Does this plan make sense?

[john]

On making it round:

Don't avoid the rounding because you fear it. It is actually easier and requires much less work when you avoid seams.

Every hole and every seam increases death by rot.

When I was considering building for the first time the curves looked daunting but after building two I wouldn't consider building without curves unless I just liked the look.

[ashkanr]

Very nice design! I wish that I had done some more pre-planning rather than figure things out as I went along.

Here are a couple of random thoughts:

1. You have a very large volume - almost enough room for two - full-size mattresses. I would put that space to use. Instead of a hatch, you may want to make a compartment at the back with a rear door so that you can use it for storage of chairs, camping gear, etc.

2. The roof spars do not need to be 2x3s. I would think that 1x2s on edge would be sufficient, but you may want to double them up or use 2x2s. It is hard to get straight lumber so if your lumber is not straight, on the spars I would place the crown or bow up.

3. Plywood and other sheet goods usually come in 1-foot increments. To better use materials, and not have so many wasted cuts, you may want to make the spacing of your spars and framing at 12 or 16 inches on center. You will need to have framing at your angle points.

4. You show a 14-inch space at what appears to be framing for the roof vent or fan. Most vents and fans are 14 inches square, but you may want to increase the spacing to 14 1/2 inches to allow "wiggle" room. The flanges of the vent/fan extend 1 to 1 1/2 inches out from the base.

Good luck!

Thank you for your comments. Very good points!
I had never though about the "wiggle room " before.
I really have to think about creating less waste cuts; you're right, with the current dimensions I am wasting lots of wood.



About the storage compartment, I am thinking on raising the roof like "Puffin" then I can add a small dining section (and storage space somewhere around it).....

[ashkanr]

if you build it light I think you could do a small standy. If I remember right the puffin was only about 700 Lb and it had a small toilet to boot. Curved ain't that big of a deal -- just pic the one you ant and there is plenty of help here on how to do it. Lots of inexperienced folks started out that way but end up neing experts in no time. Plus you peobably have someone you know that wood works and can give you a little advice now and again.

My trailer and its original floor (5/8 ply) weigh about 430lb. I think a combination of puffin and my sketch might be light enough for my car...(my frame and floor is already 120lb heavier than puffin).....

Thanks for reassuring me

About the curves, I'll talk in the next post!

[ashkanr]

I was going to say, check out the Puffin, but for some reason all his photos are gone.

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... &start=735

This is it, small, light, very functional.

Burke ("bve" on the forum) compiled the Puffin build thread and several other build threads in PDF format. This is the link to his PDFs:

http://www3.telus.net/public/bve/

How did you find this! I searched to find something but as you said all the pics were gone....I'm so glad Burke has preserved them in PDFs!

[ashkanr]

On making it round:

Don't avoid the rounding because you fear it. It is actually easier and requires much less work when you avoid seams.

Every hole and every seam increases death by rot.

When I was considering building for the first time the curves looked daunting but after building two I wouldn't consider building without curves unless I just liked the look.

With all comments I am getting here, I am loosing my fear about the round shapes, however, since I will be doing this in my apartment (building the sides and cutting the frame elements on 18th floor!, and assembling things in lower parking!) I ave minimal tools: a jigsaw, a cordless power drill and a dremel powered by my dodge caliber's 110v plug! Yes; my sander in a dremel!!!!!!!

The seams are going to be a big problem there....I was thinking of using lots of caulking......not sure if its a good solution....

[ashkanr]

I was going to say, check out the Puffin, but for some reason all his photos are gone.

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... &start=735

This is it, small, light, very functional.



Burke ("bve" on the forum) compiled the Puffin build thread and several other build threads in PDF format. This is the link to his PDFs:

http://www3.telus.net/public/bve/

I love the idea of having a shower inside! That's excellent!

I should consider including that before starting the build.......so tempted to have the sower!

[ashkanr]

Mine is 5' high, 8' (extended to10') long and 76" wide. It works fine and a weekender shape will look nice. I used spars that I cut and they are a real measure of 1"x2". Working out great.

The thing is you have to camp in it so make it what you want!!!

I went through your album and build thread....very nice design and great job done!

I have got many nice ideas by now....I am working on a newer design...structurally more like yours