building small

[coolbanana]

I have been reading the post from all the knowledge filled members here, and it seems like time for me to jump in. I am in the beginning process of building a TD to pull behind my Honda Goldwing. I have a cargo trailer I built on a HF 40"x48" trailer, and we recently pulled it loaded with camping gear from Fl. to North carolina for a trip thru the mountains. I realalized that I didn't care for unpacking camping gear and setting up a tent at every stop, so I would like a small TD that we could use behind the bike and avoid all that setting up and tearing down. To begin I cut up an old popup camper frame i had and fabricated a 48"x 82" frame using the axle and springs.I will be going today to buy 2"x2" square tube to weld on a tongue. Then a road test to make sure it tracks true. I will also use it to pick up my ply and haul it home. This should give me an idea of what the weight might be.Using the picco light as a starting point I will be using 3/8" for floor 1/4" for sides and 1/8" luan or simular for the roof. I am hoping to keep the weight in the 200 to 300 lb. range. What does everyone think? Is this a possibility? I would like to have a small galley but not sure this is possible in such a small TD.

[jeff0520]

If I was building to pull behind a motorcycle, I think I'd go with a foamie.

[bobhenry]

My 4x7 build was for exactly the same reason. I used a Apache aluminum tent trailer frame and built a 7/16 osb body with filon roof and outside skin.

Wound up at 525 pounds ready to camp and my 1200 Goldwing hauls it nicely.

The tongue needs to be extra long for good tracking and to limit the telegraphing of pot holes to the bike.

I see it's your first post so I am sure you have not seen the build thread so here it is......

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=38489

I left it as a sleeper only but added outside tables. Took it to the 2012 shivaree behind my pickup and cooked a couple good meal utilizing both batwing tables attached to the sides and tucked under my 10 x 10 popup.

[parnold]

When I was at the Crossroads of America gathering in 2011, there was a gentleman there with a tear he towed with his bike. He even had a sidecar on the bike.



Maybe someone here can direct you to his build for ideas.

[bobhenry]

Dale is real active in our Hoosier Group and others but at 82? he never developed the computer gene so you won't find him on a posting. (Unfortunatly)

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome to the forum, Coolbannana, I too am a light weight teardrop builder, and I have a 40 inch by 72 inch teardrop that only weighs 245 lbs, so it can be done. Most of my weight was in the trailer frame, and your frame may also be the heaviest part ot your tear. 1/4 inch walls and 1/8 inch roof is what I used as well. I trust you plan to have trailer brakes on your build, as heavy breaking with your cycle may pose a problem without them. Check the board for added info, I am sure there are quite a few who tow with a cycle. Good luck on your build, remember, we answer all questions. Pics, we love pics.
Roly, the So Cal woody guy.