How to Build a Travel Trailer - DIY Guide to Installing the Floor and Framing
Welcome to Episode #6 of my travel trailer journey. This was my most rewarding experience so far. Because this will be a trailer I'll live in during harsh Canadian winters I spent a lot of time researching how to create a rock solid water proof flooring system.
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What an absolute delight to find such a well designed, meticulously precise build whose craftsmanship is outstanding in every respect! The exemplary design and beautiful build of the chassis together with the remarkable care and attention to detail of the floor system and wall supports is captivating and inspirational. The care taken in the timber frame whose flawless joints remind me of the precision Japanese carpentry seen on KZhead and is testament to the superb quality ofthis exquisite build. Subscribed!
Thank you.
Perfektno
Try to be successful
Slow down dude. Your whole face is turning brown.
Felix Cat , I couldn't have said it any better. This is a First Class 🥇 build . Enjoyed every minute. And am also ,now subscribed. Scott deserves a 🏆
I'm very pleased you built atop of a metal sheet. I can't tell you how many campers I have repaired that had bare plywood that had become mouse houses. critters don't like the flavor of aluminum.
Doesn’t different metals touching corrode them? Or does the black paint on the steel prevent that
@@Ballstothewalls69 Dissimilar metals corrode, especially in the presence of an electrolyte. Realistically, keeping moisture out will prevent galvanic corrosion in this use case.
What an outstanding video! Not only for the excellent step by step content but for the camera work, editing and the lack of minutia often associated with homemade KZhead videos. On to your next one! Thank you GARY LEE, Coastal Maine
This is the third video I've watched in building trailers; with our sounding naive, you guys are geniuses. Totally awesome.
bolting the wooden frame and floor to the metal trailer would be a good idea
Very nice build. I spent 4 years in the shell department as a roof setter for Skyline RV. With this small of travel trailer it doesn't matter so much because you are limited on space when it comes to cabinetry. We built them from the inside out meaning once the floor was built the plumbing was installed then all the floor level cabinetry was set at 1 5/8 from the edge of the floor. Then the pre built walls were installed. The overhead cabinets were then screwed to the walls. After that every thing was back stapled (just hope you never have to remove any of them) next came the prebuilt roof and all the overhead cabinets were back stapled in place. After that it went to electrical then metal then final finish and dealer prep. We were building about 13 a day depending what they were. We did 5th wheels, toy haulers, park models and travel trailers. You really did a wonderful job.
@Chris C indeed my friend, to this day I probably hold the worlds reccord for.... "The man most cussed out by RV repairmen!" I think if I were to build my own I'd still build inside out but instead of back stapling I'd put backers in the walls and cleats on the cabinets and screw them to the walls And the same with the overheads. I've actually been toying around with doing a teardrop using one of those harbor freight trailers.
I done an add-on for some people, add-on to a modular home. Those staples effin suck! I'm not a fan of modular homes! Basically a camper with more space!
I had the misfortune of working for at a Fleetwood plant (metal skirting, roofs, and installing 12v components), I can't recall how many we were putting out a day but they loved to run us ragged Monday thru Thursday and then send us home Friday to screw us out of overtime.
@@djk8541 Yip they're all sweat shops. The nice thing for us was the pay being based on insensitive (basically piece work) when you finished your coaches you went home. What sucked was when you had a bunch of 5th wheels with slideouts and toy haulers. Then it was a really long day!
@@thisolddog2259And that is a big part of the problem with crap RV quality. Slam em out and go home. Staples through wires? Not my problem. Screw under the roof membrane? Not my problem. It all adds up to a bunch of people who just don't care and the purchaser getting a product that starts destroying itself before it leaves the plant.
Having been a carpenter and cabinet maker almost all my adult life, I'm excited to begin building my new project as a small camper. As usual, I've always done loads of research before I begin a project of this magnitude. Thank you so much for your well-thought out series; I look forward into gaining new insights from you and your channel!!
Salute Pierce! He came THROUGH in the clutch and helped make this fantastic video. Great music, fire af lighting, and near melodic narration. Thanks for taking the time to do this!
Nice build. On my camper build I found online an 1/8" rubber roll 8' x 20'. I made a sandwich, rubber, 1/2" treated plywood, 1/2" foam insulation, 1/2" plywood turned 90°. It worked out well and floor is warm.
I am very impressed with the design and the thought process behind the build. Good job gentlemen!
I love watching videos like this. Thanks for taking the time to make this video and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
Great job Scott, looks like you got a good plan going on there. Will be great seeing it come together. Thanks for sharing your video!
You bet
love this. 63 now and wanting to build me a cargo camper to go visit this beautiful USA. gave me some wonderful ideas.
This is so over the top great!! Since being stuck at home, and finishing my shed this is a wonderful project to start thanks for the in-depth instruction
You’re welcome 👍
This build will get you out of your truck bed and into a real cabin on wheels, love your perseverance and dedication to your channel, Scott love that you take us along on your journey, and as always be safe
Thanks 👍My truck setup is great for sleeping but not much else. I've always wanted a cabin and this will be it.
Absolutely loved watching your build look forward to the next one👍
Nicely done. No over kill with the wood to add extra weight and no skimping on structural integrity either. Great idea with the aluminum under floor to protect against water and other damages. Can't wait to see your other ideas.
Aluminium onto a steel frame??? what about electrolysis??? as soon as the underneath gets wet you've just made a huge battery!!!! the steel chassis WILL rust and the alloy will corrode!! and even worse people are telling you what a great job you've done!! good intentions don't mean good work!
@@reefer2917 naw.... there's no aluminum/steel contact whatsoever. The Aluminum has a layer of glue adhering it to the spray paint on the frame which is secure enough to hold the whole thing together through broad vibrations and potholes
Great video! I love the attention to detail. This thing has better flashing than some houses i've seen! I can't wait to start my own.
Looks great Scott. I look forward to the rest of the build. Great job.
Thanks 👍
This build is nothing short of Glorious!
I really like your thought process on the design and construction of the cabin. Lessons learned from #1 to make #2 much better is invaluable. Well done!
Awesome, thank you!
I like where your going with this. I'd use solid rim board on the roof edge and I'd have used half lap joinery...but that's me and I haven't got a project to build so you keep doing you looking forward to the progress
Oh wow....I'm really impressed. Things are looking really good with Eddie! I like the aluminum in the bottom idea. Great job Scott!
Thanks 👍
You are such a stud! Great engineering and you do it all on your own! Just amazing.
thanks for the inspiration i have an old pop up camper trailer that had been converted to flat cargo 6x10 single axel with plywood deck.. that going to utilize some of your ideas to make a tool trailer. great job. and again thank you 👌
Thanks for the very thorough video of your quality rebuild. Aside from the potential for galvanic corrosion, already mentioned, I would be concerned with that aluminum "pan" causing any water (spills, condensation) that might get into the wood floor to be trapped. Without a path to drain, trapped water can cause rotting and mold. Since you have it in cold environments often, perhaps interior heating or dehumidifier will allow adequate evaporation.
Nothing beats custom. You’re doing one hell of a job!
I appreciate that
Very impressive definitely that’s the difference when you make it yourself you know that your using the best materials so it will last a long time. Great project!!!
You are an extrmeely skilled wood worker! Very nice built and the attention to detail!
Thanks for sharing your skills and ideas! Your video reminded me to be grateful to those who taught me what I know, and I made a point to let them know. In some weird way, your video made that happen, so thanks!
Great video and the framing looks perfect.
Very nice build and well made video. My two cents. If you are concerned about water damage on the plywood, you can use marine ply. Yes, it's a lot more expensive. Also on my Architecture school project, I got dinged for placing aluminum directly onto steel. I was supposed to put a layer of rubber in between to prevent electrolysis. Looking forward to the next video.
Wouldn't the rubber barrier be moot if there were metal screws holding the flange to the metal or would it not matter since they're stainless?
@@Jeaux20 The stainless bolts shouldn't be used with aluminum either. That's going to cause corrosion too.
Can use polycarbonate plastic floor as well
@@Jeaux20The use of stainless steel straps on aluminum conduit is one of the preferred methods in waste water plants. Very little corrosion will be seen even after several years in this toxic environment.
Great job ! After all said and done not enough money in the world could ever make me want to sell it . That's truly amazing .
Oh my gosh I save this to my hard drive because this is one of the projects I want to work on this summer. Thank you so much.
Good job love the way you sealed everything
Your great-great grand children will be using this trailer. I took notice to the direction of lapping of the aluminum too, nice work.
Great build video! Just started watching and will watch the rest. To help with moisture I would have also used HVAC foil tape on the upper seams of the aluminum. That would have helped in sealing out the elements a little more.
This is a great build and to not have any experience in building a camper. You make it seem very easy and informative as well! The craftsmanship is beyond what most may think of an untrained builder but I don't see that all! Congratulations and I hope you enjoy those getaway moments and new memories you'll create with "Eddie"
Thanks so much!
In my experience 'untrained builders' of anything often do a more thorough job than the 'professionals' simply because they don't know how to 'cut corners' - or even which corners can be cut. When working in a discipline I'm not familiar with I tend to 'over engineer' simply 'to be sure to be sure'. "You can't break the rules until you know how to play the game." (with apologies to Rickie Lee Jones)
Personally I love how he cut his corners. So square and even.
I've just picked up a galvanised trailer tent you have inspired me to build one of these. I think I will video it too!
I appreciate educational videos like this, keep up the good work. Thank you👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Wow Scott!! Very impressed with your thoughts n design n craftsmanship. Confident people would buy your plans.
I appreciate that!
I bought a 69’ prowler at 16ft. Never meant to polish a “turd”, the frame and axel are pristine considering its age. I realized I bit off more than I could chew- kind of expected it - but didn’t realize how much I would have to do to keep it rolling! Your video helped- underbelly needs to be reinforced to protect from moisture! Videos are helping me plan for design as I expect to gut this sucker further (honestly, to its frame) and make it a traveling/camping beast! 🥰 thank you!
thank you so much for taking us along your journey
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome video! I have watched this at least three times. Thank you!
Such attention to detail will pay off as your children and their children continue to use that trailer
Looking good. Coming along nicely. Looking forward to the next episode. 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Excellent call for the aluminum floor. Great job.cool.
Amazing! Can’t wait to see the final product…
Thank you Me too!
Very well built, this project is very exciting to follow along.
Thanks Derek.
Superb. I love this. I hope I can copy this design on my own camper trailer. Thanks for the ideas.
Wow I really love your video one of the better ones on KZhead for sure I love how you put the aluminum down first that is something I had in my head I have an old pop-up camper that got destroyed from water damage thinking of doing the same thing
When you have the skill,creativity appears. Nice work
Thank you very much!
This is a very good Installing Travel show and we love it !
Glad you enjoy it!
Apart from this being a great video it’s also impressive you were able to work out on the drive without folk bothering you like they do in my neighbourhood.
#fuckhoa
I like the idea of using an aluminum pan below the wood. I may have to do that in my build when I finally get around to doing it.
Cool effort. Well done you! I'm doing a fit out of a Toyota Coaster minibus at the moment, precisely because I'm over it with towing. But.... some similar issues in certain areas. Like solar array design-and-create from scratch (that was a learning curve, I can tell you), and shower-and-toot placement and drainage/plumbing etc etc. Thanks for sharing your great work.
This is cool! I've been wanting to build on to my 5x10 trailer and make a small concession trailer. This video is probably as close as I'll get. Subbed.
Thanks.
Credit to you for having a go at it yourself. Having said that starting something as large as this without prior experience can lead to issues, which you have a few going on. The major one is the timber framing, especially for the roof. Do you have a carpenter friend or someone that can help you out? There is a lot wrong with it, not something that would survive going 70mph down a highway and passing a semi.
I'm hoping to build one of these soon. Don't have a carpenter friend though. What are some major things you see wrong?
@@Erika70079 there isn't a good load path from the roof to the metal trailer frame. The studs are screwed to the floor flashing only, this is not good! It could easily pull off the trailer frame and the whole top of the camper fly off. Also the frame needs to be braced, if you look carefully when he pushes the framing the whole timber structure deforms! It needs at least some ply bracing sheets, metal strap bracing, or timber inclined bracing. Additional to that, he has unknowingly built in some self-destruct mechanisms by using different metals (S/S fixings to aluminium and steel). These dissimilar metals cause rapid corrosion, leading to premature failure of the metals/fixings. Also boxing in the ply flooring like that will lead to condensation accumulating, with nowhere to go it will lead to premature rotting of the floor, which he was trying to prevent. While a little more expensive, composite boards used by the marine industry are stronger, lighter and will never rot! Relying on silicone and "sticky tape" to hold it all together.... sorry no thanks!
@@rp3874 I was thinking the same, and also, you should never use silicone on aluminium. The acid in the silicone etches the aluminium and will eventually eat up the metal and make it porous. There is silicone w/o acid which I hope he used, but butyl or sikaflex is preferred as a sealent.
That aluminum bath tub your flooring is in now will be awesome the first time you have a plumbing leak/issue.
wow! what a great job!
Excellent my brother well done. I am so glad.
Excellent demonstration!
Great progress Scott! Well done! 👍😁
Thanks 😊
Awesome the flooring system is genius
Great job! Looking forward to more videos of your build!
Thanks!
I'D SAY THIS WAS A CUSTOM BUILD TOP TO BOTTOM WITH A LOT OF UPGRADES STOCK AND INGENIOUS DESIGN ENJOYED THE VIDEO FROM MINUTE 1
Wow! Looks awesome brother !!!!
Incredible video and build. I was looking for this very video about 9 years ago.
Very nice. Real talent at work!
Thank you! Cheers!
Just subscribed totally engrossed in your build, outstanding 🇬🇧
Love it. Thats good work man!
That was very thoughtful and probably works well on the floor. Your precision is admirable as well. As to the floor... I may have used pressure treated plywood and painted the underside with plastic roofing cement. I use it on ground contact posts a foot above and a foot below the contact point and it works great. It would be a LOT less work (and maybe less expensive as well). You could alleviate the aluminum sheeting underside altogether. Even with road debris you probably would only have to repaint the underside every three years or so.
If you do another one.. I would have recommended is a scarf joint where the ends of the wood meet. Stronger, more surface area. The wood can still flex down even having 2x2 above it, causing the glue to Crack. This is more common to see in boats to prevent cracking due to flex etc. Great build
I think instead of the metal pan it sits in you could just take the plywood floor to be sprayed with a bed liner like Rhino Skin or the similar it's what the factory used on pretty much the entire bottom of my RV 30 year's ago and it's still solid even after my onboard water tank leaked and had to be replaced. Like many of the comments mention the pan might be your weakest link.
Yeah, l would have sealed the ply or used marine grade.
Metal touching wood without airflow is a sure recipe for rot. Humidity inside the trailer cabins, is the real culprit for rv camper trailer failures. Without air space and air flow is also a recipe for black mold.
I'm amazed how many DIY trailer builds I've watched where the wood has not had some sort of waterproofing, for wood that will no be seen again until it rots. I'm no metal expert but stainless steel and aluminum don't mix without a barrier in between. Sometimes cheap is expensive. Awespme trailer frame. Best of luck on your build.
wow..well built. awesome
Very nice job!
Enjoying your really interesting videos
Nice! We too were concerned about plywood, we're working on our build now and went with ACM, it proved to be a bit challenging to work with but hopefully will last longer than plywood.
I absolutely love craftsmanship...very well done !!! GOD Bless ! 😇👍🏼
Thank you! Cheers!
Very cool, looks durable.
Excellent craftsmanship
Nifty. Looked like a fun build.
Awesome ! I'm glad i found this build before i started my build!
Glad I could help!
So glad you sealed the plywood before installing- great use for clear shellac- anything really..
Absolutely
When we built the Fifth wheel, we did it in a 2 car garage with a 7' door. We assembled the floor, walls up to the point where they kick up for the part over the bed and had those sections fabricated. with interior paneling. When it was time, we rolled the assembled portion out and jacked it up and rolled the frame under. The kick up area was keyed to the rest of the sides and slipped together quickly. We had it all assembled outside in one day and got it covered for protection.
Very enjoyable to watch 👍👍👍
Wow... thank you for sharing......
Looking good! Eddie is coming along. Well done my friend.
Thanks 👍 Excited to finally get the framing up.
what a great art project for the kiddos
Thank you fir this. I want my husband and I to do this one day soon.
Look in the tile section ( HD & Lowe's) They have brush on waterproofing for our tile showers. UPC approved and I always add fabric to reinforce. Might be applied and it paint able.
Fantastic job 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Wow amazing!!! Subscribed. Can’t wait for the whole build and maybe some camping videos?
Nice craftsmanship mate
I KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT BUILD WITH THIS. AWESOME
Thanks 👍
VART built one @10 years ago for moving. Using a 20’ flatbed. Drive it cross country for moving. Using factory stake pockets. Yours is a lot more finished. His was enclosed moving.
Very nice 👍 looks solid 👍
Thanks 👍
Thanks a ton for posting your work nice job !
Good stuff looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks 👍