Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Well I have been hanging around this board for probably about 2-3 Years now. Last week harbor freight had there 399 trailer on Sale for 299 And I have time AFTER I side the house that I could construct A teardrop. So I took the plunge. I have a good idea as to what I Want and need in a trailer. The tow Vehicle is a Scion XB. Topping the consideration List will be weight. I consistantly tow 600 lbs with this scion all the time with NO problems But still I want to keep it low.

The trailer will have these features:
1. Built on a HF trailer.
2. Be 8x4x5 want the width
3. Be able to Seat & Sleep my 6'1" wife
4. Have a dining area with a drop down floor that raises for travel
5. Be of a light weight design - the roof and wall panels will be of 1/8 inside and outside with framing and insulation of 3/4 thickness.I
the Floor will be 1/2 plywood on a 1 to 1 1/2 frame with insulation

I have uploaded to my gallery Some 3d drawings and 2d Blueprints please Check them out and give me your feedback
http://tnttt.com/album_ ... er_id=1521

Here is a tickler:



As you can see I wanted something boxy that was along the same design concept of the Scion I will paint it the Same color.

TIA,
Mike
Well there it is my FIRST Post!

Hey Mike!

Welcome to the madness. It took you long enough to come over to the "dark side"!

Two thoughts:

- copy the rear air deflector from your Scion to the rear of the trailer. That would tie the two designs together.

- less practical would be to use Scion wheels on your trailer.


If you've seen Gaston's PT Snoozer you'll understand where I'm going with my suggestions. It's a real sleek look that ties the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Again, welcome aboard! Don't wait two years for your next post.

Joanne

Great CAD. It looks like you will have a beautiful TTT. I am not sure I would paint dark but others have. I would insulate the ceiling and add Air. Small spaces get hot fast.

Joanne Yea I thought about the rear deflector thing thought I could add it later -
And UH PINK! - No way!

Aunti M I have tought more along the lines of a portable swamp cooler home built and Yes to the insulation
I had a tent trailer years ago and it was dark too! I sewed a front porch for it out out white duck canvas and threw the rest over the top it REALLY made a difference I was think of doing something simular but more refined

Mike, now that you've taken the first step it will become an obsession. Not a bad thing really, but an obsession none the less. Keep us updated with your progress and pictures of course.

Mike, angle the front corner back a bit to mimic the windshield...add a tongue box to mimic the hood and with the rear spoiler you will have a serious match....have ya seen "sunny16's" camper in the HoF........
madjack

been lurking forever myself but what I would like to know is this.

I was looking at the scion x/b, still love em but my dealer said I couldnt even tow my small aluminum fishing boat......so I reluctantly bought a minivan...... the x/b offered a roomy interior for such a small car....

when I see one I think that could be me driving it.....

luck on your project :thumbsup:

bill

Mike, You should come down to the Dam Gathering http://www.teardrops.net/14thDG.html It's only about 2 1/2 hours from Medford and you'll see between 50 & 60 teardrops. You could pick up some ideas, ask questions and meet some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

simple design..... not far from a tear drop I put a little rounding on the fop of mine just to give it the traditioal touch!!

looks like it will fit you and the Galley looks intriging.

Ron D.

Ron Dickey thanks for the compliments

bledsoe3 Thanks for the invite I have been considering it.

BillyDJ The toyota dealer pretty much has to Say that. The Scion has a no factory rating on towing. If you Compare it to the mini Cooper you can get a pretty good idea what you can and Can Not tow. I do contracting and landscape work for National Mortgage Companies and have a trailer on just about every day of the week. My standard trailer set up runs about 650#. I can run up and down the freeway all daylong at 75 mph up and down hills etc. No Prob and our freeway system has three narly passes with 7-6 1/2% Grades I go over all the time. I do Shift into 4th on the climbs. I really don't have to but why Stress stuff out. I would not do this with a automatic. I will probably only get 200,000 out of it instead of the typical 350,000- 400,000 miles and will probably have to get a clutch sooner and brakes more often. BUT I LOVE my car. I have to date towed a trailer that weighed in at 1580# -I DID NOT Like it a bit - slow and Steady that day. Was'n't that I did Not have enough power it was just that the trailer pushed me around. With my 650# back there I hardly Know its there when I get over 1200# I really start to notice it. Especilly if I am light on the tounge weight.
If you are ever in Medford and want a Test Drive Send me an e-mail
I

Well I have found lots of goodies this Week
Scored a Brand New Aluminum Vent for $5
A complete Electric converter system out of a wrecked camper for $15
A 8 gallon freshwater tank out of the same Camper for $10
the guy GAVE me the the Sureflow pump - SCORE
I went down and bought all my plywood today at our Local hardwood Distributor and as I was picking up the plywood they GunKed a pile of poplar - I thought No way! I was looking at doing all my framing with doug fir Not No more - Check it out!
put a serious workout on my Yakima rack but it sprung right back
Awesome product - to give you an Idea of now much poplar I got the Rack is Rated at 500# I think I MAXED that!



Fully loaded - Bars Bent

Bar went Back Straight Yeah!

The Spoils

Going to try to Un-box the HF trailer and get it together the first of next Week. Or maybe this weekend

Nice score on the poplar. I'm glad your rack sprung back. So, are you coming to Shasta?

Looks like you are on your way!! Good luck on your build and keep us all posted with your progess and lots of

If you haven't ever visited a gathering, you really should come to Shasta. Best way to look at a variety of TDs up close and see what you like or don't like.
Martha

I really want to come down to the dam gathering but have to see what next week holds.