mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 24, 2022 10:36:41 GMT -8
Restoring a trailer properly, involves time and planning. But am I all wrong with my methods?
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Apr 24, 2022 13:46:02 GMT -8
Nobody ever said that the truth is easy to say or pleasant to hear. I remember back in the VTSF and early VTT days when we’d get people who’d already destroyed the structural integrity then got angry that anyone had the temerity to point out that there was a better, safer, RIGHT way to do it. They’d get all up in arms and never return. Sad. It only took about ten minutes of ripping things out before we realized we were “doing it wrong.” And we’re happy we did. I have to wonder how many of those folks a decade or more back still enjoy the heck out of their trailers.
You should have a 1/20 model of a trailer, done like the one in this video to show the importance of rebuilding the way they were built originally. Then do another with things done incorrectly. Give ‘em both a good shake and let folks see it for themselves.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on May 1, 2022 8:06:54 GMT -8
But, the only problem I have is blindly accepting that the original manufacturers were "right." I contend that they were interested in making a product as lightweight as possible, but not necessarily as strong or long lasting as possible, especially in the competitive market of the day. The biggest example I can give is the common use of flat laid 1x lumber used as rafters. They will sag over time which can lead to failure of the butyl sealed seams. They were not meant to last 60 years. Probably closer to 20. For that purpose, they were good products.
Although you talk about "right" and "wrong" ways of re-construction, I contend there actually may be a few "better" ways. The example I give on my scratch build project is a different way of building the roof plane rafters that use aluminum strengthened 2x framing built with "side plates" that eliminate the built-up curbing step. I think it makes for a stronger box without adding much more weight.
Nevertheless, I do love your dedication and aesthetics, especially to the lovely wood finishes that you produce.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 1, 2022 9:30:17 GMT -8
But, the only problem I have is blindly accepting that the original manufacturers were "right." [/i][/b]
I teach my students that YES... the manufacturers looked for shortcuts and other ways to make a profit. And YES... they did not design these trailers to last 60 years. And YES... There ARE ways that I teach people in which you can beef up the trailer to last even longer than the manufacturers planned on. Like better wood choices such as Poplar. But what I am talking about is the concept that the original engineers of the canned ham trailer came up with in order to make a light weight box that could withstand a ton of abuse. And with proper maintanence, these trailers could actually last 60 years or more. But no one does that....
The complaint I am addressing is two fold. One. It was not my idea to build trailers the way I teach. Two. There is still only one way to build a trailer properly so that it doesn't fall apart on the road. At least they haven't come up with anything better yet. So please don't be confused as to the message this video brings. I suppose if you wanted to you could build a trailer out of a solid piece of 1/2 inch thick steel. But then it would cost a hell of a lot of money to transport. There are comprimises to every decision. So we take the pros and the cons and weigh them out first, then make a decision on a comprimise.
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azshastanut
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Post by azshastanut on May 1, 2022 10:00:04 GMT -8
Hi Larry, I can't Tell you how much I appreciate your posts. I have not found fault with your methods and philosophy. Keep it up! Hopefully people will listen to advice from you, and others who post on the site. Thank you! Gary
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 1, 2022 10:32:46 GMT -8
Hi Larry, I can't Tell you how much I appreciate your posts. I have not found fault with your methods and philosophy. Keep it up! Hopefully people will listen to advice from you, and others who post on the site. Thank you! Gary And let us not forget all of the wonderful help we get right here on VTT. I've learned a ton here and all I'm doing is trying to pass along what I have learned to others. A huge vote of thanks goes to Vikx. Our fearless VTT leader and administrator of this site. She gives us a place where we may freely and openly discuss all the aspects of trailer restoral. HIP HIP.....
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chriss
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Post by chriss on May 14, 2022 7:01:29 GMT -8
I fully agree with the original factory way, but I couldn't bring myself to using the pallet staples, scrap aluminum splice plates and finger joint 1x2s for the framing. I realize too that these trailers had a 10 year lifespan and the manufacturer cut costs every way possible. Finger jointed pine was a mind blower. The glue failed after 50 years or whatever. The new framing went back together with pocket screws, solid material (pine and poplar), weak spots with thicker material or bracing, and backing for all lights and anything mounted on the exterior and interior. Aside from that, the original construction method was preserved.
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Post by danrhodes on May 15, 2022 13:57:32 GMT -8
I wish I had used poplar for my roof studs but I learned a valuable tip from VikX about sealing your butyl with urethane that would never have been done originally. They idea is, build it like they did, just better with higher quality materials and modern products.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 17, 2022 14:23:54 GMT -8
I wish I had used poplar for my roof studs but I learned a valuable tip from VikX about sealing your butyl with urethane that would never have been done originally. They idea is, build it like they did, just better with higher quality materials and modern products. Exactly Dan. We have the luxury of time on our side and the labor costs are pretty much nothing. So we're not in a hurry and we can spend the money for the upgrades. As long as we don't change the engineering involved. I use Poplar for all my one one inch walls. Walls thicker than that I mill my own out of doug fir.
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