WELDING UP A Teardrop Trailer Frame | Fabrication

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO WELD UP A TEARDROP TRAILER FRAME?
Doing it right means having the right tools (which you may have already) and following a weld-up process that has been in place for years in the production of Teardrop Trailer Frames at Overland Teardrop Trailer. Just watch out for your surprise fires!
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IN THIS VIDEO:
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Custom Adjustable Axle - overlandtraile...
Weld-Ready Teardrop Frame Kit - overlandtraile...
Detailed Frame Plans - www.overlandtr...
TOOLS:
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Carpenter's Square: amzn.to/3b578JJ
Welding Clamps: amzn.to/3HpJjIF
Welder: amzn.to/3xTMjd3
Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3xVyPgQ
Fireball Square: fireballtool.c...
SAFETY GEAR:
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Welding Gloves: amzn.to/3tFmj2N
Welding Hood: amzn.to/39wEK2L
Bluetooth Ear Protection: amzn.to/3xVypXO
2297 3M Filters: amzn.to/3xycEfh
3M Respirator: amzn.to/3xV5Ytp
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LEARN FUSION 360
academy.produc...
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FREE WORKSHOP & TEARDROP TIPS
Expert Tips for Building Your Own Teardrop Trailer:
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Visit Us:
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SUBSCRIBE: / @overlandtrailer
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Facebook: / overlandtrailer
Website: www.overlandtr...
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Want to Build Your Own Teardrop Trailer?
Overland Trailer is a teardrop trailer company that started in 2007. We specialize in teardrop camper production, parts, kits, and education for DIY Teardrop Camper enthusiasts. It is our greatest joy to see our community camping in a teardrop trailer that we had a hand in helping create.
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Overland Trailer assumes no liability for property damage as a result of any of the information contained in this video. All material provided within this KZbin channel is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some processes may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Do not attempt anything in this video unless you accept personal responsibility for the results, whether they are good or bad.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Overland Trailer is proudly a family-owned business born in the Great Pacific Northwest of the United States and at home in the rocky mountains of North Idaho. From this base, we've guided campers in over 30 nations to build their own teardrop and tiny camp trailers.
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In This Video:
Mark explains the best way to weld a teardrop trailer frame in a home shop.
1. Tools and Safety - Gear that makes the process possible
2. Isolate the frame from the uneven ground - Tips and Tools for making this easy
3. Welding Sequence - Welding in a way that minimizes warping and losing square.
4. Installing the Axle Brackets - Alignment and welding
5. Total Frame Weight (without Axle)

[@extorter]

You made this look insanely easy

[@OverlandTrailer]

HI Extorter. Thanks for watching and commenting. Having done this as a business for 16 years does bring a certain ease of work. My hope is that everyone can learn from my experience so they can just as easily build their own. Cheers!

[@wadejameson5389]

I met Mark today. Super nice guy! Looking forward to watching more of these videos. Thanks for the saw!

[@OverlandTrailer]

It was nice to meet you Wade. Best of luck on your project, enjoy the saw, and thanks for watching!!

[@Tronicsfix]

Now I wanna go weld stuff! Great video.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Thanks Steve!

[@paulcarlsen4088]

I bought the frame kit from you. Even though I could have sourced the material myself, it saved me time. I also appreciated the follow up after purchasing-such as the condition of the packages after they arrived l.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Thanks again Paul. I'm so glad we could get you a good trailer frame, information, and on your way to camping. You rock!

[@metalmelter1324]

Nailed it!! Heat has a big effect on light frames like that!

[@OverlandTrailer]

Ha! Thanks @metalmelter1324. I'll take the compliment. I'm not a professional welder so it's always nice to hear from those who know better. Thanks for watching!

[@okmatt346]

Great Video! Always enjoy and appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Keep up the good work!

[@OverlandTrailer]

Thanks for hanging out and for the encouragement! Cheers

[@FunkeAdventures]

This is definitely what I will be doing on my next build. Thanks for sharing!

[@OverlandTrailer]

YES! Love it. Can't wait to see your video of this too.

[@garyng5662]

Subscribed and following. Very happy to have found this channel!

[@OverlandTrailer]

Welcome aboard Garyn! I hope you can find some good information and fun Here.

[@jlgraham5606]

Thanks for sharing you knowledge. Makes me want to build my own teardrop! Anxious to fully retire in a year and get back to visiting NW Montana and North Idaho. Planning to full time in a travel trailer when moved back to what we in Hawaii call the mainland. Lived in Libby, MT for 25 years.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Awesome. Thanks for watching JL. I'm always happy to share. Libby is a very nice area. I spent a lot of my childhood over there on camping trips.

[@tenspeedtears]

I like to use the magnetic levels on the material so I know everything is sitting level and straight. Great video…well done. Cheers!

[@OverlandTrailer]

That would work too. I prefer the fireball square so I don't need to level it all -just relying on geometry principles. BUT the square is pretty spendy. A magnetic level is a less expensive option and still produces solid work.

[@tenspeedtears]

I looked at the square and for a nice quality piece of kit I think they are reasonably priced. Which size are you using?

[@OverlandTrailer]

Mega square cast iron in this vid

[@caserio323]

come from playing w sticks love to finally some one step up diy i do solar but looking fw to a new trailer keep it up buddy

[@OverlandTrailer]

Hey man! Thanks for the kind note. It's fun to meet another fan of Drew's work. Love the DIY! Cheers.

[@jsolomo5]

Great guide, and can't wait to weld up mine in the coming weeks! Question for you: Which size Fireball Tool did you use for this project?

[@OverlandTrailer]

Hi Justin, Good question. It's the 12" Megasquare in Steel. This is very doable with a smaller version too. I just buy the largest ones possible for the most accurate alignment.

[@bradybeekman5480]

Thanks for all the resources you provide! I'm looking into starting up a small garage business building campers. Your videos and website have already been very helpful!

[@OverlandTrailer]

That's Awesome Brady. So happy to be of help. Let us know if there are other ways we can help you get going on the right foot. Cheers!

[@festerhairball6588]

Fantastic job! I would've screwed that job up 8 ways to Sunday 😄👍 But I could see me being successful with all your tips. You the man 👊

[@OverlandTrailer]

You can do this! Thanks for the kind words and for watching.

[@koalafan1576]

When I build my square drop I’m going to use 4”x2” tubular steel. I’m also not adding an axle. I’ll use an independent axlesless suspension. I’m also not going to use a couplet but a Hensley Hitch for theft protection and maneuverability.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Beefy! Must be off-road with a Timbren -or similar system. Love the DIY thinking. Thanks for watching!

[@JoeH-f1e]

Measure up one side 3 feet and up the other 4 feet and adjust until the diagnal between the two marks is 5 feet and youre square. You can scale this ie 6, 8, 10 as well.

[@OverlandTrailer]

a 2 + b 2 = c 2. See high school geometry does have a purpose!

[@madjack8893]

Coming from PWS, new sub ☘️

[@OverlandTrailer]

Welcome Mad Jack. It was fun to work with Drew over at PWS. We've talked about it for almost 2 years and he finally twisted my arm. ha ha

[@davehobby6421]

how much is the welder machine needed for this project, does it offset the cost saving by weld it yourself for only one trailer build?

[@OverlandTrailer]

Hi Dave! Great question. Purchasing a welder probably doesn't offset the cost of a prefab trailer BUT we have loads of builders who simply rent one for a few hours (about 3-4 hours in total) to weld up their frame. That is usually less expensive than a prefab trailer. Then they get a frame that is made just for teardrop use too. Of course if you're needing an excuse to get a welder -and the math doesn't matter too much, this is a good one!

[@williamhendrickse5506]

Hey sir what is the measurement of the axle on your frame?

[@williamhendrickse5506]

Sorry where do I put my axle on the frame or how far back from the front of my frame I weld my axle?

[@OverlandTrailer]

Hi William. Great question and thanks for the clarification. Axle placement depends on your body design and how much your cargo weighs. There's a great calculator for this: www.engineersedge.com/calculators/trailer-weight-balance.htm A good rule of thumb as a starting point is 60% forward and 40% back. I don't remember where the axle in this video was placed as it was a custom build and there were some heavier woods & the spare tire mount in the back. Probably around 31"? My best guess without looking at all of the documentation on this build. @@williamhendrickse5506

[@williamhendrickse5506]

Hey thank you for replying helps a lot have a good day

[@OverlandTrailer]

You're Welcome! Happy Building!@@williamhendrickse5506

[@Franisboche]

Where is the video on the chopsaw stand in the background?

[@OverlandTrailer]

No video on that cart. Really just made from pallet wood from the business. It's surprising how much we use those pallets for things. Haha

[@Franisboche]

@@OverlandTrailer do you have any measurements on it? Would like to build something similar for my metal chop saw.

[@OverlandTrailer]

24"x 36" and 37" tall.

[@ACHWeddingFilms]

I’m looking to rent a welding machine from Home Depot for this, would a 140amp welding machine be enough for this?

[@OverlandTrailer]

Great question. The main spec to look for is how thick of steel it can weld. If it can weld up to 1/4" or more, you're good. Thanks for watching!

[@jdux9089]

Hey Mark, great video. I saw you on PWS and subscribed to your site. My mechanical skills approach zero but I'm a quick learner. One skill I probably won't attempt to learn is welding. I know pricing is dependent on my location but as a general guideline, what would a welding shop charge to weld this for me (with parts and plans purchased from Overland)? Thanks for the help.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Hi John! Thanks for popping over to my little channel for some nerdy education. Working with Drew is something we've talked about for almost 2 years and I'm thankful he finally twisted my arm enough to do it. Good question on the cost of a welder. That number is all over the map. What I tell people is to take the weld plans and a picture of the kit from our website to a number of welders and ask them. In our shop (without a fabrication table - just like this video) it is about a 3- 4 hour job + some cooling time. On our fab table it is about half of that because we don't need to be as careful with how hot the frame gets. Hopefully, all of that information will help you dial in that cost for your area.

[@jdux9089]

@@OverlandTrailer Thanks Mark, that helps.

[@soddy493]

I have zero experience welding, roughly how long would it take someone who knows what they’re doing to build the frame?

[@OverlandTrailer]

Great Question. An experienced welder can cut and weld our frame design in about 2 days. Our Frame kit welds up in about 3-4 hours (since the cutting and drilling is already done). Thanks for watching!

[@tacticalskiffs8134]

Just so people don't go crazy should they not have one, the clamping to a fixture thing is nice, but will not control the welds at all. (I would buy that Fireball thing in an instant if I was anywhere near their shipping, it still sets one up for success). The best approach is super tight joints, and a sound welding sequence. I don't weld C so I don't know what that is. With tight joints, one needs to half grind through the the channel where it butts together, in order to have a trough (a V) to get the welds down in there and with decent lodging for the beads, and full penetration. This also insures that the surfaces are ground to receive the welds. Some kinds of welding can survive with the mill surface remaining (though the weld geometry is still bad), but grinding the surface clean is always a good step to start with. There is always a risk with MIG that one is just caulking the surface with steel, without achieving much strength in the process. So good prep and geometry is something I always attempt.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Good points and all part of a previous video. Thanks for adding it here too.

[@slc12312]

Where the cost of housing is higher than Snoop Dog on April 20th, now that made me laugh. Nice video series, I had thought about learning how to weld and build a teardrop all at once, but I think it might be more prudent to find someone who can weld for me. Like you say, build it once and build it right (or was it the other way around?).

[@OverlandTrailer]

Ha ha! Glad you like the Snoop line. It's pretty true. Thanks for watching and for the comment. Made my day!

[@gregrburnett3400]

If I may add for people learning to weld for this, your long sleeve shirt and pants should be cotton/fire resistant. If you have an issue, cotton will smolder. Synthetics will melt to you.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Yes! Safety first

[@OverlandTrailer]

Head's UP! I'll make another video with axle and spare tire storage. OH YA! I forgot to mention the friggin' welder in the tool list! ha ha. It's implied....I guess.

[@colorwheelrebel-lillybless6951]

Hello, how can I communicate with you best? I have a few questions.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Hi Lilly, good question. We can communicate here on KZbin OR through email at [e-mail] OR you can check out our FAQ page for answers too (overlandtrailer.com/frequently-asked-questions/). You pick!

[@nitromodel696]

Is your welder a 110v or a 240v. I've never welded before an I only have access to 110v. Thanks!

[@OverlandTrailer]

Mine will do both voltages. I also like the Millermatic 211 for the same reason. In this video, I'm on 240.

[@koalafan1576]

Really? It didn’t weigh 119 because you didn’t have the axle or tires on. Plus the trailer wasn’t even finished.

[@OverlandTrailer]

You must be new around here! Welcome. We've helped people build their own teardrop camp trailers since 2007. This trailer frame, plans and kits, are sold in 11 countries. When it comes to the axle, tires, etc those are all add-ons to the frame and there are a number of options (all of which affect weight) that work with this frame - based on DIYer's preferences. The question is often, what does the frame weigh? 119 lbs is that answer. This frame is complete except for some paint - which does add a marginal amount of weight.