Build your own Compact III...

[Cliff]

I am new to the forum, but was referred to this link by the creator AngiB, after seeing a picture of my newly acquired Compact Jr. Although this is fiberglass RV forum, many Compact trailer fans may enjoy seeing these plans to build one out of wood construction. Perhaps it has already been mentioned. Enjoy.

AngiB's Compact III Build Plans

[April Wilcox]

Anyone know what the home built one weighs? It seems like it would be really heavy made out of wood.

[Donna D.]

Nice concept, but then too it's not molded but built like a sticky.

[Tom Trostel]

By the way, the top two photos of a yellow Compact Jr. are from an original sales brochure from Hunter.

And, here is a link to a home built that the owner calls a "Compact GT".

http://home.earthlink.net/~g.teague/

[brian m.]

Are there any photos of the AngiB trailer actually built anywhere?

[Cliff]

Are there any photos of the AngiB trailer actually built anywhere?

Andrew (Angi, generally designs for fun, and a resident engineer on another forum. There are many other design plans that has been posted on his site. It would be interesting to know how many people have built trailers following his plans.

More of AngiB's designs here.

[Andrew Gibbens]

Anyone know what the home built one weighs? It seems like it would be really heavy made out of wood.

I did an detailed weight estimate and the unladen weight came out at 1560 pounds - so around 50% more than the fiberglass version. However the construction is sandwich throughout with 3/4" insulation and 1/8" ply skins (except at the lower front where it is 1/4" for stone resistance) - even the lifting roof is all hard-sided in sandwich panels as the original brief was for a winter trailer.

Nice concept, but then too it's not molded but built like a sticky.

A lot of the (top-end) wood teardrop builders coat the finished body with epoxy and light glass cloth, at which point the water resistance, at least to external water, is getting close to a moulded fiberglass trailer. However a leaking window will do nearly as much harm as to a stick-built trailer.

Are there any photos of the AngiB trailer actually built anywhere?

Several people have told me they are starting, but no-one has sent any progress photos yet, so it may be only a design so far.

Andrew

[Gilles D]

I did an detailed weight estimate and the unladen weight came out at 1560 pounds - so around 50% more than the fiberglass version. However the construction is sandwich throughout with 3/4" insulation and 1/8" ply skins (except at the lower front where it is 1/4" for stone resistance) - even the lifting roof is all hard-sided in sandwich panels as the original brief was for a winter trailer.

A lot of the (top-end) wood teardrop builders coat the finished body with epoxy and light glass cloth, at which point the water resistance, at least to external water, is getting close to a moulded fiberglass trailer. However a leaking window will do nearly as much harm as to a stick-built trailer.

Several people have told me they are starting, but no-one has sent any progress photos yet, so it may be only a design so far.

Andrew

Can you figure the weight of a aluminium version? Here my idea

Using C channel and 2X1 tubing for framing and 18 gauges alu sheet Cleco riveted for wall and roof covering, the trailer frame need to be in steel
(Alu C beam are to expensive)The 3/4" plywood floor have to be protec by a 18 gauge aluminium sheet bebore installation. Isolation will be those new "SilverBoard" or good rigid panel with hight "R" value, cabinet will be built very light similar to Escape trailer and why not use a independent suspension dexter axle? Let's be creative and make this trailer 6'3' hight inside! No pop up top!

I think I create a monster.... Frankenstein trailer Co.

[Cliff]

By the way, the top two photos of a yellow Compact Jr. are from an original sales brochure from Hunter.
And, here is a link to a home built that the owner calls a "Compact GT".
http://home.earthlink.net/~g.teague/

Tom,
Yes, I have seen those pictures. And I thought it was a pop up using a mechanical system, or pulley. Not a bad idea for a KISS pop up.

Do you know where I could get a really good scan of the original brochure for the Compact Jr.?