Forum Discussion

72cougarxr7's avatar
72cougarxr7
Explorer
Sep 02, 2016

Building your own TT

Thinking of building my own travel trailer. I bought an old TT frame I was going to convert into a car trailer. I've been thinking more and more that I should just by a car hauler and build a TT on this frame.
The frame has a 18' deck, which is what I want size wise.

I know a few on here have done it, how did it work out?

What did you use for siding and roofing?
My little Prowler has aluminum, and I'm ok with that if I can buy it reasonable and figure out how to work with it.

What is a good place to shop for holding tanks and appliances and windows and doors?

Anyone have floor plan ideas? looking at a queen bed for the wife and I and single bunks for my 2 kids. Not sure if an 18' deck has room for that.

I'm pretty good at carpentry, plumbing and wiring.

If anyone that has built one has any advise or pics, I would appreciate it!
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2016
    If you haven't come across it yet, search out boonhauler's build log. Google should find it quickly for you. He's also member on this forum. His creation is outstanding.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2016
    I tried to deal with local rv service centers while repairing our fifth wheel but support was spotty. The big issue was sourcing the preformed aluminum skin, they only order what is needed for a specific job and I wanted a small amount.
    Have a look here to get started.
    https://www.glen-l.com/campers/glenlrv.html
    These guys have been around for years.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2016
    I love how the Europeans get away towing so much trailer with sedans, minivans and compact suvs. Are the laws of physics different over there?
  • SoCalDesertRid1's avatar
    SoCalDesertRid1
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2016
    Much simpler and cost/time effective to start with an enclosed cargo trailer and build out the inside into an RV.
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2016
    GordonThree wrote:
    I love how the Europeans get away towing so much trailer with sedans, minivans and compact suvs. Are the laws of physics different over there?


    1. The trailers are much lighter than you think they would be from photos or even seeing them on the road. More camper than house on wheels, with respect to fitting out.

    2. Generally, they don't try to tow at 70 to 80 mph, and the weight distribution and pivot to axle distances are optimized for stability in the 40-50 mph range.
  • braindead0's avatar
    braindead0
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2016
    tatest wrote:
    GordonThree wrote:
    I love how the Europeans get away towing so much trailer with sedans, minivans and compact suvs. Are the laws of physics different over there?


    1. The trailers are much lighter than you think they would be from photos or even seeing them on the road. More camper than house on wheels, with respect to fitting out.

    2. Generally, they don't try to tow at 70 to 80 mph, and the weight distribution and pivot to axle distances are optimized for stability in the 40-50 mph range.
    In addition to that the same vehicle here may be differently equipped in Europe, Jeep Wranglers come with larger brakes for example.
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2016
    You might visit the RV and Motorhome Hall of Fame and look at the construction of trailers from the 1930s and 1940s, or find plans in Popular Science, Popular Mechanics and Mechanics Illustrated from the 40s and 50s when homebuilding was popular. It is not necessary to use the construction techniques employed by the RV industry today, when you already have a platform as solid as a car hauler.

    Interesting that GlenL plans are still around. They were an important source for homebuilding of boats and RVs 50-60 years ago. Some of the materials might be hard to find (like Masonite and Celotex) having been since replaced by other products (mostly foam core) in housing construction.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2016
    The home built ones I have seen share a common trait. They are HEAVY. It seems that everyone doing it wants to build a better TT than what is mass produced. In doing so they end up heavy... That is the challenge that the manufacturers face . Balancing weight vs cost vs. what it can be towed with.

    Nothing wrong with building a heavy TT, so long as you are prepared for it.
    Start with the running gear on the frame you have now. Upgrade the axles/springs and beef up the frame to way more than you think you will need...You most likely will need it.
    When it is done, be prepared to have a STOUT TV for it... Not one of todays 1/2 tons on steroids.

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