Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

HI Everyone,
I am new to the teardrop world. They have me interested though. I have been working on a design for some time now trying to figure out the best one that would work for me. With the help of this site I think I am starting to figure out all the construction secrets.

My Question is: Why don't people use a rounded front corner design? The pictures I have shown use the HF trailer. The front extends 16 inches from the end of the trailer bed. This design can be completly made with 4 x 8 ft sheets. I have used a layerd wall with 1/4in skins. My current weight (as shown) without the trailer is 193 lbs.

My theory is that my wife and I use airplane carry on suitcases to pack most of the time. In the nose end of the teardrop you could put a shelf, 15 in deep, with 15in clearance to the celing. This way you can sit two side by side suitcases. Below it you have additional storage. Then you can use the galley side of the interior for more entertainment needs (TV and such)

What do the experts think? What about the 4 ft width? Is it horrible? I will continue to post updated designs as I come up with them.

Thanks, this forum is great.

Oh, and a disclaimer, I am not taking any credit for the ideas here. I am combining what I have seen and found.

<img src="http://www.bf3.us/teardrop/teardrop_1.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250"> <img src="http://www.bf3.us/teardrop/teardrop_2.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250"><img src="http://www.bf3.us/teardrop/teardrop_3.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250">

Hey Ballpark,

Welcome to the forum.... and yes, I think you're in the ballpark.

You might consider a Benroy back end on that... other than that, it looks great. What are you using? Solidworks? Inventor?

Mike...

Thanks! I think the Benroy back end would work very well. I like many ideas from the lightweight model you designed also. I really think one of the main objectives of the teardrop is to be able to tow it with any vehicle.

I used SoildWorks 2006 to draw this up. This is a fairly simple model, hopefully after I get some detail drawn you can really see what the software can do.

ballpark wrote:Thanks! I think the Benroy back end would work very well. I like many ideas from the lightweight model you designed also. I really think one of the main objectives of the teardrop is to be able to tow it with any vehicle.

I used SoildWorks 2006 to draw this up. This is a fairly simple model, hopefully after I get some detail drawn you can really see what the software can do.

Ballpark, My tear shape could provide some of the features that you mention. I made mine in the rounded nose to allow for extra room inside for (foot end) storage as well as total bed length. ( see my album)
I'd love to make another, lighter and better finished version, but so far, after 5 years, I really like the features that I have put in to it.
I didn't see any shape file on your post, but would like to. I use solidworks as well. can you PM me with a copy?

Ballpark,

I only suggested the Benroy back end from a packaging standpoint. The fully curved back end actually looks very good, and contrasts nicely with the front curve.

Kurt,

It's time for you to do another one. Take everything you learned over the past 5 years, and build a beaut.

Mike...

Very cool design. I like it!
Barb

It would work. The Camp-Inn 560 has this type of front. http://www.tinycamper.com/ With a wife camping with you most of the time I would and did do a 5' wide.

Mike,

I see what you mean. I had to take another look at the Benroy to understand. Its a tough call, see the shape with the most room would be a box. But I really don't like the 'box' look. So at this point you have to decide how much curve you like. I like the the complete 'tear' look with all rounded corners.

To get the full 'tear' shape you need to extend past the 8ft limit. (maybe closer to 9 or 10ft. And now you are up to the next size in skins. It looks like Kurt used a peice of trim to cover the Al skin seam. (by the way it looks very nice.)

One of my goals is to beat the cost of buying one of these trailers. You can get a basic 4 x 8 on Ebay for $3000 or so. My goal is $1500. I figure it may be in my best interest to keep to a 4 x 8 ft skin.

I am still in the planning stages and thinking of new ideas is part of the fun of it. I am sure the design will change quite a bit more before I start to build.

Kurt- I am not sure what a shape file is? Do you want something else? IGES? STEP? The models and assembly?

I like your design, do you have any better interior pictures? Maybe of the front section?

Hey Ballpark,

forward your solidworks file to me, and I'll add some data to it...

Mike...

The Camp-Inn 560 is where I got the idea. I just wondered why no one used that concept.

And maybe the 5ft would be a better idea...

mikeschn wrote:Kurt,

It's time for you to do another one. Take everything you learned over the past 5 years, and build a beaut.

Mike...

Mike, I know it's (almost time) to build another one. I have that in my plans for 2008.

I learned a lot from the first one and have learned a lot from the forums. The next one will be similar but more efficient for weight and size.
Thanks for the Kick in the butt.

Keep in mind that if you have a 16" overhang on the front, your tongue will probably be too short. As a general rule your tongue should be about half the width of the Tow Vehicle plus a few inches, minimum. This will keep your TV from hitting the TD body if you jacknife.

Kurt (Indiana) wrote:Thanks for the Kick in the butt.

Isn't that what friends are for?

Mike...

ballpark wrote:Kurt- I am not sure what a shape file is? Do you want something else? IGES? STEP? The models and assembly?

I like your design, do you have any better interior pictures? Maybe of the front section?

Ballpark, send me a solidworks file.

Gerdo wrote:Keep in mind that if you have a 16" overhang on the front, your tongue will probably be too short. As a general rule your tongue should be about half the width of the Tow Vehicle plus a few inches, minimum. This will keep your TV from hitting the TD body if you jacknife.

Gerdo, You're right on that one. I have a little trouble when backing up. My bike is very close to getting crushed when it's on the back rack..