Lil Diner questions

[Aint2Proud]

I love the look of the Lil Diner. I am in the scheming and dreaming stage now. Hope to start by December this year. I am planning on getting Steve's manual, but had a couple of questions.
1) The Lil Diner was built a few years ago - I have searched and have seen a lot of interest, but has anyone else actually built this design? What changes/improvements have you done? i.e. I read a comment by Mike that he would make it 6ft wide next time. Also if you have built it does it still fit your needs - do you use the table that much?
2) I also saw a comment that you only need a 5x8 trailer for the original design. I was thinking about having a 6x10 trailer built for it partly because I want a hitch on the back - is this overkill?
3) Is it advisable to match the size of tires on the trailer to the tow vehicle or adjust the trailer towing height with a drop down hitch and stick with 12 inch tires? (1/2 ton GMC pickup is tow vehicle).
4) I will use this to fish on or near the beach a lot - is Aluminum advisable for this application-sand and salt. I was thinking of a Shiny Diner!
5) What kind of problems will I encounter with a 6ft interior width (62.5 outside width) i.e. will I be able to find aluminum in that width and necessary length?

Thank you for the help!

[prohandyman]

Proud
Yes I built my "Touring Lodge" based on the Diner, and Steve's build CD. Love the profile, get more than my fair share of compliments.
I built 5 wide and love it, With a 78" long mattress, it couldn't much more comfortable. I did not include a drop floor or table, and we really don't feel we would have used it much anyway. But thats us.
My frame is also 5x8, and the rear most cross member is right at the back, and I too have thought about welding on a hitch for bikes or something.
I am a firm believer of bigger tires, it is just a comfort factor for me. I did not allow for a spare tire mount when I built it, but I am also think of mounting one up under the rear of the trailer (I have a cooler on the tongue with a deep cycle battery in it and my tongue weight is a little heavy thus the tire mounted in the back would help).
Aluminum would be cool, but I cannot advise on the availablity of 6 ft wide. Maybe 4 or 5 wide strips laid across and overlapped like they do on utility trailers. Good luck!

[Aint2Proud]

Pro - Thanks for the info!

Other insights from anyone?

[madjack]

...don't have a Lil Diner but will offer my thoughts.......

1) due to my way/style of camping I see/have no need of the table...we always have an EZ-Up or Screen room setup and that doubles as a sitting place in inclement weather.....
2) don't see much need for 6 wide(especially without table) unless I was going to turn the bed sideways and then I would have to go 7wide...either of these widths will be outside of the tow vehicles "wind shadow" and would greatly add to the aero drag with significant effect on fuel mileage.........
3) I am firmly in the big tire camp...doanwanno little tires...big tires give a better ride and as many potholes as there are in the world, I prefer to hit them with a tall tire rather than a short tire...tall generally has better longevity than short.......
4) if you are going to be doing a lot of salt water exposure, you either need to clearcoat, use anodized al or use something like SharkHide , an aluminum protectant...see this thread on SharkHide http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=24086 .....
5) AL in stock sizes are fairly easy to find in 4x8, 4x10 and 4x12...5'wide is hardeer to find and have never found any 6' wide...I get 4x10 sheets and cut them in half and turn 'em sideways to cover my 5' wide trailer(there is a reason to build in even, common sizes) with a 2" overlap...you can also buy AL off of a roll, which is 102(r3)"s wide by whatever length you want...this is on a coil and can be tricky to handle and is generally thicker than sheet...

...these are my thoughts on the subject and as always YMMV.........
madjack

[Aint2Proud]

Madjack,

Thanks for the reply. You touched on a lot of what I was thinking - thanks for the expertise!

6ft wide was to possible accomodate 3 youngsters (all under 5ft now) on fishing trips in the future. Som of the places we would be and the times of yr. a tent wouldn't be allowed or dangerous (people driving on the beach) and during striper season might get chilly!

I camp very similar to your style. The table was intriguing for those times when the wind is whipping and it is sleeting (again striper season) might be nice to get out of the weather and play cards a bit.

I guess this is a case where I could end up screwing up a beautiful design by trying to make it do too much. If I keep it simple (5ft wide) it will work for what I will be using it mainly for and be a lot easier to build without too much in the way of specialized/difficult to find materials.

I did a lot of research on the AL part and saw your earlier posts on Sharkhide and that is the way I am leaning. I was also going to paint the AL on the top only (and fenders). I assume the Sharkhide would do fine over the top of that as well.

Thank you!

[mikeschn]

Here's my 2 cents worth...

I designed the Lil Diner on the Heels of the Baja Benroy. We had to give up the Baja Benroy because it's tongue weight was too heavy for our tow vehicle.

But we liked the 6' width of the Baja Benroy, because it left just enough room between the bed and the door to pull on a pair of pants, and put on some shoes.

With the Lil Diner, we had to put on the pants laying down in bed. So yea, we missed the 6' width.

The Lil Diner was the prettiest teardrop we ever owned, thanks to Steve Frederick. It was a good design, and I really miss it.

The reason for the table is that we get our fair share of rain, and we do not typically set up an "easy up". So when it rains, we go inside.

We also enjoyed the central heat, and the central air. It had lots of storage space too.

I thought about going 6' wide, but then I'd have to tuck the wheels under the body, and then the design goes to pot.

So really, the 5' design is a very good design. I wouldn't change anything.

Mike...

[Mauleskinner]

Here's my 2 cents worth...

So really, the 5' design is a very good design. I wouldn't change anything.

Mike...

...he said modestly...

[mikeschn]

Here's my 2 cents worth...

So really, the 5' design is a very good design. I wouldn't change anything.

Mike...

...he said modestly...

Well... ???