Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I'm looking to build a tear to tow behind my Lowrider Merc. I want a 'futuristic' type design.
The parts available over here arent always/necessarily the same as in US .We are also quite restricted on camping areas here ,nothing as far as I know like pine/redwood forests etc,well not in abundance anyway! My tear use will be restricted to rod runs,shows etc ,and not camping for campings sake ,I f you get my drift? I want it ready to roll at most times ,and quick/ easy to park/pitch/use . I intend to build a four wheeler ,using trailer susp units and Austin Mini wheels (10" or 12" rims,about 18"/20" o/all diam ) close coupled ,I think this will keep a lot of weight off the rear airbags of the car .I ,of course will give it nose weight etc. Am thinking about reverse framing ,ie frame on outside (poss stainless steel tube),suspending skin beneath/inboard of frame ,with a lattice type lightweight girder construction . At the moment over here prices of aly/steel have ROCKETED ,so Im looking at poss using f/glass panels.I see lots of 'yours' made of plywood ,and painted ,but TBH I aint convinced that will be any good in our crappy weather over here ! Altho' I am going to think carefully about design ,i dont intend to dwell on it for long ,as I find I then get so tangled up with it in me brain ,I give up! ...SO....theres my basic idea! I reckon it will work ,but shoot me down if you got any comments! My main prob is getting a good shaped design// to practical use ratio!

Lots of views,no replies,so I'll talk to meself............. ..hey its a blog!!!
Have now found a trailer to do the job ,but its 2 wheeled ,so I'll use that,running indespension units,with a pressed steel hitch.This will lend itself to a more traditional shape. I'll go for a curved trad front to disipate the wind drag a bit.I dont need a large cook area in the rear ,so I'll dispense with all the probs a lift up rear brings with it. My last TD had a cooker/sink unit ,large gas bottle etc.Iand I hardly ever used it !(different usage here in UK!)I 'll do a slide out side to accomodate cook stuff ,as I only use a small calor stove anyway. Large lift up plexiglass side doors top hinged . Yeah I know ..pics ...pics you shout !!! I'll get a mock up under way asap,I promise! Already rough drawn it on a sheet of 8x4 ply.Ordered some samples of cheap 5mm f/glass sheets in 8x4 size ,hope the quality is ok!but may have to use a aly panel roof to get the curvature @ fr/rear. Now thinking about a pull out style side awning for quick erection (oo er!) using home built mechanism that will hold it taught and rip stop nylon cover that I just happen to have here!
Regards Rod

RAD wrote:I'm looking to build a tear to tow behind my Lowrider Merc. I want a 'futuristic' type design.

Have you seen Doug's Rockettear? http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=16307&highlight=rockettear

Yes Ive seen that ! A lot of work ,and a nice tear ,but a bit gimmicky for me !

Today Ive found some sidewall material. Its 11mm o/all thickness ,and is plywood with a white f/glass coating on each side. Very smooth surface.It is used for the sides of truck bodies ,is 2420 wide ,by literally any length you ask for .I'll use this for the sides ,due to its sturdiness it will eliminate a lot of heavy framing .I intend to put one 'hoop' of 1x1 box above the axle line to attach the sides and roof to . This will serve as a strengthener and also as a joining point for the 2 sheets of aly I intend to use for the roof. Have got a final design for the pull out side table/pantry/storage 'shelf'. Will get some pics of the design up tammara!

How about a pic of the Merc???

Your idea of a merc and our idea of a merc is a whole different thing

Yup,sure is ! But believe me I'd sooner have one of 'yours'!

Mauleskinner wrote:

RAD wrote:I'm looking to build a tear to tow behind my Lowrider Merc. I want a 'futuristic' type design.

Have you seen Doug's Rockettear? http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=16307&highlight=rockettear

Rad, if you are experienced using fiberglass, why not mold some panels from Merc so your trailer and car match

On a side note, if you epoxy seal plywood, your damp UK weather will not be a problem. It works fine in my wet Oregon weather and in boat building.

schaney...yes Ive thought of that ,even bought another Merc to cut it up to do it! But changed my mind at the last minute! have built trailers from back half of matching car in the past . ............
Today I ordered some hockey stick edging to cover the roof / side join ,it will follow the side outline from front to back . Ordering the plexiglass for the side window/flap tomorrow. Gotta find away to seal the flap to the body ,will have to doodle on some paper tonight. Thinking about a custom built stainless frame to go round the plexi,with a rubber seal all round.

Just looking in to using f/glass sheeting (the type used for truck roofs..1.3mm thick) for the roof . It can be bought in any length ,so no joins to worry about water ingress,but not too sure if it'll go round the end curves OK .Works out about 2/3rds the cost of Aly sheet.Hey Ho ,still waiting for deliv of the 5mm plexiglass for the door ,mouldings etc ,then gotta find some stainless hinges for the plexi.Found some nice aly channel(old vertical window-blind runners) for the roof cross spars.Not going to start this build until I got all the materials by me.
Well,signing off for about 2 weeks now (not that you'll miss me ,cos I speak to meself anyway!lol)sad aint I?,going on vacation to Italy(backpacking..woo hoo !!). Spk to you all on my return!
byeeeeeeeeeee!

bobhenry wrote:Your idea of a merc and our idea of a merc is a whole different thing

Now, That's a Lowrider Merc

I think you will need to come up with your own design or go to google image and show us what turns you on. what I come up with may be to futurisic for you.

some guys have come up with ones that look like they're car. Twins so to speak.

http://images.google.com/images?q=matching+car+and+trailer&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&hl=en&sa=2

good luck