Okanagan build - my first Teardrop

[Koko65]

Hello all.

The HF trailer has arrived and I installed a hitch on the car the other day, so it is time that I start a build thread. We are planning a 4x10 on the modernistic profile. It will most likely be a woody, built with techniques from Steve's shop manual. I will be using the garage as the workshop and the car and motorcycle will have to spend one winter outside.

I will be using the HF trailer to haul the supplies with which brings up the first question. Should I assemble the trailer as per the instructions while I use it as a utility trailer, or make the normal modifications such as moving the axel right away? I was planning to get two of these trailers to keep one as a utility trailer, but I could only get one with the recent 20% off coupon.

Thanks, I look forward to sharing this journey with everyone.

Onno

[rbeemer]

Good Luck!!

I would move the axle now, that way you get a few test drives with it to make sure it track correctly, just make sure to front load it a little.

[seattlejack]

You can do it while the frame is upside down. Makes drilling any holes easier.If your going to add corner jacks, now is the time too. Best, Jack

[down under tech]

Hello Onno: I would assemble it and move the axle back now, then go get it registered as a utility trailer before you start to build on top of the frame. Be sure you get all of the lights working and the fenders on it. You can always change some things around on it later if you need/want to. It is much easier to get the DMV satisfied now than later after it has a teardrop on it. What they don't know won't hurt 'em... Do you know what I mean? I assembled my HF frame and drug it down to the DMV and had it inspected to be sure it passed the light operation checks. I did not even have a deck on it, just the bare assembled frame.

On your teardrop trailer, I would stretch the frame to ten feet long as you assemble it. (There are a lot of folks that have done that.) Use the search button at the top of the page for this info.
I think the % ratio is 30% rear and 70% front. Someone will have the right ratio for you. They will correct me if I am wrong.

If you are going to get one for a true "Utility Trailer" I would leave the axle in the normal HF instructed position.

Wait until the next trailer is on sale and then use the 20% off coupon if it is available. It will save you a lot of cash.

Good luck on your build and be sure to take and post many photos as you progress on the TD.

[Koko65]

I have finally begun the build. I was working on a solar hot water project and that is almost done. now I can focus on the TD.

First up was to make a workbench big enough to handle the sheet goods, wall panels, etc. I'll add an MDF top, but for that I will need a trailer to get a full sheet home. So next was to start building the HF trailer. It was very handy to have the whole thing at a comfortable working height.

I am planning to put the axel 37.5 inches from the rear of the trailer frame. I'll be building a 4x10 Modernistic style so the curve extends out over the frame. Does this position sound about right? I will have a galley with small stove and cooler in the back.


The Bench so far. Assembled with pocket holes and no glue so I can dismantle it easily when the trailer is finished. This assumes that I am only building 1. ( Is there some fore shadowing here?)


Partially assembled trailer.


C channel being inserted to strengthen the joint.

I am assuming most people cut off the tabs where the casters are suppose to be mounted, correct?

Cheers all. Thanks for all the wonderful advice you did not know you gave as I have been studying the posts for a while now.

Onno

[Woodbutcher]

Looks like you have a good start there. Enjoy your build! It's fun and the rewards come later.

[Koko65]

I finished the frame yesterday and hooked it up to the TV for a look. Today I threw on an old scrap of plywood and started measuring... door here... stove there...



Here the axel is mounted over the springs.




Frame finished!



Hooked up to the TV. Does the angle to the car look OK? Or is the trailer leaning a bit too much forward?

Now I'll be able to go get the sheet goods and really get building.

[Deryk the Pirate]

I would flip the piece the ball is mounted so it raises the tongue a bit higher then lower so its more level, but thats just me.

[Koko65]

That's an easy switch, I'll try that tomorrow.

[WhitneyK]

I agree with Deryk, your tv is pointed down hill slightly therefore raising the rear a bit. Plus, when all is said and done, you'll have more weight, which in turn will "sag" the rear of the tv a little. Just have to check it out in the end on level ground and adjust accordingly. Could also flip your receiver (ball mount) over too. Just my opinion, and we all know what those are like.

Good luck on your build my friend.

[Koko65]

I switched the hitch over by flipping the ball over. It looks much more level now. I took the trailer for a spin today and it is hardly noticeable. Of course there was no weight on it either. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up some lumber next week and I'll be able to start building.

I am thinking of taking the dwf file of the new Cub and having it printed out at full scale. Then I could just mount it onto some 1/4" ply and make my template. Has anyone tried this with the file that is available in the design library?

Onno

[aggie79]

Onno,

Looks like you have a fine base to start with! Can't wait to see some pictures with sawdust in them.

Take care,
Tom

[Koko65]

The saw dust has finally started to accumulate on the floor, if only a bit at a time. I ordered the sheet goods that we would need for the build on Sunday and they arrived yesterday, so I was able to finish the top of the workbench by extending it out to 10ft yesterday. Today I was able to get the template cut out to the desired shape. Tomorrow I will start to mill down the lumber that I plan to use for the framing and hopefully start on the floor. A friend through work runs a lumber mill not too far away and I was able to get a bunch of old rough sawn 2x8s for free. I will mill these down to the dimensions I need for the build. Here's some pics from today...

A SketchUp drawing with the TV. I am using the New Cub file from the design library to make the profile.


Here my wife is helping with the layout.



Some of the tools used


Grid lines are barely visible but you get the idea. The circled areas are where there will be bulkhead intersections.


The profile cut out and sanded.


I would call this a "dry" run if there wasn't a bevy in hand.


Thanks for looking and we'll hopefully have some more pics soon!

Onno[/img]

[Zboom]

Very nice koko! The profile looks great behind the tv

Michael

[WhitneyK]

Good choice on the profile, I really like that one.

Looks like you've got a good start.

A word of caution though, THIS STUFF IS ADDICTIVE!!!