My Homemade 12 foot Travel Trailer (UPDATED - 07/30/2011)

[ocb_dave_ocb]

Here is my new build journal, I copied it from another forum I post on.

I will post more pictures as money and progress continue..

My estimated dollar amount for this camper should come in right at $2,000 -$2,500
My estimated weight for this travel trailer is going to be around 1,800 - 2,100 fully loaded

I got the camper as a 12' Jayco popup, which I traded for and it had a few parts that were usuable, it does have brand new tires, and a brake system (which needs rebuild)

Now on to some pictures.. I didn't take any when I first brought it home, but here is during the dismantling.


With my table saw and I built these cabinets, Too completely build all three it took six 8 foot 2x4's ripped down to 1"x1.5". And one sheet of 1/4" plywood (haven't picked it up yet). They are light weight and total cost was just about $30 total.
I have enough doors to cover them all, I just don't have my hinges yet, I also re-used the sink.










Here you can see where I am going to frame in the shower area



I put the old pop up door there as a mock up to make sure I would have enough room to squeeze in.. I will have to move the steps as well



Here are some google sketch up pictures of what I plan on it looking like.









I got some good idea for siding as well, I checked into Aluminum siding it would be $700 +/- So I found aluminum flashing for around $20 per roll of 50'x12" So I am going to buy about 8 rolls of it which will be enough to cover it all for around $180 - $200. I will do it on the side in sections, buy stapling and then I will cover it with fiberglass resin, sand smooth, repeat, paint. The front top and back I will do as one piece in stripes..

It should work out well, "bondo" sticks well to aluminum, and I am no rookie at body work, I build and painted a show truck, also build custom fiberglass enclosure for speakers on four wheelers.. Will see what happens, LOL

I still gotta find cheap parts like a good working roof top AC.

[ocb_dave_ocb]

Here are what the outside will resemble when I am finished.



The black part on the front, I think instead of roof top AC i may just do a window unit under the dining table, the black would be a black box or a cooler, cut out to disguise the AC while in transit, at the site I would remove it for ventalation. IT would save me about $800 and I could use ceramic heat we have two left from our pop up days

[bdosborn]

Nice! Good luck, I'll be watching your progress.

Bruce

[ocb_dave_ocb]

Thanks. I am hopping for a late fall or early spring completion

[ocb_dave_ocb]

I should have some updates this weekend I am going to buy either Luan or 1/8 plywood to finish up the cabinets. I am going to try and reuse some of the old plywood for the floor It doesn't all seem to be in bad shape.

[Deryk the Pirate]

Looks interesting... looking forward to watching ya build it.

[ocb_dave_ocb]

Here are a few quick updates, I only worked on it a few hours today.

I got my plywood flooring, it isnt attached yet, I have to coat the bottom side still. I skinned all of the cabinets, I actually got one trimmed and sanded. Its gonna have to get some filler and re-sanded. I trimmed it and put the counter top material on to check what it would look like..


Here is the shower area



cabinet skinned



A big mess lol



Big mess part duex



One cabinet almost ready for its coat of white



Trim around it



Sorry for the bad pics, they are from my phone and took at night



Better pic of the layout



I am going to try and get some more done after church tomorrow and I will take some better pictures

[ocb_dave_ocb]

I got a little bit more done today, I finished building the seat for the curb side, I will have to skin it and make a top for it still. I swept the floor a little and took a few better pictures.. Here you can see the tile, I bought this tile at a Dollar Store. I got enough to do 120 Square feet, which will cover the floor and all of the counter tops for $52 dollars..

I put a left over piece of the 5mm up against the seat so you could get an idea.

The cabinets need painted so bad. Next week I wont have a lot of build pics, but I will finish cutting on the cabinets for the doors, I will get the sink hole cut out, and I may tile the counters. I also need to get the roofing tar coated on the bottom... The wife has evicted me from the upstairs garage, so I will be moving everything down to the basement garage too lol.

[LDK]

Looks like a very interesting build. I like your floor plan. I was wondering, is your camper gonna be garage-able?

[ocb_dave_ocb]

No it wont be garageable it is going to be almost a foot too tall. I like the floor plan too. I almost scratched the table and seats. I thought about just getting a folding card table and chairs and put an air mattress on the floor. I may still do that. LOL. It would be cheaper lighter and easier. Im just afraid I wouldn't have enough weight up front on the tongue.

[ocb_dave_ocb]

I got a few updates today, hopefully more will come tomorrow.. I plan on getting started early tomorrow.

Cut out the area for the sink to reside



The two foot section for the front wall, I will have to re-do it once I buy the AC unit



The one cabinet finished, notice the gap in the floor, I am going to have to take it loose and weld in a piece of angle iron to even it out..



A little closer picture

[myoung]

Very nice design. I look forward to following your progress.

Thanks for posting so many photos. We like that!!

[ocb_dave_ocb]

I didn't get to work on it anymore tonight, the singing at church held until 10PM.. We are going for out infant CPR classes tomorrow after church. I should be back home by 5 or 6 gonna try some more then..

But for now here are some more pictures.

The framing isn't finished yet, but its coming along

[ocb_dave_ocb]

I got a bit more done today, I have it all done in sections so it will be easy to take apart add the luan, pull it outside and re-assemble. The back is one wall, each side is a separate wall, the lower portion of the front and the lower portion of the back..

I measured this thing to day and the height of the camper is right at 7'10" or 94" the overall height of my sorento is 5'8" or 68". So I am looking at it being exactly 2'2" or 26" above the sorento roof line.

Here is the front profile



Looking at the front from the back



Side shot showing it all



Better pic of the front



Front different angle



Future location of the port-a-potti/shower



I will introduce you to my family, this is our little boy RILEY, he is still in the NICU but he is supposed to be discharged on the 27th. Thank the Lord he has been so good to us.



One of our little girl, this is her decorations for her birthday party which is a few days away, her name is KYLIE



And here is the builder and his queen for those of you who don't know us.
I am David and that is my wife Jessica

[LDK]

Nice lookin family. Good luck to you on your build.