the two wheels rolling in the channels, there will be two wheels rolling on the floor inside the trailer. I got the ideal from looking at some rear slide outs built on some OUTBACK travel trailers.

[Miriam C.]

Sounds great. Will be watching for progress on this for sure.

[MSG Hall]

very COOL!

I have been thinking about something similar. I need one for my ATV as well and two beds... ain't that I'm homophobic, but when I go camping with a buddy, I want my own bed.

[dploch]

Your profile sure looks alot more professional than mine. (looks great!) I must work on my computer skills and put down the pencil and paper.
The one thing that was at first a concern with me was where to put the axle but since I drive a large truck it was not as big of an issue. I have had to alter my design and place the door behind the axle which places the axle at 5 feet four inches from the rear.