Newbie's project, multi-use 8x16.

[snal]

This will be a ground up build from scratch. I did order plans from trailerplans.com, but those plans are for a flat nose...I'll be building a v-nose.
I'm basically doing this because I can't buy what I want. My "must have" list is.....
Roof "deck" strong enough to several folks in folding chairs.
Enough cargo space to haul 3 motorcycles, and/or kayaks, atvs, 12' pontoon boat, ect.
Rounded corner RV type entry door.
Rear ramp door with secondary application as a floor space extension (canvas enclosure).
Furnace, and window type A/C.
Small fridge.
Sink, porta-potty, portable water and holding tanks.
Small HD TV w/dvd.
Rigged for ham/cb antennas and power.
Higher than standard ground clearance.
Built/designed for camping with our 2 toddler grandsons, and/or our 3 Boxers.
2 small windows w/screens.
Awning with add-a-room.
1 folding bed/dinette...2 portable cots.

On the plus side...I own a small metal fabrication shop, so I have everything that I need to do all of the fabrication and welding myself.
The plans that I have ordered offer a 7000# build and a 10400# build. I'm thinking of splitting the difference but going with the heavier axles.
My plans do not include engineering for the roof deck weight support, so I'll be flying by the seat of my pants on that.

[snal]

Finally got started Saturday. 2x6 11ga main rails, 2x2 11ga cross members (16" OC rather than the 24" OC that the plans show).



Side extensions and wheel wells today. 10 hours labor so far.

[elmo_4_vt]

Looks like it is going to be awesome... Yours is really close to the way I had mine planned, but mine is smaller. In my case, I think I'm going to end up buying mine, but the main reason is time. Out of curiosity, what parts/requirements couldn't you buy?

The only part I see so far that you couldn't just order from a place like trailershowroom.com is the higher clearance. In my case, I want a longer truck style leaf spring and larger tires, so I'll just add those once I get the trailer home. They have the inboard axles, stand-able roof, and windows and RV style doors. Of course you'd still have to do all the finishing, and it will probably cost a good bit more than making it yourself. Also, I'm sure you'll have better control over quality.

Just curious really as I've been going back and forth with this for a while on whether to build or buy.

Thanks,
Don

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[snal]

Looks like it is going to be awesome... Yours is really close to the way I had mine planned, but mine is smaller. In my case, I think I'm going to end up buying mine, but the main reason is time. Out of curiosity, what parts/requirements couldn't you buy?

The only part I see so far that you couldn't just order from a place like trailershowroom.com is the higher clearance. In my case, I want a longer truck style leaf spring and larger tires, so I'll just add those once I get the trailer home. They have the inboard axles, stand-able roof, and windows and RV style doors. Of course you'd still have to do all the finishing, and it will probably cost a good bit more than making it yourself. Also, I'm sure you'll have better control over quality.

Just curious really as I've been going back and forth with this for a while on whether to build or buy.

Thanks,
Don

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I actually could have found everything that I wanted in a custom order build, but it got WAY out of my price range.
Also, I haven't found a factory trailer that is built anywhere near as stout as this thing will be, but mine will also be heavier (still under 3600 empty I hope).
I'm saving a lot of money on used parts with this build. Picked up a new water heater, a used (like new) 55amp power supply (AC breakers, DC fuses, and battery charger), 6 windows (I only need 2), and an RV door for $300. Found a new double rear leveling jack last week for $50. All of those parts new would have been over $1500.

[snal]

Looks like it is going to be awesome... Yours is really close to the way I had mine planned, but mine is smaller. In my case, I think I'm going to end up buying mine, but the main reason is time. Out of curiosity, what parts/requirements couldn't you buy?

The only part I see so far that you couldn't just order from a place like trailershowroom.com is the higher clearance. In my case, I want a longer truck style leaf spring and larger tires, so I'll just add those once I get the trailer home. They have the inboard axles, stand-able roof, and windows and RV style doors. Of course you'd still have to do all the finishing, and it will probably cost a good bit more than making it yourself. Also, I'm sure you'll have better control over quality.

Just curious really as I've been going back and forth with this for a while on whether to build or buy.

Thanks,
Don

-

I actually could have found everything that I wanted in a custom order build, but it got WAY out of my price range.
Also, I haven't found a factory trailer that is built anywhere near as stout as this thing will be, but mine will also be heavier (still under 3600 empty I hope).
I'm saving a lot of money on used parts with this build. Picked up a new water heater, a used (like new) 55amp power supply (AC breakers, DC fuses, and battery charger), 6 windows (I only need 2), and an RV door for $300. Found a new double rear leveling jack last week for $50. All of those parts new would have been over $1500.

[snal]

Looks like it is going to be awesome... Yours is really close to the way I had mine planned, but mine is smaller. In my case, I think I'm going to end up buying mine, but the main reason is time. Out of curiosity, what parts/requirements couldn't you buy?

The only part I see so far that you couldn't just order from a place like trailershowroom.com is the higher clearance. In my case, I want a longer truck style leaf spring and larger tires, so I'll just add those once I get the trailer home. They have the inboard axles, stand-able roof, and windows and RV style doors. Of course you'd still have to do all the finishing, and it will probably cost a good bit more than making it yourself. Also, I'm sure you'll have better control over quality.

Just curious really as I've been going back and forth with this for a while on whether to build or buy.

Thanks,
Don

-

I actually could have found everything that I wanted in a custom order build, but it got WAY out of my price range.
Also, I haven't found a factory trailer that is built anywhere near as stout as this thing will be, but mine will also be heavier (still under 3600 empty I hope).
I'm saving a lot of money on used parts with this build. Picked up a new water heater, a used (like new) 55amp power supply (AC breakers, DC fuses, and battery charger), 6 windows (I only need 2), and an RV door for $300. Found a new double rear leveling jack last week for $50. All of those parts new would have been over $1500.

[elmo_4_vt]

Check, check, and triple check...

Thanks for the reply. Price is definitely a good consideration.

That weight seems really heavy. How do you plan to frame/build the walls?

Don

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[snal]

Check, check, and triple check...

Thanks for the reply. Price is definitely a good consideration.

That weight seems really heavy. How do you plan to frame/build the walls?

Don

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The plans state a 2900# weight, using 1x1 16ga tubing 24" OC "studs" and 1x1 16ga tubing also running horizontal on 24" centers...I'll be using 1.5x1.5 16ga tubing on 16" centers with minimal horizontal bracing...which I calculate to be slightly heavier. I'm also going to use 1/2" instead of 3/8" interior sheathing. The exterior skin will be heavier .063 aluminum sheets instead of .030.
I'm also building the trailer 17 feet long with a v-nose...rather than 16' with a flat nose. There will also be a limited amount of interior cabinets and appliances not included in the build plans. The roof joists will also be heavier to accommodate the "deck" roof.

[snal]

Progress pictures...



Flooring cut to fit, still have to paint the frame before installing.

[Deryk the Pirate]

Nice, give it a curved roof and ya will have a nice vardo lol.

[snal]

Update 11-30-11

After quite a bit of thought about the roof/upper deck design, I finally decided to use corrugated metal decking. This will give me the basically flat roof deck that I want.
I checked a local supplier and confirmed that the 22ga. decking could span 5'-1" and support a 4" concrete pour, but there was no specs for an actual "live" load. I tried a section of it...supported by timbers spaced at 7'-3" (my roof span) and had two 230# guys stand on it. There was some flex, but not much.
I didn't like the fact that the decking was roll formed, which formed radius bends, and the profile alternated 3.5" and 1.5" flats.
So...I made my own decking! 22ga. with sharper bends, 4" flats, and 80 degree bends.
The decking is supported on the perimeter by 2x2 angle, and 5ea. 1.5x1.5 cross members in the 20' length.
After installing it, and testing it's strength, I may not even need any plywood sheathing!
I'll test it today with only an .063 aluminum sheet and no plywood.




I also welded in some backing plates for the floor mounted tie-downs.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

That's a lovely tank you're building!

Looks good! Should be able to take any abuse you throw at it!

[snal]

Topside insulation installed (2 layers of 3/4" foam board) and then 1/2" OSB.

[jstrubberg]

Good grief! That's not a trailer, that's a rolling bank safe!

[Ratkity]

Good grief! That's not a trailer, that's a rolling bank safe!

They will be all the rage during the zombie apocalypse!!

Hugs,
Ratkity