Wild Idahos Compact Build

[Wild Idaho]

Here's the begining of my build journal. I’ve decided to build the Compact because I'm tired of bending over trying to sleep in the back of my truck. I'm using a Harbor Freight 4x8 frame that I bought for $270 on New Year’s Day with a 25% coupon. I’ve extended the frame to the length outlined in the chassis plan for the Compact. I’m using the 1720 lb trailer and plan to weld all the joints and extend the tongue this weekend and add some angle iron on the sides of the trailer for support of the floor.

[Woodbutcher]

Welcome! It will be fun to follow along on your build. If you need help, just holler. Most people are willing to answer questions as they come up. Enjoy the building process, it's a big part of the fun.

[LDK]

I used the HF 1720lb trailer for my build too and I made a few mods to it and after I had it welded, it was a rock.
Good luck on your build and like woodbutcher said if you need any help, just holler. There are plenty of knowledgeable people on this board.

[Wild Idaho]

Thanks Woodbutcher and LDK. I appreciate the encouragement. I do have a question. The HF frame is 4 feet wide and I'd like to extend it to 5 feet. Do you recommend welding about 6 inches of angle iron on each side of the frame or is a 6 inch overhang using 3/4 ply sufficient?

[Junkboy999]

Some people use 2x4 across the top. other weld angle iron to the bottom and build a frame around the
edges so the outside edge is the same as the center frame. I seen a 5 inch torsion box use justed bolted
to the frame, and NightCap did it with just the 3/4’ plywood.

check out his galley.
gallery/album.php?album_id=1727&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&start=12

The cat has been skinned in so many ways here, it is not funny.

[Wild Idaho]

Was able to put in a long day working on the trailer but really doesn't look like I accomplished much. Got the bearing cleaned and repacked and mounted on the axle. After that I began drilling the holes in the 2x2 x 3/16th square stock. I started off using a varialbe speed hand drill because I had all the steel clamped in place and squared up. After an hour and half of drilling and sore hands I decided I better use the drill press and just re-square everything after the holes are drilled. What a difference the drill press made. Almost like going through butter (not really but a heck of a lot better than holding a hand drill). I've also improved my drill bit sharpening skills with all this metal drilling. Only 2 more holes to drill and I should be able to bolt it all up, put the tires on and wire up the lights. Hopefully I can get that completed tomorrow.

[KCStudly]

Two words: "Drill Doctor".

No regrets, the best thing in the world to happen to drill maintenance.

http://www.drilldoctor.com/

(No affiliation, just a dedicated user.)

[Wild Idaho]

Hey KCStudly, funny you should mention that. I'm building this over at my folks house and my dad used to have a drill doctor. Come to find out, he doesn't have it any more. But now, I know how to sharpen drill bits on a grinder so it's all good but I wish the drill doctor was still around to take out any guess work on the angles to sharpen the bit.

[Wild Idaho]

After a little shop clean up, I was able to bolt the tongue extention to the frame and put the tires on. Just need to wire up the lights now and then weld all the joints. Starting to think about the flooring and what type of wood to use. Thinking of 3/4 inch ply but hear bad things about the HD ply on this site. I checked with the service desk and they said they don't carry any marine grade so I'll have to check the local lumber yard and see what they have available.

[S. Heisley]

Good going!

[Wolffarmer]

Hey Wild ID. Welcome to the forum.

I take it your live in Idaho, or want to really bad. I am in the Rupert area.

Randy

[Wild Idaho]

Hi Randy, I live in Boise and spend much of my time up in the Cascade, Stanley and Challis area. Anything to get my out of Boise. Whenever possible I head for the hills.

[Wolffarmer]

One of my favorite campgrounds is the BLM Cottonwood campground 13 miles from Challis heading to Salmon.

Randy

[Wild Idaho]

I know that campground. I think my buddy up in Challis that works for the BLM manages that campground. If I'm not mistaken it's right on the Salmon River. BTW, my avatar is a picture of a Mountain Goat that I took up at Goldbug hot springs just north of Challis. Little bugger was looking down on me for about 45 minutes.

[angib]

Please bear in mind that the weight estimate I did on the Compact predicts that it weighs 1560 pounds empty, or as much as 2100 pounds loaded, with a full water tank.

I think the HF trailer frame is probably strong enough for a Compact, but its tongue might need reinforcement and the axle and wheels/tyres might not be up to the load - but it's not a big deal to replace those if the weight comes out too heavy.