February 13th 2005
Why are you building a trailer rather then purchase one new or used?
I own a dodge Caravan which has a tow capacity of 3500lb maximum. I would like a trailer with full bathroom and kitchen facilities as well as HAVC and full AV/Computer and imaging systems to support my digital photography hobbies and Kasperwing flying trips. I simply could not find anything in this category that wasn't made with canvas bump-outs and particle board construction. I also had this darn utility/snowmobile trailer in my yard rusting away. Something simply sparked the concept of "how hard could it be to build my own trailer to my specific needs?"
I started by stripping the old plywood off of my 8x10' snowmobile trailer to prep the frame for my Tiny Trailer Construction. Right from the start I have a problem with the frame. The axle on this trailer is bent, the tires have uneven wear and the suspension is not very strong. I will need to replace the axle and leaf springs. With this issue aside the 8x10ft trailer bed is more then ideal for the size and concept of my trailer design. I should mention that I have no blueprints for this project. I stole the contour of a Teardrop Trailer and transferred that curve into the Visio Technical CAD application for modifications. With a bit of bending I matched the contour to my trailer bed and produced the first part of this puzzle. The contour line to be transferred onto plywood was projected from a DLP projector onto the 4x8 sections of 3/4" plywood and the trailer project was launched into action.
I previously did not own any wood working Tools and when I have a project that requires special tools I buy from Homier.com discount outlet. Homier has every tool you can think of cheaply made but good enough for the job.
Example...
5hp 3 gallon pancake air compressor $69.99 it has been running fine for 2 years now. (I recently noticed that this is the exact same compressor Sears sells with the Craftsman name for $179.99
Saw's All knock-off............................$ 9.99
Trim router......................................$9.99
15 piece router bits...........................$9.99
Mini drill press..................................$29.99
100 piece drill bit set...........................$9.99
180° table top saw..................$39.99
Long story short if you don't have the tools to do the job don't rent them...buy a tool so cheap you don't care if it breaks. I have been lucky with my purchases and everything is still working well and I have about 6 projects complete with these tools. The drill press and air compressor are now 3 years old and still working well.
I also received the new axle. Ok motor heads I do not need to hear that this is overkill but I purchased a 3500lb capacity trailer axle. Most teardrop trailers have a 850-1200lb load. Keep in mind my Teardrop will be 2x the size of other trailers considering the 8 x 10 bed. I also could not find a 2200lb axle that had brake mounting plates.... I want brakes!!!!
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