I think it's time to revisit the weekender.

[RAYVILLIAN]

I'm trying to remember wasn't that trailer 5' x 8'? I really liked that trailer it's sad to see it die.

Gary

[kludge]

Here's a profile I was working on a couple years ago. It's wasn't desinged to be a 5x8, but it could be adapted.

[Dan & Julie CO]

Mike I like your impromptu mock up Nice lines

[KCStudly]

I like the other one better. That last one looks more angular, in a hob goblin sort of way, sort of like a stealth bomber, but not well enough to pull of 'that look'.

You'll find the one you like best...it's the journey, not the destination.

[newrollo]

Hi Mike,
You know that Microlight (Wazat) copied your original Weekender? I like everything about mine. Had it now for three years. In a couple years I may get the 5x8. I'm not a home builder, but if I was the design seems the simplest, with some flair, to build. Good luck on the build!

[mikeschn]

Newrollo,

Yes, I know they took the concept and went into production. Design concepts like that are really not patentable. However, my photos, plans and text are copyright. So they could not sell those. Strange world, isn't it?

KCStudly,

I guess I am not clear which one you like better. Could you clarify that?

Thanks,

Mike...

[KCStudly]

Oops. Sorry for the confusion. I was looking at Kludge's model views in reference to my Stealth hobb goblin comment.

And yet, I still like the Weekender profile (I hessitate to call it 'the original') linked in your OP better than the high rear version. I understand your logic for trying to get the water to run away from the hatch hinge instead of towards it, but some times 'form follows function' doesn't work out aesthetically.

I do like the WAZAT profile, too, and the concept of having a dual purpose utility/camper trailer appeals to me (however, the used private sale WAZAT that I went and looked at was so very close to the ground and ridiculously priced IMO).

It's like that saying about art vs. pornography. I don't no what it is, but I know it when I see it. When it is right, you will know it.

[Kharn]

Looking at the weekender from my perspective (intending to build a 5' wide this fall/winter), I would change only a few things:
1. Kreg jig all of the screws from the inside so there are no external penetrations, more expensive supplies (screws and jig), but easier to finish the exterior without all of the screw hole patching.
2. Slightly change the roofline so no plywood over 48" is required (thus a 5' wide builder can lay sheets sideways without splicing), the weekender has one roof panel that is 51".
3. Aerodynamic tongue box (sloped on sides and top to be within the slipstream of TV, doesn't need to come to a point, box stops at the top of the flat front panel) that could be added later in a third weekend, not necessary for a first camping trip. Side loading storage below, for the electrical panel, cable storage, etc. Above would be a side/top loading compartment that can house camp chairs and a canopy or two while driving (hopefully but not necessarily waterproof) and upon arrival, the stuff is removed, AC unit slides out from the camper into the upper box and the side doors and lid are propped open a few inches to allow adequate air flow while keeping rain off the AC and out of the camper. Condensate drainage would need to be considered, not sure if rubber coating the bottom of the compartment and letting it run out one side is the best way to handle it. Cooler camping would let you take the AC out and use the compartment in the camper itself for storage with a waterproof door (commercial RV baggage door sized to fit AC unit on drawer slides?) between it and the tongue box.

[Miriam C.]

Kregg might solve the issue of screwing into the grain of the wood! Lots of glue and a finish of cloth (see foamy) might solve most of the issues. Could also add a glued wood piece on the inside seams for more hold...

[Kharn]

I don't know how I forgot #4, but the biggest one:
4. Plans for a true galley hatch to eliminate the well storage, either completely vertical at the rear and ending at the trailer frame (like the About Time Jim, or with the wrap-around 45 degree bottom angle like in the current plans with the extra 6" of counter space (like WhitneyK's build). The former would be easier to build, but still require more work than the current design.

It might have to be called a 4-Weekender after all of my changes, the hatch and tongue box would probably each require their own weekend.

[mikeschn]

Looking at the weekender from my perspective (intending to build a 5' wide this fall/winter), I would change only a few things:

2. Slightly change the roofline so no plywood over 48" is required (thus a 5' wide builder can lay sheets sideways without splicing), the weekender has one roof panel that is 51".

Something like this perhaps?



Mike...

[mikeschn]

Here ya go I tweaked it some more. Look at the panel sizes now!



Mike...

[S. Heisley]

Here ya go I tweaked it some more. Look at the panel sizes now!



Mike...

Mike:

This revised Weekender design looks like it would be simpler to build for 4 to 6 foot wide trailers while still retaining its attractive shape and that's a good thing!

Because it was difficult to count the squares and figure out your sizes, I printed the above design and measured between points. Your bottom measurement of 96.000 measured 4 inches on my ruler, which would equate to 2 feet per inch on the drawing. Based on that, I measured back 3 inches (6 feet) from the foremost flat point of the 96.000 deck and drew a line upwards. What I found was that a 6' mattress, lying on the flat portion of the deck would lay 1' past the galley hinge. I'm guessing that this is a little cubby area that the feet fit in underneath the counter. Is that correct?

[kludge]

hmmm... I wonder if there is a way to do it and save a sheet... or a half sheet as the case may be...

[mikeschn]

hmmm... I wonder if there is a way to do it and save a sheet... or a half sheet as the case may be...

Kludge,

That 10" piece could be could actually be a piece of 1x10 pine. I'll tweak it and see if I can get it down to 9 1/4" (the measured size of a 1x10).

@Sharon,

I'll add a couple lines tonight showing where the partition could be.

Mike...