Our MINImalistic Teardrop for two build

[bc555af]

My fiance and I just completed our first teardrop build for our 2013 Mini Cooper (non S) for weekend trips to the Texas hill country. It took us 3 weekends to build it from the ground up without plans.

http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/bc555 ... op%20Build

Specs:
-4x7 ft
-Built on a modified folding HF trailer
-1/2 inch birch plywood sides and floor.
-Rubber EPDM roofing on top of 1/8 inch plywood
-Basic indoor and outdoor LED lighting powered by a 7Ah gel cell battery and portable solar panel
-1 door (single most expensive part of this build! I plan to add another door soon)



I also added 120V power access with a 15 amp power strip and an RV power inlet for plugging in the battery charger or a heater. We shortened the trailer to 7 ft and were originally going to design a galley with a flip up table similar to the Little Guy Deuce galley, but decided not to halfway through the build since we could just pack a folding table and keep the cooking out of the teardrop. It also helps to save weight! I estimate our build to be around 500 -600 lbs empty but will get it weighed soon.

[KennethW]

Nice job!!
But you will need a roof fan. (ebay fantastic reversible fan about $150)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/801251-FANTASTI ... 0321&rt=nc)
Here is some thinks to consider.
Unless you have long legs. You may want to move the axle above the springs. For more comfort when setting in the door. But you would have move the fender and bolt the fender to the wall.
With a light build that you have I would remove a leaf from the springs. For a smoother ride.
To keep the springs from making noise put a piece of hose over the back spring bolt.(3/4 pex works good)
You might consider running lower air pressure in the tires so not to wear the center of the tires out.
Just some thoughts.

[bc555af]

Thanks!

I bought a 9 inch roof vent with plans to add my own fan, but I was afraid that the curve of the teardrop would look rough or not seal properly. How should it be done? I spaced the spars apart so if I ever wanted to add the roof vent I could.

I may place the axle on top of the springs...good idea! Height didn't affect us much, but it would give it a lower profile with the mini.

What air pressure would you recommend? HF says 60psi per tire and I put in 45.

[bc555af]

Added the pictures to the gallery. Had trouble uploading them so I had to reduce their size.

[KennethW]

This may help for Tire pressure.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=62704&p=1120305&hilit=tire#p1120305

[flbikejunkie]

Looks great behind the Mini. My wife had a grey Cooper S that I would "borrow" to run an errand. Lot's of fun and I never got a ticket

[pchast]

I'm using 30 psig in my tires with a 560 lb weight. I did a chalk test
and this seems right. The trailer still bounces some. I'm considering
the spring adjustment too.

[bc555af]

Take your load per tire (450#), multiplied by the max PSI of the tire (60), divide that by the max load of the tire (750), and you get what should be your correct PSI for maximum ride and wear quality.

Checked out the thread. My tire pressure should be in the 20-30 psi range then. Looks like I am running them way too high! Still need to get it weighed this weekend.

Mini coopers are fun to drive. I never thought I would own one! My first car was a beat up rusty old 77 K5 Blazer I got from my grandpa. It sat on his farm for a decade so the deal was if I got it running, it was mine to drive. I got it running with some help and still have it to this day Definitely a step up!

[ae6black]

I only have AC power in my TD and only have a non powered roof vent. Most of my camping is done in the fall or winter and have never needed a powered roof vent. The roof vent, window and Door window were always plenty of ventilation even during 70 degree nights the few times I used it in the summer.

Art