Couple general questions whose answers might be of interest to prospective customers....
How many man-hours from start to finish, in a best guess generalization of course. Some can fab like a boss, others not so much, but a general build time with the average guy in mind. Might help folks decide if they want to take it on.
Is there a bill of materials in there? I'm guessing yes, but bears asking.
In the same vein, a pricing breakdown for the materials list? I realize prices change over time, but maybe an "average cost for widget X as of this date" might also come in handy for folks weighing the idea of DIY.
Any specialty tools required beyond normal hand tools, even power hand tools. I wouldn't call a router a specialty tool, but if it turns out I'd need a $1k worth of tubing bender, I might put that in the specialty category. Just an example.
I know I like the snot out of that little camper and I'd be on that like white on rice if I didn't have too many in process projects already. I've never done a trailer/camper and think it would be fun if it weren't for the unfinished crap I already have. Can't wait to see your rendition of 2.0.
1. I spent 350+ hours building mine but I was being anal about it and it was a prototype.
2. Yes... sort of. I have an estimated material list. Hard to nail down 100% due to a few factors like waste and tools used.
3. Hard to nail down due to different markets, the use of second hand materials plus the fact that I finished mine so long ago. I had $2500+ in my original build but I'm confident that it could be done cheaper.
4. Depends on what you consider specialty. There is a tool list in the plans as well. Nothing out of the ordinary was needed. Biggest thing is if you are building your frame or having a shop build it. You'd obviously need a welder to do so. I will add a tool list to my website. Here is the list I compiled:
General hand tools
End wrenches
Socket set
Screwdrivers
Putty knifes
Hand saw
Imperial tape measure
Table saw
Circular saw
Jig saw
Router with various bits (top and bottom flush trim, round over)
Pneumatic stapler
Cord/cordless drill, drill index & various bits
Spade bits and/or forstner bits
Sander & various grits of sandpaper
Spring clamps
Locking "C" pliers (Vise Grips)
C clamps or bar clamps
This trailer is a couple clicks up on the skill meter but with patience and attention to detail it can be built by anyone. I had virtually no experience in building anything out of wood when I started this project.
Thanks for the reply and comments.
The next trailer build will hopefully start in the spring of 2016. Should be an entertaining build-
It still blows me away that this build is so popular. This thread is well over 760,000 views and still climbing.
Thanks for all the support and interest
Jess