Help!!! I just can't read any more!!!! Lol

[Phillyboi]

I am working my way through the construction posts and they have been INCREDIBLY informative. VERY incredibly informative! Kinda like a Tom Clancy novel!

So, can someone just point me in the right direction on a few key areas?

It's gotta be small, and light since I'm pulling it with a Yaris that Toyota says can't tow anything. I also want it pretty well insulated since I expect to do some cold weather camping. Heat will simply be a Coleman radiant heater. I hope to install a small AC unit too!

I have some aerotear plans coming but might just try to duplicate the Aussie teardrop design. Teardroptrailerparts has some cool looking aluminum siding with a little corrugation that I would like to use if I can. I found some aluminum insert moulding with a nice drip edge that should seal and protect the plywood edges (if I go that route) and harbor freight trailer is fine

I know alot of you like the wood look on both inside and outside but it's not for me. I will probably just carpet the interior 1/3 the way up and paint the ceiling a bright glossy white. And I REALLY like the look of a larger aftermarket door. And, if it makes sense, I wouldn't mind just getting cabinets from Ikea unless it's too heavy.

So ALL of this is what I have cobbled together from three days of reading.

But I still have some conceptual questions.

Walls: build up? 1/2" ply? 3/4" ply? Other stuff? Stability is crucial since I don't want leaks to develop but so is R-value. Ply would be easier but build up probably lighter. Thoughts? What are the implications for installing the door? I read that pine spars would be fine, right?

Should I skin the interior roof? If so, what with since it's going to be painted?

Finally, (for now) any hints for where the roof joins the walls?

Thanks in advance everyone!

[Wolfgang92025]

Phillyboi,

IF you are looking for light weight, check the foamy section. When/if I built another, it will use a lot of these constructions ideas.

Just keep reading and you will find what you want/need in your trailer and after that it's time for sparks and saw dust.

and remember, we love

[3822sean]

as far as the walls go if you want r rated best is sandwich type 1/4 ,3/8 ply with 1x2,1x3 frame, skin the inside 1/8,1/4 its a lite wall and strong..welcome to the madness

[Aaron Coffee]

My small TD is semi-finished, and with 1/2 walls weighs 570 lbs. This doesn't include a battery. See my thread here. http://mikenchell.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30574&sid=0bc00a6b50a1f4b502f94b98adaa6d26
Will post updated pics on Sunday.
The coldest I camp in is about 50 degrees and I would think you are on the right track with carpeted walls, as nothing will make you jump like touching your bare back to the cold plywood wall.

[bearfromobx]

I feel sorry for your transmission!

Please make sure you add brakes to your trailer, no matter how light it is, otherwise you are likely to find your back bumper facing front and vice versa at the worst possible time!
Don't forget that the HF trailer is about 250# and 1/2" plywood is about 40# a piece.

Good luck and happy TTTing

[Miriam C.]

Sounds like you have about got it figured out! A foamy would work well for you if you can get a receiver hitch! Not all cars will allow them. The tranny isn't always the problem but the attachment points, or lack of for the receiver! You might want to check that out first!

[Chef_Stan]

I have a Toyota Prius and Toyota says the same thing for the Prius. I thought it was to do with the Prius' transmission which switches between combustion motor power and electric motor power and at times power from both. It is a CVT or constant varriable transmission, no gears. I have heard mixed things about people towing with the Prius. The mixed things are mainly from people who say don;t try it. I do not want ot risk it

Therefore for now I am planning on using my father;s truck. I am thinking down the road to get a 4 cyl Jeep. A Jeep and a utility trailer would do everything I need for the house. I also want something the is fuel efficent and can putt the TD and carry 3 or 4 people when we go camping. I have a 4 year old son, but who knows there may be more people at times.

[Zboom]

If your going to go for a Jeep (I'm assuming a wrangler) go for the I6. Overall a better engine, will last a longtime, and easier to sell if you decide a Jeep isn't for you. Also go for a TJ over a YJ if you are gonna look at older models.

[Chef_Stan]

Thanks, looking for fuel economy, so kind of set on the 4 banger. I have a '78 CJ5 with a factory 304, so I am familiar with the Jeep flaws and up sides as well. However I have not researched the fuel economy too much. I know on the last generation of Grand Cherokee's the difference of fuel economy (on the window sticker) between the 6 cyl and the 8 cyl was 1 MPG. To me that means the 6 is really too small of a motor and it is working hard. It may be the same for the YJ/TJ when it comes to 4 V.S. 6.

[Zboom]

With the tj/yj the big difference will be if you can find a 4 that is bone stock and you keep it that way. Any lift or bigger tires our gonna have the 4 working to hard. I know what you mean about fuel economy bc my rubi sucks the gas, but I didn't buy it for gas mileage

[jss06]

There is very little difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder fuel economy when it comes to the Wrangler. In actual use its only about 1 MPG. The 4 has to work so much harder to achieve the same result.

Get the 6. You will appreciate the low end torque, especially towing.

[len19070]

Phillyboi,

Don't know if I mentioned this to you in an Email or not, but there's a TearJerkers Gathering about 40-45 minuets south of you at Elk Neck State Park this weekend.

Stop down for the day, a gathering is a great place to get ideas, talk to people who have built, restored or bought there trailers.

You are more than welcome.

Happy Trails

Len

September 23-25, 2011. Mason Meets Dixon Meet at Elk Neck State Park. Northeast, MD. We will be congregating in the "Miles" Loop. These sites are mostly wooded, have NO electric (remember it will be cooler that time of year), and DO allow pets on this loop. The park is over 2,100 acres, overlooks the Northeast River and has a beach. The address is: Elk Neck State Park 4395 Turkey Point Rd Northeast, MD 21901. Web site: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/ ... lkneck.asp
The reservation phone number is: 888.432.2267

[KIDZAGN]

Phill

Go to the "HALL of FAME" scroll down 18-20 lines, check out
Easy build-easy pull only 400 Lbs. add your own mods and this may be the idea you are looking for.

[mikeschn]

Phill

Go to the "HALL of FAME" scroll down 18-20 lines, check out
Easy build-easy pull only 400 Lbs. add your own mods and this may be the idea you are looking for.

Here's the link...

http://rumicaravan.fortunecity.com/ttt.html

Mike...

[suckerpunched]

harbot freight trailer....3/4 sides...insulated ceiling....500lbs..100lbs tounge wt,....towed with a ford ranger 4 cyl......