How to Build a DIY Travel Trailer - Folding Steps, Security, jack mod and more (Part 8)

Today I'm installing some folding RV steps, making a trailer jack modification and adding security upgrade to the DIY Travel Trailer. I also show the current progress on the kitchenette upper and lower cabinets and the plans I have for them.
Links for the things mentioned:
Steps - Elkhart Tool amzn.to/2VqB5qyChain -
Lock - War Lok amzn.to/2GS9U4A
Chain - US Cargo Control www.uscargocontrol.com/Pewag-...
Thanks for watching and let me know if you have any questions!
Joe
If you guys like the videos I make and would like to help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Please consider doing some of you Amazon shopping through this link. I may receive a commission on some of the items you buy. Thanks for considering, it’s greatly appreciated ☺ amzn.to/2XyTKlT
Music sourced from the KZbin audio library and/or from EpidemicSound.com... credits as follows....
lightdrops by Peter Sandberg
via Epidemic Sound (license/subscription via partnership with Studio71)
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Tags: homesteadonomics, diy, coupler, trailer hitch, travel trailer, teardrop trailer, trailer, how to, welding, stick welding, 7018, bulldog coupler

[@cooperhowz2]

It's really amazing what you can build.

[@DIRTADDICT922]

That jack mod is TOTALLY sano! Thanks for the great idea!

[@TcheloResNonVerba]

In my opinion you do not have to do anything else. Is perfect. Congratulations and thank you for the ideas you offered. You're a good guy.

[@chewchinglow2517]

very durable ,use this travel trailer house to travel to Tibet is best fit!

[@michaelkaylor6770]

Great Idea for the drill and tongue jack combo. Thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

Michael Kaylor glad you liked it Michael! And thanks for checking it out😀👍🙏

[@Asomesauc]

Well done,super job

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you Daniel!

[@dancoughlin7569]

Really neat to see how well thought out each component is. Well done sir!

[@suejarrard2221]

Fun to see the camp trailer as it continues towards completion. Looking like you will have it completed for this coming season for you and your families adventures. Blessings

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you Sue! We are sure hoping to have it ready really soon!! Just dreading the re-skinning part as I will have to remove a window and the door and all the seam tape and trim to add the new panels. ... but I gotta do it before I add the solar panels so they can have something good to adhere to:)

[@henrikm4657]

Your videos are a huge inspiration. I just want to go out to the garage and build something every time I’ve watched one.

[@StMyles]

Love all your hacks, jacks, steps, cabinet and drawers. Thanks for Sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

St Myles thank you st Myles!!

[@blackberryhideout5793]

Yes! Those steps look just right for the travel trailer, as do the upper cabinets. Nice use of the too small jacks for the steps. Oh- and the new chain and lock look super cool.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

Thanks for the info on the chain and lock. Just bought a 7x14 Haulmark trailer camper and will use these...

[@cleokey]

Nicely done, like the cutoff saw as well. Wildflowers are probably starting to pop up, time to go camping.

[@homesteadonomics]

Alan Pinho yes, this year is supposed to be an amazing wild flower year here with all the moisture we’ve gotten!

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

Awesome! I like all the travel trailer updates so far, look forward to the next one.

[@kastenolsen9577]

Steps sound solid. Great freebie score!

[@JDurkin2811]

The more I see of this trailer the more I love it, Great work. Thanks for the awesome videos.

[@homesteadonomics]

Joseph Durkin thank you Joseph! It really has become a labor of love! But I’m am soooo looking forward to using it versus build it😅

[@arnoldtvisagie]

I just keep on liking this trailer more and more.

[@homesteadonomics]

Arnoldt Visagie thank you Arnoldt! I appreciate that😀🙏

[@raynoladominguez4730]

I love the trailer hitch hack, great idea. Another awesome video.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks raynola! It was one of my favorite quick mods so far!

[@280zone]

I had an electric trailer jack in my Amazon cart but am going with this idea, it makes much more sense.

[@homesteadonomics]

280zone I’m really happy with this upgrade...pretty darn simple and easy too :)

[@corgidriver9625]

i too, use a drill on my trailer jack. although i did not weld a nut to it. i used an old spark plug socket, drilled a matching hole to rin bolt thru shaft of jack. use a socket adapter on my drill... works great. many campers ask about it and say they are going to do the same when they return home.

[@glorialeach7301]

I love watching every thing coming together 👍

[@victoryofgrace3677]

Their some nostalgic feeling in it... I also love that.

[@simonbolivar1678]

WHAT GOES AROUND... COMES WITH THE FUTURE PURCHASE OF THOSE STAIRS... THX

[@carpetcowboy58]

Our trailer had button magnets mounted on the ceiling to catch the pulls and hold the upper doors open. Clean, easy and worked well.

[@homesteadonomics]

I've been thinking of magnets as another option for sure :)

[@ZacJones]

I see all the snow melted at your place Joe! Great build ma, I really like how stable those steps look and how easy it is to fold under the trailer. Nice work man! Keep homesteading it up!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Zac! Believe it or not it was in the 70’s a few days after the snow....I love it here(minus June and july😂) Btw....good luck to you on your biggest project coming up shortly 😉👫💍

[@johnkelley9877]

Very interesting tutorial! Thanks for sharing these projects.

[@valbona527]

My family and I really enjoyed this video. Looking forward to the next one!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Valbona! Awesome to hear it:)

[@fahrifoxtrot-whiskey9242]

Pure inspiration. Thank you.

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you for checking it out! :)

[@jbb5470]

Great progress on your trailer! Really liked the upgrades you have made (and will be making). Should be fun for your family!

[@homesteadonomics]

Jb B thanks so much JB! We certainly can’t wait to be on the using and enjoying side of this proeject 👍👍👍

[@SVMSICE]

Really enjoying your travel trailer build videos!!! Looks great so far 👍

[@karimullahramzanali9750]

I am really always waiting for your videos

[@homesteadonomics]

karimullah ramzan ali 😀🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mariajamison6816]

It’s coming along so great!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Maria Jamison thank you Maria!! 😀🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@richardgshields]

You make everything look nice and easy, I enjoy your vids. . That chain is serious business! I would say good call on that upgrade.

[@USNERDOC]

Awesome ... love the trailer updates 👊

[@homesteadonomics]

USNERDOC thank you!!!! 😀🙏

[@royalwulff1]

Love the trailer jack hack

[@BigSkyAtNight]

Getting pretty schwanky! The tongue jack modification is awesome 👍. And the Coleman stove is worth it’s weight! We’ve been cooking on ours every day for six months now... still works great. good choice 😊!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks! We've been pretty happy with it thus far! and 6 months of use is a pretty good test to prove its worth too!!!

[@EastMesaUrbanHomestead]

Awesome as usual Joe, thanks for sharing😎

[@homesteadonomics]

thanks! I appreciate you checking it out! Always good to hear from the local folks to me :)

[@hammer9390]

Great video; love what you are doing on the trailer.

[@homesteadonomics]

Hammer thank you! 😀🙏

[@bulldozer7656]

As always, great stuff Joe. Keep us posted!

[@homesteadonomics]

Bull Dozer thank you BD😀🙏

[@danielfisch655]

Great job as always and thank you for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you Daniel!

[@shashidharb6664]

Hi...I am from India...I love your DIY videos.. Great work...keep going Thank you..

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you! and great to hear from India too! My grandmother on my dads side lived in India for quite a few years! :)

[@minutemark]

It's really looking good, Joe!

[@homesteadonomics]

Mark Langenkamp thank you mark!!

[@EddyGurge]

Once again, in awe. Thanks for the lesson :)

[@homesteadonomics]

EddyGurge thank you for checking it out Eddy! 😀👍🙏

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

Those steps look like very good quality.

[@homesteadonomics]

KaleidoscopeJunkie they sure seem to be 👍😀

[@littlewhitedory1]

Looks great! I hope you get to enjoy the camper as soon as your ready to hit the road this spring....happy trails!

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you LWD! we are getting excited to use it :)

[@javiersebastian8756]

Hey i have to say that the steps are a perfect solution for my trailer , thank you for the idea,awesome video, i will order one right now,lol thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for watching javier! These steps seem to be really well made and I'm really happy to have them installed on the trailer!! :D

[@dgc7321]

Good stuff....thank you.

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you David!

[@CNMQ]

Seiko build, carefully crafted, admiration!😄✌️🇺🇸精心打造，精工製作！非常敬佩！💪💪💪

[@jimmydeen58]

Great Video.. Very well done..

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you Jimmy :D

[@AmericanMade90]

Awesome work man! Keep it up that thing looks great.

[@homesteadonomics]

Brandon Zimmerman thanks Brandon!!!!

[@billlan0]

Fun project. Good work.

[@homesteadonomics]

Bill Lancaster thank you bill!

[@lebronjordan802]

Great 👍 job Joe 🙂!

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you Lebron! :D

[@allancampbell8274]

Good work

[@homesteadonomics]

allan campbell thanks Allan!

[@RobinLewisMakes]

Nice update Joe, looking good

[@homesteadonomics]

Robin Lewis thank you Robin! 😀🙏

[@96chevydually6.5L]

Great Progress!

[@homesteadonomics]

96ChevyDually6.5L thanks Chevy!

[@hemidart7]

NICE STEEL WORK BENCH!

[@homesteadonomics]

thanks! I've got a couple videos on it if you look back :)

[@jorgerangel6245]

Dude great job on the trailer.

[@karimullahramzanali9750]

You are so awesome brother 🌹

[@homesteadonomics]

karimullah ramzan ali thank you so much Karimullah 😀👍🙏🙏

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice work Joe! Thanks for sharing the video with us. 😎👍JP

[@homesteadonomics]

thanks as always for watching JP!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Your very welcome Joe!😎JP

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Great score on the stairs, Joe! The only thing I could think about half way through though was, "I don't have any stabalizer jacks underneath our steps!" 😱😱😱 Excellent job out there though.😃👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Green Dream Project thanks! And I wouldn’t worry too much...your steps are probably fine. You could also just add some rocks to stiffen them up if need be😀👍

[@neilnoon6936]

Love the build.. binge watched all the vids on my phone till my eyes were watering! Another good security feature you can add is a GPS module. Build one in the wall hardwired to some hidden wiring where whenever it's powered up the module is charging.. 😉

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks! and wow! you committed then, watching via the phone!!! thumbs up! And as for teh GPS... I am considering putting one or two in;)

[@javiergonzalez3386]

@@homesteadonomics can u do my trailer lol you really do I good work

[@MDFRESCUER]

Good video.

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you!

[@jcmillercrossedblessedoutd1421]

Nice, appreciate the share✌🏻✌🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

JC Miller CrossedBlessedOutdoors thanks JC!

[@RetiredTony]

Good job buddy!

[@homesteadonomics]

Retired Tony 1970 thank you Tony!!!

[@MrCsingleton]

Welding skills is improving!

[@homesteadonomics]

little by little... haha... they should be better by now.. but I've always been more of a end result guy versus a pretty welder ;)

[@lynnenanavanr8009]

Is there anything you can't do! Very nice! Those keys are gonna become very important!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Lynne! but there is PLENTY that I can't do... haha.... but I do like to try to learn new skills when I can :)

[@mambobond]

Good stuff Joe, coming close! As you and others have said - if they really want to steal it, they will. The key is to make the crooks think hard about how badly they want it. I have a similar system on my SUV, I run a chain from my accelerator pedal to my steering wheel, so that if it comes down to my truck or the one parked 2 spots down, hopefully mine is less attractive....

[@homesteadonomics]

MamboTek yep that is ultimately what it comes down to...making it less attractive to the thief😀👍 If they really want it then they will figure a way...but at least I can make it a huge hassle Regarding thieves... I have such a disdain for those kinds of people that if I could figure a way to put a bear trap on that trailer without hurting good folks...I think I would😂

[@uncledoglips]

Thumbs up Man. Thumbs up!

[@homesteadonomics]

uncledoglips thank you UDL!!!

[@freesaxon6835]

Neat intro..... Solid job as usual

[@homesteadonomics]

Free Saxon thank you FS! I wanted to get olive in there some how😀🙏

[@jdog4534]

We've had trailers, motorhomes and 5th wheel's my whole life. We've never had any stabilizers on any of the entry steps to any of them. Nice touch on the tongue jack conversion. That's a nice jack too. One thing you can do as a theft prevention measure is to remove your safety tow chain and put it on only when towing it. People use them to tow with. Also, I recently stumbled onto a bunch of youtube videos about lightweight cabinet construction for r.v.'s. Do a yahoo search on poor mans fiberglass and dive in.

[@harleco1]

Thanks Joe, like it

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Harley!

[@homesteadonomics]

Harley McCorcle thanks Harley 😀🙏

[@W4TRI]

Love the front jack mod. My 25' Salem had a power jack and hated it when my battery was down or gone!

[@homesteadonomics]

Ronny Julian thanks Romy!

[@homesteadonomics]

Ronny Julian whoops autocorrect....thanks Ronny!

[@bluechang08]

To make the five jacking points more secure, you could always weld on the head of a security/locking wheel bolts that you'd use for expensive car wheels - you'd need to cut the heads off of then weld that onto the end of the jacking points - Even just having one security bolt makes it infitinitely more difficult to move the trailer and although the chain is a good security measure, you want additional measures to make it more secure. A potential thief will come with a socket set as the legs could be down, but if theirs a locking nut they can't undo, then it makes it more difficult for them to steal and will more than likely leave it alone.

[@bluechang08]

I was thinking that the chain thats visible on the wheel rim, maybe run it through some painted (for visibility) steel tubing as well, to make it more difficult to get a grinder at - padlock it behind the wheel so its in a difficult place to access for someone with cutting tools

[@homesteadonomics]

Andrew (DadofTriplets) you know that wouldn’t be too much either....I like it!! And adding some tubing on the chain is a good idea as well. It is currently locked behind the wheel in difficult spot to get at. Definitely accessible still....since I put it there but certainly makes more hassle to get to it

[@Aardrijk1]

Very cool! I really like the jack hack! Clever!

[@homesteadonomics]

Jim Allmon thank you Jim! That’s one of my favorite quick modifications so far😀🙏

[@toronado455]

I like that too! Reminds me of something Tim "The Toolman" Taylor might just do!

[@Aardrijk1]

@@toronado455 all it needs is a 300hp turbocharged handheld ratchet assembly. With racing stripes.

[@toronado455]

@@Aardrijk1 👍😄

[@mrkevt542]

Nice work and a wonderful amount of information for someone wishing to embark on a project like this. Dont forget safety, install a CO2/smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher. Im sure you were planning on it anyway.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Kevin! Yes, we will have both installed and available... I tend to be on the overboard side of those kinda things... haha

[@stevechang6677]

The new padlock, is the same that we use in our Prisons on gates and such, very good padlocks

[@stilcrazychris]

Do what we do & use a rock right under the tip of the last step. Where just hillbillies down here in Missouri... lol... it works for us & I got a souvenir from the lake. Great job anyways. You need a trailer lock that goes on the tongue of the trailer. Chris from Missouri

[@homesteadonomics]

haha... yep a rock will do the trick for sure! and stayed tuned as I do have a coupler lock in the works :) Joe

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Awesome

[@homesteadonomics]

thomas dipaolo 😀🙏

[@WanderingAroundAZ]

Watching all your videos makes me realize one thing… I need to learn how to weld!!

[@mmanut]

VERY SLICK, I WANT ONE‼️👍👍 Vinny 🇺🇸

[@homesteadonomics]

thanks Vinny!

[@annamunson1090]

Finally got your channel on Roku can’t wait to watch. Sorry at the moment I’m binging on mystery shows while watching you on my phone.

[@homesteadonomics]

Anna munson hi Anna...believe it or not I haven’t ever seen any of my vids on roku....my network that I’m represented by did a deal with a distributor to put some cut versions on that and amazin prime...but from what I’ve heard are cut down and not the same quality as here

[@annamunson1090]

homesteadonomics I have NO intention on stop watching on KZbin. I think I pay more attention to my phone. Than I do the tv. I can and usually do do other things while tv watching.

[@silvergrizzly316]

Awesome mods Joe, when I had my campers I done the same thing, with the stabilizer jacks and tongue jack although I eventually bought a power tongue jack so I could just push a button😁😁😁. Yeah, I was ALWAYS looking for the lazier way to set up the camper😂. Camping supposed to be fun and I got tired of sweat'n my butt off just setting up 😅😅😅. It's looking GOOD Joe! You'll be making videos from the campgrounds very soon my good friend!!! Take care and God Bless. ☆Jay. 👍👍 P.S. where'd all the snow go... 😂

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Jay! ... and yes, making setup easy and quick is what I'm hoping to do. I figure the more hassle it is, the less it will get used... and I want me wife to be able to do everything super easy too. Lazy setup can also be looked at as smart setup too ;) God Bless you too Jay! Joe

[@BlackLocustPatriot]

Another great video! Homesteadonomics is definitely one of my favorite KZbin channels!

[@homesteadonomics]

BlackLocustPatriot thank you so much BLP? That’s very kind of you to say! 😀👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@homesteadonomics]

...haha.... not sure why I hit the question mark on there... should have been an "!" ... anyways, just saw this as I was answering some comments and didn't want you thinking it was some wierd response... but then again, I just responded about it... so that could be weird in a sense too ;) haha

[@BlackLocustPatriot]

@@homesteadonomics No problem! I appreciate the response, and am looking forward to the next great video!

[@kastenolsen9577]

Use a good cable, it's a lot harder to cut. A combination lock like a Brinks bottom dial is better than a key lock. A locksmith friend can pick a Medico under 5 seconds, a good combo stops him cold!

[@coopersshop7635]

They make a step called solid step, and they bolt under the door and go all the way to the ground. You could probably build them yourself. I have them on my camper and it does not shake at all. Love your videos by the way!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Cooper! That was my original plan... to get a single step and have a solid one that I just set up below it... but when this double step opportunity came up I was sold ;)

[@jonkirkwood469]

Mounting accoutrements is where I regret buying an aluminum trailer. Moving it is where I rejoice buying it. I'm working on security that will make my trailer less attractive to the criminal minds with battery-powered cutoff wheels. Love the jack hack. It will allow me to mount a propane bottle on the front.

[@KellyConcepts]

I bet you won't jump up and down on the lower step ;) Great video.

[@davidantoniosierracaceres2230]

Lindo trabajo

[@Tsiri09]

I love the jack mod. That would also drive a thief up the wall

[@peeyoobikhunter2312]

Tina Gallagher it would drive a thief up the wall but do you know what drives a lesbian up the wall ? Yep a crack in the ceiling. 🤔😂😂👍🇦🇺

[@markb.1259]

Excellent upgrades!! You may have already thought of it and created an "idiot proof" (no insult intended... haha) reminder to ensure you don't hitch up the trailer and go to pull out and forget that the Pewag is still locked through the wheel. I used to clip something like a "Remove Before Flight" flag on my trailer tongue to help me to remember the 3/8" cable I locked through my trailer tire/frame. Just an idea... :-). Great vid!!!

[@williamwallace176]

I love it when your dog jumps over the new steps.

[@homesteadonomics]

haha... she probably why I put them there...lol

[@user-ij4jb8ef5h]

Как всегда всё очень красиво и всё есть под руками что бы мастерить ))

[@nicholasgardner1106]

That is a disc detainer lock and they are indeed more pick resistant than the POS Master lock you had.

[@suzisaintjames]

Painting the chain red may keep you from driving off with the wheel locked. Maybe add a flag too. (So you or your co-pilot can see it in the rearview mirror.) It will also be more noticeable to theives "casing the joint" 💜🌵🌞

[@robertnewton896]

Great idea. I drove of with a U bolt lock thru the wheel and didn’t even notice because I was on snow and ice. Then hit a dry spot and destroyed my wheel. “It happens”

[@michaelpower8310]

i would put metal bars going into the rims for better security !

[@wayneoliver3564]

Looks like it warmed up there again.

[@homesteadonomics]

Wayne Oliver yes sir! It was in the 70s this week!!

[@ayusykes5650]

Add some box in the back trailer meybe and stair 😀 i think you woodworker meybe wood texture look good to your trailer .

[@spankybear]

Heck I would weld a socket on the jack handle you took off... Drill battery dead... jack handle mod... done!

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Very cool. Jack supports looking very much like the ones I got via Amazon for my travel trailer - it’s converted to a man cave. Work really well. I did the heavy chain security system when I traveled overnight with my utility trailer. I slept better. You’ve come a long way in welding skills since working with your father-in-law. Do you use 120-v or 240? Any recommendations on a good welder for a hobbyist? I have an old buzz box stick welder, but want something more modern. Thanks Joe, appreciate your channel. Dan

[@gregkahle9046]

Looking good/great ideas. Hey, where'd all the snow go lol.

[@homesteadonomics]

Greg Kahle thanks Greg! It was gone in a couple days....we got to the 70s this week when I filmed this video

[@gregkahle9046]

@@homesteadonomics Gotcha. Really like your projects but like your attitude even better, keep up the awesome job. Thank you

[@toddmccarter45]

When designing your tounge lock it might be a good idea to lock the safety chains inside of it too so they can't just use those to drag it away.

[@homesteadonomics]

Todd McCarter I’ve definitely been thinking about how to do that....the proven industries locks have that....but I also may just remove them so there isn’t any chain to attach too...they are connected by removable links