Do It Right

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.

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.

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.....

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.