Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

As of 01 September 2006, the Meandering ‘Mander is officially under construction!!

So far I’ve worked 27.75 hours in 11 days. The trailer is assembled, the raised/extended floor frame is in place, and the floor is installed. I’m working alone, so the individual steps will probably take longer than a ‘normal’ build, but I’m having a blast!

The finished product will be a 5’x8’ built on a 4’x8’ HF frame, using mostly materials salvaged from past renovation projects. Everything that’s come out of this house in the past 100+ years has ended up in the shed or barn, so there should be some interesting bits and pieces to work with. The exterior will be painted ply and the mural is already sketched out. I’m cutting out a test pattern for the side profile this weekend…I’d like the total height from the ground to the top edge to be about 60” (the height of a VW TDI New Beetle)…not sure if that’s feasible with the raised floor frame though...

There are TONS of progress pics in my build journal:
http://www.naturefrog.com/teardrops.htm

Here are a few shots:
Day3:


Day5:


Day6:



Day8:


Day10:


Day11:


A couple of salvaged goodies:

I see you mounted your axle below the springs. If you want to lower the height a few inches to match that VW height, reverse it!

Also, did you move your axle back from the HF plans? In one shot it looks like it's moved back, but in the others, it looks dead center.

Also, did you move your axle back from the HF plans?

I had considered putting the axle above the springs, but figured I'd wait and see what the mockup looks like. If I end up only needing a couple of inches it'll be fairly easy to swap the position.

The axle is 8" rear of center. I'm not putting in any heavy cabinets or equipment, just a couple of simple shelves. The battery will be in a box on the tongue. The weight distribution seemed to be okay without moving the axle any further back...should I reconsider that decision?

Kristi,
Awesome start and love the td name.

Enjoy your td build. Mine is almost complete so it's cool to see other builds at various stages.
Barb

The axle is 8" rear of center. I'm not putting in any heavy cabinets or equipment, just a couple of simple shelves. The battery will be in a box on the tongue. The weight distribution seemed to be okay without moving the axle any further back...should I reconsider that decision?

My HF trailer is built with the axle in the original position. It tows great.

did the toad stick?

Although most of the discussion about moving the axle back focuses on towing, weight distribution, depending on what you're loading and the fact that you can redistribute stuff.

Believe me, I'm the LEAST expert here on that stuff, but there IS something I can comment on regarding axle position:

DOOR position. Having your wheel right in the center usually forces you to put your door opening in a more unfavorable/uncomfortable spot. Otherwise, the wheel/fender gets in the way, and you have to move your opening way forward, or you'll trip over the wheel to get in and out.

HOWEVER, since you built out over the wheels, I don't think it makes a difference, unless you have something funky planned for fenders or a wheel treatment that will exetdn out from the side.

I didn't make that connection the first time (I'm geting senile), the fact that you built out over the wheels. Something I wish I myself had done.

By the way, I apologize for not saying GREAT JOB! And watch your total weight down the road. That frame looks rock solid and HEAVY.

Kristi, good to see ya on your way...really like the 'mander theme/graphic...I may have to sneak by Fishville on evening and take a peak at your handi-work ......and that old camper
madjack

Kristi,
You got a good solid foundation going. Have fun and keep the pictures coming.

you said your "thing" was a 71, they only imported them in 73 and 74, did you bring it in from overseas? I have a 74 thing and its the most fun car I have ever had.

did the toad stick?

Luckily, no.

I may have to sneak by Fishville...

You're welcome any time, just drop me a PM...I didn't get the side profile cut out today, so it's just a floor under a tarp right now. I may take a day off this week to build while the weather's nice.

you said your "thing" was a 71, they only imported them in 73 and 74, did you bring it in from overseas?

Aren't they a blast to drive?!
Mine is a military Thing (restored w/ '74 parts), surplused and assembled in Mexico...she made it up from Guadalajara in 2003 and crossed the border the day before they stopped letting non-US years across...3 hours later and she'd still be sitting in Mexico today.

Thanks everyone for the kind words and suggestions. I never would have started a TD build if not for the experiences/photos/etc all of you posted about YOUR builds!

You're making great progress, but you might want to start counting weeks or months instead of hours--it will be easier to keep track of.

As for your tools (SAE/metric), with the trailer assembly done you will probably, and very quickly leave behind the need for wrenches. Get ready for lots and lots and lots and lots of screws!

I like your website and build journal. Keep up the good work!