Slipstream

[KCStudly]

Suggestion: consider putting the water tank and battery closer to the axle center line. The less weight at the extreme ends the less wag potential. Also, the water tank is "variable ballast" so changes in tank level will have a greater effect on tongue weight if placed at the back than if placed at or near the axle.

Nice chalk drawing.

[Robot]

I've been hearing similar advice from some truck driving friends. The bed will reach over the axle almost to the door, so I will be able to fine tune the position of my ballast as needed.

[Robot]

I got the end pieces mocked up and set them on the frame to get my first visual of the profile. The front will be closer to the hitch, I just can't set it there till I get the floor built.

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[garyc1955]

Very interesting,what kind of car do I see ,Triumph maybe?Gary

[Robot]

That's my daily driver, a 1966 Volvo 122s wagon. It might pull occasional tow duty to local car shows depending on the weight of the finished trailer. I have a deep love for this car. Reliable, easy to work on, surprisingly quick and a real blast to drive. I have owned a lot of 60's cars but the Volvo is getting passed down to my kids one day.

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[noseoil]

Amazon! Too bad you can't do a B23FT swap and use that for a tow vehicle.... Just a thought, but it would be great on hills & on the freeway.

[Robot]

I have a B20 with an overdrive tranny out of an 1800s waiting for a rebuild....that's my next project after I finish the trailer. There are a number of technical hurdles to overcome when swaping in a later drive train, but the B20 bolts right up and makes plenty of power. With the low gears on the wagon I think it will likely tow the trailer just fine. I just need to fab up a hitch. No off the shelf options.

[Pmullen503]

Interesting technique.

Do you plan to add the foam skin between the pipes or over them? How will you handle the rounded corners?

[Robot]

The rigid foam sheeting will be outside the pipes.

The corners. That's the big challenge.
I was going to try to heat form the foam around a large exercise ball. But I see now that's not going to work. Online I found steel ball corners from a trailer supply place in a variety of sizes. They have 12" radius which should match my arcs perfectly...the steel drum I used for my form has a 24" diameter.

I'll use the steel corner as a female mold and fill the inside with a can expanding foam.

I'm going to check with a local trailer supply place and see if they have the corners in stock so I can save on shipping and hopefully return it when I'm done.

[noseoil]

You might consider what was done way back for making surf boards out of foam. A sure-form (like a hand-held cheese grater) makes quick work of foam. If you had a template for the outside (1/8" masonite or even cardboard) you could free hand the curves to get close enough.

[Robot]

Hmm. That sound like it's worth a try. I'll put some saran wrap on the big exercise ball, cover a corner's worth in foam, let it cure, and have at it with the power sander. At the worst I'm out 4 bucks for the can.

[Robot]

Progress has been slow due to non-stop rain in central Texas over the last month. I have been working on it when weather permits. I'm about a month and a half away from my deadline. The PVC skeleton is done, still working on the door. I began steam bending the foam sheeting today before I got rained out.

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[dales133]

Looking good. I'll be watching this with intrest

[booyah]

Digging this, love the idea of the bent PVC for the frame Pretty neat

[Fred Trout]

Great concept; will be following your progress with interest

Have you decided how the foam will be attached to the PVC or will you rely on the exterior canvas shell to keep the entire unit in place ? How do you plan to finish the interior ?