Step 1: Planning the design.

[ScottH61]

Where can a person find that spreadsheet that you're using? I've found the older version, but can't find the "mark 2" version. Maybe I'm just blind...

[ScottH61]

Is the Hitch Weight Spreadsheet Mark 2 something that's not available to the general public? Is there another site that has a general downloads section for useful tools?

Thanks

[mikeschn]

Hey Scott,

I use three older spreadsheets that Rik Keller and Andrew put together. Andrew later came up with an improved spreadsheet, which should be available on his website.
http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear81.htm

Since I was already used to the old ones, I just stuck with those.

I don't think Andrew will mind if I post his older spreadsheets here, I know space is tight on Andrews server.
You can grab Andrews older spreadsheets here...

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/tongue-weight-2.xls

Mike...

[Tim Greiner]

Mike-
Just a suggestion, not a criticism- could you include notes in the construction steps for electrical processes that should be happening? I don't know about how other published plans go about it, but it seems that a beginner (that these plans are aimed at) would avoid some embarrassing errors if one knew that a conduit needed insertion, etc. before a panel was glued over the space. I imagine that you plan to make the electrical section having schematic, parts list, and mechanical installation of electrical components all in one step- that's logical to think of the electrical system as a whole. Thanks for taking on this project, it is very informative.

Tim Greiner

[ScottH61]

Thanks for posting those files Mike! I really appreciate it!

[Guest]

The topic of this thread is Step 1: Planning the design.
There must be something wrong with me because my brain stays stuck on this step, even after something is built and finished and if that's the case... my mind just puts those design modifications into another trailer.
Does this stage really end at some point for others?

[angib]

I don't think Andrew will mind if I post his older spreadsheets here, I know space is tight on Andrews server.
You can grab Andrews older spreadsheets here...

For the record, I removed those spreadsheets because they do not include any extra weight in the galley and I think that's too much of a simplification. What gets put into the galley - permanently and temporarily - equipment and food - just weighs too much to be ignored.

So I'd say it's OK to use tongue-weight-2.xls, as that includes a provision for a galley weight, but I do not recommend the use of tongue-weight.xls or tongue-weight-3.xls.

I know the original tongue-weight.xls is easy to use, but that's not much use if the answer is wrong....

Andrew

[mikeschn]

Good point Andrew...

I updated my posting and removed 1 and 3.

Mike...

[xe1ufo]

On your otherwise great list, these should be non-optional:

1. Two fire extinguishers: one in galley, one in cabin.
2. Smoke detector.

Just curious: I have never seen a picture of a Teardrop that has a visible fire extinguisher in it. Why is that? Here in Mexico, you cannot get full coverage on a vehicle without an installed fire extinguisher.

[Mitheral]

On your otherwise great list, these should be non-optional:

1. Two fire extinguishers: one in galley, one in cabin.
2. Smoke detector.

Just curious: I have never seen a picture of a Teardrop that has a visible fire extinguisher in it. Why is that? Here in Mexico, you cannot get full coverage on a vehicle without an installed fire extinguisher.

I'd bet many teardrops have fire extinguishers but they are hidden in cabinets.

[xe1ufo]

Hidden in a cabinet is the worst place to keep a fire extinguisher. If a person not familiar with the trailer needs to put out the fire, he is clueless. Plus, the owner may not even realize that his extinguisher's usefull life has expired. Just my two centavos worth.

[dacrazyrn]

or my sake...
Step 2