Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hi...newly retired...kayaker, backpacker, tenter-type travelers...ready to be off the ground...obsessive reader of this incredibly informative forum...ready to build teardrop...
We hope to build a "rounder" generic Benroy, 5x9, around 1000 lbs.
Please look over our ideas...criticize...offer suggestions...etc.
Thanks in advance...

Trailer: 5x9, using 2x2, composite tongue, 13" wheels, torsion axle
Crossbars: 24" from rear to attach a rear hitch
30" from front to attach A-frame and straight part of tongue
Tongue extends 36" from front with tongue wheel close to coupling
Axle 40" from rear, two stabilizing jacks, tongue box on front, safety coupling and chain, 2x2 piece on each side near rear to put side tables
Is 2x2 in tongue enough?? Are two crossbars enough?? What else??

Body: using Baltic Birch and 3/4 EPS
Floor: 1/2" then insulation then pergo-type flooring
Sides and roof: 1/4" then insul. then 1/4" ...skinned with vintage aluminum on sides and smooth on roof and galley
Galley: 1/2" something with personality ...small dorm-like refrig...no sink or built-in stove /oven...nice design hopefully as I like to cook and own cast iron:)
Doors: pre made 26x32 or 26x36...centered 40" from front
Hurricane hinge, fantastic fan, etc.

Electrical: Tow vehicle will be a 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid and have gotten mixed info from two different service managers re. recharging using my tow...little nervous about risking a four thousand$ battery...more research needed. Not sure of the rest but son can help...deka deep cycle
DC31DT or golf cart??...will want to use receptor etc to be able to plug in at campground but probably will not camp where electricity will be available too often...considering solar on roof...any advice welcome

Well, that's enough for now. I do appreciate any input. I continue to be amazed at your collective knowledge and spirit of sharing...truly friendly people...thanks again!! And I will learn how to post pictures before we begin our build!
Wendy, Tamarack Lady

Hi Wendy,

I was looking at your design and trying to picture the doors and I think that they may be hitting your fenders, of course this depends on the door style, but I was assuming those with straight sides.

One other item is that the axle placement that you have might not give you the tongue weight that you need/want. You can use the trailer balance sheet in the design library to help with this.

Again these are just observations given on the info provided.

Good luck on your build and have fun.

PS. I need pictures....you do not want me going through withdrawals do you. Yes I am a picture addict.

Not that it really matters...but if you have a mattress in it, there's no need for the Pergo flooring, just stick a few pieces in the galley floor. I've done the interior with the flooring before...even with mahogany base shoe in it. More work, dollars, and extra weight, that no one ever sees. Just my thoughts on it. Doug

Doug,Doug,Doug...

"I" know zactly wachu talkin bout ! I installed sum BEAUTIFUL bamboo flooring in MY TD. It adds 1/2 inch thickness to the floor,which is already 3/4 plywood.

It also adds about 50 lbs to the trailer. I have a MASTER CRAFTSMAN removing MY flooring and installing a quase' galley in my Little Guy.

I have displayed the floor a couple of times and I had NO galley...time fer the UPGRADE...

Removing the flooring.. removes 50 lbs.. Adding the galley.. adds about 50 lbs.. GREAT TRADE !

Thanks for all your input..

Rick, hate to see a grown man "twitch" so I promise pictures once I begin!
I have read about the axle placement ad naseum and I waffled between 40" and 42" so are you recommending 42" or something else? Also, I am amazed at your ability to visualize the problem with the fenders. I think your right and need to move my door forwards. Will do a mock-up of my profile. Thanks.

Doug and canned..: okay, your right...not worth the weight. My thinking was that it is tough. I'm considering using an air mattress so that if I have days of rain, I could simply deflate it and put a low chair inside to sit and read. Still the weight is too much. Thank you for pointing out a big mistake!

Again, I appreciate any input! Wendy

Now I have a TTT lil vardo, the first build had a side door, current one has a tongue side door.. for a bed I bought an inexpensive 8" mostly foam futon was $95 double sized and "S" folds into a nice couch to turn my 8foot long cabin into a nice little sitting area...worth considering and the futon is much lighter then a typical all cotton style futon. I really like that it can be more then just a sleeping area.

Good Luck!
Deryk