Been Awhile...plans have changed

[deacon328]

Don't know if anyone remembers me, but I was on a while back and wanted to build a trailer that looked like a caboose and was very excited about the project.

Well as it sometimes happens, I had several unexpected financial stumbling blocks and can't build that trailer.

I am still taking my coast to coast trip with my motorcycle trike in 2009, been saving my coins for 3 years to help finance the trip.

What I am planning on now is a bare essentials teardrop trailer. No stove, no refrigerator no galley. Just a space to sleep, an outlet for about 2 or 3 things and a rack for a large cooler on the back.

Are there plans available for a very basic trailer. I am going to be "camping" with it at campgrounds along the way that have power. I still want battery power but don't have to completely rely on it.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

[Miriam C.]

Welcome back. First thing comes to mind is a very large cooler on a back rack will make it very hard on your balance sheet. Especially with a bike. Second, how long do you need it? Basically how tall are you?

You can build most of the 4x8's light and still have room for a couple of small coolers. Or you can store the cooler inside while traveling. Just roll up the bed so things don't get wet.

You might look at the Grass hopper or a small weekender.

[deacon328]

Good point on the balance, didn't even think of that, I reek of inexperience...lol

I am 6'2" and quite heavy. I am sticking with my select comfort bed idea. We have the extra double mattress that I am putting in the plans. Aside from that I guess it wouldn't hurt to just put it inside and secure it while I travel.

The one BIG advantage is that my trike is HUGE. It's 13' long and puts out just over 275 HP.

[Miriam C.]

Ok I heard big boy and We I am going to assume your trike will handle 4'6" wide to 5'.

Build the Td to fit your bed. Litterally lay out the bed and build walls around it (on paper). Some kind of galley and storage shelf will still work and you will need it. You don't have to have a bottom galley but you need a space for the battery (front will do) and for dry foods, dishes and stuff. The little guy comes to mind here. There are a bunch of td's in the hall of fame without full galleys.

Good luck with the

[deacon328]

Thanks so much for the advice, you always have something positive so say and that means alot! I will keep you all up on the construction!

[Alphacarina]

For a larger trike like yours, a LittleGuy 4 wide Classic would be about perfect

http://www.golittleguy.com/cms/content/view/35/85/

Plenty of room for 2, lots of storage, only weighs 660 pounds and tows like it's not even back there

I was about to build myself a small, really lighweight tear when I ran across my LittleGuy - A local man had bought it brand new at an auto auction (he said they had 5 identical brand new ones) - Not sure what he paid for it at the auction, but I suspect it was anout $1K beecause he was very happy to resell it to me for $1500. I couldn't hope to build anything that nice or than light for that sort of money, so my building ordeal ended right there

Don

[reiltear]

http://www.mikenchell.com/VintagePlans/pln_cowper.pdf

Very minimal, weight, and in every other respect.

And I've actually seen this one up-close and personal:

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=13733&highlight=1+4+nelson

There may also be a pic or two in my album.

[deacon328]

Thanks for everyone's input. I've been planning the trip and tallying the cost. I know I'm preaching to the choir here but I figured that if I stay at KOA campgrounds or similar for an entire 3 week trip, the trailer will almost pay for itself by saving hotel expense.

I'm going with the Harbor Frieght 8 footer with the 12" tires. I have been told by everyone I talked to that the ride is much smoother with the 12" over the 8".

Wish me luck!

[Miriam C.]

KOA, I honestly think they have a few nice campgrounds but I would google the areas I was going to and be sure. Also you might find something more interesting.

Where are you heading?

[deacon328]

Ready for this one! Before you read this I plan on taking i spare rim, 2 spare tires, an extra set of bearings & plenty of bearing grease.

Our journey will begin around May 15th, 2009 from St. Louis, MO. Here is our schedule as we know it so far.

Day 1 - St. Louis, Missouri to Tulsa, Oklahoma 335 Miles
Day 2 - Tulsa, Oklahoma. to Amarillo, Texas 368 Miles
Day 3 - Amarillo, Texas. to Gallup, New Mexico 422 Miles
Day 4 - Gallup, New Mexico to Laughlin, Nevada 364 Miles
Day 5 - Laughlin, Nevada to Racho Cucamonga, California 225 Miles

We will join the "Run for the Wall" group here in California

Day 6 - Rancho Cucamonga, California to Phoenix, AZ. 335 miles
Day 7 - Phoenix, Arizona to Las Crusces, New Mexico 390 Miles
Day 8 - Las Cruces, New Mexico to Odessa, Texas 328 Miles
Day 9 - Odessa, Texas to Weatherford, Texas 293 Miles
Day 10 -Weatherford, Texas to Monroe, Louisiana 344 Miles
Day 11 - Monroe, Louisiana to Chattanooga, Tennessee 209 Miles
Day 12 - Chattanooga, Tennessee to Wytheville, VA. 295 Miles
Day 13 - Wytheville, VA. to Roanoke, VA. 292 Miles
Day 14 - Roanoke, VA. to Washington D.C. 247 miles
Day 15 & 16 - Rest in D.C.
Day 18 - Participate in the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Demonstration
Day 19 - Washington D.C. to Buckeye, Ohio 364 Miles
Day 20 - Buckeye, Ohio to St. Louis, Missouri (Home) 472 Miles

Total Miles (Est. ) 5423 in 20 days!

[mikeschn]

You better start building soon, or your trailer won't be done in time...

To build light, and you have to build light, will take you more time than building something simple.

Building light can be as simple as using 1/2" plywood for the floor and walls, and a traditional spar type roof.

Paint it instead of skinning it.

If you can get by with a 4' wide trailer, it'll help your weight a lot.

Mike...

[Miriam C.]

Not me. As much as that sounds like fun, only if done in 60 or 90 days. At this point I would be thinking KOA too, mostly because truck stops are horribly noisy.

Now you gotta remember the camera too. Wow what a trip.