Hey Folks,
After lurking for a while and studying the internet for a few weeks I've decided to make a start.
We are a tent camping family and whilst I love it, sometimes it just takes too long to pack up, pitch up, pack away and then dry out. Ideally I'd have a caravan however we can't justify it right now. And so I began thinking about teardrops. I've got a lot to squeeze in so function has taken precedent over form. It will end up rather "box like" however I think some clever graphics will help the appearance.
So after finalising a design in my head for the interior and exterior I came across the No Bo 10.5. I couldn't believe how similar it was to what I wanted and gave my a perfect impression of what I might (could) end up with.
I already own three trailers which all live at home and occupy valuable space. A 5x4 for behind the ATV, a 7x4 road legal for hauling the ATV and a 10x5 twin flat bed for anything bigger. The 7x4 is a French trailer by Lider, has a galvanised tilting chassis and aluminium (removable) sides. And so it is this trailer that will form the base for the camper build. However, I still need the trailer to haul logs or the ATV which led to the decision to make the camper removable, or slide in.
Since 2010, the laws have changed in the UK regarding trailers and since that date, all new build trailers must be type approved which pretty much ruined things for the DIY builder. Of course, there is nothing to say you didn't build or refurbish your trailer before 2010 and it's here that the law is a bit vague. (unless you document the build on the internet!!!!!) The 7x4, when stripped of it's sides is very minimal and lightweight and retains all it's lights and reflectors within the chassis making it an ideal base platform. Lider actually sell a type approved chassis only for the home builder.
I'll apologise now for the metric sizes but such is the way of world.
The base trailer is 2080mm long and 1410mm between the mud guards. I can stretch the length out to 2440 by overhanging front and back but that is the limit. I should add now that the axle is in the centre (more or less) rather than towards the rear which seems to be the norm. I am keeping an eye on how I distribute the weight to maintain a stable ride. The axle and draw bar are limited to 750kg total weight however I'm aiming to make it as light as possible. By limiting the box height to 1220, it keeps the roof height below the height of the tow car roof which may or may not help with drag. At 1410mm wide it's also narrower than the tow car. The tow car, by the way, will either be our Peugeot Partner Teepee or a Landrover Defender. I'm sure they'll pop up in forth coming photos.
I don't have a budget as such, but am hoping my method can keep the costs to a minimum. If I can make a good enough job of the finished article I may be able to market the concept so costs are important.
I need to take the kids out now so I'll post this and continue later.
All the best
James