HELP! I'm building a custom travel trailer.

Linky to the OP's building blog

I looked at the sketchup file and the renderings. A couple of things caught my eye: Why is the floor height up so high? Nice depiction of four solar modules on the roof but I think you'll find having them that close to the vent cover will lead to some panel shading.

I read some of your text and noted you where thinking of using different grades of carpeting throughout your TT. I'd consider other flooring options like sealed cork or a good quality linoleum. Easier to clean, and still good feel for feet with the added bonus of noise control to counteract the unit's metal.

It's great to be able to fulfil a dream and I too will be watching your progress.

I can't wait to see the pics of your journey building "a dream".
Are you going to buy a TT and do major modifications, or are you
Going to start from the beginning at the frame? Just by looking at your budget it seems that you are going to buy a TT and then tear it apart.

Not for me but I'm fascinated with your plans. I look forward to following you on your blog.

I built what you're proposing, a small RV trailer for year round use. The build thread is linked in my signature.

A few tips: plan out the different systems before you start building, you won't like to tear anything apart to get a needed wire or pipe in place. If solar is in your future (IMO, should be), plan for the solar and upgrades to your 12V system, now. With a residential fridge ( I have one), you may want to carry batteries inside the structure. Allow for it. Low-E thermal pane windows. It's your trailer, you can have the door swing anyway you want, just know that you're fighting physics and Mother Nature. Your take on not messing with a black tank but having a grey tank aren't exactly correct. You're going to find many areas that don't allow grey water discharge and you'll be right back to using a dump station. After you have the insulation between the studs and ceiling rafters, install a thermal break (I used 1/4" extruded foam) between the studs and the interior paneling. This removes thermal conduction from the exterior to the interior.

I like the layout and the counter space, it's more comfortable keeping it simple and open.

fla-gypsy wrote:
What is the estimated completed cost?

Thanks for the feedback. I am thinking around $35-40k (15k for the trailer, 20k+ for the mods) The truck will run me another $48k, add a camera, laptop, a folding bike, running shoes, etc... and I'll be $100k lighter before I drive the first mile. :--)

What is the estimated completed cost?

Dennis Smith wrote:
Go for it, hope you never have to resale it. Not for me, and we have a 22 foot trailer for two people.

Thanks for your feedback. Well, I gotta build it first before I ever get to reselling it :--)

What 22 footer do you have? I'm gonna bet mine is a pretty good comparison to yours. Regards, Darla

Go for it, hope you never have to resale it. Not for me, and we have a 22 foot trailer for two people.