General questions

[bbbbbb9]

I've already posted this in the Newbie section and got no replies so I added it here


Howdy. I've been a long time camper, first just bags on the ground, I remember how bad I felt when I bought a tent, now a tent. Teardrops just seem like the next logical step as I have an economy car and don't want the expense of an RV or a large truck/camper setup. I have very good carpentry skills and an engineers mind so I'm starting the planning process.

I have a few questions, looking for opinions.

#1 Since I want to stay with fuel economy and my car has a towing capacity of 1100# I was thinking of useing the HF 870# rated trailer. My thoughts are that it'll force me to keep it light. Thoughts?

#2 For those that have used this trailer, how did you cantilever the floor past the trailer frame?

#3 I'm 6'2" tall and I'd like to be able to stand in the thing. Thoughts?

#4. I've decided to go with the sandwich idea for the walls. What wood species have you used for the frame? Poplar? Spruce? Pine? Has anyone used lightweight fabric for the inside finish treatment? Somethin with a tight weave that could be paintEd?

Thanks in advance

[Deryk the Pirate]

Hello and Welcome!

1) I would personally get the next step up trailer, with the 12" rims and better springs... replace the hubs and go with 13" rims. I made the mistake of building mine with the 12's and from what Im seeing, your not really suposed to drive them above 55mph... I get better gas mileage but takes longer to get to your destination.

2) I framed mine out on my first lil vardo, on the 2nd, I stretched the frame to 10' long and bolted a 10' 2x4 on each side to make it 1 solid frame...then 3/4" sheet of plywood on top.

3) standing in a trailer that light is possibly doable, Ive seen people drop the floor between the supports to give some more headroom...I think standing headroom is over rated lol...Im conetmplateing it for build 3 but my vehicle can pull 3500lbs

4) Poplar is used alot, along with pine.... cedar is lighter weight. My first build i used a japanese cedar.

good luck

deryk

[Woodbutcher]

I would go with the larger HF trailer also. Many people have been all over the country with the HF hubs and wheels with no issues. I would repack them upon getting the trailer or if it makes you feel better replace the bearings with some better ones. Building that light and wanting to stand in it will be a challenge. I made build #2 with 5' high sides and a drop floor and I can stand but I have to bend my head off to the side. Plus if the interior is just a bed you need a way to move the mattress and bedding to access the drop floor without getting out of the trailer. This assumes you want to stand to dress. Keep us posted on what you decide , we like to follow along. Good luck and have fun with your build.

[bbbbbb9]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I was thinking it out a bit more and thought the larger trailer was probably the way to go. As far as being able to stand, I knew it would be a major challenge and might not be doable, but I have a few ideas on a popup type top.

I've found that the planning of a project is almost as much fun as the building/using of it.

Thanks again

[Nobody]

I know the definitions have somewhat 'blurred over the years but, If you can stand up in it, it ain't a teardrop, it's a tiny travel trailer.

I'd say it's entirely possible to build under 1K# using the 1100@ HF trailer & sandwich type wall construction. I'd use spruce 1x (actual 3/4" thick) material for the frame since it has a pretty good weight/strength ratio & is usually inexpensive. You can rip it to whatever width you're comfortable with, use 1/8" ply for skins (in'n out), insulate with 3/4" foamboard, & still come out with a pretty light, very strong panel. Do same or similar for roof (you could probably even skin the roof with 0.032 or 0.040" aluminum sheet & stay within your weight limit. Lotsa folks I(including me) over build & still come up with fairly light trailers (1K-1200#) using sandwich type construction. I'm old and ain't a big guy but I wuz able to handle the wall panels of my TD easily with no other help, & I used 1/4" ply for inner & outer skins. I could also have safely gone with less width on my framing members. Accesssories & additions after you get the basic cabin built usually add more weight than many people figure on . If I were building the same TD again I'm quite confident I could use the same techniques, thinner skins, thinner floor sheathing, same aluminum outer skin, & come in well under 1K#. You'll add a little weight building a 'standy' but can still achieve your goal. Lots of pix of the entire build in my album...

One wall being built for my TD


Insulation in place ready for outer ply skin (I used 1 1/2" in roof/front since I used 1 1/2" square spars; probably could have gotten away with 3/4" there also)

[bbbbbb9]

I love this site. I can't wait to get mine built and use it and also meet some of you wonderful people. My problem, I'm addicted to projects. 1964 Dodge Dart stationwagon, 1956 Plymouth Savoy (which to be honest is a project in waiting), now a TT or teardrop. And then of course all the home repairs/remodels...My standing idea is still a teardrop shape with a popup roof. I've already got a few ieads for that. I have an extra window regulator for the old dart which should lift it perfect and to keep weight down waterproof fabric. Here in Az, even in the mountains in a small tent you can stay cozy with little to no insulation so I think that idea would work fine.

Again THANKS TO EVERYONE on the forum. What a gems this site is.

[Mojave Bob]

This sounds to me like a good foamie build. I think you could get the standup height and the extra length, and still come in at 6-700 lbs easily.

[bbbbbb9]

You read my mind Bob

[NathanL]

Don't forget the taller you make a trailer the more wind you have to push if it's taller than your tow vehicle. If you are really limited on weight you can pull frontal area of the trailer can be a concern as well.

[wagondude]

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear59.htm

Check that out. It appears to address most of your concerns. also the foamie section is your friend.

Bill