The Most Thrifty Foam Camper

[GPW]

TJ, I think for some of the earliest ones , canvas covered meant a canvas tarp across the top ... Probably more akin to a “prairie schooner” than a modern Teardrop trailer ..

Roll shingles , now that would work eh ???

[razzer]

I think I'm working on the project you suggested . I'm working on a camping trailer for a long bicycle trip . Here viewtopic.php?f=24&t=54664 still working on the design . But I found the bicycle trailer on trash day about a year ago " it's in great shape " . I have salvaged wood , foam from dumpster diving , paint seconds ... lots of cool recycled stuff . Best of all , it's time to use it up so it's not in the way . I know this isn't your full size trailer but it's what I want/need at this point . I look forward to seeing other peoples ideas on this subject sounds cool .

[GPW]

Razz, sounds like what you need is a mini-FoamStream ... could be built really Light !!! Very aerodynamic yet roomy inside ... theoretically ...

You know , there’s something that just makes good sense by going SIMPLE !!! Repairs... After my little hail storm incident , got to thinking about how to repair it ... very simple to do (especially since it’s fixing itself) compared with other alternatives which would require extensive repair work to restore. Aluminum would have been looking like a shiny cheese grater , replace that ... fiberglass , would be broken /cracked , replace that ... wood , meh !!! Seems the simpler it is , the easier it is to repair ... Cheaper too !!!

Ps. Since my Foamie has chosen to fix itself , that’s all well and good , but should actual damage have occured , where the canvas was broken through , it still would be an easy matter to fill the divots in with some spray foam and slap some more canvas on top ... Simple !!!

[razzer]

Some how I missed reading about your hail storm . Is it posted in another tread ? Anyway you make a good point about the damage repair . I hope to ride across the USA with the trailer and being able to easily repair it if necessary is a good thing . My design thread is here viewtopic.php?f=24&t=54664 . This weekend I'm cleaning up all the left overs from house projects that have been getting dumped in my studio/lab/workshop .

[Dirke]

Well,so far I have a free trailer. I just went to a friends house. Apparently his dad had some OCD because he has a two car garage FULL of wood. It is incredible. It is stacked vertically and he can't even open one of the doors! I may have to change my design as he said I could have whatever I wanted.He dreams of parking at least one car in the garage some day. It may be a while! There is a ton of wood!

So, I think my cost may just be glue and paint and some windows. I will have to keep track of what I spend but this could be an extremely thrifty build. For sure I will be able to get the trailer and floor in for the cost of some sandpaper,paint,and waterproofing. I may need some new tires for the trailer but I may be able to scrounge those as well.

[GPW]

Good find D’ , extremely Thrifty is what this is all about!!!

[razzer]

Excellent find indeed Dirke . I'm surprised he'll let the wood go , he sounds like he's a hoarder like my father . You my have to be VERY firm about holding him to his promise . My father will give me things with the kindest of intentions , but if I don't leave quickly he'll change his mind or want it back the next time I visit .

[Dirke]

That shouldn't be a problem. My friend bought the home from his dad who now lives two hours away. My friend wants to get rid of as much wood as he can so he can use the garage but hates the idea of just throwing it away. So... I should have quite a nice supply. I might not make a foamie but the price will be right. I am waiting on some billboard vinyl that my father-in-law has for me. If that looks like it will work to cover the sides, I may make the walls out of 2x2s and 1/4" plywood covered in the vinyl.

[Oldragbaggers]

Might look like this:

I love this trailer!! I keep telling Lance I want to build one like that just to use for Sisters on the Fly events. I think it would fit right in their caravan. A real Hillbilly Hyatt. (I'm from KY) He just rolls his eyes.

[GPW]

D’, just thinking some of that wood may be some good old growth wood ... maybe the reason he saved it .... you could have a gold mine there !!! Use it well !!!

ORB’ , Cute isn’t it, in a rustic way ... I love it too !!! I’m sure you can convince him !!!

[razzer]

ORB , while I don't care for the Rat Rod look even if they make cool stuff the corrugated roofing is really strong for its weight . If I had some free plastic corrugated roofing that would be my material of choice for my bicycle camper build . I have some over my deck and it's had two feet of wet snow on it and been through a hurricane, oops I mean a super storm . Anyway 60 and 70 mph winds a number of times .

[GPW]

That corrugated roof is now even more appealing since the new expanding sealer tapes have come along ... no more worries about leaks under the corrugations ... This stuff expands to many times it’s size , filling in everything ... a perfect seal ...

[logman7777]

You could use the glue down rubberized roofing too if aesthetics arent a priority.

[cantsitstill]

Love the idea of a freebie build. I built a shed on a trailer last year from mostly free and repurposed wood, doors and windows.

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[GPW]

Can , nice Shed !!! ... Mostly salvage makes it even Nicer ...

Thrifty is not how much the materials cost , but how much You actually get them for ...

Speaking of Thrifty , riding around town we notice a lot of discarded wooden shipping pallets ... made out of decent wood, some quite large ... with a decent table saw , it would be easy to make some “dimensional“ lumber... just have to watch out for nails and staples ... You just have to ask , most are Free for the taking .