Mueller Teardrop Cargo Hauler

[aggie79]

Mark,



Your teardrop is looking good! Interesting suspension by the way. I bet you felt proud when the sidewalls were stood up and the spars/joists were installed.

[Rigsby]

As you plan on using the parking brake , why dont you run the cables to an equaliser, and then on to an over-run hitch, This way you will have the trailer braked, and have an integeral parking brake when not attatched to the beamer
This is what i did when i made a trailer from the back end of a pick up. It gives you that piece of mind that the trailer shouldnt step the rear of the car out when braking in the fast corners
steve

[mark6mueller]

Tom and Linda,

You are right it really felt like I was making progress when the profiles where standing up!

Steve,

I bought a hydraulic tongue to operate the brakes of the trailer. It has an electric lock out so I can turn it off on long hills and use the engine instead of frying the trailer drums. I think I figured out a way to get the parking brake to work. I am going to use an extension rod so the lever can be near the hitch. The cables aren't long enough.

[mark6mueller]

I'm starting to install the head liner!

[mark6mueller]

I completed the main head liner and started installing the wiring. Waiting for electrical parts to arrive to complete the wiring. Next is complete wiring, hatch, and outside shell. I added pics to the album.

[mark6mueller]

Meeting tomorrow evening so I will try to get back to work on Wednesday.

[grizz]

Mark, I love the supports you used to get the liner sitting just right.
Another trick learned too late, however, I did use my yard broom last night to hold up the liner when cutting and prepping the skylight.

[mark6mueller]

Grizz,

Yah, 4 foot stakes. 85 cents a pop. Now I am using them as ribs for the hatch.

[Ageless]

In the Navy; that is called shoring up a seal

[mark6mueller]

Hey all!

Got some more done. I am feeling a little frantic. I was hoping to complete this trailer a week ago. Need it Memorial Day Weekend. I think I can make it in time. Gotta finish the rear latch, profile skin, electrical, safety cables, add coats of finish. Check out the tail!

[mark6mueller]

In May, I had completed the top and rear hatch surfaces and had them propped them up with a board on the ground. I moved the trailer forgetting to let the hatch down first and when it fell, the top hatch turned into splinters when hit it's stops. Various obligations since then. Now I am back to work. Remade a new top hatch with some strength improvements. After creaming the first hatch, I am aware that I must have the hatch movement carefully worked out.
So yesterday I designed a linkage system that allows the user to simply lift the two piece hatch to open it. It stays in place once opened. To close just pull down on the back of the rear lid to release and support the hatch as it closes. I will post a video soon.


Today I will replace the sheet rock screws and plywood scrap version with oak and 1/4" 20 screws with Nylock nuts.

[mark6mueller]

Here's a link to video of the hatch using the plywood strips and sheet rock screw linkage mock up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d9T3notwuw

[Greg M]

Tres cool, Mark.

-Greg

[mark6mueller]

Dang,

I need to look at the calendar. I missed Pamplin Grove! It's in my neighborhood.

[mark6mueller]

I am starting to install the aluminum skin. I found my local RV shop, J's RV, to be helpful. Alicia, one of the mechanics, helped me pick out edge trim. I think I will go back and see if they have some without the lip to go in between the aluminum sheets, rather than using 1/8" x 1" Aluminum bar stock.
That chunk of plywood on the side is a fender in the making. I want to bend the ends to the main walls to make a fender reminiscent of a Porsche 944. I am hoping the fenders will stiffen up the rear walls around the hatch.