Lifetime minimum maintenance frame

[eagle_3464]

We are nearing completion just as the ice season begins. Cushions and curtains should be completed soon and some overhead cabinets will be added as time permits.

[McGurk]

That is a sharp house. I really like the white interior; not enough people do that. It really brightens up a small area and makes it feel larger than it is. Also, I dig that this looks like a fishhouse and not a bunkhouse with holes in the floor. I commend you, sir.

[DuckSlayer]

Awesome house. Thanks for sharing, that is hands down one of the best built houses I've seen. Great idea with the galvinazation. I've always thought the computer fans were a good idea, but lots of people don't use them.

[jgrimmz]

How much do you have into the build if you don't mind me asking? Your house is very similar to the drawings I mocked up for the build I plan on doing in the next year or two but I haven't priced out materials.

[eagle_3464]

Thanks guys, it has certainly been a time consuming but fun project to work on. I'm happy with the way it has turned out and not much I would change. I might think differently once we get some time in it. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles but yet plenty for a weekend getaway, especially once cabinets and TV are in. The original plans were for a bare-bones house costing $4500 to $5000 but we made some additions along the way. I am guessing we are near the $6000 mark in the end. I saved quite a bit on the frame alone building it myself. Most everything I purchased throughout the course of a year when it was on sale. We are ready to get it on the ice and catch the first fish.

[fishing tech]

Very Nice!!

[Mike Lacey]

Great build man, it looks awesome, I'm starting a build this weekend and I've been checking yours out lots for design ideas. I was curious how you feel about your suspension now that you've built it and driven it around a bit? I'm still throwing around a few ideas in my head about how to mount my leaf spring. Things like angle of the datum, and positioning of the leaf relative to the tire.

[RP14]

I am looking to build a frame similar to this one and would like some help if possible.

What is the size of frame?

How are the springs connected to the arm, or does it free slide?

I am thinking of using garage door panels as the sides and roof.  

Love that trailer, great job.

[eagle_3464]

Welcome to the forum RP14.

After several years on the ice I am very happy with the finished results. It doesn't surprise me at how many manufacturers are now offering the galvanized frame option.

I built the frame 6'6" wide and 14'5" long on the sides, plus the "V". The odd side length was to make the most from the aluminum sheeting plus getting a bit more room than most 14 footers.

The front end of the springs are attached by tabs welded to the wheel pivot arms. The rear of the springs are attached to the frame on the jack post by a shackle pivot. At the midpoint of the spring there is a rubber bump stop on the pivot arms that makes contact and loads the spring at the midpoint as springs were designed to do. I see lots of manufacturers are doing this now rather than stuffing the spring into a tube and creating a pinch or shear point.

I do know of people who have used garage door panels. They work ok but you can't hide your wiring in the walls and may find difficulty in mounting accessories to a rigid backing.

Good luck with your build.

[leech~~]

Hey, how are those jacks working now with a full loaded house? Little harder to turn?

[eagle_3464]

leech,
The jacks are working out great. They are still relatively easy to crank with a loaded house. Not the one finger ease like empty but still pretty easy.
That being said, the cordless drill is much faster than I am. Even in my youth I could never spin them as fast as the drill.

Glad I went this route. No worries of broken cables, less maintenance, and I can easily remove them for road travel and as a theft deterrent.

[leech~~]

1 hour ago, eagle_3464 said:

leech,
The jacks are working out great. They are still relatively easy to crank with a loaded house. Not the one finger ease like empty but still pretty easy.
That being said, the cordless drill is much faster than I am. Even in my youth I could never spin them as fast as the drill.

Glad I went this route. No worries of broken cables, less maintenance, and I can easily remove them for road travel and as a theft deterrent.

Sounds good. I like the way they are removable.  I would carry a spare as well just incase once jams up or freezes up out on the lake at -20 below.  

[eagle_3464]

Since all 3 jacks are the same and easily removable, just swap one around and still get the job done. If desired, you could actually get the job done and move the house around using just a single jack.