Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

My question involves the Grasshopper type of trailer. Actually any squared off trailer.

For those that have built one... why do I notice that one common denominator for these trailers is on the front wall. Instead of a 90 degree roof line/front wall interface, there is an angular offset of varying degrees. Is this necessary for some reason? Some are quite extreme and some are very slight. I realize this has more of a pleasing asthetic line to it, but is it structurally required or easier to build?

The reason I'm asking is because I am going to build a 5X8 box type trailer and have worked through most details now except for this front wall roof interface.

Thanks for any input.

The nice thing about building a trailer is that you can do whatever you want. Any profile is acceptable. I haven't heard any too many negative comments at all here on the forum for anyones designs. Mostly great comments and suggestions. As you can see, my trailer profile is a bit squared than most. It is a profile I worked on for a while and it give me a bit more head room and more storage room in the galley area. So design away and build it how you want. Good luck!

...aerodynamics............................................

As MJ said ...aerodynamics... and I thought it looked better.

Doing that front angle required doing some bevel cuts on the spars. If you don't have a table saw find someone that does. I did mine with a jig saw and that was a learning experence. And a lot of Bondo or wood filler will come in handy.

If you're worried about aerodynamics, a rounded corner (like sunny16's) is much more benefit than a sloping front.

Most slopes are only of aesthetic benefit, not a drag benefit, if they end in a sharp corner.

Andrew

To me, they look like trying to hold a 4x8 sheet of ply against a 60 mph wind.... I'm too old for that.

Hey SpinRock!

First, welcome to the forum! I am just finishing my Desert Dawg which is a grasshopper style trailer. I laid back the front of mine purely for asthetic reasons. After I had the sides and roof on I found a window that I decided to install across the front. I really like the light and openess that it provides.



I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your build.

Joanne

spinrock9 wrote:My question involves the Grasshopper type of trailer. Actually any squared off trailer.

For those that have built one... why do I notice that one common denominator for these trailers is on the front wall. Instead of a 90 degree roof line/front wall interface, there is an angular offset of varying degrees. Is this necessary for some reason? Some are quite extreme and some are very slight. I realize this has more of a pleasing asthetic line to it, but is it structurally required or easier to build?

The reason I'm asking is because I am going to build a 5X8 box type trailer and have worked through most details now except for this front wall roof interface.

Thanks for any input.