Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **jwalters** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:45 am

Hello folks,
Long time listener, first time caller. I use to own a 6x12 tandem axle trailer I'd pull behind my Chevy Colorado. It had an extra 6 inches of height, allowing me to stand up in it. (I'm 6'8" tall). That height was fantastic for camping, but pulling the thing behind my light-duty truck was rough, especially in a head wind. I sold that trailer a few months ago, and now am looking into a smaller motorcycle hauler/cargo camper.

I really like the lightness of the 5x8 and 5x10 trailers and I think my Colorado will pull them much easier. I was hoping to find some kits allowing me to add a retractable roof to the top of the trailer, much like the roofs offered on older VW vans and Sportsmobile rigs.

Does anyone know if there are kits available to add a raiseable roof to a 5x8 or 5x10 trailer?

Thanks!

by **Ageless** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 10:12 am

Due to their popularity; they make all the replacement parts for the VW/Westies. Just do a google search

by **jwalters** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 9:24 am

Thanks Ageless! I'm going to keep doing some research and see what I come up with.

No matter what I end up with, my next trailer will pull better than my previous 6x12. I was just at the limit of the Colorado's towing capability in a strong headwind. I bet I could get a vnose 5x8, increase the height by a foot and still be much better off. Let the shopping begin!

Ageless wrote:Due to their popularity; they make all the replacement parts for the VW/Westies. Just do a google search

by **madrider** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:48 am

jwalters wrote: I use to own a 6x12 tandem axle trailer I'd pull behind my Chevy Colorado. It had an extra 6 inches of height, allowing me to stand up in it. (I'm 6'8" tall). That height was fantastic for camping, but pulling the thing behind my light-duty truck was rough, especially in a head wind. I sold that trailer a few months ago, and now am looking into a smaller motorcycle hauler/cargo camper.

Thanks!

I take it, your trailer must have been 7ft tall, right? I have a friend of mine that has a 7 tall and he says the same about the way it pulls. A 6.6 with vnose will pull allot better and a 6ft high will pull even better still. One other thing, depending on the weight you want to pull, a tandem might be more than ya need. I am guessing your truck is rated at around, 3500 lbs for towing? You could go with a 6x12 single with 6 extra inches (6.6 total) and it would pull much better and be around 600 lbs lighter.
Just my 2 cents!
Good luck!

by **jwalters** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:37 am

I hear ya. That is why I am going to a smaller 5x8 with about 5 1/2 feet interior room. I originally spec'ed out a tandem not because I was pulling a lot of weight, but because it is easier to adjust the tongue weight with a tandem axle. Also, I liked the tandem axle, it road great, but I just don't need it. It would be really nice though to find a cargo conversion kit so I could add a raisable roof when I am camping out of it.

As far as the vnose goes, I've pulled both with my truck but didn't notice any difference. I do like the vnose for the added storage up front though.

madrider wrote:I take it, your trailer must have been 7ft tall, right? I have a friend of mine that has a 7 tall and he says the same about the way it pulls. A 6.6 with vnose will pull allot better and a 6ft high will pull even better still. One other thing, depending on the weight you want to pull, a tandem might be more than ya need. I am guessing your truck is rated at around, 3500 lbs for towing? You could go with a 6x12 single with 6 extra inches (6.6 total) and it would pull much better and be around 600 lbs lighter.
Just my 2 cents!
Good luck!