I am planning to build an expo camping trailer within the next few months and have been lurking through the many builds on the site for a while gathering designs, materials, and etc. but still clueless in some areas of how I want to build the trailer. My plan is to build a Hiker trailer style trailer. The tow truck is a 2011 Tacoma 4wd 3" lift and it will be used mostly in state parks. I have no intentions of taking it down any trails but it will most likely see some dirt. So far I have some dimensions and material usage in mind and a sketch.
Goals I'm hoping to achieve in the build:
1. I will be building on a budget so I'm trying to keep the cost as low as possible. Aiming for 4-5k for the basic trailer and lights, water, and kitchen. I know there are tons of other upgrades and little things that will add on slowly afterwards So I'm hoping that budget will get me to a campable trailer with lights, water, and a basic kitchen setup.
2. Steel framed body skinned with aluminum sheet metal (no wood sides or structure). Many of the builds I have seen are using wood structure and plywood walls, I am hoping to avoid this mostly to avoid wood rot and the sealing and paint prep that is involved in building with wood. Building the frame and body structure will be no hassle since I have a welder and have the skills to use it but the aluminum skin is what I am uncertain of. What thickness am I looking for and how should I attach it (rivets, bolts or self tapping screws)?
3. Shore power, water hookups and possibly gray water tank; like I stated above, the trailer will be at parks with water and electricity for the majority of the time so hookups is a priority and since I don't want to have the water I use in the trailer dump on the ground a gray tank may be on the list.
4. Access to the galley from the sleeping area. Many of the trailers I have seen have the galley separated from the sleeping area requiring you to go outside to access it so I would like to have the trailer open all the way through.
5. Instead of the usual hatch I prefer the idea of barn doors because they would be simpler to build and also can provide fold down counter space. I'm hoping I can find pre- fabricated doors, possibly use some from a truck cap. Any suggestions on that would be appreciated.
I based my design off of a few other builds and could use some suggestions on the frame structure.
Tongue length: is a 5 foot tongue too long?
Axle placement: I know you want to have a 60/40 weight distribution so what is the best way to determine where to place the axle?
Also where is the cheapest place to find doors and windows? They seem to be one of the more expensive components of the trailer so any insight on where to get them cheapest would be greatly appreciated.
Goals I'm hoping to achieve in the build:
1. I will be building on a budget so I'm trying to keep the cost as low as possible. Aiming for 4-5k for the basic trailer and lights, water, and kitchen. I know there are tons of other upgrades and little things that will add on slowly afterwards So I'm hoping that budget will get me to a campable trailer with lights, water, and a basic kitchen setup.
2. Steel framed body skinned with aluminum sheet metal (no wood sides or structure). Many of the builds I have seen are using wood structure and plywood walls, I am hoping to avoid this mostly to avoid wood rot and the sealing and paint prep that is involved in building with wood. Building the frame and body structure will be no hassle since I have a welder and have the skills to use it but the aluminum skin is what I am uncertain of. What thickness am I looking for and how should I attach it (rivets, bolts or self tapping screws)?
3. Shore power, water hookups and possibly gray water tank; like I stated above, the trailer will be at parks with water and electricity for the majority of the time so hookups is a priority and since I don't want to have the water I use in the trailer dump on the ground a gray tank may be on the list.
4. Access to the galley from the sleeping area. Many of the trailers I have seen have the galley separated from the sleeping area requiring you to go outside to access it so I would like to have the trailer open all the way through.
5. Instead of the usual hatch I prefer the idea of barn doors because they would be simpler to build and also can provide fold down counter space. I'm hoping I can find pre- fabricated doors, possibly use some from a truck cap. Any suggestions on that would be appreciated.
I based my design off of a few other builds and could use some suggestions on the frame structure.
Tongue length: is a 5 foot tongue too long?
Axle placement: I know you want to have a 60/40 weight distribution so what is the best way to determine where to place the axle?
Also where is the cheapest place to find doors and windows? They seem to be one of the more expensive components of the trailer so any insight on where to get them cheapest would be greatly appreciated.
