My Westy trailer build thread

'88MoneyPit · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 11:19 pm Post subject:

I am planning to mod my tentracs to pull with the westy

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/35027730+w660+h440+...railer.jpg

I am planning on fold out side tables, possibly a sink and grill...should be fun. Awesome pics on the DIY trailers!

S

djkeev · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2015 1:36 pm Post subject:

Indy 443,

That looks like a great platform to mimic Sylvan Sports trailer, A multi use framework.

http://www.sylvansport.com/camper/lightweight-tent-camper/

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Dave
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Indy443 · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:30 am Post subject: This is what I have

Hi guys-

I recently bought this 4x8 aluminum Triton trailer. I'll use it to tow around my small tractor, motorcycle and other things throughout the year. I bought it also with intentions of using as a lightweight trailer to tow behind our '84 Westy. This thing is light! I can easily move it around the driveway by hand, so I am thinking it will be a good platform to build sides and a top on. Unlike other small trailers it does not have places on the sides where a 2x4 could go to act as ribs which to screw plywood sides to.

We are now a family of four, so room for all our gear inside the bus has gotten a lot tighter. I am thinking of storing things like our large bags, small grill, Chariot, maybe some firewood. Not crazy heavy items but bulky ones that will take up room inside the bus. I also envision running bars across the top with bike trays to hold our bikes.

I tinker but I'm no expert. I'd love to build a simple trailer that can be assembled and disassembled pretty easily.

Anyone have any experience, plans or ideas on making this thing?

This is the trailer:

unibagel · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:18 am Post subject:

Some more of my trailer...

Rear:

Kitchen Side:

Storage Side:

morymob · Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 4:39 am Post subject:

A timesaver i use with epoxy coatings to help smooth the finish is get a box/roll of wax paper(kitchen type) 1-flat roller and and a4" weenie paint roller 4 curves. Lay the paper on before it sets, rolland u get a level smooth finish especially if u do 2 or more coats and this each time. Even saran wrap works well 4 curves sections.

tam_shops · Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 7:52 pm Post subject:

I bought a Westie b/c I did not want to park a trailer, even saw a genuine Westfalia one once that was the perfect size that I dismissed b/c I didn't want to park a trailer. Now seeing your great set up and knowing how much work that would save, you guys got me wanting a trailer to go WITH my Westie.

Must be that Westie-itis b/c I have to take off my bicycle trailer to park it, something about going left to go right that my brain won't process, so I know I'd never be able to park a *real* trailer. LOL Rolling Eyes

tam
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denwood · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject:

I ended up taking my trailer to an RV shop who bent up cladding for me in aluminum, like an RV. They had the trim strips etc to fasten which i did myself. After 12 years or so still,looks great. The lid once closed, takes the rack loads down to the trailer frame..good for 1000lbs or so on the racks for trips to the lumber yard etc.

http://my.tbaytel.net/guskers/trailer.html

A few more ideas for you Smile

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unibagel · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 4:44 pm Post subject:

I don't have pics of it but I decided to paint the trailer using truck bed paint. It turned out really well and hides the flaws in the wood pretty well. It is pretty durable too! Cost me $12!

Rock on.

Kejidog · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 6:33 am Post subject: Re: trailers

bjrogers86auto · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:21 am Post subject: trailers

I like it! Looks like a great trailer! I see one issue...if you're going to drink Canadian beer why drink Blue?

Seriously though, great job on the trailer!

Brian
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unibagel · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:12 am Post subject:

^ Hey Tim! That's a old pic, I have since installed lanyards to hold the door's open. Pretty trick.

The "screen room" consists of a Bus Depot EZ Awning and the screen walls from a 10x10 patio umbrella. I fasten the walls to the awning if the bugs are bad. It looks really hokey but works well. I have 40+ acres of land in the woods that we usually camp at so I'm not too concerned with the looks. HA ha. I'll find a better pic...

Timwhy · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 4:49 am Post subject: Re: My Westy trailer build thread

teej · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 6:45 am Post subject:

Have you considered a marine polyurethane paint such as Interlux?

Some PO put in an oversize RV vent on our camper top, when it broke I made my own cover using plywood. I recently repainted it using Interlux Prekote primer and Brightsides topcoat with good results. This is a one part polyurethane paint. Too soon to comment on durability, but it finished well. Very glossy but you can add a flattening agent if desired.

I did some good prep filling the grain and primed/sanded numerous times before 2 or 3 finish coats.

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unibagel · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 4:40 am Post subject:

I have not done anything with the exterior of this but had an idea. right now it is still primer with high spots, low spots, bondo and grain from the plywood. I am thinking to spray it with truck bed liner, so it will have texture. Then hit it with Nevada Beige to match my westy.

Any thoughts?

unibagel · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:25 am Post subject:

Added a pic of the trailer filled up and in action at our camping spot on page one...

SyncroGiraffe · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 12:46 pm Post subject:

AWESOME!!
Thanks unibagel, you are the man. That is exactly what I was thinking it would look like, but wasn't sure and was questioning how it would all work together. Thanks so much for all the info and pictures. My trailer is going to look quite similar, as I'm basically following your exact plans with a few very minor mods. I'll post pics of mine once I get some time!

unibagel · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:44 am Post subject:

Added pics of the self stick gasket and door locks as requested to page 1.

squeegee_boy · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 12:11 pm Post subject:

SyncroGiraffe · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:13 am Post subject:

Getting pretty far along with my trailer build, so far things are looking really good. Will post some pictures soon. Still hoping to see some close up pics of how the doors close and most importantly how they seal (ie weatherstripping). Definitely getting excited for the completed project!

j_dirge · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 10:50 am Post subject:

Most exterior-grade plywoods use pretty decent weather-roof glues these days.. Where they suffer is the quality of the actual wood used. Looser/bigger grain wood, thicker plys, and lots of voids.

That invites water/moisture penetration.. which varying temps can exacerbate.. i.e. a wet pocket with heat applied will cause expansion and begin breaking down the wood structure... warping, cracking, splintering, delam etc.

Marine plys tend to be higher ply-count.. more glue, less wood
Made of tighter grained wood with more thorough gluing.. creates the cost factor. Marine plys tend to have a nice exterior ply vaneer as well.. making them more pleasant to the eye.

Working with marine ply is nice, too. Fewer tear outs.. cuts cleanly.
Of course a newer blade does wonders, as well.

Costs are similar to cabinet-grade plywoods.
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