I followed the Kuffel Creek plans when I made the frame. Overall, the plans are good, with two exceptions.

First, the tongue or draw-bar is made from 1½" x 3" channel which is then laterally stiffened with 1"x1" square tube. The tongue is 13 feet long, and runs the full length of the trailer. I think that the designer intends this channel as a pathway for conduit which carries wiring to the rear of the trailer. Having built this trailer, I now think I would prefer to use 2"x3"x¼" rectangular tube. I would use just a 5 foot length and have it extend only as far back as the second frame cross-member. I would have it oriented so the 3 inch dimension is vertical. I would still use the 1"x1" tubing to stiffen the tongue laterally.

Second, the plans have a framed area between the second and third cross-members for an optional "basement" which, when the trapdoor is open, gives an additional 4" ceiling height-so that you could use a portable toilet inside the trailer without bonking your head while in thoughtful perch thereon. This is a very thoughtful feature. In reflecting on the likely use of the portable biffy, however, my wife and I decided that it would be a very rare occasion to need this kind of setup. On the other hand, an underfloor storage space might be kind of nice. It would be possible to make an underfloor space about 8 inches deep in this area. This space would be more useful without the trailer tongue in the way, too.

As a track welder for a local railroad, part of my work was some heavy-duty oxyacetylene welding on both mild and medium carbon steels. I had a gas welding rig at home, and so chose to gas weld my frame. I did not relish the thought of lying on my back to weld the undersides of the joints, so I would turn the frame over, instead. As the frame got too unwieldy to turn over, I rigged a block and tackle to hold one end while I held the other and rotated the frame.

As careful as I tried to be, I still managed to warp the frame in a couple of places, due to the effects of heat. I had access to a small section of deserted railroad track. I parked the trailer frame over the rail, chained it down in the appropriate places, put some stout jacks under other places, and straightened the frame. I tested the truth of the frame with a tight stringline. To check for twist, level the frame at one end and then place the level at the other end to see if it will give the same reading.

first page the frame the floor the sides the roof the flooring the shell wiring and insulation sheet metal molding the hatch lid doors fenders light fixtures cabin cabinets solar panel tanks other stuff

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