Ok... got the trailer hitch on my car... time to start!

[Deryk the Pirate]

Hello Folks! Been watching and dreamin for a while well its gonna be a little leen to build since Im unemployed goin on a year now and have been told by 2 headhunters expect a drastic paycut(bleh) so takin my tax return and building it while I can lol. I installed the hitch on my car yesterday and next week I get my tax return lol.

I have a PT Cruiser so Im limited to 1000lbs tow weight. Im really wanting something with a 5 foot beam, Im about 250 lbs and single but plan to have company with me from time to time... so the wider width is a perk. Id luv Steve's Gypsy Cart but out of my price range and too heavy for me to haul. I dont want a bowtop, they are nice but not the vision I have.

I do like the look of the Weekender, but Im iffy about doin an actual galley. Honestly I would rather have an awning and have a bbq grill goin near by then an actual kitchen. Im in the SCA ( http://www.eastkingdom.org/index.html ) So alot of events a group is cooking the big meal so its just a few smaller ones.

Ive given alot of thought to the MegaMini shape http://eye4designconversions.webs.com/apps/photos/ , since its a little similar to the Weekender, but less space for the galley and mine will have more in the cabin. I think the lower back access door is a good idea but I want more room for clothes and such inside. I thought about a dropped floor and a friend mentioned to me how often we are off roading to some of the events, so I might pass.

Im planning on doing the composite walls ( 1/4 ply, 3/4 Foam, 1/4 Ply with 1x2's frameing it. Ive read what people have posted on it and it sounds like a good way to keep it light.

Im a little iffy if I should just buy a 5x8 trailer or use wood to frame out a 4x8 HF trailer (which is on sale this week for $259) I wanted some opinions. I do like the look of the fenders on the sides of the trailer... but not a deal breaker.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

thanks
deryk

[bve]

Good luck Deryk, I think you probably have much better access to trailers at a decent price than I have, so I can't comment much on value, however if you frame out over a 4x8 that is extra weight, work and material you would avoid with a 5x8.

[Deryk the Pirate]

Thanks Burke, thats what I was thinking, and bein a big guy and plannin on gettin lucky in it lol I think its wiser to go with the 5x8 trailer. Weight is a serious issue with it only able to tow 1000lbs. Hopefully my next car will be able to pull alot more lol

[H-Balm]

I did the opposite, my hitch will be the last thing I do on the project.

[Deryk the Pirate]

:lol:

I did the opposite, my hitch will be the last thing I do on the project.

heh... need to get the trailer to where I wanna work on it lol

[Wild Bill]

Deryk, How you gonna fit a poker table and 5 chairs in a tear drop??? I would spend the extra $$$$ and get a trailer that is the size you want to begin with and better quality running gear. You will end up spending the difference trying to make it what you wanted to begin with and carry around the extra pounds that it took to make it bigger and stronger. Tractor supply or Farm and Fleet also sell trailers just to name a few. Good luck on your project. Bill

[John Ayers]

How's the build going Deryk?
I play Dagohir and Belegarth, and most of my unit do SCA events too... so I want to know... where is the booze going?
I just bought my trailer, a 5X10 for $560... because I had to have a real kitchen big enough for the gallons of home brew I bring to an event. It also had to be light enough to tow behind a Dodge Caliper (which has the same rating as the PT Cruiser)... dunno how THAT bit's gunna work out but I drive a big truck. LOL.
Anyway I was just curious if things were progressing good.

[Deryk the Pirate]

Yeah things are goin well, almost ready to start working on my roof. Still have tons of work to do but want to get the shell together and get it weighed so I can figure what Im doing next. I think the weight is going to be fine. I did 9 feet long, 60 inches wide and a little over 50 inches height interior. Im doin "deryk's vardo" on the build thread.