Newbie from The Netherlands

[CasperH]

Hello,

My name is Casper, 28 years old and I'm from The Netherlands. I'm planning on building my own (ultra light) teardrop to be towed by my 2cv, "Eend" in Dutch (which means "Duck"), or "Snail" in the UK. The towing capabilities of a 2cv are very limited; 400 kg (+/-882 pounds) on a braked trailer 280 kg |(+/- 617 pounds) unbraked. The engine only produces 28 hp so lightness is key, I'm also toying with the idea of swapping or uprating the engine with something more powerful, but that's for another forum.

I'm still looking for ideas, designs and knowledge about building teardrops and trailers, as I'm totally new at this. I already decided that the trailer must be braked as I've seen overheated brakes on an other 2cv this summer, towing a 2cv-caravan (a trailer with a 2cv body on it) up and down the mountains in Andorra. Although that design might have been way to heavy to be unbraked behind a 2cv, I don't want to take that chance. I love the design of the "Trailer for two" very plain but rough look on the outside that doesn't give away what is all fitted inside. But that also might be to heavy for my little 2cv, I just have to start making some designs and weight calculations to see what is possible.

That is about it for now I think. Any tips/ideas/design are always welcome.

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome Casper! I'm not sure what the laws in your country say about what materials you can use to build a trailer, but the Foamies seem to be the lightest of all the trailers. Good luck with your build and have fun doing it!

[CasperH]

Thanks, fun I will have. Even this first knowledge gathering stage is fun for me.

As far as laws go, of course tons of them this being The Netherlands (and Europe). But after a brief look most of them are just common sense; solid construction, no signs of severe rust, working lighting ect. But some are going to be a problem if I want to construct my own trailer as the coupling/triangle, chassis (not 100% sure) and brakes have to be EU approved. Getting this approval (going on stories from custom car builders) isn't easy so I might have to outsource that to a certified constructor just to get that part out of the way. And before I get it on the road it has to be approved by the Dutch road-safety agency. I couldn't find anything on restrictions for building materials and I'm not planning on using special (also read expensive) materials so I'm not expecting any issues in that area.

Indeed the Foamies seem to be the most light construction, but also more complicated construction wise. But if I want to go light I don't think I have many options, beside building in fiberglas but I lack the skill for that.

[Larry C]

Welcome Casper,
I too think light weight is the right way to build. Not sure if my build will give you any ideas. It's at the bottom of my signature.

Larry C

[pchast]

I find that Dexter Company has a distributor in you r country. http://www.boopark.nl/
You should be able to find an axle with brakes through them, thus certified? Then have
a simple, super light, 'triangular' frame made?????????

[mezmo]

Welcome to the forum Casper !

May I suggest typing in "2cv" in the "Google Custom Search" area
at the bottom of the header. You'll get a bunch of posts regarding
the 2cv and the quest to build a TD/TTT for them. Good info for you,
but also a bit unusual too, since the 2cv really was never marketed
over here. It just shows the international reach of the forum benefits
all members - here, there, and everywhere.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo