Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I realize this is not a tear design but I was looking for something a bit bigger for the family. I've been on and off this site for a few months dreaming about a build...the only deterrent was the lack of a frame. I picked up this 70's Lionel Pop-Up and started stripping today.
I'll set up my gallery over the next while and keep you all updated with the progress. Design and construction advice is most welcome (consider yourselves solicited).

Brent

The Design (such as it is)


The Starting Point


The Destruction Phase

Welcome to the forum - looks like a good start

I realize my last post was less than 2 hours ago but I have been revising the design (it's still very dynamic). I have posted a revised design that I think should provide more aerodynamics while preserving interior space.

theoldbear wrote:Design and construction advice is most welcome

I think you could round off the ends a bit more than you have - those steeply sloping front and back pieces near the bottom make the profile look a bit top-heavy to my eyes.



The blue line shows an extended front end - possibly built out beyond the frame. I think that's quite acceptable structurally and it would make a big increase in the usefulness of the galley cabinets (assuming that's what's at the front of the trailer).

Andrew

Welcome to the forum... keep playing with those curves, you'll hit on the right pattern!!!

Mike...

and to the playground. I like the rounder design. It make better use of all that air out there. I think it is easier to skin and keep the wet out too.

Thanks for the pictures

Thanks for the comments. I was a bit unsure about extending out past the frame. Even with my original lines I still need to make sure I have enough clearance between the front wall and my truck tailgate (might have to extend the tongue).
I admit the rounder it looks the more I like it, might be able to score another 6" of floor space! (and every inch counts in these things). OK out to finish stripping the pop-up.
BD

So it's been a while since I've posted...mostly because my evenings are either consumed with either building or working. Thought I would update though (seems only fair as this site is whole reason I started this project).

So as you can see the frame has been sheeted, I bolted 2x4 runners down wither side to give a bit more width and for a nailing edge for the walls.

Wall #1 is complete (just not up yet) - I really hope the second one will go faster - I hear it does. All the joints are reinfoced with dowel plugs - talk about tedious! As you can see there was a bit of a design change, I was cruising through the hall of fame and came across DougH's Lattitude, hope he doesn't mind a bit of imitation on the tail wing.

I'm trying to get all the walls up before it gets cold - as you can see this is a completely outdoor build. I plan to insulate the walls with 1" pink Styrofoam and work inside through the winter with a heater.

Here is the working design:

Brent,

One thing I noticed on your drawings that did not look quite right was the axle position. If it is really located where drawn, it might be too far forward. Andrew has a trailer balance write-up you may want to review if you have seen it yet. Take a look at the Design Library link at the top of the page and it is listed there.

Enjoy your build!

Jerry

I know building with flat surfaces is easier, but the front especially should be built with aerodynamics in mind. As in 'curved'.

But, you have to do what seems right to you.

bobhenry wrote:Extending the tongue as you indicated you needed to do will essentially move the axle rearward so extend the tongue with this balance sheet in mind.

Altering the length of the tongue makes little difference to the balance - it's where the centre of gravity is, relative to the axle position, that determines balance. Lengthening the tongue might make a hitch weight of 10% of trailer weight drop to 9%, but it's not going to do much more than that.

Andrew

Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of control as to where the axle is positioned. I figured if that position worked for the pop-up camper it should work for a super-structure on the same frame. If rear-end weight becomes an issue I can always bulk up the front end with a pair of propane tanks or a utility box.
Would that work?