The 5x8 RollsRice begins...

[RollsRice]

4/9/13
And so it begins…

I have decided to build my own tear drop. I think before I go any further I should list out my abilities that allowed me to make this decision and provides the confidence that will guide me through these rough waters.

Experience:
None

Carpentry skills:
None

“Handy Man” rating:
Zip

Tools:
Limited

I have read exactly one build thread, caseydog. Having read and reread his thread, I have determined the most important tool in my box, adult libation. With that in mind I had the eighteen wheeler pull up and drop off what I hope to be a sufficient amount of hooch to get this project off the ground.

This seems the appropriate place to share my past experience with trailers. There was the wooded box built on a dilly trailer (built by others) that I managed to rip the axle off of while driving over railroad tracks. And then there was the cargo trailer that my daughter and I converted into a home away from home for Indian Princesses. I pulled that one with a brand new Toyota Solara convertible. I was able to yank the transmission out in less than 30K miles.

So given my history, and the above listed skills, this should be quite the adventure.

Day 1
It starts with a frame. This is from Northern Tool, 5x8, light weight. The number one rule of this build is “stay light.” I want to pull it behind this convertible and I would like to keep the tranny as long as possible.

[RollsRice]

OK, I have pictures but they are not loading correctly.

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[rdy2sail]

May you have a good build. Please keep us informed

[RollsRice]

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OK, I think I figured out the pciture thing now.

[RollsRice]

Day 2
Now you need a bat cave.
With the Spirit of Ecstasy hanging nearby for inspiration, I add a floor.

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[RollsRice]

Given my incredible measuring skills, I took no chances. I wanted to fit a large ice chest in the back and still have room for a full 75 inch bed.

This is a good place to mention rule number two, which to me, is actually the first rule of trailers. Be self-contained. I want to hook up and go. No packing. Just add food and adult libation and away we go. Setting up should be little more than unfolding my chair and sitting down. When its time to leave, fold the chair, close the hatch, start the motor.

If you have to pack the truck with extra stuff, maybe you need a larger trailer.

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[RollsRice]

Day 3
Today is the day I cut the walls. I will use the calculation from the generic Benroy. One, its easy to figure out and two, it allows the most space inside while still having a pleasing shape outside.
I dry fit the walls first. Then, through several iterations of sanding the floor, I was able to get a real snug fit at the bottom.
Then I drew my lines and cut the first wall. I placed it on top of the second wall, drew my lines. Then I cut the second wall. I clamped both together, lining up the store bought edges and sanded then equal.
I have plenty of clearance on the inside for the hatch cutout and still keep my big ice chest in the middle of the back.

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[RollsRice]

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[pchast]

Hi and welcome.



snip.

[Dean in Ct.]

I like your attitude!
Just a question, as I have no experience with store bought trailers, is it normal for the tires to stick out beyond the fenders as they appear to? (Given your experience it might be for others to answer that) Anyway...
Good luck!
(And where are you from?)

[Oldragbaggers]

Welcome to the forum. You're off to a great start. I'll be following your build.

[wlivesey]

I'm definately interested to see how this unfolds. Good choice in going with the Benroy profile.

Don't be shy with the pictures.

[nevadatear]

I love the way you write! I, too, found Casey dogs build thread great fun to follow. Looks like you are following in his tradition! i will enjoy this one! Keep up the positive attitude and humor! You need it when you build! Oh, an enjoy your build. Just a thought. If you really want to close the doors and go, you may want to rethink the ice chest in the trailer. They take up a lot of room that can be used for permanent storage for other things like lanterns, cooking utensils, etc. , especially since you have to take it out of the trailer to pack. Oh, and it does add a great deal of weight in the back end. If you keep it there, Be sure and account for that in your axle placement.

Off to a great start!

[Wolffarmer]

Welcome to the insane world of building your own camping trailer. And yes you can do it. I have seen people over come some great obstacles to build a trailer. I like your idea of setting up. Unfold a chair. That is what I was aiming for and so far I have resisted getting a sun/rain shelter. And to me a water system, propane system, 110 volt system, entertainment system are all just obnoxious time/money sucks. I carry water in plastic jugs, reused from juice. I use white gas stoves, light weight and cheap if you buy 2nd hand ( if you want one let me know I should clear some of mine out ) I have a crude 12 volt battery system, no need for a campground with a current bush. I am pretty entertaining, at least in my own mind and I go camping to get away from TV/internet and read books, haven't even got an E book, yet. Keep it simple don't drag your home around on your back. I finally decided I would not put the ice chest in the trailer. One. I do not always need/want it and 2. Where the trailer goes the tow vehicle also goes so the ice chest goes in there. Then if I am off exploring and leave the trailer parked I have the ice chest with me. Has worked out well for my style.

Randy

[KCStudly]

I too find your humor entertaining. Keep at it, and if you need any help we are always here to help.

I am pretty entertaining...

I'll second that; I'm a Wolffarmer groupie.

Hmm, two votes for cooler in TV, not in TD. That is eye opening.