Ready to begin Xtreme mini-Teardrop build

[SmartPod]

Hi,

I have been lurking and reading posts for months. I am ready to begin my build. I have actually already started on a frame and have just purchased the wood materials to start my project now that the weather has warmed and rain has subsided. It will be an extreme light weight teardrop for my Smart Car to pull. Hence, my log in as SmartPod. I have put many thoughts down on paper and gone over lots of details. My purpose is to have a teardrop to pull behind me for traveling so that I can have a place to rest and recuperate and not have to check in to hotels or motels visiting friends and family while driving on the road. I will not have the kitchen galley and will require only sleeping area with minor storage and places to set phone chargers and a little drinking and eating type set up. I purchased the Harbor Freight 40" x 48" trailer frame and have already added supports for the frame to strengthen and extend the allowable floor area. I'll attempt to keep up a log to track and follow my first build. I am really excited to get started on this little project. I have seen and appreciate the inputs and thoughts shared on this site for teardrop enthusiasts each with their own idea of what a teardrop represents to them.

-SmartPod

[mikeschn]

Have you seen the nano?

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?p=967145#p967145

Mike...

[SmartPod]

The Nano looks great. Mine will be a minimalist design as well. I'm planning on a traditional curved teardrop. It will definitely be light enough to pull with any car. I have very crude drawings and will probably post if there is an interest in the basic design concept.

-SmartPod

[bobhenry]

Rip Van Winkle is a 4 x 7+ with an outside kitchen ( no galley ) The final weight was 525# I am a big guy going 310+ and find it quite comfortable to sleep in. There are dozens and dozens of pictures in my album showing the build. Perhaps one or two might help......


found you a link.... viewtopic.php?f=50&t=38489&hilit=rip+van+winkle

[SmartPod]

Thanks bobhenry,

I have seen and like your build. I am of the "keep it simple" mind set. I want functional long before luxurious. I want to get use out of it and not be a project stowed away because I don't want to put some miles on it. Thanks for the pics and sharing your build. I hope to make something like Rip Van Winkle .... very light weight and similar along those same lines.

-SmartPod

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome aboard, you have the right idea, building light. My 6 ft Stacker weighs 245 lbs, so you see, it can be done. Good luck.
Roly, the So Calif woody guy.



More pics here: http://tnttt.com/gallery/album.php?album_id=2181

[cheri832]

Smartpod,
I used the same trailer as you are, came out with a twin sized bed, and still made room for a galley, and two shelves inside. Total weight 450 lbs fully packed to go. It can be done. Have you any drawings you could post? We love to see other people's ideas.