How to Build a Travel Trailer - DIY Guide to Installing the Floor and Framing

Рет қаралды 2,657,746

2 жыл бұрын

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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Пікірлер: 895

@felixcat9318 2 жыл бұрын

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 KZfaq and is testament to the superb quality ofthis exquisite build. Subscribed!

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@TheErstehilfe 2 жыл бұрын

Perfektno

@saksysbong9794 Жыл бұрын

Try to be successful

@utb4itub Жыл бұрын

Slow down dude. Your whole face is turning brown.

@docholliday1970 Жыл бұрын

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 🏆

@kirksway1 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@Ballstothewalls69 9 ай бұрын

Doesn’t different metals touching corrode them? Or does the black paint on the steel prevent that

@D-Vinko 5 ай бұрын

@@Ballstothewalls69 Dissimilar metals corrode, especially in the presence of an electrolyte. Realistically, keeping moisture out will prevent galvanic corrosion in this use case.

@keithmiller6583 Жыл бұрын

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!!

@thisolddog2259 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@thisolddog2259 2 жыл бұрын

@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.

@tommullenix2990 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@djk8541 Жыл бұрын

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.

@thisolddog2259 Жыл бұрын

@@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!

@jeffmockus5400 3 ай бұрын

@@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.

@enstigatorofficial 11 ай бұрын

bolting the wooden frame and floor to the metal trailer would be a good idea

@bradley4294 2 жыл бұрын

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

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍My truck setup is great for sleeping but not much else. I've always wanted a cabin and this will be it.

@ronmitchell8929 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@maakuw 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@dennisrobbins458 8 ай бұрын

This is the third video I've watched in building trailers; with our sounding naive, you guys are geniuses. Totally awesome.

@bradleylomas7525 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@reefer2917 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@bigredtruck42 2 жыл бұрын

@@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

@user-io7gw2mq3k 2 ай бұрын

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 KZfaq videos. On to your next one! Thank you GARY LEE, Coastal Maine

@robertwilson4400 2 жыл бұрын

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

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 👍

@billthomas6296 Жыл бұрын

I am very impressed with the design and the thought process behind the build. Good job gentlemen!

@douglasdowling4773 2 жыл бұрын

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 .

@drawfark Жыл бұрын

This build is nothing short of Glorious!

@bigpatty823 Жыл бұрын

Are you worried about galvanic corrosion between the aluminum floor and steel frame?

@michaelmcdonald6727 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

You bet

@ThatsAPaddlin88 2 жыл бұрын

Nothing beats custom. You’re doing one hell of a job!

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that

@suhailhabibzadah8634 2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow....I'm really impressed. Things are looking really good with Eddie! I like the aluminum in the bottom idea. Great job Scott!

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@DeeJacobson 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@chrisledbetter7029 2 жыл бұрын

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 👌

@UpYours864 29 күн бұрын

I love watching videos like this. Thanks for taking the time to make this video and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

@carlos.75 2 жыл бұрын

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!!!

@shoffman94566 Жыл бұрын

You are such a stud! Great engineering and you do it all on your own! Just amazing.

@alechamilton2049 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely loved watching your build look forward to the next one👍

@richardbedard1245 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@chrisharriman5245 6 ай бұрын

love this. 63 now and wanting to build me a cargo camper to go visit this beautiful USA. gave me some wonderful ideas.

@brentjackson2312 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@bradbandemer5845 2 жыл бұрын

Wow Scott!! Very impressed with your thoughts n design n craftsmanship. Confident people would buy your plans.

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

@seangrey3505 2 жыл бұрын

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

@arcticredpanda4598 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@Jeaux20 Жыл бұрын

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?

@eljamoquio Жыл бұрын

@@Jeaux20 The stainless bolts shouldn't be used with aluminum either. That's going to cause corrosion too.

@OgglyGoogly 11 ай бұрын

Can use polycarbonate plastic floor as well

@user-gi3tc4lp2v 9 ай бұрын

@@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.

@johnlapeyrolerie8570 Жыл бұрын

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.

@jerryclenney6024 2 жыл бұрын

Good job love the way you sealed everything

@murrayjr979 2 жыл бұрын

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"

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@trueaussie9230 2 жыл бұрын

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)

@Jeaux20 Жыл бұрын

Personally I love how he cut his corners. So square and even.

@DrWinkles Жыл бұрын

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!

@GregRocheleau 2 жыл бұрын

Looks great Scott. I look forward to the rest of the build. Great job.

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@scetis 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Can’t wait to see the final product…

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Me too!

@bens3641 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@dwrivers47 2 жыл бұрын

Very well built, this project is very exciting to follow along.

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Derek.

@JMacho-zk5dt 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate educational videos like this, keep up the good work. Thank you👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

@johnlagreca6288 6 ай бұрын

Your great-great grand children will be using this trailer. I took notice to the direction of lapping of the aluminum too, nice work.

@tsetendorjee9040 2 жыл бұрын

This is a very good Installing Travel show and we love it !

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

@noneya135 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@EddiesCustomsandRestorations 2 жыл бұрын

You are an extrmeely skilled wood worker! Very nice built and the attention to detail!

@diaperdood1 Жыл бұрын

thank you so much for taking us along your journey

@DrenalinAdventures Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@hawsrulebegin7768 Жыл бұрын

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.

@scootersonlyrepair6773 Жыл бұрын

#fuckhoa

@JimBairdAdventurer 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and the framing looks perfect.

@bigshowradio_550 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@francisguidera972 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@israelcontreras5332 7 ай бұрын

Awesome video! I have watched this at least three times. Thank you!

@tinsmittys.fabshop400 2 жыл бұрын

Wow I really love your video one of the better ones on KZfaq 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

@NorthernRetreat 2 жыл бұрын

Looking good. Coming along nicely. Looking forward to the next episode. 👍

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@danielharder2052 2 жыл бұрын

Such attention to detail will pay off as your children and their children continue to use that trailer

@samihakami1436 Жыл бұрын

When you have the skill,creativity appears. Nice work

@DrenalinAdventures Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@elharris670 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and enjoyed it so much!!! First day of 2022 and college football was on tv. I came across your video on my cellphone and couldn't stop watching so I put the TV on mute to watch your amazing work.

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!!

@styx62ga95 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome the flooring system is genius

@scottmckenna9164 2 жыл бұрын

Man after my own heart. Well done!

@edwinferrer8009 3 ай бұрын

Excellent call for the aluminum floor. Great job.cool.

@friddaymasego2475 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent my brother well done. I am so glad.

@artofnoly9754 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@ravenmiller9661 Жыл бұрын

And he did all of this in only 15 minutes what an absolute legend! But seriously this is really cool

@jimgiordano2576 11 ай бұрын

wow! what a great job!

@Trendsetta68 2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love craftsmanship...very well done !!! GOD Bless ! 😇👍🏼

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@mrkrause3 2 жыл бұрын

Great job! Looking forward to more videos of your build!

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@smokedfishtelltales5773 2 жыл бұрын

Superb. I love this. I hope I can copy this design on my own camper trailer. Thanks for the ideas.

@springbokmarine Ай бұрын

Incredible video and build. I was looking for this very video about 9 years ago.

@jesselopez7850 Жыл бұрын

Excellent demonstration!

@vk6xcj Жыл бұрын

Enjoying your really interesting videos

@MRNRD1958 2 жыл бұрын

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

@alanbellkey4592 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice job I am extremely impressed I have bought and fixed lots of 1950s and the 60s camp trailers and they are built very chintzy this trailer you are building you can take it to Moab and run the courses very good job

@billg3356 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent craftsmanship

@debjordan4399 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thank you for sharing.

@karterwilliams3420 2 жыл бұрын

You're excellent at your craft. 🥇

@flierbill 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome ! I'm glad i found this build before i started my build!

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@ivanivanov-rc2kv 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice job!

@PatrickDickey52761 Жыл бұрын

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.

@AskingCommunityQuestions Ай бұрын

Wow... thank you for sharing......

@BraxxJuventa 2 жыл бұрын

Great progress Scott! Well done! 👍😁

@DrenalinAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊

@Ritaholden1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you fir this. I want my husband and I to do this one day soon.

@IllusiveChristie 2 жыл бұрын

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

@brianvannorman1465 2 жыл бұрын

Nifty. Looked like a fun build.

@russellbursey7175 Жыл бұрын

Great job, I like it.

@shaunhall960 Жыл бұрын

I'm getting ready to build my first tiny home. This was very helpful and way cool!

@DrenalinAdventures Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@pear7554 10 ай бұрын

Very cool, looks durable.

@janetkoball44 Жыл бұрын

I researched this video and understand it a little more. Thanks

@jordanlong9153 Жыл бұрын

what a great art project for the kiddos

@woodslisa4529 2 жыл бұрын

wow..well built. awesome

@whutdatytopsy9651 2 жыл бұрын

Nice build!! .......................@10:22 YOU NAILED IT!!!!

@Charlie_He 2 жыл бұрын

Very enjoyable to watch 👍👍👍

@mickstermouseter7059 6 ай бұрын

Very nice. Real talent at work!

@DrenalinAdventures 5 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@Lilmiket1000 2 жыл бұрын

Love it. Thats good work man!

@jeorgedavid3239 Жыл бұрын

Sweet frame 🎉

@dpz9872 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@RobbieBoy33 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, l would have sealed the ply or used marine grade.

@ya472 Жыл бұрын

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.