My DIY R.V./B.O.V...the "Gypsy"....

[Big_Saw]

Well, after deciding to "hit the road" for work, actually fulfilling a life-long aspiration of being a "gypsy" carpenter, I've begun converting a 16' flatbed utility trailer into a living space and tool hauler....purchasing a similar model would cost me over $10,000...f*ck that.....I'll be done with this one for around $2000, and not owe a dime on it.....

I started with this: a tandem axle, medium-load, 6'x16' flatbed utility.....


My design calls for a 12'x6' living space, and a 4'x6' tool storage area in the rear...so I used 2x4s to elevate the living space subfloor and allow for the placement of R13 insultion....since the subfloor frame is actually supported by the original 2x8 deck boards of the trailer bed, I opted for a 19.3" joist span (commonly referred to as the "diamond layout"), rather then the standard 16"...then I decked the new floor using 3/4" tongue & groove subfloor sheathing...


I chose a traditional framing method for my structure (2x4s) because I'm more concerned about strength than weight, and the trailer's rated for a bit over 6000 Lbs....I figure the finished product will have a curb weight of around 2500 Lbs...I aso recommend nixing the nails and screwing every single joint...this should prevent vibrations pulling the rig apart on the road...I also sheathed the exterior of the entire frame with 3/8" plywood, for maximum rigidity...





The roof trusses are simply 2x4s, attached and strengthened with hurricane ties, every 16"...


I haven't decided what size I want my side window and door to be, so I just framed the walls solid for now, but I was sure about the front one, so it's the only one that's framed in, thus far....


Once I had the whole thing glued and screwed, I wrapped it up in 4mil plastic, 'cause it's supposed to rain AGAIN.....and I'm still waiting on delivery of my exterior surfacing....to be continued.....

[Diesel]

WOW WOW WOW

Where to start first off that's a life changing and interesting adventure you are embarking on, hopefully you will remain Online.

Are you sure there's business on the road, or are you just bored and taking a risk?

Your construction is amazing so far, you def have skills! Can't wait to see the rest of the build out, very anxious!

Thank you so much for sharing this with us

[Lostinoz]

Wow Saw! That is awesome! Thanks for sharing the pics! I can't wait to see it finished!!

[Big_Saw]

WOW WOW WOW

Where to start first off that's a life changing and interesting adventure you are embarking on, hopefully you will remain Online.

Are you sure there's business on the road, or are you just bored and taking a risk?

Your construction is amazing so far, you def have skills! Can't wait to see the rest of the build out, very anxious!

Thank you so much for sharing this with us

Thanks..I know...I am a framing GOD.....

Yeah, the building industry's ground to a screeching halt here locally, so I put a few feelers out about 500 miles or so, and found that the building is strong in Tulsa, OKC, Galveston, etc......got a few offers in Tulsa, and actually spent all of last week out there building, and it's absolutely booming....

...I'll still be online...I plan on setting up my sat-coms in the rig, so don't worry..I'll still be around to bitch a bit, and maybe even git me sumbitchin'.....

[Diesel]

I'd like to know what your planning commo and electric wise. You going solar with deep cycles? Genny?

[Big_Saw]

I'd like to know what your planning commo and electric wise. You going solar with deep cycles? Genny?

I was planning to rig up a belt-driven alternator to my deep cycles (running off the axle), but a friend turned me on to some pretty affordable solar arrays that will do the job whether the thing's moving or not...

I'll also be wiring 110 for when I can find a decent RV park....

Cooking will be via my nifty Coleman Perfectflow camp stove, and hot water will be supplied via a gravity tank on the roof, painted black to absorb solar heat...

Most other electronics, etc. will either be dual-powered (12v and 110), or plugged into an inverter....

[waitnc]

Nice Unit! Be safe and careful.

[herbalpagan]

About 15 years ago, my ex father-in-law decided he didn't want to live with his wife any more. He worked at a tool and die factory and had a bit of land up the road from the house, with some garages on it. He took and old hay trailer ( a bit wider than the one above) and every day he brought home pallets from work. Gradually, he built what he calls his "camp". a little bigger than the OP's, but same idea. He has two rooms in his and probably about $500. I don't think it would go down the road with as much ease, but he's lived in it for about 15 years now and it's still fine. Not bad for a $500 investment.

[beebopcop]

Nice job big saw, you're a talented cuss!

[Big_Saw]

Some more progress...it's finally 100% in the dry, and just needs some minor trim work on the exterior.....



Dudn't that roman blue just make it pop?





The bare part on the front is where I'll install some diamond plate, to guard it from mud, road grime, rocks, etc. thrown by the truck....

I'll also be adding a 24"x24" aluminum window to the port side today, and a ladder rack on the starboard....I'll probably spend most of the evening fabricating my exterior door.....if, for some reason, I don't hit any snags, I might even get the elec pulled tonight...I'm really not in the mood to cut glass right now, so I'm leaving the front window covered for now....I'll get 'round to it when I feel like it......

[bart]

if you plan on doing battery power you can use the auxillary charge on your truck to charge the bats while driving. if you have the seven spade round plug it should be at one oclock. btw, galveston is still pretty busy right now. i work for the biggest local fencing supplier in galveston county and were pretty busy and have been since sept.

[bart]

we also sell trailers and trailer parts. if you come to galv. area stop by american fence in league city. we are right on i-45.

[Big_Saw]

Sounds good...if I come South, I'll look it up.....

[Damocles]

I've been "helping" with this thing a bit (in the way, I'm sure, most of the time). It's awesome what my bud can do with just about anything he sets his mind to. I'm hoping we can take it to CO later this year for mule deer season, too.

[combatcreep08]

looks great! that's a hell of an idea!