18 thoughts on “E-Z Built Video 6 – Body Frame Part 2”
So question of the day…… I am kinda concerned how hot dog carts get. Aren’t we taking a chance of fire if the wood gets to hot? I noticed menards has 2x2x8 fir lumber that is flame retardant for interior use. Is this what we should be using? is it necessary as it is $4.48 per 8′ piece compared to furring strips for $1.72 each. so a difference of $38.64 between the two.
I have not. I prefer the wood construction. Once the plywood skins are glued and screwed to the frame, it becomes very strong and stiff. Also more durable than metal. No welds, rivets, or screws to pop loose. It won’t rattle apart on bumpy roads, and as long as it is painted inside and out it is quite weather proof too.
If you do choose metal construction, the process is very similar. Just weld together the frame out of angle stock, then rivet or screw on the sheet metal skins.
However you choose to build it, send me pics when it’s finished. I love to see what folks do with the basic plans!
Steve,
1) Could you please verify the thickness of the drywall screws for the frame, etc? I purchased #8 for the 2 1/2 inch screws and I was going to purchase the 1 1/4 inch ones and then I couldn’t find the thickness for them on the Bill of Materials and I wasn’t sure where I got my number. (Sorry)
2) Is #8 to thick for the frame/supports, etc. or should I use number 6?
Other than the length of the cart body, yes. All other measurements should be the same Jimmy. The extra 2 feet can stick out past the back of the trailer frame. No extra bracing required. The cart body is plenty strong by itself.
Hi Steve, you may already cover this, but if I want to add a griddle and a grill, how much longer would I make the frame? I know you said that on this frame that your building on, (46″×47″, right?) you could go out 2 feet over the end of the trailer. Is that extra 2 feet long enough to add a grill and griddle? Thank you. Dwayne
Yes, that would work. An alternative is to hang a table top model gas grill off the side of the cart using heavy duty shelf brackets. Then get a “Little Griddle” (google it) to make it into a flattop.
I just want to thank you Steve for a fantastic membership site.
I’ve been with you since 2018.
I built my first cart then, sold it a year ago, then bought a 6’×10′ trailer that was converted into a concession trailer.this fall and winter I’m going to build another cart to serve from the side with double Steen table and griddle.
Pictures will definitely follow.
So question of the day…… I am kinda concerned how hot dog carts get. Aren’t we taking a chance of fire if the wood gets to hot? I noticed menards has 2x2x8 fir lumber that is flame retardant for interior use. Is this what we should be using? is it necessary as it is $4.48 per 8′ piece compared to furring strips for $1.72 each. so a difference of $38.64 between the two.
No worries David. The firebox is vented in such a way that the wood only gets warm to the touch, never hot. Just use regular lumber.
have you used metal framing?
I have not. I prefer the wood construction. Once the plywood skins are glued and screwed to the frame, it becomes very strong and stiff. Also more durable than metal. No welds, rivets, or screws to pop loose. It won’t rattle apart on bumpy roads, and as long as it is painted inside and out it is quite weather proof too.
If you do choose metal construction, the process is very similar. Just weld together the frame out of angle stock, then rivet or screw on the sheet metal skins.
However you choose to build it, send me pics when it’s finished. I love to see what folks do with the basic plans!
-Steve
Steve, For those that will be using the bigger trailer, do you still recommend having the handles on the top frame piece?
Yes, you can still move the big trailer around by hand, and the handles are a great place to hang tongs, rags, etc.
Steve,
1) Could you please verify the thickness of the drywall screws for the frame, etc? I purchased #8 for the 2 1/2 inch screws and I was going to purchase the 1 1/4 inch ones and then I couldn’t find the thickness for them on the Bill of Materials and I wasn’t sure where I got my number. (Sorry)
2) Is #8 to thick for the frame/supports, etc. or should I use number 6?
Thanks!
It really doesn’t matter. As long as the length is correct.
Hi Steve, im building my cart ro serve from the side. and im making is 2ft longer should i used the same measurements?
Other than the length of the cart body, yes. All other measurements should be the same Jimmy. The extra 2 feet can stick out past the back of the trailer frame. No extra bracing required. The cart body is plenty strong by itself.
Hi Steve, you may already cover this, but if I want to add a griddle and a grill, how much longer would I make the frame? I know you said that on this frame that your building on, (46″×47″, right?) you could go out 2 feet over the end of the trailer. Is that extra 2 feet long enough to add a grill and griddle? Thank you. Dwayne
Yes, that would work. An alternative is to hang a table top model gas grill off the side of the cart using heavy duty shelf brackets. Then get a “Little Griddle” (google it) to make it into a flattop.
Anyone that has made their trailer longer, what have you done with the extra space? Are you serving from the side or the back of trailer?
I think most of the people that extend the cart do so to be able to serve from the side.
-Steve
I just want to thank you Steve for a fantastic membership site.
I’ve been with you since 2018.
I built my first cart then, sold it a year ago, then bought a 6’×10′ trailer that was converted into a concession trailer.this fall and winter I’m going to build another cart to serve from the side with double Steen table and griddle.
Pictures will definitely follow.
Awesome Larry! I’m glad you like our trainings. Can’t wait to see your pictures.
-Steve
Here’s your definition:
fan·cy-schman·cy
[ˌfansēˈSHmansē]
ADJECTIVE
NORTH AMERICAN ENGLISH
informal
extremely or excessively fancy:
“Ben has some fancy-schmancy job” · “we did not get put up in a fancy-schmancy hotel”
You’re welcome! 😉
Right on Kyle!