How to Build a DIY Travel Trailer - The Frame (part 1)
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- Опубликовано: 16 апр 2018
- Today I'm starting the travel trailer project and welding the frame together to create the basic shell of the trailer. I'm going for something between a teardrop trailer and a full size camp trailer!
Stay tuned as this project transforms from this base frame to a full fledged aluminum clad roadworthy camping companion.
Please let me know if you have any questions :)
Joe
Big thanks to Industrial Metal Supply for partnering with me and supplying some of the steel for this project! Check them out online or one of their awesome stores!
www.industrialmetalsupply.com/
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Music sourced from the RUclips audio library and from EpidemicSound.com... credits as follows....
Hidden Potential 1 by Gavin luke
A Sound Foundation by Gavin Luke
via Epidemic Sound (license/subscription via partnership with Studio71)
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I have a few suggestions for you. I'm retired now but I was a senior RV tech at one time. RV is just a slick way to sell cheap hardware and appliances at outrageous prices. For what it's worth, new technology has come a long way and one of the greatest improvements is in refrigeration. For the cost of an RV (ammonia absorption) fridge that performs poorly you can install a solid state or one of the new compressor refrigerators. Your cost savings can be put into better battery/inverter power. I've personally laid eyes on six RV's burned to the ground because of RV refrigerators that caught fire. Same is true for RV stoves. You can have a small (real) stove (24" apartment size) for half the cost of the trashy RV offerings. There is also a camping style 'on demand' water heater that runs on propane. It is far more efficient than either Suburban or Dometic RV tanked water heaters. Great video series. Your trailer looks great so far.
haha... I can imagine that :) Well, they definitely need to make it profitable so I can see not using quite the best components all the time. As for this build... I'm thinking super simple... I want to have power for led lights and charging ports for phones, etc,. But depending on weight I may not do a fridge or stove...was thinking of just a propane cook top stove that I can use indoor or out and just a cooler for food. I know that sounds crazy...considering building a trailer..haha.. but I want to only add the things that will be hands off and have little maintenance requirements. I’m even figuring a gravity water system as a way I forgoing a demand pump and water lines. Would still have a low tank but would only use the pump to charge the high tanks once we were parked then use gravity during the stay...just thoughts though😀
Great ideas. Thought... Those small "dorm room" refrigerators take less than 200 watts and weigh about the same as a large cooler. Easy to replace at any Walmart too. Cook top... Good move. The least used appliance in any RV is the oven. The camping LP stoves are low profile and could easily move to an outside kitchen. There are quick connect propane fittings available. You are way ahead of this game.
Awesome info
We use an instant pot and an air fryer to cook everything.
Check into the coolers that can plug in and be an actual freezer or refrigerator. They are a game changer. I also got a in demand shower head that is a hot water heater that just plugs in.
Super simple and so efficient.
Great job!
You'll never need to worry about cutting the wrong size, spin in circles or waste time trying to figure out what goes where... With ryan's detailed shed plans ruclips.net/user/postUgkxT9ExVpR-3A-9rpRqx8vzXKZ3BMMTg_KH , it makes building sheds a breeze - just like putting lego bricks together! You'll be able to create the kind of shed, your neighbors and other woodworkers will secretly envy (while mumbling nice job under their breath).
This is what they should teach us in school instead of canning veggies. What a set of skills! Much respect. I'm envious.
As a retirement project I am currently building a 12ft retro travel trailer this video gave me the inspiration.
I said it before and I'll say it again, "there hain't nothing you can't build joe!!!" LOL! You are a professional my friend!!! Can't wait til part 2. 👍👍.Jay.
haha.. thanks Jay!
But I'll say it again....lol... there is plenty I can't build... I just pick the ones that I think I can build :D
homesteadonomics , LMBO!! Me too!!😁
HIS FUTHER R PROFESSIONAL.... HE IS JUST FOUND OLD IDIA.....
Hog Man
Great job !!!
You’re a really cool dude, I love that you put the thought into keeping this a multi-generational family project, it will be something you’ll be able to show off to your kids and grandkids for years to come.
Rarely do you see a video on how to build something that is as well done as your trailer build. While others hum haw around, you were direct, smooth and moved at a fast enough pace so as to not loose the viewer's interest and get it done. Great video.
Where would be without our elders...as far as the undercarriage for the trailer maybe some bed liner that you can spray or roll on. Enjoying the videos
I just got to say it. You motivate the hell out of me when it come to projects. When my knucklehead wife sees me watching videos like yours. she knows it's a new project coming around the corner. LOL
🤔😏😊
Thanks Antonio! the same think happens to me... I'll be looking at something and wife gives me the 'cross examination' face... and I just have to laugh :D
Really looking forward to seeing more of these!
Thanks Helmut! I've been looking forward to this build for a while and it's nice to see it taking shape... now just to get it to a campable stage :D
Give FULL credit to people who are supportive and generously share their knowledge, because that kind of generosity is a game changer. People like this Father-in-law, up level our capabilities, and self reliance. I have people in my life who hear the info I share with them and they, one in particular, immediately ego trips like they already knew the info...ego trippers suck !
Glad to see you gave some (?)/all (?) credit for his contribution.
i loved your father. its nice to see son and father work together.
Thanks for sharing the project with us, I always love to watch these builds come together!
Thanks for checking it out Jason! I enjoy seeing the progress of the raw materials coming into something functional by the end of the build... hoping for this one to get to teh usable stage :)
Cool trailer build. I was thinking of doing a off-road teardrop with my Landrover sankey trailer to match my 110.
Building your own camper!?! You are truly a God among men.
well, it's not built yet...lol... still got a long way to go and hopefully it'll be roadworthy by then :)
I don't know what is more impressive, the trailer or the father in law.
Another amazing project, looking great! Love the fact that this is a 'family project'. As always, thank you for posting!
Thanks Afonso!
I'm so excited to watch the progress of this trailer. Watching you put this part together is inspiring!
I was inspired by a beautiful cactus mural that was perfectly put on a climbing wall in just a few hours in less than ideal conditions ;D
homesteadonomics that’s us, inspiration sharers! Haha! Our whole family does this in some way or another don’t they? 😉
Love how your project keeps the family close.
"Industrial metal Supply", wow, this is heaven!
BTW, you can go to war with this trailer. Well done!
Looking good so far Joe... Ambitious project ! Looking forward to seeing where you are going with this... Enjoyed !
Thanks Mark! yes, very ambitious... maybe too much so...lol... but lets hope not :)
It's been too long since I've seen you build something! I am so looking forward to seeing all the stages of build through to the end, a travel trailer no less! Exciting, but I have no doubt it will end up being fantastic! All of your work that I've seen is incredible. 👍
Thanks so much Teresa! I'm hoping it progresses smoothly with as few hiccups as possible...lol.. but it is a learning process as this is the first time I've done something like this :)
homesteadonomics, I understand hiccups, but that's part of the learning curve, right? I still have confidence you will design & build a real show piece like you always do. ✌
Another great video. I love the fact that you used the knowledge all ready available in your family rather than trying to re-invent the wheel mentality. Making it a family build will just enhance the memories this trailer will provide. Your wielding/fabrication skills have really increased. ,Ames me think I need to take up wielding, opens the door to so many possibilities. Again, thanks for a great video and sharing!
thanks Thomas! Yes, Ive got some great resources in the family!
... and about welding... I would definitely give it a shot. It's really fun and opens up a lot of possibilites to builds and general repair work that I previously wouldn't have thought possible :)
Stumbled on this video probably because of all the homestead and RV camper videos In my queue. Cool project. Loving the fabrication so far. You’ve got a blank slate on the inside with tremendous potential for customization. Your mind must be going full steam thinking about it. Told my wife I was watching this DIY video. She kept on walking and said “goodbye.” RV campers aren’t her thing ... for now. 😉 Looking forward to your progress. And am enjoying your family values.
Steve Sadowski thanks for checking it out Steve! Yes my mind goes on overdrive for projects like these😀 I have some rough plans for the inside but really want to get it dried in so I can feel out the space first. Such a fun process of figuring these things out! And I feel you on the wife thing...she laughs and shakes her head when I go down a rabbit hole like this😉
I love watching your variety of projects.
They are interesting and youre very well thought out on your strategy, along the way and at each step.
Thanks Ash! I appreciate that. Variety is a necessity for me as I have lots of interests and like to know a little bit about a lot of different things :)
Can’t wait for part 2 this is going to be an exciting build
Thanks Michael! Me too! The quicker that I get to part 2... 3, 4, etc.. the quicker I'll take the girls camping :D
It's wonderful that you have generous and helpful family members who offer skills and experience to your projects.
yes, I'm very blessed with a great set of friends and family... even on projects where I don't get any help I still often use them as a sounding board and idea check. My father in law is one of those guys who is like a subtle genius... just a wise man that seems to know a bit about everything and if its something new he can usually figure it out by deduction. I want to get a video with just him at some point:)
1. Industrial Metal Supply is AWESOME! Have several here in L.A.. If walking thru their store doesn't get you going, it's time to hand in your "Man Card".
2. You Father-in-Law is AWESOME! Whenever that dude shows up he makes a huge contribution to your project (Greenhouse).
I guess you hit the "Marriage jackpot"!
haha!!! yes
1. sooooo true!
2. Even more true!!! My in laws are just so awesome! I did win the lottery with both my wife and her family... but first my wife.... especially if she reads this....lol ;)
So you scored an axle and you built a whole custom trailer around it...
👌🏻😅
Thanks for sharing the build!
Welding is no joke
You build stuff the way things should be built I love it another great video can't wait till see the final product
Thanks Ed! I don't know if my quality is that good... but I do my best! and yes, I can't wait to see and (camp in) the finished trailer :)
Looking fantastic and thanks Joe for showing us your magnificent procedural fabrication skill of travel trailer. Can't wait to see the next episodes
as I watch I'm glad you decided to build it yourself. I have a 2023 Grand Design Toy Hauler that appears to be having frame separation. P.O.S. that I paid way too much for. This series is bookmarked so i can one day replicate this for myself
Great start Joe. Looking forward to the next installment.
thanks Jody! I'm looking really forward to having that one ready:D
Coolio! Looking forward to the final product
thanks Andrew! me too!
Watched this series when it was new, watching again now. Thanks for the resources Joe.
amazing!!!!!!!!!!! to the last detail.
Nice job Joe! 👍👍👍
thanks Lebron!!
Cool. I can’t wait to learn from you on this project. Great video.
thanks for checking it out Raynola! :)
I am liking your frame. Looks super strong. After redoing a 1974 travel trailer I was shocked how wimpy they are built! I cannot believe they can handle going down the road the way they are built. We loved redoing ours and next I hope to build a tiny house! Looking forward to watching more on this project.
Thanks Julie! I'll bet that was really cool project when you got it all done. Really knowing the ins and outs of it. And yes, it is crazy how well they do on the small frames. Mine might be towards the heavier side... but hopefully will have increased durability (fingers crossed :)
I got a 20 foot trailer frame made from 2 x 6 x 1/8 wall rectangular tubing with z purlins in the middle . Looked wimpy and light , but it is super stout
Never underestimate old guys w/ skills!
You are so talented, I’m amazed at how well/fast you learn then implement. Great job
thanks Jamie! It's definitely a learning curve for almost all my projects....lol... a lot of fudging and figuring to get it right ;) So the talent level isn't all that high... mostly the motivation to figure it out is though :D
Jamie Scott h
@@homesteadonomics what size of square tubing did you use for the walls
S M A S H another great build!
haha.. .THANKS!!! It's been rattling around in my head for a couple years now and so fun to actually be cranking it out :)
I am really impressed you took on a project like this. Wow...
Have to love the old times a wealth of knowledge
Great to have a handy father-n-law, also when using any type of wood for the bottom, coat the down side with roofing tar and let dry, last forever and is dirt cheap. Keep up the good work.
Now there's an ignorant suggestion from a person that hasn't a clue.
@@Tay58382 whats your construction experience look like asshole?
Nice! Love your projects and style. Thank you for taking us along 👍
USNERDOC thanks David! Hope you guys are enjoying some time on the ranch!
Going back on your videos, didn’t realize you also built a camper! We are very similar in the fact that we tackle projects we have little to no experience in, just a deep desire to learn and build! Good work!!
That store is my heaven, wish we had one of those!
It's amazing. You are such an inspiration for me.
thanks Eddy! I appreciate you watching :D
Joe
amazing job man thanks for sharing! very impressed! would love to do something like this from scratch!
Finally...I'm commenting first. I've been looking for a metal fab camper build most people use heavy ply it will turn out good the weight will be OK...
I just bought my first welder and am trying to convince myself that I can learn this skill, but you give me something to aspire to, thanks!
This is going to be an amazing project! Looking forward to video series through completion!
Thanks John! I've been thinking about this project for quite a while... really fun to actually be getting it going :)
Looking good Joe👍🏻
Thanks Wayne!!
This thing is going to be indestructible. FWIW, the vertical backend causes suction that will hit your fuel mileage, that's why the "teardrop" shape is ideal. If this is intended to be mostly a sleeper and the bed is going to be in the back, you won't really miss the headroom... or maybe even just make it more of a teardrop trailer and have a pop-up to an outdoor kitchen. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Zero Cool yes, It’s not the ideal shape...but hopefully it won’t be to much of a hit...a teardrop was what it originally was going to be until it got revamped. No much head room needed in back...but I may have some storage and a loft up there...not quite sure just yet though. Thanks for checking it out😀
You are highly skilled, thank you for sharing your ideas and projects.
This is way cool - thanks for sharing with us✔️
Thanks Julee! I appreciate you watching all of these little random builds of mine :D
Joe
This looks like a fun project to build and later to use. Have FUN! I have a request. When you get to the part where you join side to top, please show a lot of detail for sealing out mean old mister water. Rot your wood and rust your steel. I like to see this joint look trim and professional. I don't know how to achieve what I want here. I have seen these trailers pulled at high (>70) speed. That is a pretty strong wind trying to push water into any little gap that is there. Good luck with your project.
Thanks for checking it out! yes, I will do my best to show that part. its something that I want to make sure and do right so I can keep the water away for as long as possible. I still have a bit more research to do as Ive read several different philosphies on the trim aspect of teardrps and camp trailers... seems a good trim piece with adequate sealant applied and the right screws/rivets can make or break the tightness of the edge of the wall roof area
Wow- I've never seen a TT built from the frame up, starting with building the frame. You're a genius!
Thanks Tina! It's been a project that's been on my mind for quite a while now! can't wait to get it campable!
been researching on a forum called tnttt.com... tons of great info from folks building mostly teardrops...but pretty much a little on ever subject :D
Nice job Joe! The best!!
That looks really good!!!
thanks Keith!
That's not a trailer...... it's a tank! It's going to last forever! Great build.
thanks Bob! I just hope it doesn't pull like a tank :D
That is going to be one heavy duty camper!
Look at that workmanship ,nice!!
As always great video.,! 👍
Thanks Evan! :)
This will be a great project
thanks Justin! I'm super excited about it! It's gonna be a lot of work but oh so worth it by the end... assuming I don't make it too heavy to pull that is:)
Love this build. I would love to do this but I’m a lousy welder and I don’t really have the space to do this. Maybe one day. I always admire people who build stuff and I like to build things myself. This is a great project and very nicely done!
Accompanying the process from Brazil! Anxious for the 2nd part!
Great build so far and I can't wait for part 2. Thank you for sharing and as always Keep Building 👍
thanks Todd! I cant wait for the rest of the parts too... been playing mr mom the last couple of days so no more work has gotten done yet
Hi Joe,
I use to build a lot of stuff for my boats using plywood. I couldn't afford to spring for marine grade so I'd take exterior grade and coat it with a few coats of fiberglass resin. It worked like a charm. Can't wait to see the next video. It's really lookin' good.
Thanks LB! I'm in the same boat... will be sealing my plywood really well. But the current plan is to skin with aluminum and do spray foam or foam board so that nothing on the exterior has any wood to rot.... except for the floor that is ;)
I’m glad to see you making more videos.
Just wanted to thank you for all the tips and tricks learn here. I studied your videos and used what I could to start my build. 👍🏻
WAY COOL
thanks Greg!
Wow ! Can't wait for next video!
thanks Chris! This project has been on my mind for the better part of the last couple years.... I can't wait to put out the next 4-5 vids on it too!! :) thanks for checking it out Chris!!!
Joe
!!!wow I can't waiting 4 next video,
I'm currently studying industrial design and we're working on a food truck so this is SUPER helpful
Thank you so much for this vid!!!!!! Awesome trailer
I am very excited about this project !!!
thanks! I'm looking forward to how if comes out... and even more how it camps when we go on our first trip :)
Great stuff as always Joe! My Beautiful Bride and I keep thinking about upping our camping game from tents to something. I might have to go buy me a welder now and start work on designing what would be perfect for us (= Cheers!
Canadian Sasquatch the older amd more painful you get, the easier it is to get a camper. trust me
Oh I get it. Grew up with a camper with my parents then I outgrew that and moved into a tent of my own. Now it's actually more about organizing all the stuff we want to bring when we camp, more than comfort, as we have a pretty comfortable tent setup (=
Thanks Steve! haha... I feel you on the camping. Up until just a few years ago I was a tent camping elitist... always camping in a tent or just under a tarp... loved it, and still love it... but with the little princess I started feeling like I wanted a quicker more convenient option. And I'm addicted to building things..lol But I will still tent camp and 'open stars' camp when I go on hikes/hunts/fishing trips and such :)
In it primary stage it looks it will turned to be a fabulous trailer..so best of luck for the rest of the project..
Thanks Sounak! I'm hoping it turns out well too! :D
Love IMS they're always so helpful. Plus they have an awesome selection.
Awesome that your father in-law is pitching in , it will be his ultimate reward when his Daughter sends you packing and at least you wont be homeless.🤪
Hahahahahaha
Looking good so far, keep up the good work
thanks Fred! will do :)
Wood floors are awesome idea. Just use rino liner to seal the bottom, you can buy a gallon size that will do a whole truck bed. Apply it to the underside and wa la.
rino liner might just be the perfect coating for the bottom... I was just gonna seal then oil based paint... but now I am going to have to check into that:)
no no no. ive made that mistake already brother. it doesnt last and then your just out of that money. you can better use thin 26 gauge steel or aluminum. i know your thinking keeping road salts and grime out of the wood but but the main reason is to keep mice out of the house.
Mark Cobb no to paint or no to rhino liner??.
No to paint and Rino liner. Mice can and will chew through it. Aluminum or steel hurts their teeth.
5:44 that's a TRUE welder right there. Not scared to get a little burn marks on himself. I remember the days many years ago when I was welding and it always made me laugh inside when I see people suit up with leather sleeves and jackets so they don't het burned 😆.
Ficou perfeito, parabéns eu gostei muito.
This is funny timing on the upload of this video. I've been researching ideas to scratchbuild a teardrop camper for the last week. I know you're not building a teardrop but a light travel trailer nonetheless. How many people are you aiming to be able to sleep in the camper and are you doing an indoor wet or dry bath? Looking forward to the rest of the build!
Thanks for checking it out FG! if you're looking at TD trailers then you have probably been checking out tnttt.com... super awesome forum with lots of great ideas. I plan on mentioning them in the next video as I've gotten a lot of useful info about windows, doors, insulation, electrical, sealing wood, etc,. from that place.
as for sleeping.. the potential will be 4 tightly and 3 comfortably. couch bed in back for my wife and I... and a breakfast nook/bed in front for my daughter... but also a mini loft for her back by us while she is still little (she want's it for fun more than actual sleeping....lol
Awesome 😎 blessings
thanks Kimberly!
Muito muito top, sua fabricação e o capricho excelente parabéns
Very cool! I want to learn now to weld! Had to share on our website.
This New Old RV thanks! Welding is really enjoyable and I think you’ll really enjoy it to! I’ll have to go check out your website😀👍
Been wondering where you been. Cool project. Can't wait for tge next vid!
lol... yes, it's been about 2.5 weeks... was planning on having this up about a week ago and then my pump house died on me... had to order parts and replace the pressure tank, pump, get a water delivery, etc,.... before I could finish up the welding :)
I got some tráiler plans but no welding skills. Nor a place to actually start a project like this. But one day watch lol. Great build HE.
Thanks! you'll get to it for sure... whether with welding or even a bolt together trailer...lots of different options. and many trailer tops are actually mostly made of wood so you'll have lots of options to think about when the time comes :D
For sure, Thanks Joe :)
You started a good project to go camping with the family. 🏕👍🏻🦅
Thank you for sharing. It made me understand more of how to build a trailer.
Looks awesome! How are the leaf springs with the extra weight? I don't know a lot about them but they look very small for what it's about to hold up.
Thanks Robin! the leaf springs and axle are rated to 3500lbs... and I'm hoping to keep the trailer as light as I can... 2250 will be the goal weight. The walls are going to be aluminum and foam... with thin ply on the interior, and the cabinets and furniture will be built with that in mind as well... but reality says that I'm being optimistic...lol ;)
Wow, I did not think a few sheets of metal could hold that much weight! You need to mount it on some scales while you work, haha
I think you are being realistic on the weights homestead. You know how much a stick of that tubing weighs so tally things as you go. I have done that and came out real close to final weights on stuff.
I have a 16 ft fiberglass RV that, if I remember correctly, was stated to have a 1500 lb dry weight. I weighed it when it was almost empty and it went 2200. You must know what you're doing but with all that metal, plywood, etc. it's going to be interesting if you can keep it down to 2250. My suspension is via a torsion bar axle.
homesteadonomics Love your build. Been following it for quite a while. Wondering what your final dry weight came in at? Also, what are your length and width dimensions? Maybe you posted it somewhere and I missed it. Thanks.
"I was going to tow this with my Jetta TDI..."
Aaaaand I'm subscribed
Thank You for taking the time to make these Videos, I just wanted to share something with you.. I worked in a busy repair shop for a number of years and some times we would work on trailers the complain was they would be ill handling or blow out tires , the problem was always , that there were car tires on the trailer, My boss would order replacement TRAILER only tires and it would fix the problem , to this day I could not tell you the difference between the two or why this happens , but it just goes to show you how much engineering goes into a a tire..good luck on the build Pete M
Heck of a project. Keep on keeping on.
Thanks SW! I appreciate it :)
I love it my brother awesome project to family I will bee watching you ok later lol :)
Thanks TJ!
Nice build, I look forward to seeing your layout for the amenities. Are you doing an exterior kitchen? Or any exterior storage?
thanks nathan! I am planning an interior kitchen set up... nothing fancy... cabinets with a small sink. the stove will be a propane set up that will just slide out of a shelf to be used inside or outside. As for exterior storage... i do like the idea of a slide out but I'll wait to see where I am with wieght before I do anything like that
Looks great Joe! Can’t wait to see the finished product.
thanks philip! me too!