Am I missing something?

[Nitetimes]

A good place to start considering the size and weight of your frame would be to eliminate some steel. The X-members I have marked would be a good start. Just take a torch or grinder and remove as much of them as you can get at. The center section of the one in the tongue is un-necessary, just leave the outer parts of them to sit the corners of your deck on.
You may even be able to eliminate some other stuff, can't tell from that pic.

[Ivar the Red]

Yeah, Rich, I've already cut several cross members out, and the one running lengthwise use to go all the way back. I just stopped there 'cause I was setting the grass on fire.

[Nitetimes]

Yeah, Rich, I've already cut several cross members out, and the one running lengthwise use to go all the way back. I just stopped there 'cause I was setting the grass on fire.

So what's wrong with that??? Just less to mow!!!

[Ivar the Red]

Yeah, Rich, I've already cut several cross members out, and the one running lengthwise use to go all the way back. I just stopped there 'cause I was setting the grass on fire.

So what's wrong with that??? Just less to mow!!!

But I was standing on that particular grass.

[Nitetimes]

Yeah, Rich, I've already cut several cross members out, and the one running lengthwise use to go all the way back. I just stopped there 'cause I was setting the grass on fire.

So what's wrong with that??? Just less to mow!!!

But I was standing on that particular grass.

Can't sweat the small details!

[halfdome, Danny]

How did I miss this thread. My first build I did lots of reading and I thought framing the floor was the status quo. I used 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood with 1" Popular framing for 1" of insulation. Later on from reading other threads I found the insulation and frame was unnecessary with 5" of Knox foam for my mattress. It's a waste of money and effort to insulate the floor with that much foam under you. My second build I went with 3/4" plywood with laminate backer sheet on both sides to seal it all and used a more than an adequate amount of elevator bolts to mount it to angle iron welded to my chassis. So far I've towed it over 3,200 miles at freeway speeds, etc and it's as solid as the day I built it. If your using an air mattress in a cold climate then you should insulate the floor with a frame. Would I frame a floor again? No way. Danny

[Ivar the Red]

Ok, but framing the walls is still ok, isn't it?

[Nitetimes]

Ok, but framing the walls is still ok, isn't it?

That's my preference but not all do. I like insulation.

[toypusher]

Ok, but framing the walls is still ok, isn't it?

That's my preference but not all do. I like insulation.

I just like to do things the way the I want and don't care what anyone else does or thinks about it!!!

[john]

I framed up a floor. But my trailer frame was only 3.5' wide and I wanted a 5' wide tear. I used a catamaran trailer.

The space under the tear is useful for hiding stuff like my spare and battery. Perhaps later water storage.

I won't do it again, though.

[sixpar]

[Wimperdink]

just pack your glass ware well.

I have a 6' x 8' utility trailer that was born as a snowmobile trailer from back in the day when 2 snowmobiles would fit on that size... It also has no suspension. I am constantly inflating the tires to match the load. I run 18 to 20 lbs to go empty so it doesn't bounce all over the place. I'd be skeered to run a tear without suspension though.

[rdkng07]

Hi all,
I saw my neighbor building a dog house using 2x4’s. I thought to myself, why? So I went over and explained that he should rip the 2x4’s in half, still have plenty of strength, and build a lighter and less expensive unit. He said that never occurred to him and asked how to rip boards with a skill saw. I ripped them for him on my table saw.

I guess most people either don’t have the tools, (I know you can rip if need be with skill saw, cause I have done many a time), or it never occurs to them that such things can or should be done.

Most folks build a porch, a dog house, a railing, or whatever out of 2x4’s. That’s all they ever saw gramps or dad doing. Unfortunately, that carries over to the trailer build as well.

[Ralf]

Hard to add anymore, but a few thoughts:

1. My 5x10 has one cross member and the torsion axle serves as the second cross member. All built with 2x2 steel tube.

2. I screwed 3/4 pressure treated plywood directly into the steel tube with a big bead of construction adhesive in between. Lowes caries wood to metal self taping screws.

3. I glued 1/4 laminate oak flooring to the plywood for the finished floor, before building walls. I let it overhang the sides and trimmed flush with router.

4. Four inch memory foam mattress from Wallyworld is the "berries".

5. 3/4 plywood walls. Clean, quick and simple. I can't imagine camping in subzero weather and if I do I will rely on a good mummy bag nestled in the memory foam mattress.

6. Each to their own. I appreciate the diverse opinions on this site, even the pig headed ones.

[halfdome, Danny]

Hi all,
I saw my neighbor building a dog house using 2x4’s. I thought to myself, why? So I went over and explained that he should rip the 2x4’s in half, still have plenty of strength, and build a lighter and less expensive unit. He said that never occurred to him and asked how to rip boards with a skill saw. I ripped them for him on my table saw.

I guess most people either don’t have the tools, (I know you can rip if need be with skill saw, cause I have done many a time), or it never occurs to them that such things can or should be done.

Most folks build a porch, a dog house, a railing, or whatever out of 2x4’s. That’s all they ever saw gramps or dad doing. Unfortunately, that carries over to the trailer build as well.

I built a dog house for the dogs attached to the house & several feet off the ground with a ramp & door into the house. I used 2"x4' lumber and insulated it and they loved it. It even has sheet rock walls. It's still there but the one dog now sleeps inside the house. Danny