Thanks for the quick input..
I am not that good yet at putting pics in my forum posts, but mine is a 2005 model East Coast teardrop, so maybe you can find a generic profile pic of that.. But basically it is a nice streamline shape... the body is 4 feet wide.. A 76 by 45 inch mattress fits inside.. My back hatch area is quite big and separate from the sleeping area , that is, it has 2 shelves, and the back hatch opens up past horizontal, if that makes any sense.
I really am trying to keep the top profile as is.. I am thinking for the ladder that a 3 sided rectangular box could be welded or bolted to the side, and as you suggest, I would put some taper at the front and rear for aerodynamic flow. I would possibly put some rollers on the bottom side of the box or some low friction surface to help slide the ladder in and out..
as I am thinking out loud, I should make some more measurements next time I "visit" my camper ( in storage right now ) .. I am going to check if I have enough clearance UNDER the frame to mount my ladder box.. I have my doubts, but it is worth investigating.. That would possibly be a great aerodynamic spot, and possibly the best spot so that it is not a "clotheline" type hazard aka that funny football scene { I think I broke his freaking neck }
my intention for the work table was just as you suggest, a kind of side bat wing.. I may have presented it unclearly... The rack normally will fit in the back of my RAV4.. So my idea was to have the mounting "tube" if you will be welded on the side part of the frame but still "under" the body of the trailer... So then it may require a vertical tube something like bicycle carrying racks to get that working position to be at waist level
And my goal would be to leave the actual rack as is so that if need be, I can still use it on my RAV4 for local jobs where I can leave my camper parked at its "home" and scurry about town for tree work
I could problaby have some adjustable corner legs made for supporting the hitch rack in its ""work bench mode""
I would not want to park my trailor under the "patient" tree.. Too many chances to bend, scratch , or break some part of my trailer.. I basically use the ladder to save some effort when climbing into the tree, then use my ropes and saddle to get around the tree
I like the ideas of flipping out the solar panels somehow... I would surely want them protected in transport, or in case of hail storms
And your idea to mount them so they can be rotated for best sun angle is right on...
Hey , I had not thought of the tax benefits, great idea... thanks
oke doke, better get finishing my thesis so I have time to build one crazy and unique arbor-teardrop
laterrrrrrr
joe
cheers
joe