DIY Squaredrop Trailer Build Thread

This has been a while in the making, but I am finally getting to work on my own DIY "Squaredrop" trailer! I figured there would be some like minded individuals around here that might get inspired to do the same.

I have lots of plans and features for this trailer that I will get to and talking about as they get built into the trailer, but until then, enjoy a rendering of what we are aiming for! And of course, ask me whatever questions you might have!

Feel free to follow along on instagram @33_sqft (https://www.instagram.com/33_sqft/) where there will also be regular updates.

 

It all starts with a plan!

Instead of building from scratch, I decided to get a local company to build be a very basic 5'x10' base to build up from. This makes my life easier as far as a trailer title and inspection goes in Pennsylvania. Seemed worth it for me., even though I will eventually be changing almost everything about the trailer.

The plans have changed a few times, but the overall shape is staying the same. Windows, doors, and hatches and the like are all up in the air still as we balance practicality and functionality. Over all construction will be a steel and wood frame, with a fully aluminum skin.

Follow along and ask questions : https://www.instagram.com/33_sqft/

 

We have a shape! The outer frame is made from 1.5" sq welded steel tube. This also serves as the structure. Intermediary pieces of wood will be placed in as places to attach the walls, doors, ceiling, etc.

 

Coming along nicely

 

Thank you!

 

To help keep weight down, I am bolting in strips of 1.5" wood to aid in attachment points for floor, walls, doors, insulation, etc. Here you can see an example of where one of the access doors will live in the end! And forward of that is where the fridge compartment door will go.

 

Framing of all doors/hatches complete! I also painted all the steel a black enamel to keep it from rusting.

 

We have walls! I'm using .040 aluminum with a paint treatment for the exterior of the entire trailer. The underside will be a little different to save a little money and retain some protection

 

If it's worth doing, it's worth over doing! Pivoting to some electrical work before I begin on insulation. Seen here are some entry door lights that will turn on and off when the door is opened/closed.

 

very cool. Enjoying watching this

 

Insulation! Going with a R7 value on some 1.5" foam board.

 

Time to run electrical!

I am using a Goal Zero Yeti 3000 to power the trailer because I already owned it, so it makes adding the solar panels EASY. If I were starting from scratch I would go with 12v deep cycle marine batteries with an inverter and solar charging controller. The Yeti 3000 has all of that built in.

 

I've been slacking on the progress shots...

But I got the fan installed!

 

Also installed the passenger side 270deg awning!. The garage isn't big enough to open it all the way, so you and I will have to wait for that one!

 

Here's the roof at the moment. Solar panels (200w) on the rear also went in.

For more up to date info, follow us along on instagram!

 

So cool! following for sure.
What's your running cost so far? Always wanted a trailer but couldn't justify the price.

 

My spreadsheet shows about 7k in purchased goods. Worth noting, that I am electing to have some more luxurious facilities on the trailer (ie; fridge/freezer, running water, shower, etc). This could be done for half, easily.

 

Getting creative holding up glued panels!

 

It's beginning to look down right inhabitable! A full size mattress should fit in here nicely.

 

The 12v side of things is coming along nicely! All 12v accessories that are wired in are up and running! Next I'll run a little 120v to the cabin and galley!