I blame you guys.

[Chris00WJ]

I stumbled upon this site on accident while browsing Jeep and Off-road builds (and excursion trailers). I immediately fell in love with the idea of building my own teardrop trailer, but I put it on the back-burner for about a year. Im a pretty impulsive kinda guy and I wanted to make absolutely sure this was something I wanted to dive into before I started spending money.

Well fast forward to over a year later, and I still want to do it. I've read probably 80% of the threads on here and lurk almost daily.

Work space and storage space is a serious concern for me. Ive got a double garage but it's got a previous unfinished project vehicle and my motorbikes and tools etc. Once the trailer is done I have parking for it on the side of the garage, but I need to clear out the previous project car before I can REALLY get going on this.

Regardless, I've started collecting parts as of yesterday. I picked up 3 trailer wheels/tires (used). 5x4.5 and 14" diameter. $80 for all 3.

Then today I picked up an older tent trailer 2 burner stove w/regulator, sink and pump tap for the sink for $25.

I've decided Im going to build my own frame, likely out of 2x2x 1/4" tubing with atleast a 2000lb axle(possibly 3500 depending on price). I'd prefer to go with the 3500 to begin with as it will see logging roads and the odd off-road trail but we'll see.

Im planning on a SAWTOOTH style trailer (THANK YOU JESS! ) with a slightly larger layout. I think I'll have to have 9' long minimum and I'd love a 6' width but I dont want it much wider than my tow vehicle so I'll have to figure that out first. 5' didnt seem wide enough when I laid it out in the living room.

I cant decide if I want to make the frame the full 9x6 (or 5'6" or whatever) or have it undersized and have the trailer overhang the frame. Thoughts?

Not planning on a super crazy galley, but it will have the stove and sink and atleast a cooler if not fridge. Beyond that I dont need much else for my style camping.

I'd like this to also double as an ice fishing hut, minus the holes in the floor. A nice warm place to sit and watch my tip-ups would be a welcome addition to the family though.

Im in no rush to complete the trailer as there's no way I'd get it ready for this summer anyway. If I can slowly work on it over the spring and summer and have it finished before the winter REALLY hit's that would be a bonus. In the meantime Im just going to keep hitting garage sales and checking online for items that can be used in the build. The biggest purchases are yet to come.

Huge thanks to everyone on this site. There's a wealth of information on here and I wouldnt even consider tackling this type of project if I hadnt learned so much from you guys. I'll start a build thread once I've collected enough parts to begin

[mikeschn]

Hey Chris,

Welcome! That sounds like a plan! And take lots of pics... I like Jess's build too, and I'd like to see your version!

Why not holes in the floor? Do a curved version of this:



Mike...

[alffink]

Chris

I understand the heavy frame for true off-road use, but you mentioned a 3,000 lbs axle, again possibly warranted, at least for your peace of mind, but a tear rarely comes even close to 2,000 lbs, much less 3,000lbs.
Ya don't want to make the suspension too stiff, ya could shake the little guy to death

[Steve_Cox]

Hey Al, 3500# axle doesn't have to have 3500# springs.

You get beefier hubs and wheels that way. JMO.

[Chris00WJ]

I definately won't be using 3500lb springs! But I'm considering the axle. I have a local supplier for Dexter axles that I'm going to look into, but I also have a Princess Auto nearby that carries axles. Unfortunately the PA axles aren't custom lengths so I'd be building around the axle.

I love the sawtooth design, but I think I might try to add a full length hatch for the galley with a slide out cooler.

I don't want to spend a fortune on an axle setup that allows me to drop the trailer all the way to the ground. I'm also not too sure I want to bring smelly fish and water into the interior of my tear . I have seen those before and they are definately pretty neat setups!

I considered some holes with drop down PVC tubes that extend to ice level too. They would help block out the light and keep water damage to a minimum.

[alffink]

If ya re-read my post, I said axle, and that ya don't want the suspension (springs) too stiff....I have seen many newbies, building thier 900 lb tear on a 2,000 lb load rated, purchased trailer and not reduceing the springs stiffness, when Chris mentioned 3,000 lbs, I could picture what would amount to a rigid suspension rolling down a washboard dirt road road, my tears sees at least 20 miles of wash board monthly and even at to high of a speed it tracks smooth and straight. heck I've got a 3,500 lbs dexter under my harbor freight cubby, but my springs are barely rated for 1,200 lbs

Enjoy your build Chris

[stomperxj]

Im planning on a SAWTOOTH style trailer (THANK YOU JESS! )

Glad i could inspire you Chris-

I would have to say though that 1/4" wall tube is probably way heavy for a trailer of this size. I think you'd be fine with .120 wall tube. I would recommend getting a 3500lb axle though. Stronger hubs and bearings would be good for off road stuff...

Good luck and take lots of pictures during

Jess

[Chris00WJ]

I'll definately keep in mind the suggestions you guys have made. I wasnt sure if .120 would be strong enough but if it gets your stamp of approval I'll use that instead.

I have a 5x8' utility trailer at the moment, but it's a solid axle mounted directly to the frame, no suspension. Rides fine when it's loaded with weight but bounces like a mother without any weight or springs.

I currently have it hooked up to my Jeep WJ and looking outside at it a minute ago, it seems really short and small.

Any thoughts or warnings if I were to go to a 6x10? I dont need the full 6' frame width, but I was thinking 72" hub to hub for the axle would be sufficient. It would allow me some width for the walls (insulated) and suspension travel and rim offset and hopefully still be fairly close to the 5' inner width? no?

[Chris00WJ]

Well I was messing around wasting some time at the local farm/surplus store and happened across a genuine Dexter axle (surplus from a snowbear trailer apparently) for a decent deal. Measurements seemed to be decent so I picked it up for $120. Here's the specs:

Hub-Hub = 75.63"
Spring center - 64"
3000lb axle

Also picked up a class II trailer coupler for a 2" ball and 2" tongue. Rated for 3500lb trailer weight for $10. Grabbed the spring mounting kit for the axle too. Im still undecided on springs for now tho.

Other than the obvious mounting differences, what are the differences between slipper springs and the double eye springs? The lightest springs I could find were 1000lb springs (each) so I held off for now. Gonna see if I can find some used ones at the JY to save some cash and have them sandblasted.

Almost time to start a build thread! Going to call around for metal prices tomorrow and hopefully get started on a frame shortly.

OH, and what size lug nuts do most trailers use? Standard car lugs dont fit this axle.

[Chris00WJ]

Figured out the lug issue and have a rolling axle now.

Today I lucked out huge and picked up a free hydroflame furnace, free Dometic 3 way fridge, free carson 110/12v converter, free wedgewood 3 burner stove and free stainless steel sink.

Tomorrow Im picking up a free treadmill to rip the motor out of for a wind turbine project and then Im going to go load up on some steel and start welding a frame! Once the actual welding starts happening I'll start a build thread.

Thanks guys for all your help!

[parnold]

Today I lucked out huge and picked up a free hydroflame furnace, free Dometic 3 way fridge, free carson 110/12v converter, free wedgewood 3 burner stove and free stainless steel sink

I'll say you lucked out huge! Great stuff!!!