Pickup Bed Trailer

[alaskamarohls]

You know those homemade cargo trailers made out of pickup beds? I'm curious if anyone has ever removed the bed and turned it into a teardrop. I have access to a free one and have been scratching my head on it for a couple weeks. Structurally the trailer is fine, its just the actual truck bed that is junk.

[les45]

If you have a conventional truck frame and axle under the bed, it could be done but it would be awkward to build something on it. The frame normally arches over the axle and the big rear end with differential and heavy brake drums/hubs would add a lot of unnecessary weight. If the rear end is in good shape, you should be able to trade it for a used conventional trailer that would be a better starting platform for a teardrop.

[alaskamarohls]

I had considered the unnecessary weight, but not the hump. Not sure if this trailer has a hump or not, but will look into it.

[Jdw2717]

I believe I have seen one on here awhile ago. I think it was white. Try a search on it. I think it was last year or so.

[Treeview]

This has potential:

http://asheville.craigslist.org/rvs/3825039926.html

Get a roof top tent or build up.

Tom

[alaskamarohls]

That link was a dead end by the time I clicked on it. I think I know the type of trailer Tom was referring to though; the "offroad" campers with pop-up tents sitting up high. That's not the style I need for a couple of reasons, but the main one is the tent. I have tents. I've spent lots of money on tents. But the words "Alaska" "tent" and "comfort" don't belong in the same sentence. It's too cold for 9 months out of the year and it rains 12 months out of the year. People with those pop-up campers can never get them dry. At least in Southeast AK; I guess I shouldn't speak for the entire state.

Looking for an economical alternative to the pop-up camper is what led me to this forum. I was initially ecstatic to find this site, but now I am just overwhelmed and confused. There is so much information. And my remote location makes acquiring building materials challenging at best.

[adam25]

Something like this?


http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=45827

[alaska teardrop]

Welcome to the forum, Alaskamarohls,

Where in southeast are you from? It's usually considered polite to introduce yourself to the forum in the newbies section.

Having built teardrops in Alaska, I can understand your frustration in finding parts & materials at a reasonable cost & dealing with shipping. Fairbanks & Anchorage have good sources for the basics, but some parts are best ordered from the lower 48. If you have questions on specific parts, I may be able to help you out.

Fred