Dan's Teardrop Trailer - 8x4

[dan_uk_1984]

Well after my warm welcome I thought I'd best crack on...

This morning I went to the hardware shop and bought the base, sides and a few packs of wood for the structure oh and some screws. Totalling around £150 - not an insignificant amount of money, but as this will be the bulk of the trailer I didn't think it was too bad. I didn't buy the ply for the roof, that'll be another £30.

My budget for the total build is £300...

My woodworking skills are minimal at best, although I'm a "handy guy" the last time I did anything anywhere near this was at school - that project did not turn out well though! I'm hoping that common sense and the great wealth of information on this forum will see me through!

This is my plan, rough I know:

24062011180 by d86cfv, on Flickr

Anyway, back to the build. After collecting my supplies I set to pulling the old rotten floor off of the trailer including all the supports/joists which needed replacing:

New Trailer by d86cfv, on Flickr


25062011181 by d86cfv, on Flickr

After it was all clear, I offered up the fresh wood:

25062011183 by d86cfv, on Flickr

Trimmed them all to the correct size - note the extra length, although the trailer is 4' wide it was only 6' ish long so needed extending. Originally I was going to go forwards but decided to go rearwards to try and even out the weight as it was already a bit nose heavy.

25062011187 by d86cfv, on Flickr

Started adding cross-members, I did the middle section too but forgot to take a photo:

25062011190 by d86cfv, on Flickr

Base on, started screwing it down:

25062011193 by d86cfv, on Flickr

Lastly for the day I fitted the wall supports:

25062011197 by d86cfv, on Flickr

This will be double skinned with a basic framework between the skin, not really sure yet - will think about that tomorrow when I draw, cut and fit the side profiles. If I get time I'll fit the roof ribs, then next weekend the roof

[jackdaw]

You're off to a great start Dan
Keep in mind you want some tongue weight.... or the trailer will be wagging about all over the place...
I don't know if you've checked out the design library at the top of the page, but Andrews got a very useful trailer balance section you may find interesting.

Have fun building tomorrow

Dave

[dan_uk_1984]

Hi Dave,

My main concern was that there was already too much weight on the tongue. The wheels were very far back, it was difficult to lift on and off the hitch (and I'm no weakling!)

The RR has self a hefty nose weight limit plus leveling air suspension - she can look after herself

I won't be putting a kitchen into this build, so there won't be too much over the rear overhang as it is.

Dan

[parnold]

You're off to a great start!

My wheels are pretty far forward (for a tear) too, but my gally is very minimal. If you're thinking of an elaborate (heavy) galley, you may want to consider moving the axle back.

[H@nk]

Nice beginning, Dan.

I build myself a little T@B. On the chassis of a Alpen Kreuzer folding tentcar.
The wheels are in the middle. I didn't made a kitchen or galley in the little one. Cooking is only outside possible.

[dan_uk_1984]

Good day on Sunday, despite the heat and 2 hours passed out drunk on the sofa in the evening (downed two pints of ice cold Cider - bad move)

Got the sides cut - very disappointed with the wonky edges, I'm hoping this wont look so bad with some trim on the corner - how do you guys get such a strait yet curvy cut!?


26062011199 by d86cfv, on Flickr

Cutting the door:

26062011203 by d86cfv, on Flickr


26062011205 by d86cfv, on Flickr

After my nap!

26062011209 by d86cfv, on Flickr


26062011211 by d86cfv, on Flickr

I'll finish the door frame this evening and hopefully get the roof ribs in place. I'll take the base out to the hardware store tomorrow evening to pickup the ply for the roof. I should have the exterior completed next weekend.

The interior will be more time consuming as I'll be running power for lights between the roof panels. I also need to think about ventilation - I don't want a roof vent so will probably have to come up with some alternative.

[grizz]

Great progress so far mate.

I would suggest you do something about ventilation, even in late Autumn, Nicola and I sleep with the door open, as the roof vent is not enough.

I am sure there are options though.

[dan_uk_1984]

Yeh, I'm now wondering whether I should re-consider the roof vent thing... I like the idea of a sky-light, although I'd also like to stick to budget as closely as possible.

I don't want to introduce an avenue for water to get in, I'm thinking whilst towing in the rain the car kicks up a lot of spray etc...

[iSpy]

I fitted one of these boat solar fans to my unit, in the roof.

It is very silent, even at night.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Solar-extractor-v ... 231141d236

[dan_uk_1984]

I like that!! Stylish too

How long does it run for at night? Will it see me through to the morning? Or will I just suffocate at 6 AM?

Thanks

[dandan]

Hello.

if its budget building, you may want to take a look at Rigsbys posts.
the bloke is a Yarkkkksssshhhire vulture !

keep the piccies comeing.
we like piccies on here !

best of luck,
rgds dan.

[jackdaw]

Got the sides cut - very disappointed with the wonky edges, I'm hoping this wont look so bad with some trim on the corner - how do you guys get such a strait yet curvy cut!?

Dan get yourself a belt sander.... brilliant piece of kit. Clamp your profiles together and sand them down so they are both the same shape. It will make the build so much easier than having different wonkey sides.


Curvier profiles are no harder to do than any other ....

Good to see you're cracking on with it.

Enjoy your build

[dan_uk_1984]

Thanks Dave, Spot on I think, will sand it tomorrow to try and even it out as much as possible.

I think I have made a boo-boo - I've fixed the sides together, but didn't cut the rib slots out of the inner wall. The inner and outer walls are the same size which in itself is fine, but I need to fit the ribs to the outer wall.

I tried cutting the slots out with a router - god knows how anyone can control those things! I was going to have at it tomorrow with a dremmel unless you can suggest a better way? Trouble is there is only 1/2 an inch clearance between the sheets so I can't saw it or anything...

[matt987106]

very nice

interesting to see someone build without the gallery as that was my plan, keep down the weight and the join in the roof

[jackdaw]

Thanks Dave, Spot on I think, will sand it tomorrow to try and even it out as much as possible.

I think I have made a boo-boo - I've fixed the sides together, but didn't cut the rib slots out of the inner wall. The inner and outer walls are the same size which in itself is fine, but I need to fit the ribs to the outer wall.

I tried cutting the slots out with a router - god knows how anyone can control those things! I was going to have at it tomorrow with a dremmel unless you can suggest a better way? Trouble is there is only 1/2 an inch clearance between the sheets so I can't saw it or anything...

I've only ever built single board walls and never had any problems with condensation or anything else.... However, If I was where you are now, I'd fill in the edges, and fix through the complete wall. It will give you a little more meat to fix your roof to as well
You wouldn't need to shape the bottom of the batons, as it's hidden inside your wall. A good dose of wood glue and clamped up.... or may be brad nailed in place.
Something like this..maybe