Frames and Skeletons

[Alaskabear99687]

Hello, we purchased a trailer last fall and have decided that it will not fit our needs so we are planning on having a trailer built to our specs ($1000-$1500) Question about the trailer would be; should I get an open frame and build a wood floor or have the maker put down an aluminum floor then just glue down som vynal for the floor?

Next is the cabin frame (skeleton) I know that most use wood but I was wondering about using the 1" square metal tubing and bending it to the necissary shapes. You could also put in the necissary gusseting and supports for handles and hinges then attach your skin of choice.

[WarPony]

AB, what kind of camper are you planning to build?

Jeff

[Alaskabear99687]

I am looking at your basic 5x8 Benroy style. Nothing super fancy but comfortable.

[doug hodder]

AK Bear...I'd love to do the tubing thing for the walls, welding isn't the issue, but I don't have the equipment to roll it and outside of frames I'm more geared to wood construction in my shop. If you have access to it at a reasonable price and can do the welding on it, I'd say go for it. I know the 5 wide guys (No. Cal) build all of theirs in rolled tube and they have some outstanding builds! Doug

[Big DE]

AB
Take a look at mine I think it is what you are talkin about, but be sure to plan it all the way through and dont skin it until you are positive you have all the gussets and tabs in place.

Big DE

[doug hodder]

Excellent example Big DE! Doug

[wannabefree]

AKbear -
Must be cold up there. I think you would want a well insulated floor! Somehow vinyl on aluminum sounds a bit cold.

Re: the frame. I wouldn't be afraid of wood framing. If you have to pay a welder to build a frame like Big DE's you'll spend a small fortune. If you can do it yourself and are good with a torch you might be ahead, but not by a lot. I just put the spars on my build and if you pull on a spar you move the whole trailer. I have sandwich walls, 1/4 - 3/4 - 1/8 and 1x2 spars. This thing is rigid, and the roof skin isn't on yet.

[Alaskabear99687]

Yep that tubing is exactly what I am talking about. Of course mine will be on a 5x8 but that's it. I noticed your shop, WOW. What is the skin?

[Big DE]

well I wish that was my shop it is actually my father in laws shop. The skin is .040 aluminum and I didnt run any kind of conduit for the wiring i used anti-shorts. You can get them at an electrical supplier and just drill holes thru the frame or wire everything from underneath and just go straight up thru the wall where ever you want a light or plug. I did build the frame my self and HD sells a 110v welder that will do the job just fine.

Big DE

[mechmagcn]

You can also check out my gallery for pics of a steel tubing frame. My main problem was trying to find someone who could "roll" the tubing. There is no one in my area who does this. I ended up rolling the large radius around a 48" turf tire on a small tractor and the smaller radius around a truck tire.

[Keith]

Here's a link to our most recent build of Ross's trailer. http://www.flickr.com/photos/five_wide_club/sets/72157606232328753/



If you can find someone with a ring roller in your area it doesn't take long to bend everything up.

You might want to check out Sumner Patterson's build. I believe he built a side template and used flat strap for the sides. Here's his web link. http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/teardrop/teardrophomepage.html

Keith