New From Washington State

[fishfinder]

Hi Folks,
I have been lurking and researching for about a month now. What I want is a small TD that I can easily pull behind my Honda CR-V (1500 lb tow limit). I am a fly fisherman and I like to travel around Washington State to different venues. We have a 36' MH but that is OVER KILL for fishing. So I have been tenting but there are places I like to go where tenting is not really convenient. And finally we, here in Western Washington, are faced with something many of you would like. RAIN.

Curves bother me so I found one on the "hall of fame" that intrigued me. Doug H has a small trailer that I like (no curves) however I would like a small galley in the back.

Also I need to come up something that my spouse will not go ballistic over the cost. I have been looking on Craigs List for trailer frames and there is a Harbor Freight in the next town.

So I am open to input from this learned group.

Thanks in advance

[Steve_Cox]

Hi Folks,
I have been lurking and researching for about a month now. What I want is a small TD that I can easily pull behind my Honda CR-V (1500 lb tow limit). I am a fly fisherman and I like to travel around Washington State to different venues. We have a 36' MH but that is OVER KILL for fishing. So I have been tenting but there are places I like to go where tenting is not really convenient. And finally we, here in Western Washington, are faced with something many of you would like. RAIN.

Curves bother me so I found one on the "hall of fame" that intrigued me. Doug H has a small trailer that I like (no curves) however I would like a small galley in the back.

Also I need to come up something that my spouse will not go ballistic over the cost. I have been looking on Craigs List for trailer frames and there is a Harbor Freight in the next town.

So I am open to input from this learned group.

Thanks in advance

FF,


Welcome to the forum....

That flat panel joinery bothers me. Besides, curves are sexy

[hiker chick]

Welcome aboard!

I'm pulling a Little Guy 6-wide with a Honda Element. Also a 1500 lb towing limit. Two years now and no probs. In the northwest I'd get or build a 5-wide teardrop because of the narrow backroads there.

Good luck!

[fishfinder]

I looked at your photos (Nice Dog) and noticed your tow rig. I am interested in having a small galley in my unit. Want to be able to lock up the food and cooking unit. Bears in some of the places I like to fish.

[Wolfgang92025]

Want to be able to lock up the food and cooking unit. Bears in some of the places I like to fish.

You will have a hard time building a tear under 1500 lbs that can keep a bear out. IMHO

Oh, and welcome to the madness


Wolfgang

[fishfinder]

Want to be able to lock up the food and cooking unit. Bears in some of the places I like to fish.

You will have a hard time building a tear under 1500 lbs that can keep a bear out. IMHO

Oh, and welcome to the madness


Wolfgang

We have small bears and thanks

[dreadcptflint]

Hey, it's always good to see another Washingtonian. I have a six wide and it is under 1200 so you should be in good shape. If I were you I would pin point your needs. YOU have a ton of options. i.e.

Do you want a sink?
Do you want something like a kampmaster to get out of the rain?
Will you be taking your wife?
Do you want power?

It took my wife a few months to pinpoint exacle what she wanted in a trailer and a few months to find it. Check out a few local trailers and see what you want because sometimes, you will see something in person that will change your entire world.

[fishfinder]

Lets see, pinpoint my needs.
1. First, my wife doesn't fish and requires a full bath before she will venture out on the trail. So she won't be going with me. Strange as we used to backpack the mountain areas around us.
2. I mainly want some place to lay my head down without having to put up a tent and set up my cot. (Don't sleep on the ground anymore.)
3. Currently I have a Chuck Box (home made) that carries all my cooking and cleaning supplies which I carry in the back of my utility trailer along with a cooler and food box. I also have a small removable table attached to the side of the trailer. The galley area in the TD would have to accomidate these items.
4. The sleeping cabin needs to have space for me and my fishing gear. (rods, reels, wadders, accessories). AC & DC power & lighting in galley and cabin areas. Roof vent, open cabinets, and maybe a way to rig up a portable HF Ham Radio system.
5. Roof rack to accomidate my inflatable pontoon boat.
6. Built on a 4x8 HF trailer (12" wheels)
7. Keep cost under $2000.
8. Ability to make improvements over time.

Mike

[fishfinder]

Found a used (1946) TD on Craigslist last night in the next town. Went over and looked it over. Owner said it had come from SEARS. It had a fiberglass covering which was peeling off. Eventhough the owner swore there was no dry rot there was no way to verify that. It was stuffed up under a porch and I couldn't check it our all over. I did stick my head inside and it had a heavy musty smell. In the final analysis I decided to pass. I am determined to build my own with my own inprint. I am continuing to look at all the options I find on the internet.

Mike

[dreadcptflint]

Yeah, there is a few good ones in the area. My favorite cheap one is on Craig's list over in Winthrop. I would concider going longer sincer you will be carrying a bunch of gear. It is doable, you just have to make smart purchases along the way.

[halfdome, Danny]

Welcome to the forum Mike .
Getting weights down can be difficult.
If you use 3/4" plywood get Pacific Birch Light at Crosscut Lumber on first avenue in Seattle.
It's the lightest plywood for the money I could find and it is well constructed with about 9 layers of veneer.
It's about half the weight of normal 3/4" plywood. Danny

[fishfinder]

I am making progress. Bought some drafting tools today. Got to get my ideas on paper.

Mike

[steve smoot]

I am making progress. Bought some drafting tools today. Got to get my ideas on paper.

Mike

Finally, someone who puts it on paper the old way... see, everyone does not use CAD...

Weclome to the forum...it sound like you and I are in the same boat. My wife gave camping years ago, and our last one was a 35' fifth wheel...

[fishfinder]

I looked at a trailer to build upon yesterday but it was way too heavy. Ordered some plans and tried to upload an avitar but eventhough I have shrunk the picture it still doesn't show up. So what have I done wrong.

Mike

[halfdome, Danny]

I looked at a trailer to build upon yesterday but it was way too heavy. Ordered some plans and tried to upload an avitar but eventhough I have shrunk the picture it still doesn't show up. So what have I done wrong.

Mike

Did you notice the free plans available in our "Design Library" at the top of the page? Danny