Plywood/insulation/plywood construction

[mikeschn]

Mike, just curious, how much does that weigh? I see the scale under it.

As shown it was 36#. More information here: http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ight#27968

Mike...

[Larry C]

Hi Folks,
Thanks again the the great ideas.
I just returned from my kayaking trip on the Saco River in southern Maine. I camped out in my tent and it gave me the opportunity to consider 'what if'. The camp site I stayed at was clean, spacious and wooded in a well designed, maintained and secured campground beside the river. The site had NO hookups; that suited me fine. There was a privy up the road and I had my BBQ and Coleman stove, lots of food and water. There was a threat of rain last night and a few sprinkles.
I would have appreciated a TD. The first night setup was at dusk and a bit rushed. I would have appreciated a galley.
Although I'm not planning to install hook up services I agree I should research those requirements and add structure that may permit me to add them later, if I want to add them. Although, having 12v lights on the interior would be a great asset and will probably be included in my build.
I am leaning towards 1/4" skins with pine framing. I still have to check out the insulation options. I would like to avoid the white styrofoam. I appreciate the adhesive advice.
As for the galley, I plan to build the trailer, with a hatch at the rear, and build the galley to be installed at the end of construction. My twist will be to secure the galley with allen bolts to permit me to remove the galley if I either need the additional interior space for additional bodies 'roughing it' or to be able to convert the trailer to an enclosed cargo carrier as the need arises.
I understand the people that use TD's have needs as varied as the TD's themselves. My intended use will be as a 'camper' rather than a mini RV. If I want all the bells and whistles on a trip I will be more inclined to reserve a hotel room. Many of the camp sites that are available to me in Maine and the Maritime provinces don't have hooks up. Even if my TD had hook ups I couldn't use them at many of the places I want to spend time.
I will continue to ponder and share my thoughts. I appreciate all the suggestions I'm receiving. When I actually start my build I start a blog.
Cheers,
Barrie

Barrie,
I applaud your thinking. Not everyone needs all the comforts of home away from home. I had a pop up camper that had shore power, 12v power, propane stove, on board water, and a sink. The ONLY one that was ever used was the inside 12v lights. I was hauling a 60# battery for lights that could have been accomplished with a battery lantern. I didn't cook inside because I camp in Bear country. I sold the camper.

You, I and others are active campers that spend little time in camp. We are off kayaking, hiking, biking, etc. The desire for the Tear is to have a warm, dry, quiet, fairly safe, mobile bed on wheels. The need for all the comforts is just not there. "Less Is More"

I know others will chime in with their thoughts about what's necessary while camping, but the fact is we all have different wants/needs. If I just stayed around camp all day, prepared gourmet meals and socialized, I would probably want more creature comforts and a much bigger trailer.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy these activities as well as everyone, but my primary reason for camping is being in an area I like and enjoying all the outdoor activities it has to offer. The campsite is just a place to grab a meal, sit around a warm fire and get to bed early, so I am fresh for the next days adventures....... Don't need no stinkin TV neither

I really like your thinking about the removeable galley. You have me rethinking my project. I can see the utility of taking it or leaving it. The Benroy would be a perfect design for a removeable galley. You could incorporate AC & DC power into the removeabl galley, so the you could have the option while traveling of having hook-ups if desierd. Or you could go "Spartan" when camping without hook-ups.

My advise for the type of camping you do: 1)build light weight, 2) consider 5' wide, 3) build 2 doors, 4) consider a fantastic fan or similar vent and only carry a battery when needed to run the fan (i.e. hot weather), 5) THINK--- LESS IS MORE!!

$.02,

Larry

[hikingstaffs]

Thanks Larry for your support.
I am limited to 4 1/2' because I'm am going to build the cabin to be installed on my utility trailer. I can remove the sides, front and rear bulkheads and motorcycle chock to leave a flatbed trailer... already licensed. I will remove the camper when not being used and store it in my large shed, which has a 56" door opening. The TD cabin will be shackled at the corners using the eye bolts I use to strap down my motorcycle.
I want a 'have your cake and eat it too' design.
I am putting together my parts list. The doors I want will have window slats that open with a screen behind. I have found a window that can be installed in a door but not a complete door.
Thanks,
Barrie