My Trailer Build attempt (1 Viewer)

[WaveBreaker]

So i thought i would start a new thread for the build my other thread was poorly named.

So i have planned this for awhile and started hopefully to be done before next spring.the box goes together quickly..but all the bits and pieces take time.

built from 3/8 inch aircraft grade baltic birch with a epoxy e-glass skin over.
will hopefully have all the usal equipment, water ,power, propane, RTT and awning.

 

[Dcon]

Looking good.

 

[Twitchrider]

Sweet!!

Hey,
Your work is looking good! I will enjoy watching your progress.
Q

 

[cruiserjunkie]

Tuned in to build can't wait to see everything you can do with these materials

 

[WaveBreaker]

Did a bit more the other day ..did not like th look of the nose box angle so i flattened it out a bit. Got the bulk of the box together. Cut the top arched pieces. Cant assemble the main top till i get my RTT in sept.

Hopefully ill start on tank install and kitchen tomorrow..

 

[schaney]

Great build, can't wait to see it finished.

It's similar to one I built a few years back, I have a build thread over on Expo you might find interesting, the Explorer Pod

 

[WaveBreaker]

schaney, Hi yes i had read your build on the other forum you did a nice job it turned out well.

Your posts actually came up readily when i was searching for composite design for off-road trailers.
We (wood types) seem to be few and far between for expo style trailers.
lots of teardrop style built from wood just not smaller types.
Myself i find it easier to saw and sand then shear and grind.

 

[schaney]

Thanks ...

Yes, lots of people have an unrealistic worry about rot and stay away for plywood. IMHO from a cost, easy of building and weight perspective, plywood is great. I have a piece of marine grade Okoume that has been out in the weather unfinished beside my shop since Nov '07. It is still sound with no signs of rot.

 

[WaveBreaker]

I could not agree more. I have been building boats from plywood and solid stock for 30 years (shipwright by trade) i still have a smaller plywood catamaran i built in the 80's that has no rot. and still sails as well as it did when first built.

 

[WaveBreaker]

Minor update just to stay active.. Hate it when real work gets in the way of Play time.

Just been tidying up the framing got the braces in for the arched top supports routed and installed time consuming to say the least.
got the arches them selves shaped and ready to install. water tank should be here tomorrow so i can start putting that in next..if not front lid.

 

[titanpat57]

Looks good!

I'd be sure to reinforce all joints with glue and screws....lateral forces can rack the crap out of the box itself.

nice progress....

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Really sweet, cant wait to see on the trails

 

[WaveBreaker]

Well another couple of days and got some stuff done. small stuff eats up the time that's for sure.

Got the top framing and ribs finalized and installed. Got the nose box lid framing done sanded and prepped for skinning. Two layers of 1/8" Baltic birch epoxy glued and clamped taped into place.
Started on the long process of filleting all the inside corners in prep for glass tape.All the inside corners will get a layer of glass cloth and epoxy resin the rest of the open area in box will just get a seal coat.

That's it for today Thanks for looking.

 

[elsensei]

amazing. there are some freakin wizards on this forum.

 

[WaveBreaker]

Weekend update.
Trimmed and sanded front hatch turned out OK.
Started on the rear pull out kitchen layout. after trimming opening for the doors. Got main counter built,laminated,trimmed and installed temp so i can measure for the rest of the drawers and sliders.

Thats it for today thanks for looking.

 

[rdsk8ter]

how hard was the laminate to put down?

 

[WaveBreaker]

Laminates are easy slap some glue on both pieces and stick it together.

the secret behind laminates is sticks..place sticks on the counter put laminate onto sticks.. position it
start removing sticks from 1 side to the other. 1 at a time. apply pressure to parts as you work side to side.

the other thing that most forget is it takes 50 lbs of pressure to make contact bond properly..i use a laminate roller to do this.

 

[rdsk8ter]

Laminates are easy slap some glue on both pieces and stick it together.

the secret behind laminates is sticks..place sticks on the counter put laminate onto sticks.. position it
start removing sticks from 1 side to the other. 1 at a time. apply pressure to parts as you work side to side.

the other thing that most forget is it takes 50 lbs of pressure to make contact bond properly..i use a laminate roller to do this.

so do you put the glue on then set it on the sticks then slide them out? I have wanted to attempt laminate but have not yet

 

[WaveBreaker]

Yes .. as an example.. counter top.. cut your laminate to an approximate size say 1/4" larger all around.
Apply 2 coats of contact cement to each piece. once tacky (should not transfer to stick) place sticks onto counter top place laminate onto sticks ..position pull sticks one at a time..while sticking it together. trim with router. pretty simple process.

When i finish up with my counter extension ill take shots of the process.

 

[WaveBreaker]

Small update ..
Doing alot of internal bits and pieces. Once i pick up the RTT i will close the top so its easier at this stage to do it. Time consuming to say the least.

Made 1/8" spacers for around door area, will sandwich between other skin and inner lip to provide a bit more clearance for the neoprene seals.

Then made the inner 1/2" lip

Installed the pair.

made cleats/standoffs for water tank.

cut and fit removable bulkhead for tank area.

Thats about it for now.