Greetings from Salt Lake City

[figuarus]

so i've decided to finally build my first trailer. its going to be built on a trailer frame i found up in the mountains. i can't remember the exact dimensions, but im planing on using the weekender design from the mikenchell teardrops page.

i unfortunately will be building this on a deadline. it has to be done by mid may. hope to rack your brains for help!

[bobhenry]

so i've decided to finally build my first trailer. its going to be built on a trailer frame i found up in the mountains. i can't remember the exact dimensions, but im planing on using the weekender design from the mikenchell teardrops page.

i unfortunately will be building this on a deadline. it has to be done by mid may. hope to rack your brains for help!

Mid May of THIS year :shock:

Don't look now but thats 2 weeks. Forget curves ,forget electrical and just build a big square box. That way when the deadline passes you will still have full sheet to build a teardrop with.

[figuarus]

yeah, thats not too far away, but i already have my plans down, and just need to source materials.

it s going to be a rather simple little camp trailer with little emphasis on cosmetics.

still, it should be an interesting build!

[doris s.]

Sounds like fun. Post pics.

Doris

[figuarus]

well, i've just finished drafting the trailer layout, and at the moment, only have the actual box's side walls dimensions laid out.

the trailer frame im working with is an old 14 ft camp trailer that someone abandoned up in the mountains near utah lake, and will make a fine base for this particular project.

from hub to hut, its just under/over 6 feet, and is just over 13 feet long. the frame does have two bends near the nose that will be perfect for mounting a tongue box onto.


since i got the trailer for free, (well i had to spend gas money to go up and tow the dang thing home) im projecting a total project cost of less than 350 bucks. im going to attempt to freecycle as much of the base materials i will need to get this done.


here are some pictures of my design and trailer

Sorry for the crappy pics. all i have left is a cell phone camera!

[doris s.]

That's great. You have a great start!

Doris

[bobhenry]

Nice solid frame. ya gotta love that drop axle !

SWEET !

[GregB]

Great looking whitewall, there. Not sure, but that frame looks like it has 4 leaves in the suspension, which might be enough for 5,000 lbs. I'd check with someone who knows, but I'd recommend taking two leaves out to compensate for the very light weight of your trailer (under 1500 lbs). Good luck with your build.

Had a design idea or two like that myself:





Greg

[TENNJIM]

Welcome to the Forum. It looks like you have a great start on building.

Jim B / Utah

[figuarus]

thats a sweet looking design there greg.

did you use google sketchup? im using it myself to get a fee for what design changes i will need to do prior to the actuall build. i think that i may have to go just a tad wider than 4 feet and stretch the length by 2 feet. dunno, i guess i will have to see once i price out my materials.

oh and dont worry, the deadline no longer applies

[GregB]

Yup, just starting to learn how to use it, but Sketchup is pretty easy to pick up. I ended up with dimensions of 5'3" by 13'.

Greg

[figuarus]

well, so far, i think this will be the final design (more or less)





the rear end will contain just a small area for a camp stove, a cooler for food, and some storage for misc stuff. inside, the bed will be a comination slide out/ flip down bed that is divided into 2 foot sections. overall width has grown about 5 inches on each side, so it will sit over the wheels instead of in between like i had originally planned. im debating whether i should mount a box on the tongue for more storage and tools. i have to keep in mind that this trailer has to be LESS than 700 lbs when done so that i can pull it with my little LUV pickup.



suggestions? this is my first build, and have never undertaken a project of this magnitude, so ANY help is greatly appreciated!

[GregB]

You'll need to move your axle back, I think. Even though your galley will be pretty light, the trailer will track better. The Design Library at the top of the page has a spreadsheet that will help you decide on exactly where to place your axle.

Greg

[Rolly]

Having registered trailers in Utah you might want to check with the DMV about getting a title and reg before putting to much effort and money in the project.
Rolly

[GregB]

Rolly has a good point. I used a (heavily) modified HF trailer so I had a number to give DMV when I told them it was a home-built trailer. You might check to see if there is any number stamped on your frame. BTW, mine is registered as a utility trailer. It was cheaper and Utah doesn't really recognize a home-built travel trailer.

Greg