Hi Everyone!

[jjlevek]

I recently discovered TDs and started researching them on the web and finally found this site. What a GREAT SITE--I've spent about 4 hours a day for the past 4 days browsing (and it's the last week of my vacation!) great info, pics, builds, etc. Needless to say, among other things, I like building stuff (i hope it is ok i put a few pictures of a desk and a quilt rack in my album in addition to pics dismantling the old utility trailer as I start on a TD). Since we are getting tired of setting up the pop-up we got to move up from tents--the kids are now setting up their own tent and all we seem to do is sleep in the pop-up now--I figured I may as well put the 1990 NuWay 4x8 I bought almost 20 years ago to a good use since it has not even been unfolded for 4 or 5 years! I think this was ~1200gvw


So, with my 14 year old son's help, we have begun dismantling it


MY BASIC PLANS:
I will start with my trailer and use the generic Benroy plans with a few mods.

I plan to lengthen the frame about 12-18 inches using the center rails as described on this site for the HF trailers. I know I need to change one of the hubs out since i had a bearing go out rather suddenly 10-12 years ago and it destroyed the hub--not having much money then (nor now, for that matter, especially with my oldest daughter starting university next week), I welded it back together and used the old inner bearing race to take up the slack that had been chewed inside the hub by the axle spindle which strangely enough was not damaged! So, even though I've put about 5000 miles on it since then, I'm going to put 2 new hubs on the axle. It currently has 8" wheels and I really like the larger wheels, so I will probably move up to 5x4.5 hubs and use at least 12" wheels.

Current plans are to lengthen the axle about 1', move the axle back, and put a 6x9 or so deck on the frame, perhaps with a 5' height just to get a bit more headroom--i did try a VERY ROUGH MOCKUP up of a 4x9 using scraps from dismantling the utility trailer and a few other scraps--not much to look at, but i got a rough idea of the space from it


I may just opt to retain the 8" wheels--only need to buy 2 hubs and not wheels then--and make the deck about 5' wide--this would bring it to the midline of the tires and if joists are 3.5" high, I can retain the current clearance on the tires without boxing the wheel out or lengthening the axle.

I've not worked with aluminum much, but may use that on the roof and hatch, and then wood on the sides. I'll sandwich it as I've seen others do to keep the weight down--i've never done that but think I can swing it.

Well, I guess that is about it for now--your advice and comments are welcome!
joe

[Lgboro]

Welcome to the forum!

Looks like you're already been hooked like most of the regulars on the forum. These folks are and invaluable resource for anyone building or thinking of building a tear or tiny travel trailer. As you may have seen a post usually will yield numerous ideas and several ways of completing the task in question.

Don't worry about posting pictures as they are not only encouraged but will help get more concise and accurate help when needed. You will also want a record of your build for the future. Pics also allow others forum members to follow and learn from your build.

Hope your build goes good and you are camping soon!

[BillandMarijo]

Man you are on your way. Thats great. I have built my Tear started last summer and let her sit in the garage untouched over the winter. Gettin her painted this Saturday. Good luck to you on your build.
Bill

[Miriam C.]

to the playground. Great start I used a tent/pop-up type frame and it is big compared to a normal teardrop. You will find the bigger they get the more they cost and the work doubles. However---we love ours so it was worth it.

Get the sawdust going and remember to take lots of They really do help keep that bubble on center.

[mikeschn]

Wow you're off to a good start. And pictures too!

Where in SE MI are you from?

Mike...

P.S. Welcome to the forum!

[jjlevek]

Thanks to all for the positive comments and welcome from everyone--this seems like a great community. I'm actually living in Ypsilanti at the moment--been here 6 years or so. Many places before that. I posted a few questions on the chassis and frame section, but no replies yet--a few more pictures added, too.
joe

[Steve_Cox]

Hi Joe

[Rarin2go]

Welcome Joe.
Post pictures and ask questions and you will get responses. Good luck on your build.

[2bits]

Hey Joe, welcome to the forum! I love watching things take shape! I don't have any personal experience, but I have read (here) that 8" wheels tend to burn up bearings fast. This is a great experience and sweating away in the garage is a great getaway too!

[tinksdad]

In my opinion (and opinions are like hemorrhoids and cowboy hats... sooner or later, every a**hole gets one) for the time being make the changes to your axle keeping 12" or larger wheels in mind. You can always get the tires and wheels later in the build when the budget allows. It's gonna be up on buckets or jack stands until that point any ways. Unless you plan on accomplishing it over night!! In my case, I'm about 50% over budget so far and about 200% past the time I originally figured it would take to finish!!!

[jjlevek]

Thanks everyone for the continuing welcomes! The more I think about it and read, I think I will probably be happier with 12"+ wheels and perhaps a stronger axle--guess it is time to start saving up for that and keep planning.
joe

[2bits]

I got a #9 Dexter torsion axle for 14" wheels for $175 after tax from Redneck Trailer Supply. Totally custom built. If they make em smaller it should be cheaper too.

[jjlevek]

Thanks for the suggestion Thomas--Since I will probably get a new axle, I'm contemplating a torsion axle but don't know much about them (and can't afford any type of axle at the moment) so right now I'm just reading and learning and planning.
joe