I have a small trailer from Harbor Frieght, 4X8 1000lb capacity, and was thinking of doing a cheap camper trailer with it as the base.
Got the idea from looking at the little tear drop trailers and other similar minimalist camp trailers.
Here's a site with some interesting home built examples:
http://www.mikenchell.com/halloffame.html

I'm interested in the convienence of having a neat little camp package but am also looking at few realities of my current situation. Right now I am basically a kept man, I live in my mothers house (which she would like to sell at some point) and my girlfriend keeps me in groceries and other essentials like meds. If something were to happen and I had to move out of my mothers, my girlfriend does not have room at her place, other close relatives are tight on space, and although the climate here is fairly moderate the idea of being out on the street with no conviences like a solid roof doesn't appeal to me! LOL
I have a few items laying around that might make such a little trailer very self sufficient other than plumbing. I have 80 watts of solar panel power charging a bank of 4 250AH deep cycle batteries, a 2000 watt inverter, a 300 watt inverter, a 24/12/9 volt power center, and a small 1000 watt gas backup generator. Basically more than enough electrical power for a small trailer with climate control, lighting, and entertainment system.
My initial estimate for construction material is around $400 for a very minimalist weather proof living space over the the materials I already have on hand. It seems like a practical reasonably priced project that would keep me busy (I can only do so much, a little limited on physical activity) and make me feel productive.

So what do you guys think, would this be a foolish waste of time and resources? Or does it sound like a fun way to keep busy that may have very practical applications?

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Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.

I think $400 is underestimating the costs of such an endeavor, but otherwise it would be worth it. Wish you were closer--I could fix you up with a camper, that needs some a/c and other rejuvenation. Solid, no leaks. Good electric system. I haven't tried the propane operated stuff tho.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: I think $400 is underestimating the costs of such an endeavor, but otherwise it would be worth it. Wish you were closer--I could fix you up with a camper, that needs some a/c and other rejuvenation. Solid, no leaks. Good electric system. I haven't tried the propane operated stuff tho.

I'm sure the finished product would have way over $400 in it but just getting it dried in shouldn't really be over $400. 3/8th plywood is runnin around $11 a sheet (5 or 6 sheets should do it) , framing lumber should be fairly cheap (one of my brothers is a finish carpenter so a lot of scrap would be available for free), the polyurethane coating would probably be one of the bigger expenses, windows optional (seen a few on ebay for around $15), weather stripping shouldn't be much for a door and back hatch, hinges. Have been shopping around for a powered roof vent and have a small window unit (would like to find an even smaller one). Figured as small as the cabin would be a small 12 volt heater should work. For insulation I'm thinking the styrofoam or equivalent sheeting.
Already have the trailer, it is already decked with a sheet of 3/4 inch treated plywood, have some car speakers laying around and a few head units, some 12 volt lighting, small TV and DVD/CD player, wiring, basically a lot of small odds and ends are laying around.

A small trailer to renovate would be great but most of the stuff I have seen available is way out of my range and then there would be the renovation cost on top of the initial cost. Actually my price range is zero but I usually do have a few bucks here and there, I've kept the same $40 in my wallet for the past two weeks! LOL I did sell a couple of items on ebay this month but they will mainly go to ebay fees. I'm hoping to make a couple hundred this month.

Depending on what your materials are you may exceed the 1,000 lb weight limit before you get done. Wood is heavy, steel is heavier. Then add in basic interior components. Bed, pluming, (If you have any), lights, batteries.

It all adds up.

Not saying it isn’t doable, just keep an eye on your weights or you may have an overweight trailer that will stress the tires when you move it.

Think wood studs and aluminum sides.

Like the enclosed snowmobile trailers, material is light weight, aluminum.

Steve

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

quote Originally posted by 84fiero123: Depending on what your materials are you may exceed the 1,000 lb weight limit before you get done. Wood is heavy, steel is heavier. Then add in basic interior components. Bed, pluming, (If you have any), lights, batteries. It all adds up. Not saying it isn’t doable, just keep an eye on your weights or you may have an overweight trailer that will stress the tires when you move it. Think wood studs and aluminum sides. Like the enclosed snowmobile trailers, material is light weight, aluminum. Steve

been keeping that in mind, as well as tounge weight. The batteries are probably going to be the heaviest single component, 4 large deep cycle batteries at around 50lbs each already add 200lbs. The 3/8ths plywood could actually be replaced with 1/4 inside and out, was looking at 3/8ths outside, sandwiching sheet insulation with 1/4 inch inside sheeting.

This one appears to be built on the same base trailer that I have and the basic layout is similar to what I have in mind.

The interior is no more than a bed, I have an air matress that would basically fill the interior cabin floor. The rear is storage/galley area with a large hatch opening.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 11-18-2008).]

I have thought of this too. Great thought!

Just have to make sure it can hold the weight of whatever you build on it. Write up plans as you go so I can copy you!

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 11-18-2008).]

quote Originally posted by 2.5: I have thought of this too. Great thought! Just have to make sure it can hold the weight of whatever you build on it. Write up plans as you go so I can copy you!

There are a TON of build threads to look at, one of the sights I go to a lot is the one listed at the beginning of this thread. I am leaning toward the ones with the angles rather than curves (true teardrop trailers) simply because it seems to be an easier build along with plenty of flat surface for solar panels. The average cost seems to be around $1500 for a "from scratch" build but if you already have a basic trailer and some of the other components it seems like a basic travel trailer can be built to fit individual preferences a heck of a lot cheaper than you can buy something new and in most cases even used.
I figure if the trailer is rated for 1000lbs that staying within that weight is not really that big of an issue since you will most likely be towing the trailer with no one in it and when stationary and on jack stands the additional 150 to 350lbs of occupants would not count towards you trailer capacity.

This one claims it can be built in a couple of weekends and includes a detailed cost rundown. I think this one is built on the same trailer frame that I have. http://www.mikenchell.com/weekender/

I always liked this one made by Wkayl, it was on a 4x8 trailer too as I recall.

He pulled it with his GT from Denver to The Dells run and back with no trouble.

Neat design, but with the trailer axle that far back, wouldn't that = a lot of tongue weight?

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[This message has been edited by Falcon Fiero (edited 11-18-2008).]

Ya, prob all of 50 pnds, lol.

Like already said, finished trailer with 4 batteries, generator, etc PLUS the stuff you pack in it for a trip is going to add up real fast.

quote Originally posted by Falcon Fiero: Neat design, but with the trailer axle that far back, wouldn't that = a lot of tongue weight?

From looking at the pic with Wayne's car you can see the car had not been lowered and it's not squatting in the rear so I'm thinking the tongue weight is negligible on this setup.

Steve

Why not put the batteries and other heavy stuff in the trunk or bed of the tow vehicle and have a power cable to the trailer? For example ebay item 180292503143

What a neat idea DRA! Good luck!

don't skimp on the insulation. you don't want to run much, if any, heat source in such a confined space. maybe a little electric heater every now and then, but those are power hogs. i'm gearing up to build a grumman from that site. been a member there for awhile now. wire in 155VAC wiring while you're building, just in case you're somewhere with power. that will let you run a window A/C if need be. many camp grounds have power plugs these days. even if you do'n't go to campgrounds, it's better to have the wiring ready just in case you can use it somewhere. i'm planning on just wiring in a few 115VAC outlets and a power input plug along with my 12/24 volt wiring. my inside and outside walls will be 1/4" ply with a foam sandwich core. i designed an aluminum I-beam frame to keep my weight down too. by using aluminum, i can go longer and wider and still be lightweight. i'm going with a 5' X 10' and my camper will be 6' x 12' (without the tongue). i will be using a removeable tongue, to keep honest people honest. i'm going to use a tent to attach to the side, over the door, for stand up room and still have cover, plus that will give me yet more space. should make a nice little bug out set up.

Appreciate the positive comments and suggestions.
The more I look at how things are going the more sense it makes to have a life boat, as long as I can complete the project at a reasonable cost. I'm gonna start looking at available material already on hand, see what kind of lumber my brothers can snag for me. Probably pick up one of those cheap Kreg jigs, Lowes and Home Depot have one for under $20.
I'll strt looking at overall weight before I start actually building.
I'll post a few pics of what I have to work with for now when I get a chance. Got a call last night from one of my brothers, his Preacher had the starter go out on his Mustang so I will pick a few bucks up from changing it out for him.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 11-19-2008).]

quote Originally posted by Gokart Mozart: Why not put the batteries and other heavy stuff in the trunk or bed of the tow vehicle and have a power cable to the trailer? For example ebay item 180292503143

While that may make the trailers weight less, the same engine has to pull it. Those here that tow a Fiero with another Fiero know what I mean....

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: While that may make the trailers weight less, the same engine has to pull it. Those here that tow a Fiero with another Fiero know what I mean....

Exactly, and it will be rare that I pull the trailer.
I actually had the batterys and 2000 watt inverter along with a few of the solar panels set up in the Amigo, then I came to the realization that hauling all that extra weight around probably wasn't helping my gas mileage or wear and tear on the vehicle. I'd much rather have everything set up in the trailer.

My buddies who haul cars and junk use one battery mounted on the trailer that is charged via the 6th wire in the 6 way plug when you are driving.

That way they always have a fully charged battery in the trailer and the car electrical system in the tow vehicle can be isolated form the trailer by simply unplugging it.

Saves you weight in the trailer by only having one battery, that can be a good deep cycle that can be run right down and then charged right up by running the vehicle for a bit.

Sounds like a great project.

Steve

Now didn’t I just get a tilt flat bed 7’ x 9’trailer? hum

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

Sounds like a fun project!

I would consider doing the teardrop design, not only are they very cool looking (maybe even see your money again) but stressing the plywood into the curve will add tremendous strength and require less support thus saving weight and maybe a few $.

Still working on getting my little project off the ground. I have the little trailer as I already mentioned and have aquired a few other odds and ends here and there. Maybe got a little over $100 spent to date.


I have a main door for one side, a slider window and small escape hatch for the other side, and a solar powered vent along with a screened popup vent for the top.

Next step will be to pick up the lumber, figure I have the fasteners and other hardware I will need laying around. May be this summer before I put it all together but time is not an issue (money is).

My little trailer puller.


My little personal power station.



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Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 01-10-2009).]

First time I saw this thread, and I have to say, "why didn't I think of that?" Neat idea, maybe I'll get to try it someday Good luck!

Neat project. A few years back I almost got into the tear drop trailer craze. Thought about buying one. Thing was that I already have too many trailers.

quote Originally posted by DRA: The interior is no more than a bed, I have an air matress that would basically fill the interior cabin floor. The rear is storage/galley area with a large hatch opening.

Which would fit in the back of my pick up. I could see one behind a Fiero or something else though.
I do have a thought (did not look to see how far into it you are) though. You might consider making a unit which can be lowered onto the trailer and removed for storage. This would allow you to have the trailer for other purposes. A drawback would be that more weight would be added to the structure but I thought it was worth a mention.

quote Originally posted by cliffw: I do have a thought (did not look to see how far into it you are) though. You might consider making a unit which can be lowered onto the trailer and removed for storage. This would allow you to have the trailer for other purposes. A drawback would be that more weight would be added to the structure but I thought it was worth a mention.

Am actually considering that as an option, trying to keep up with weight as I lay everything out.
My main weight at this point seems to be the battery bank I want to use (which can be removed), would like to have heat for the winter, plenty of air circulation for the summer, and a full entertainment system (LCD monitor, headunit w/dvd, etc). Using the four deepcycle batteries, 1200 watt inverter, along with solar and a backup 1000 watt gas generator should run almost anything I want (within reason).

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: While that may make the trailers weight less, the same engine has to pull it. Those here that tow a Fiero with another Fiero know what I mean....

I think this was offered up as a way to keep weight off of the trailer(of course, I could be wrong). Thus freeing up other options and still keep the trailer under 1,000 pounds. I think the Isuzu should be up to the task and it actually appears to have space for the batteries, etc.

I have been looking at these also and as for weight, I had seen one that was a 4x8 or 4x10 that used 3/4" plywood for the floor and the walls and weighed in at 700lbs. I bet if more alluminium was used,change the walls to something lighter, you could shave off even more.

Steve

Hard decision this week, I managed to make a couple dollars and was gonna start on the trailer but I really need to do the front brakes on the Amigo! Oh well, maybe I can make it stretch enough to at least make a start.

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Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.

Got the brakes done on the Amigo and getting started on my little trailer project!


Lumber to get it dried in ended up around $60

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Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.

I had mentioned this thread to a fellow handy person and he said.

“Why not just buy a old snowmobile trailer with one of those flip up covers?”

I have to agree with his idea, all you need to do is add a little bit of height to it and you have a great base and cover for a camper trailer.

They are about 7’ X 8’ and rated for about 1500 lbs GVW.

http://www.sledswap.com/cla...stings/page14898.htm

I know this is way more than you plan on spending, but they are available a lot cheaper in a month or so. Off season people practically give these things away. As a matter of fact I got one last fall for free, without the top but you can pick those up for practically nothing as well.

Steve
Here’s a beauty for you. 102” wide by 10’ long.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot...0QQitemZ220375366980

Steve
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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 03-11-2009).]

Any progress on this thing?

quote Originally posted by OKflyboy: Any progress on this thing?

Actually I'm about to finish the interior in the next couple of weeks, if I can stand the heat!
Will be wired on the interior with two 12 volt lights, three 12 volt power outlets, CD player/AM/FM w/ aux input, CB radio, I picked up a 12 volt 15in widescreen TV with built in DVD to be the centerpiece. A single size air mattress fits in the cabin, just barely!
The 4 deepcycle batteries are in place and hard wired to a 2000watt inverter and a fuse panel for the lights and accesories. it looks pretty rough right now but it is slowly coming together, just a matter of physically being able to do it.

I'll post some pics when I get some.

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Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.

quote Originally posted by DRA: Actually I'm about to finish the interior in the next couple of weeks, if I can stand the heat! Will be wired on the interior with two 12 volt lights, three 12 volt power outlets, CD player/AM/FM w/ aux input, CB radio, I picked up a 12 volt 15in widescreen TV with built in DVD to be the centerpiece. A single size air mattress fits in the cabin, just barely! The 4 deepcycle batteries are in place and hard wired to a 2000watt inverter and a fuse panel for the lights and accesories. it looks pretty rough right now but it is slowly coming together, just a matter of physically being able to do it. I'll post some pics when I get some.

Excellent, Looking forward to seeing the pics! Thanks for the update!

I remember Wkayl's trailer at the Dells. He had a small Honda generator to power the TV etc. Honda generators seem to be the most quiet running generators around. I don't believe that it's size would be good for a living-in trailer, but would be great for traveling and camping for the night.

quote Originally posted by Old Lar: I remember Wkayl's trailer at the Dells. He had a small Honda generator to power the TV etc. Honda generators seem to be the most quiet running generators around. I don't believe that it's size would be good for a living-in trailer, but would be great for traveling and camping for the night.

I've got a small 1000watt generator to supplement the solar, never know when there might be a bad overcast day or week for that matter. I really haven't pushed the solar charging at this point, just running a couple of saws, shop vac, 120 volt lights, etc, intermitantly at this point but have seen very little drain on the 4 battery bank. I only have 70 watts of solar at this point but would like to expand on that. The end result should be a mobile power station with a few luxuries. LOL

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Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 08-14-2009).]

Lookin' good so far!

Very cool little project. Just adding in my .02 here, I have a similar trailer that I bought from Harbor Freight myself, however oddly enough it has the 1350lb rating and a smaller deck size of roughly 4x6. On a recent vacation to Oregon, my father piled on nearly a ton of cargo into the Fiero and on the trailer. (Ok Lisa had a hand in the excess shopping as well) I can dead lift 200lbs, by the time we were done loading the trailer, I had to strain to lift the tung and had zero chance of pulling the trailer around to get it on the hitch on the Fiero. We ended up getting the tung onto a single jack stand then having a spotter as I backed the Fiero up until it was a simple matter of lowering it down to the hitch on the car. I have found, if you have a choice heavy tung or lite tung always choose the heavy side. Once and only Once, did I ever try to tow with Zero to Negative tung weight on the Fiero. I only had to drive 5 miles and I damn near called it quits after the first 2 miles. The Fiero's doesn't mind a few extra pounds on the rear suspension, but try to take any away and its a sure combo for disaster. I'd say make a belly box for your batteries, under the front of the trailer deck.

Once we got the weight around where we wanted it, and dumb A$$ me did not take into account trailer tire pressure, then got the tires aired up, it trailered perfect. I-5 through Washington at 70-80mph and only during rapid breaking or trying to really stand on it, passing or getting onto the highway, you really knew it was only a 2.8 back there.

The tow vehicle was my fairly stock 88GT, only mods were cleaned up exhaust ports, all poly bushings in the entire suspension and thats pretty much it.

I'll see if I can find a pic or 2 of my package that was on the route from Oregon to Canada.

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85GT Soon to be 87GT,93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.

Update:
Still have some finish work to do, need to do the final outside seal with herculiner (right now the outside has several coats of polyurethane.

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Dealing with failure is easy: work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: you've solved the wrong problem, work hard to improve.

Impressive work.

Just to show you that you are not crazy.

I just watched RV Crazy on the travel channel.

I will look and see if I can find it on again.

You would fit right in with these folks.

Steve
Remember when the car pulled the RV?




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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 02-19-2010).]