Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **beverlyt** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:04 pm

Well, we went and picked up a used trailer today. Hopefully it will be our future Widget trailer.

Maybe by next Winter, we can start the build.

See photos and details at bottom of page:

http://www.freewebs.com/kc8jwa/futurebuild.htm

It's not real pretty, but Bob seems to think it's solid enough to fix up right.

Bev

by **JunkMan** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:53 pm

Is that the one that was on ebay? It looks like it should work out fine. How did the VW do pulling it? We have a TDI bug that we plan to tow out TD with. Just got a hitch for it last week, and am waiting for the weather to warm up so I can install it.

by **Henri_8** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:20 pm

Jeff,

We're considering getting a Jetta TDI as our tow vehicle.

Do let us know how well your new Bug tows your TD when you're all hooked up.

Thanks,
Henri & Rosemary

by **JunkMan** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:42 pm

Henri_8 wrote:We're considering getting a Jetta TDI as our tow vehicle.

Me Too! I relly want a Jetta TDI wagon, but haven't found the right one yet. Most that come in to our dealer sell fast, or have automatic trans and leather, I really hate leather, and want a stick.

We're going to the dealer next Friday to see the new Jettas. Doesn't sound like they will have a TDI version or a wagon for a while, we'll have to get a 2005 if we want one.

Will let you know how our bug does with a TD on back. I think Mike pulled his TD with a TDI Jetta.

by **mikeschn** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:19 am

I pulled the chassis for the Lil Diner to NY with a Jetta TDI. Since then I have switched to a 2005 Passat with the larger TDI engine. I'll be pulling my teardrops with that. It can handle the 1380# Tab without a problem.

Mike...

by **beverlyt** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:57 am

Jeff,
The bug did fine pulling it... though it only weighs about 400 pounds as it stands right now. I pull my 4' x 8' tear with it fine too.

I won't be towing the Widget with it though. It will be too heavy. (My car isn't a TDI) We'll tow it with the truck or future vehicle.

Can't wait to get all the details figured out on this build... though we won't start building for til who knows when.

Bev

by **purplepickup** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 1:35 pm

Bev, I've got to agree with your plans to build something like Andrew's Widget. The design I came up with is similar. As you know, living in Michigan we have our fair amount of rain, mud and snow. I like to get out in the woods as soon as I can in the spring (trout fishing and mushrooming in April) and late in the fall on hunting trips as late as December, so for me an inside galley was a must. I need a trailer that I can walk into with muddy feet, cook inside and wash up inside when the weather is bad. For me function is the most important thing I'm considering in my build plans since this trailer will be used a lot.....in places anywhere from rest areas to the deep woods.

Keep us posted. It's always interesting to see people's plans evolve. :thumbsup:

by **mikeschn** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 1:44 pm

purplepickup wrote: As you know, living in Michigan we have our fair amount of rain, mud and snow. I like to get out in the woods as soon as I can in the spring (trout fishing and mushrooming in April) and late in the fall on hunting trips as late as December, so for me an inside galley was a must.

Hey Purplepickup,

If you have inside cooking you could be out camping already. We camped on the way back from St Louis a couple weeks ago in the Tab. For Michigan, it's perfect for spring, fall and winter camping!!! You'll definitely want a forced air furnace in your teardrop. You might even want to consider a 3 way fridge.

Mike...

by **purplepickup** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:20 pm

mikeschn wrote:You'll definitely want a forced air furnace in your teardrop.
Mike...

Some sort of heat & plenty of insulation is in the evolving plans for sure.

by **beverlyt** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:52 pm

We worked all day today both with buffer/grinder and wire brush to remove the worst of the rust. Bob also welded a couple of places that he felt needed it.
Found a sticker on the axle that says it's a Dexter.
We then used some good rustoleum primer and will paint black tomorrow.

Measurements: 7'9" long by 6'4" wide.

by **beverlyt** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 3:58 pm

Flipped over the trailer and worked on the underneath.
Fresh primer and black paint all around. Wow... what a lot of work... glad that's all done!

We'll put the lights back on and put it all back together....

And start the Widget build sometime in the future.

by **mikeschn** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 4:55 pm

Hey Bev,

It looks like you've got a really good starting point. There won't be a dropped floor though...

Now you just need to start accumlating the plywood for your build!!!

Mike...