How to Build a Travel Trailer - DIY Framing and Aluminum Sheeting Installation

This is episode #7 of the Eddie series. In this video I pick up where I left of on the basic framing. The fenders get built and installed along with some unique stabilizer jack brackets. I then complete the framing and install the aluminum exterior sheeting.
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[@dwrivers47]

I truly appreciate your attention to detail. Lots of research and hard work going into this trailer. Eddie will be far better than any trailer one could buy. One day you’ll be sitting by the lake staring at him saying ‘Yup I built that 😊’

[@DrenalinAdventures]

I hope so! Thanks Derek.

[@TedBrunow]

I would reconsider the EPDM roof and install a solid one piece aluminum roof. Much much better and, you can go to a truck trailer and buy it in ten foot width fairly reasonable. You’re doing a beautiful job and with a metal roof it will last forever. I also would highly recommend a household energy efficient AC unit with a remote and preferably a name brand. Looks great and a nice job.

[@rboydsmith1]

You do nice work. Very professional. I also enjoy your video presentation. Its a refreshing change from the average verbal slang used by others.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Awesome, thank you!

[@nesibec.3747]

You do a meticulous and excellent job. It's quite enjoyable to watch. You deserve respect. However, there is something I wonder about. In the previous video, I saw that the ceiling construction consists of three parts and I did not understand why. Except for ease of assembly, of course. I think using continuous and solid pieces on the long edges is very important for stability and durability. Yes, the upper parts of the side facades were monolithic, but they were not strong enough.

[@mrdavidurquhart]

Managing all this work without a second set of hands helping fulltime is extra impressive.

[@williampeck3824]

The details, cinematography, planning, and overall execution are greatly appreciated and well done. Regrettably, what's missing and probably most crucial is the cost. I'm not referring to the total build cost, but specifically, the expenses incurred each time you visited the metalworker for fabrication and welding. How much did each visit cost? What was the total amount on the invoices covering supplies, fabrication, and welding for this episode? Honestly, it gives the impression that money and time are not a concern or limitation in your life. However, for the rest of us (dare I say, for most of us), budgeting finances and managing time is a reality. You are not the only KZbinr who overlooks this aspect, and some viewers may stop watching when they see the price of the steel in episode one of the build or the invoice from the team that handled most of the welding-surely, this had to be several hundred if not thousands of dollars. Would you object to sharing those invoices with us? Thank you either way. Sincerely and Respectfully, Bill

[@PatrickCalhounforager]

Not meaning to be negative because the guy did such an awesome job. But he made some rather obvious mistakes. Mistakes: 1. Unless he's thinking his trailer will survive Armageddon, he put way too much steel in the frame and subframe. In RVs any way to use less material is done. I used to work at a mobile home manufacturing plant and mobile homes are put together exactly the same way he did it. (Except for the excessive over-engineering).

[@emilyclark2805]

You are brilliant! I wish I could do this so bad. You are amazing and thank you for all the detail.

[@johnnySMALLpepper]

GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK. TRAILER LOOKING GOOD.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks.

[@platinumpowerwashing8035]

Love what your doing I would love to make one of those myself to live in unfortunately I’m stuck in hard times and have to continue to live in my car good work though really like the finished product.

[@timbarnett3898]

I worked for gem top truck canopies, I could buy metal sheets to build camper! Because metal sweats bad, I put plastic sheeting over wood frame (moisture barrier). Then on outside of plastic sheet, I placed a flat washer on every metal skin screws, creating an air space, so any moisture could drain out, leaving bottom open for drainage! I learned another lesson: always keep weight down as much as possible! An with you diamond plate side your rigs going to be heavy, even before loading it with essentials! Are you sure you don't want that big white rear metal plate on hinges, an not glued down, to life as rain/sun guard? Something else I do, I cover all wood with black choking, so no wood visible, not just two thin beads.

[@jonog5632]

This has always been my thoughts. Especially notice how much a tin roof will condensate an drip without an building paper an eventually fks the paper anyways. So cause of that i couldnt see sense in skinning a teardrop or camper etc. Rather just paint the plywood probably got a better chance if done right a thinned oil sealer a a fill an sand then undercoat oil thrn sand then 3 top coats a acrylic. All the edges gapped up etc.

[@jasondunlap4942]

You're getting close. Keep us posted!

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Will do!

[@mduduzimaseko-te6qk]

Hi Eddie I am new on the block man. I am perplexed by such wisdom and creativity

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Welcome aboard!

[@Trendsetta68]

Looooove it, excellent job...I also love the use of the caulking...you can never have enough protection! 😇👍🏼

[@TheTarotProphetess]

I love this, Thank you!!!! I'm making me a smaller trailer barbershop❤❤❤❤❤

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Wonderful!

[@ambassadorforjesuschrist5933]

Very nice work...looks substantially better than the factory! I think I like it with the black and stainless steel without any additional paint. Again nice work my friend!

[@Masterchief68]

👍. Stop saying your not a pro! Your doing a much better job than any “PRO” would do! You da man!

[@DrenalinAdventures]

I appreciate that!

[@debbiegoble9836]

Looks like a pro to me...

[@wattienewton5447]

Back again Eddie I see you're making great road's ahead mate dad's doing a great job of sealing and overlapping yer panels you'll not suffer a damp bum , your looking very good, Catch you in a bit cheers.

[@dropndeal]

I know this comes late, but you’ll need to isolate the stainless bolts from the aluminum panels to mitigate galvanic corrosion. Especially in northern climates where road salts are used, and along coastal areas. The bolts must be totally isolated electrically from the aluminum.

[@survivalltsurvivallt6157]

It looks amazing brother

[@DrenalinAdventures]

I appreciate it

[@tedsamuels3203]

This trailer is going to be awesome and I love how this guy built everything with perfection. I wish all camping trailers were put together as good this one PERFECT.

[@maikoutside]

This comes to shape very nicley! Looking forward to the next episodes! Greetings from Germany

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks. 👍

[@maakuw]

Another EXCELLENT episode, thanks for your hard work!

[@keninthekitchen1562]

Great video series! I cant wait to do my own one day. I'm learning while watching these videos that, I need more clamps :D also, I needs much more caulk for sealing!

[@catherinetalarski9249]

Wow. Now that's a very nice looking camper. You've done an excellent job. Can't wait to see how well you'll design and construct the interior. Thanks Scott for sharing.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thank you very much!

[@Tribble6hatch]

im still baffled ! coolest stuff if seen in a long time :D

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thank you

[@patrickrooney5130]

I am really looking forward to seeing the next video. Brilliant job. and it looks class.

[@websurferlady6223]

This is very practical! All of the camera shots must take a lot of time. Thank you!

[@DrenalinAdventures]

You're very welcome!

[@brikshoe6259]

I heard Winnebago has a hit out on this guy! 😎

[@ArielleViking]

Your trailer is looking wonderful. 💯❤👍

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@jessiemartinez7681]

you have some awesome friends!

[@stevewicker984]

Great job! Love watching your build videos!

[@楠本昭博]

It's a good job! I want to see the camp with your dog in this car.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks

[@ccbb8955]

Maridadi sana!!! Hongera!

[@ridhadababi5858]

Nice video as usual. Thanks for sharing. Good continuation.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

So nice of you

[@dalepoulette]

I bet that thing will float on the water lol, good job man, love it.

[@KLUJICS]

Super efficient build and design! Congrats!

[@samc705]

Good job Scott.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks Sam

[@ЕвгенийТуговиков-л9х]

Браво парни, видно что вы в детстве играли в конструктор лего😎👍

[@williamdonnelly798]

Looking good my friend. Just in time for steelhead and deer season!

[@DrenalinAdventures]

You got that right!

[@ST-fp1gw]

FYI anyone who wishes to paint aluminum you really should use a self etching primer before actual paint, great job on your build looks good very methodically done

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Great point!

[@earthenergyhex]

I really like the wheel wells, they turned out nice!!!

[@kekoamaunakea4473]

How’d I miss this. Brother I’m sorry!! Great video “Craftsman “.📐🧰⚒🔧

[@DrenalinAdventures]

All good. Thanks for always supporting my channel.

[@DanielSchmidt94521]

Thanks. I am looking at building my own concession trailer and came across your video. I have no mechanical ability but I have friends that do. So, maybe they can help. Lol.

[@philknapp5051]

If you have ever experienced a flat on a trailer, the shredded rubber can destroy the fender. In this case it could take out the whole side of the trailer. Just a thought.

[@lpschick7237]

Glad to finally get an update. I wondered if you changed your mine. Before long you will be able to take Eddie out for the first of many trips I’m sure .

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks. I can’t wait.

[@jeanlawson9133]

Awesome 😎 Thanks Appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experience really looks of quality....

[@DrenalinAdventures]

My pleasure!

[@mikemckinley1031]

Awesome better built then some trailers I like how you go into detail on what you’re doing on your trailer I wish more people would do that too can’t wait till your next video stay safe have a great week here from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tazzieastwood2147]

Great job. If you put studs the otherway more strength. But i must say awesome job so far.

[@orlandovega8259]

EXCELENTE TRABAJO.... YA QUIERO VERLO TERMINADO..😁👍

[@jacknobrex]

Wow 😮 looking really awesome 👏

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@davemetz7368]

Could not find out HOW you actually attached the walls ( the bottom of them ) to the trailer itself, in this video, nor the previous video ( episode 6 ). Why would you leave that part out ?

[@eutimiochavez415]

I’m surprised the hoa didn’t complain about u working on you trailer in the front of your house !

[@michaelverbeek7545]

It's looking great!

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

That’s nuts!

[@oldschoolboyscout]

Looking good.

[@samuelrasmussen1823]

I have to say it looks great! Very well put together. My only concern or interest is the stainless fasteners on aluminum. That’s not a good mix for it does cause corrosion over time due to the two different metals reaction to each other.

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

Was wondering the same thing. That's a definite "NO" in a marine environment. "Electrolysis" is the term I often hear about in this regard, and stainless is massively worse than even galvanized steel when it comes to corrosion issues.

[@S14zenkiQs]

Stainless and aluminum are fine together in this application, in fact most quality Aluminum trailer frames are bolted together with Stainless steel Hurk Bolts because welded joints fail far earlier.

[@patbeaudoin4237]

Great job such attention to detail it will be a well built trailer looking forward to the future camping trips. 🙂🇨🇦👍

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks Pat

[@f4tc0w]

No washers? You're stressing me out man!

[@GregRocheleau]

Great job

[@NorthChildReborn]

Love the video. I have a 5 x 10 trailer planked wood floor and solid/open mental sides 1 foot 6 inches. I was hoping to build outward adding width to the inside, cannot find too many videos on that. Any recommendations? I was thinking of leaving on the sides and building outside it with some framing bolted to the existing frame and having a ledged box lid where I can store stuff, whilst enjoying the width above that for cabinets etc. Would love to hear what you think.

[@stevo271]

Forrest Gumps super smart son.

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

Still lookin good Scott

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks Dennis. How have you been?

[@randywells9676]

another great vid, but links to the materials would be great, tape, siding

[@nicolec7290]

You go & sell this you can just show them the video. Heck of a good build. 👍🏻

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@kellyflynn2314]

Better than i could do. I see a lot of diy over build. Do you need SS screws or metal sides? But i dont think the tape will work. And some is very expensive. Just my thoughts

[@jamesroberson4463]

Nice job Enjoy !!!

[@dougw247]

Thats awesome...I think the only thing I would've done differently is use treated plywood on the floor

[@luisotero2451]

who's going to tell him stainless steel eats away at aluminum?

[@PatrickCalhounforager]

Now, thanks to you, I know everything about how everything is put together. (I generally don't BS but I thought it might be funny). And that's my way of saying thank you to you I did not know that stainless steel would make aluminum corrode. It's kind of a shame because he was pretty meticulous in what he did. I think someone should tell him.

[@dropndeal]

Using stainless fasteners to secure aluminum panels is acceptable providing there is an electrical barrier (paint, bushings, etc.,) to prevent galvanic corrosion. In this case, aside from some paint on the aluminum panel, I don’t see an electrical barrier present, so galvanic corrosion will onset rapidly in the presence of water, road salts, or along coastal areas.

[@leonrojo2933]

Excelente trabajo, felicitaciones.

[@godinesj77]

Next one needs a double axle for sure.

[@andrlink]

good job!

[@supersymun]

Very cool! I’m debating using some old 4x8 corroplast to build in my 5x8 utility trailer. Nothin fancy, cus I have a camper already, just something for hunting camp.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

👍

[@marcofidelvargasrodriguez7206]

What kind of teardrop camper build would you recommend for a hot tropical weather like Costa Rica? It has to be something light, that is basically a fridge to have an ac with propane or gas, and it also has to withstand heavy rains. What is the best option for the body of the camper. Epoxy Fiber with a foam or some sort of Styrofoam and a light wood or aluminum inside? I was thinking I only need it to be rigid on the outside so i could use something light to give it the finish for the inside, but not sure if that s a good idea. Thanks!

[@seventotems]

Beautiful build. One concern however, I notice you are using stainless steel bolts into you carbon steel frame. This can result in galvanic corrosion. Dissimilar metals should never be mixed.

[@DrenalinAdventures]

I've researched that to death and decided on the best options for me to comfortable with.

[@jaydegelder2964]

Did you say how much it weighed after completion?

[@davidj7607]

The metal flooring sheet was glued on and some screws added on the sides, do you think some bolts underneath would be better? You didn't add any weight to the floor when you glued it, is there good adhesion? All the bumps it will go through might weaken the glue?

[@YYChinook]

Welldone

[@correctpolitically4784]

I totally gotta do this.

[@scotttaylor4219]

Do you have a materials list anywhere? I know prices will vary but I’d still like to see it. Also why did you go with aluminum? Would wood be strong enough for this build and after cost of tyvek would it cost less?

[@MrMrsedz]

Execelent, Thumbs up mate .. I'm doing one very similar in size .. Old skool size 12' x 7' with 59" sides ..the roof is hinged at the front and lifts up at an angle from the rear approx 28" to allow standing room at the rear end of the camper .. Basicaly a DIY version of the Complete Campsite Exodus 14, that was built here in Australia .. Also stealing your slide out sleeper box idea for my Hilux dual cab [ For Solo camping trips ] .. Following with interest

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@0.FlyHigh.0]

Hey big question, what gauge/ thickness aluminum did you use on you floor and walls

[@ronm8306]

Why didn’t you just by black diamond plate instead of painting the silver black. I want to do a build with diamond plate until I priced it out today. $400 a sheet now. I am in Nevada. Like your inspiration! Also how thick was your diamond plate? I was pricing out 1/8”.

[@kalbimdebenim]

it's perfect eddie why don't you take the whole when you apply the metals alone

[@speakthunderart5610]

Awesome

[@romanprokopchuk1536]

thank you for such a wonderful video. Can you tell me please, how much does it weigh? hi from Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@DrenalinAdventures]

Almost finished and it is close to 5,000 pounds.

[@peanbean1973]

I'm gonna build a food truck version

[@thisisadebrown]

First of all of working with aluminium… Never scratch up the aluminium on the top code which will allow corrosion at a later stage, particularly where you don’t want to… Always get some treatment or primer and then here too and it’s his self into, to get some extra primer first and then work into it using the top coat of paint

[@nicolec7290]

3M IS GOOD TAPE

[@venaseph6314]

How well did the vhb to wood hold up over time?

[@briankromanski]

what is the thickness of the alumni sheets you are using? I didn't catch it in the video.

[@dthomas6037]

Wish you put the episode # on the title of the video. Would've made it easier to watch in sequence.

[@EighthBurner]

What did you set your 2x2 bottom plate to? Was that just your aluminum sheeting? Or was that some kind of drip edge ?

[@verdedenim662]

I'm curious what your budget was for this. Why not buy a small covered trailer (i.e. V-nose) and outfit it the way you wanted it? With the custom trailer build, then the aluminum sheet, diamond plate, 3/4 plywood #2 treated sheets, stainless hardware, etc., I'm' guessing you were near or past 5 figures...

[@tiagogomezvlogs2489]

Where you bull the Aluminium sheets

[@veritasvincitv]

With all the framing, this looks heavy. What's the final weight?

[@whirlwindjml]

How thick is the alumium skin and floor skin. Thanks

[@DrenalinAdventures]

I cover that in the later videos

[@ExpediteTravels]

Looking good sir I’m from the Windsor Ontario area also I love the aluminum on the trailer will you be painting the whole trailer? Thanks for the video very enjoyable to watch I liked how you narrated the step-by-step 😎👍👍🇨🇦

[@DrenalinAdventures]

The middle section will be covered in a vinyl wrap. Haven't designed it yet.

[@郭常麟常麟]

媽a媽

[@wilassguess]

Hi. Do you have a list of materials and dimensions? Wanting to know how thick is your aluminum sheets and why you choose that thickness.

[@myketolife6345]

i was also looking for the thickness of the aluminum on the sides. it looked fairly thick as he installed it. I have not found it anywere on his site yet.

[@wilassguess]

@@myketolife6345 I guess you'll have to make a good gestimate. I'm thinking thick enough to be pliable and protect from the elements. Also, I'll be using half inch plywood on the framing under my build.

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

I've watched episode 6 and 7 interesting I have not seen you actually attach the wood floor to the trailer. You just showed attaching the metal fishing to the frame work with 2vscrews at each stud. Not sure how strong or ridged that will be.

[@Steveski70]

What is the thickness of diamond alum sheet you are using?