LarryJ - Trailer Build #1 (09/09/15 Update)

[LarryJ]

Was able to work on the trailer for a few hours today.

Made some mounting pads for the new axle.



Pads were made to allow adjustment of the axle. Center position is located at 40.5" from rear of trailer, or 37.5% of trailer (body) length. Extra mounting positions allow me to move the axle back 4" (35% of trailer length) or 4" forward (40% of trailer length).

Later this week we will add some gussets and bolt up the axle.

[LarryJ]

It's been raining most of the weekend so working on the frame was a bit difficult, but I was able to get most of the final welding done.



Added gussets to the axle mounting pads. Pics were taken before plug welds were finished.



Added quick links, to the tongue, for the safety chains.



And picked up a brand new set of 13" wheels and tires.

I also purchased a new ball and receiver for the TV.

Next step is to bolt up and align the axle, mount the wheels and tires to check the tongue height, to see if a goose neck will be necessary. Once that is done, drill some holes to mount the coupler and it's ready for a road test!

Now I have to clean out the garage so I have a place to work on it once it's home - hopefully the next time I come back from the shop.

[Joe6Pack74]

It took a bit longer than expected to get all my steel, but I have finally started construction!!

While accumulating material for the trailer frame, I kicked up a bit of sawdust and put together a chuckbox that will go in the galley, but will be removable for those sites that we can't put the trailer exactly where we want it.




Yesterday I picked up the last 20' bar of 14ga 2x2 that I needed and today I started welding up a 5x9 frame.




I was actually able to get two cross-members welded up also, but forgot to take a pic before packing everything up.

We had a similar box we used in my old Boy Scout troop. Worked great and 25 years later they are still using the same 2 boxes my Father built.

[LarryJ]

We had a similar box we used in my old Boy Scout troop. Worked great and 25 years later they are still using the same 2 boxes my Father built.

I'll be very happy if I get 25 years out of this one.

[LarryJ]

Spent the weekend cleaning out the garage and making room for the trailer.



I don't think the garage has been this clean in over a decade - wife says I should have started this project a long time ago.

Spent another hour or so at the shop tonight to finish mounting the axle, add some temporary towing lights and hook it to the TV for the short trip home!!



No real weight but it towed just fine at 55 - 60 mph.

Will probably have to wait until after xmas, but now that it's home, things should go much faster from here on out.

[225]

The frame is the hardest part to me. I built the cabin of another one I didn't get to finish, and it went fast.

Should be smooth sailing from here.

[LarryJ]

Been a while but I finally had good weather, time and materials - giving me the ability to apply the first coat of black acrylic to the frame.

[Junkboy999]

I’m so jealous of people that know how to weld. The frame looks great.

The check box / galley thing sounds like it may be a good idea for some people. A few others ( even me ) kicked
around the idea of a removable galley so the teardrop body can be repurposed for other use. But what to do with
the galley when it comes out. Will there be a back wall the Chuck box will set against or will the back of the chuck
box be the divider of the sleeping area?

[LarryJ]

Thx - I'll do the non-structural welding, but I leave the import stuff to my buddy who actually makes money doing it

Yea, I looked into the removable galley and even the removable body, just seems to be more work than building/buying a separate trailer for hauling.

There will be a divider that the chuck box will sit against. Trailer is 9', body should be about 10' total so the extra 1/2" is no biggie. A bit more weight but I've allowed for it.

LRJ

I’m so jealous of people that know how to weld. The frame looks great.

The check box / galley thing sounds like it may be a good idea for some people. A few others ( even me ) kicked
around the idea of a removable galley so the teardrop body can be repurposed for other use. But what to do with
the galley when it comes out. Will there be a back wall the Chuck box will set against or will the back of the chuck
box be the divider of the sleeping area?

[Junkboy999]

Sounds good. Thanks for the answers.

[LarryJ]

Added front leveling jacks and finished the cage for the drop floor.

One last coat of black paint and let the sun bake it for 8 hours - I think it's ready for a floor.

Let the sawdust fly!!!

[LarryJ]

Let the sawdust fly!!



Bottom of deck framed and laid out.

[rmef27]

nice work looking good

[aggie79]

Let the sawdust fly!!



Bottom of deck framed and laid out.

Sweet!

[LarryJ]

More done this weekend:

Cut and installed 3/4" insulation for the floor.



Finished the drop floor, and added the top layer of 1/2" ply - we now have a nice solid floor.

Flipped it over and applied the first two coats of 'the mix' (four on the edges).



Almost ready for the sticky black stuff.