Multi-Use Trailer

[Don Bing]

Hi All-- Currently trying to finish up a Glen-L build (maybe 4-6 weeks) and then I've got my heart set on a tear drop.

One idea I'm toying with is a removeable cabin so I can also have a utility trailer. The current vision has the trailer as frame only. The tear drop cabin, and utility (bed and side frames, tail gate) bolt on.

I've browsed through the trailer and chassis topics looking for a similar project but didn't see anything (I can't possibly be the only one with this idea). Any help pointing me to previous discussions is appreciated.

BTW, I've jumped in and out of a lot of forums: auto, woodworking, boatbuilding, etc. This one is impressive by any measure. Thanks.

Don

[Wimperdink]

Its been done commercially even.

I saw at least one other person here build this way, but the general concensus seems to be that moving the pod off the trailer makes it more effort than its worth. If you have a need for a utility trailer, you are better off with a seperate trailer unless your situation is that you live in an apt and parking space is a premium. I didnt buy wazat because of this feature as I already have a utility trailer... but its a cool additional feature if I ever need a small lightweight utility for a long trip. I really dont have any intention of seperating the two though.

If you were going to go through the trouble of building it that way, you might incorporate in some way to attach camper jacks like those used on slide in truck campers. Chances are that when you need the use of the utility trailer, you wont have the extra help to get the pod on and off the trailer.

Hey would love to see pics of your glen-L build too.

[Don Bing]

Wimperdink: Thanks. Your Wazat looks like a clever little unit. The fact that there is a commercial version gives me hope that it's not that much trouble. I'll probably use the pod 2-3 times/yr and I've got a mindful of ways to swap and move units. 'Course that will drop exponentially once I start building And I'll have a boat also; soon, maybe; I hope

Not sure how to post a link to shutterfly. The web address for the album only seems get you to my account.

Don

[Wimperdink]

Click here for help w/ pics

There's always a way if the unit is light enough... In my case if I intended to pick the pod up and lift it off, it would take 4 strong backs. If I was to actually do it, I would drop the tounge and brace under the back... lift the tounge to seperate the back end from the trailer and slide a brace under the front... lower onto the "saw horses" <short ones... and pull the trailer out. Its all about leverage.

My fenders come off w/ 1 bolt so that it doesnt scratch things up when removing. They are basically just resting in some angled angle iron and one bolt keeps them from sliding out.


I considered at one point building a basic flat bottom boat hull for the bottom of the pod so that it would slide onto a rollered boat trailer... and build the rest off the top normally so that if you were so inclined... you could have an all in one unit. I threw the idea out because I felt roller bunks wouldnt sufficiently hold the bottom with all the weight of equipment and or people laying in it. Would be nice if it floated though. lol

[Don Bing]

Thanks for the tips. I posted a few pics so I now have an 'album'. Suppose I should apologize for using up space for a boat. That project has dozens of parts spread all over the place for varnish, paint, assembly, etc. I should have some final pics by the end of the month on the Glen L site and hopefully have some trailer pics here later this year.

Regards
Don

[Wimperdink]

wow thats an impressive project. It looks great. I went with a lil smaller... I didn't do the initial build, but I had to take soo much off and start over, that I may as well have started fresh. Heres where I'm at with my glen L tnt.

I've got some trim work to do and I will be painting the bottom of the hull as the repairs I had to do just wouldnt look good if I left it natural. Haven't decided on my final paint scheme on the bottom. But here is its current condition.






P.S. sorry didnt mean to HiJack this thread... we can go back to multi use trailer again.