Habitat build

[gator70]

I'm new here and not sure if this is the correct place to start a thread

 

[tractor_to_trail]

I'm new here and not sure if this is the correct place to start a thread

Looks like a good spot to me. I'll be watching as I'm working on mine as well...and welcome

 

[gator70]

Few folks can't afford the total composite shell at $35,000.
And I need 14ft long on the frame, with 16ft long in total.

General idea where I start.

 

[gator70]

I'm looking at all options.
I prefer aluminum skeleton and aluminum sheet exterior.
Weld the skeleton, use sikaflex for the exterior lamination.

Now, even that is expensive.

I have noticed used 16ft box truck bodies in fair condition for $2,500.

They have aluminum posts (they call stakes, aluminum siding, steel I-Beam floor frames, thick oak floors.)

They have a construction that lends itself to alteration with fabrication. On the surface the size is too tall.

 

[gator70]

Spring mounts for the sub frame is mostly custom fabrications. I noticed the lower bracket is bolted to the frame, while the upper bracket is welded to the subframe.

I prefer to buy brackets. If anyone knows where I can get these, please speak up

I will post a lower and upper bracket I consider.

 

[gator70]

For the subframe, some folks pivot the frame in the center close to the cab and at the end of the sub frame on a horizontal bridge beam.

So I'm not looking forward to that expense. However I did find reasonable pivoting greased pivots sold as dump truck hinges.

Seems like the weight category is sufficient.

 

[gator70]

To reduce height dimensions I will use iron angle iron rather than steel tube for the subframe.

 

[gator70]

If anyone is building a habitat, please share the lessons learned!