Distraction project: Shed

It's Finally done!
Full Build Log here:  http://imgur.com/gallery/gF9xR

Temporary Storage Trailer

Well, It's packed for the 4000 mile trip to Nevada and back!

replaced the bad tire, not entirely sure how it got so bad.  The axle looks good.

bearings look good too

Continued Demolision

Interior Demolition

Let's see what we're working with

So I opened up the pop up to clean it out, besides a bit of roof leaking, the fridge door missing, and the ratchet in the winch not working, it's in surprisingly good shape!

I ripped the first of the cabinets out, more to come on Demo Day!

Favorite design

So it turns out the one design I really like has several build logs out there:

http://www.blurb.com/books/3689471-the-teardrop-year

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=47781

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/68693-The-CrowsWing-Offroad-Teardrop-Trailer

The more I think about it, the more I like the "basement" idea, especially for the water tank, I didn't really like the idea of it hanging below the frame.

Huh. This is what I've been trying to draw

It's always nice when you stumble across exactly what your thinking about:

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers • View image - Cabin car profile concept






That's pretty close to what I've been envisioning.

I'm hoping to get the side yard fence opened up enough to get the trailer in the back yard so I can start working on it.

Design Criteria

So this post is partially for me.  I needed to write down all that I want this trailer to accomplish.
What I want out of the trailer keeps changing a bit.
I think having written goals should help me in the design phase.

-----

The the trailer I want to build is a mix of the following 3 trailers.
Listed below are the trailers and the aspects I like about the trailers.

This guy's awesome custom built off-road teardrop:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PKB6G9NKXw

• Pass through storage for 10x10 pop up dining fly
• Slide out Camp Chef stove/oven
• http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013LLSZG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_img
• Double cabinets with wine bottle storage behind
• 40 gal water tank - for longer off grid time
• I want enough water for 2 people @ burning man (desert, 8 days)
• Last time I took 120 gallons for 4 people, that was super overkill.  
• Double batteries (or more) - for longer off grid time
• LED lights

The Camp Inn 560 Ultra: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLLFt3vzFoA

• More Trailer Info: http://tinycamper.com/raindrop560ultra.htm
• Fantastic fan with rain sensor
• Roof window / Skylight / stargazer window
• Lots of windows
• Wood lift mechanism for tailgate (low maintenance)
• Red / white dimable lights
• Efficient layout
• I like the raindrop front, but I'm undecided on that look, teardrop seems easier to construct
• Aluminum skin

The Campster 12: 

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk:80/teardrop/tear56.htm

• Standing interior height
• Layout - queen bed on left, bunks on right
• I would add a storage wardrobe between the beds

Other design criteria:

• Cheap window mount A/C unit in a wall
• T@B style windows - http://www.tab-rv.com/
• Stand up height in door way (I don't want to change outside)
• Sleeps 4 people, enough room for an expansion in the family  :)
• Bunks in front for kids - possible convert from bench or smaller table
• Queen bed in back for my wife and I
• No inside kitchen
• Microwave
• Inside table for board games in the rain (a favorite memory of camping growing up)
• No drop floor - concerned about ground clearance
• Roof top bike rack
• Steps / foothold to reach bike rack
• Able to go in and sleep without setting up (drive through the night rest stops)
• Needs a furnace and insulation - wouldn't mind winter camping with it
• Water tank anti freeze heater - for winter camping/tailgating
• Outdoor shower

Extra's: 

• Raspberry pi media center
• WiFi / Bluetooth controls from an IOS app - lights/radio/etc
• Sink attaches to outside instead of being in galley (hang off the side)
• No gray water tank?
• Solar? 
• A bike version of this Thule rack : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPA3Q6gxJzA

So it begins

So after months of dreaming and searching, I finally posted an "in search of" ad on Craigslist and a week later this beauty arrived in my driveway:

A 1987 Jayco Jay King 8!  It checked all the boxes:

12ft x 7ft box
Surge brakes
Drop axle
Has a title
Cheap ($100)

Next up, Demolition!