Hi Folks – long time guest (reading posts) and have now decided to proceed.
My original plan was to build the Glen-L Bayou truck camper (have the plans, windows, door, stove top, etc) but decided to stay with a trailer (currently have a 30’ Fleetwood and a Silverado 2500HD).
First step was to decide on the type of build – which will be a “modern” Vardo for full–timing. The final design will be a composite of designs presented here (Little Gypsy, the Yahoo User Groups Vardo, Bobhenrys’ Barn) and other websites (Paleotools’ Gypsy Wagon, Paleopunks’ Vardo).
First of what I’m sure will be many issues has to do with the trailer. The design specs for my build are for a “ledge” Vardo with an overall width of 7 ft by 12 ft length, on a modified 5 x 8, 2K axle GVWR Red Trailer. The trailer will have 13” tires and be fitted with a 36-inch tongue extension.
So, TNTT Frame Stretching Gurus, does this sound safe/make sense to do:
1. Stretch the 5x 8 folding Red Trailer to 5x10 by placing the two center cross bars into the side rails (keeping the axle about 40 in. from the rear), as described here in a couple of posts;
2. Build the floor/box frame similar to that of Little Gypsy (minus the foot-well and with the entryway at the rear) but lengthening it 2 ft forward, cantilevering over the front end by 2 ft as in Bobhenrys’ Barn build.
3. The floor will be built “sandwich” style with 1/2 ext ply/1.5 x 1.5 framing/1/2 ext ply; stub wall, ledge and walls also sandwich style, 3/8 inch ply exterior/1.5 x1.5 framing/ ¼ interior. All voids filled with either pink or blue “Styrofoam” (can’t off hand remember which one).
4. Not sure on roof design yet: flat, slight bow (as in Bayou specs) or barn. If I go barn, I may go 2x4 framing throughout (or stay with 1.5 x1.5 in the walls and 1 x 4 rafters?; 1.5 x 2.5 studs with ½ ply trusses and 1x4 purling?)....not sure on this but at this stage it’s the foundation I designing, the roof can be designed as time goes on..
I’ve looked online at Harbor Freight and physically looked at other trailers locally (HD, Lowes) and from a cost comparison it seems the best bang for the buck is the Red Trailer...if the modifications as I’ve proposed make sense.
What do you think??
Thanks
Dennis