Squaredrop Camper Mistakes, Learnings and Improvements

Summary

In this informative video, the creator shares the pitfalls encountered while building their first Square drop trailer and the lessons learned. They emphasize the importance of using properly specified axle and wheel systems, avoiding second-hand parts, and ensuring adequate space for tires and springs. The video also covers the benefits of specialized couplings, the challenges of hatch door and solar panel installations, and the importance of weight distribution and planning for additional features like water tanks and brakes. The creator provides practical advice on materials, interior design, and the necessity of safety equipment like fire extinguishers, concluding with insights on potential improvements for future builds.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Avoid using second-hand axle and wheel kits to prevent issues with axle and suspension springs not being strong enough for the trailer's weight.
• 🛠 Ensure there is enough space between the assembled tires and the inside wall of the trailer to prevent wheels from getting too close and causing damage.
• 🔨 When welding hangers, compensate for the movement of the springs to account for the rearward movement when the suspension is working.
• 🔄 Use springs that are correctly specified for the weight of the trailer to avoid the need for replacements later on.
• 🔗 Upgrade to a specialized all override coupling with vertical movement for better trailer stability and to prevent it from slipping off the tow bar.
• 🚪 Install long enough L brackets when setting up the hatch door to avoid inconveniences like having to bend down to enter.
• ☀️ Plan for solar charging system installation from the start to avoid having to move already installed roof racks.
• 🚫 Consider the weight distribution of the trailer, especially when installing heavy items like batteries, to maintain balance.
• 🍽️ For kitchen space, it's more convenient to install the fridge inside the front toolbox rather than keeping an icebox container in the kitchen hatch.
• 🔄 Use high-quality, reputable brand appliances like air fans to avoid issues and ensure reliability.
• 🛌 In the sleeping compartment, a mattress, storage space, and minimal seating are sufficient; additional features like a bench can add unnecessary weight.
• 💡 For interior lighting, fewer lights may be sufficient, and planning for the placement of electrical components is crucial for a neat finish.

Q & A

What was the main issue with the axle and wheel system in the first Square drop trailer built by the video creator?

The main issue was the reuse of an old second-hand axle, wheels, and hub system that was not strong enough to support the trailer's weight, leading to problems such as weak suspension springs and incorrect hubs for the kit.

Why did the wheels on the trailer end up getting pushed closer to the inside walls during the first camping trip?

The wheels were too close to the inside walls due to the original frame being built according to second-hand trailer specifications, which resulted in the wheels and tires being too close and eventually getting worn out and ripping apart.

What was the solution to the axle and wheel system issues described in the video?

The solution was to replace the entire axle kit with a new, heavy-duty one designed to support the trailer's weight, including new hubs and wheels, and to ensure there was enough space between the tires and the inside wall of the trailer.

Why is it important to compensate for the movement of the springs when welding hangers?

Compensating for the movement of the springs is important because the wheel will move slightly to the rear of the trailer when the suspension is working, and this must be accounted for to ensure proper positioning of the hubs.

What mistake did the video creator make regarding the installation of the hatch door struts?

The mistake was not using long enough L brackets when installing the struts, which resulted in the hatch door being too low, causing inconvenience when accessing the kitchen area.

Why did the video creator end up moving the roof racks to fit the solar panel?

The solar charging system was installed after the roof racks, which required moving the already installed roof racks to make space for the solar panel between the roof rack and the hatch window.

What was the issue with the initial placement of the battery in the trailer?

The initial issue was the uneven weight distribution caused by placing the heavy battery on the same side as the door and awning, which led to the trailer sagging to the left side.

What was the problem with keeping the icebox container inside the kitchen hatch compartment?

The problem was that it was not convenient to use the kitchen space effectively when the icebox container was inside the hatch compartment, as it took up valuable kitchen space.

Why did the video creator decide to install the fridge inside the front toolbox instead of the kitchen hatch compartment?

Installing the fridge inside the front toolbox was more convenient because it allowed for free usable kitchen space and the fridge was not needed all the time, so it could be accessed as needed without taking up kitchen space.

What was the mistake made with the installation of the air fan, and what was the solution?

The mistake was buying a cheap, non-reputable brand air fan from eBay without testing it first, which turned out to be non-functional. The solution was to buy a reputable brand, Dometic air fan, which cost more but worked without issues.

Why did the video creator decide to remove the bench at the back of the inside compartment?

The bench was removed because it was not used effectively during camping and added unnecessary weight to the trailer. It was realized that a mattress and storage space were sufficient for the sleeping compartment.

What was the issue with the initial choice of flooring for the trailer's interior?

The issue was that the laminated flooring was heavy and much of it was covered by the mattress, adding unnecessary weight to the trailer. A lighter option like vinyl flooring or carpet would have been better.

Why is it recommended to invest in an electric water pump for a camper trailer?

An electric water pump is recommended because it is much easier to use and more convenient than a manual push pump, making the camping experience better.

What was the learning regarding the use of marine plywood for building the trailer?

Marine plywood was chosen for its strength, resulting in a very strong trailer. However, it added extra weight, and regular plywood or composite panels could have been used for a lighter build, especially when external cladding is applied.

What changes would the video creator make if building the trailer again in terms of size?

The creator would make the trailer slightly longer and wider, by about 10 to 15 centimeters and up to half a meter, to provide more cabin space and additional storage compartments.