Under 150kg?

[Tinbasher]

Spent the morning trying to fathom the UK towing laws for trikes and it seems that as my trike is under 410kg (500lbs) the maximum I can legally tow regardless of whether it's braked or unbraked is 150kg (330lbs)

I want a towable sleeping pod and had been looking at the Pico but am I realistically going to get it under 150kg?

All thoughts, ideas, experiences and barely suppressed laughter welcome

Tinbasher

[Madmike8]

Welcome to the world of foam?

[Tinbasher]

Welcome to the world of foam?

Maybe mike!

[R_W]

If you can get the frame light enough, yes.

minimalist frame, ultralight wheels, maybe axle-less with motorcycle wheels.

Foamie with extreme care on coverings. Or maybe some of the new signboard that can curve nicely (basically a SIP with thin alum and foam or coreplast core).

Look at bicycle trailers for ideas on light frames, suspensions and wheels.

Details will matter. The Idaho Bedroll (spud II) was only 130 lbs, so it can be done with room to spare.
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46688
http://idahobedroll.com/#
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730618

[aggie79]

If you haven't seen this already, take a look at this build taking place in Germany. He's building it with EU rules in mind: http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=54344. I found this also to be fascinating for a lightweight build: http://www.goldbrand.info/index.html.

[S. Heisley]

.
150 Kilograms = 330.69339299999995 Pounds
If you're really, really careful, you can do it.
You'll probably have to make your own chassis. (Or, have it made....At the top of your screen here is one example in the design resources.) Keep your size at 4x6' or smaller and use foam or 1/8" plywood backed by foam. People have been very successful. You can be, too!

Here is a Harbor Freight trailer chassis kit that weighs 130 pounds and is on sale for $184.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-cap ... 42708.html

Here is another brand (out of stock, right now):
http://www.discount-trailers.com/utilit ... er-kit.htm

[TPMcGinty]

Here is a Harbor Freight trailer chassis kit that weighs 130 pounds and is on sale for $184.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-cap ... 42708.html

Here is another brand (out of stock, right now):
http://www.discount-trailers.com/utilit ... er-kit.htm

The question is "How much is shipping to the UK?"

[S. Heisley]

Here is a Harbor Freight trailer chassis kit that weighs 130 pounds and is on sale for $184.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-cap ... 42708.html

Here is another brand (out of stock, right now):
http://www.discount-trailers.com/utilit ... er-kit.htm

The question is "How much is shipping to the UK?"

Thanks for bringing that up. We would hope that people are smart enough to understand that those were examples and not necessarily what he would purchase; but not everybody thinks the way you and I do. The laws governing trailers in the UK are different and he would want to purchase or make something based on the laws in his country, not ours. The point is, it is possible to build a trailer based on a 150 kg limit.

Here is a "guestimated" tabulation of a trailer that could come in at under 150 kg/330 lbs:

Approx. weight for min.. 4X6' Teardrop Est. pounds

40x49" HF Chassis Weight:...................................130.00
8"Spare Tire.......................................................7.00 (My 12" spare tire, which weighs 10 lbs)
4X6' plywood for Deck, 1/2" thick:..........................27.00
Extra framing on front for deck extension to 6' ..........5.00 (Assumes 2x4" wood frame cut to size & bolted to chassis on sides & tongue)
Extra framing on sides for deck extension to 4' .........15.00 (A 2x4" x4' wood weighed 5 lbs on my bathroom scale.)
4X6 sides,1/8"+ 1/8" ply* + light frame & 3/4" foam:.....67.20 * Exterior Aluminium sheeting would be lighter, see below
4X4 ends,1/8"+ 1/8" ply* + light frame & 3/4" foam:.....44.80
One vent, not powered:.......................................3.00
One door, Poplar framed 1x2's, extra at handle,.................. (continued)
1/8" ply-sided with 3/4" Styrofoam & one window......10.00
Door handle ......................................................3.00
===================================================
..............Unit Wood & Chassis:...........................312.00 ==> 330 lbs -312 lbs = allowance for paint, screws, etc.


1/8" aluminium sheeting on the outside may save even more weight
without the need for paint, sheets or canvas or much else except trim/glue/caulk.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index ... 509AAwrVZt
says a 4x8' x1/8" aluminium sheet weighs about 0.40 lbs.
A 4x8' x1/8" plywood sheet weighs about 9 lbs (weighed on my bathroom scale).

PS. The above is based on a 4x6 "box" shape. Trimming to curve the cabin into a teardrop shape should save even more weight.

[Tinbasher]

Thanks for all your input, some of the ideas will be followed up.

Since all new trailers had to be tested in the UK the harbour freight range known as the Wilstow in the UK is almost impossible to find as it can only legally be sold as "spare parts". Ironically "special use" trailers like teardrops Arendt included until October this year but as a base it isn't a viable option unless I can find a used example.

I need to look more into the German build although like the USA all the individual states in the EU have their own as well as EU laws. Germany is the strictest though so if it works there there is a good chance it probably will here.

Another thing that is difficult to source is 1/8 ply, not impossible but its rare and expensive and for some reason mostly sold in 4x4 sheets.

Sitting tonight with paper, pencil and calculator I am more confident but it will be close and one pound over weight and I will be illegal and uninsured

Keep your thoughts coming, that's what I love about these online communities.

Tom

[Lgboro]

If you are building for 1 person most of the 1 person tears at low weights are 3 foot wide. I built my tear with all cedar framing and cedar strip (sub 1/8 inch) with no exterior wood. I floated aluminum over my framing and insulation and have towed over 19000 miles in the last year plus without issue. I believe MadJack built his Alligator tear using this method which is where I got the idea to skip the extra wood. An aluminum framed (riveted or welded) tear and minimal trailer should put you on track for a 3 x 7 at the required weight. The 3 wide would also save on fuel and tow much easier behind a motorcycle. You might want to look a www.lassenviewcustoms.teardrops.net for some ideas.

[S. Heisley]

I want to be certain that people understand that the tabulated "guestimation", found above, was purely a fun calculation to see how big one could build and still stay within the 150kg/330 lb allowance. It is not a real example. One would never want to build a 4x6 box to pull behind a motorcycle. If they could even tow it, it could be suicide. More difficult than the weight is finding a trailer small enough that is legal to use in the UK and then making your teardrop aerodynamic enough for towing with a two wheeled vehicle; thus, also eliminating even more of your build's weight. While we're at it, extending the frame by adding 2x4 boards on the sides and front is probably illegal across the pond, too!

lgboro's example, above, is a very clean and attractive possibility.

The point is that, yes, you can do it.

[GPW]

A basically constructed Foamie’ sleeping pod on a light trailer should easily beat that figure ...

[aggie79]

Here's another idea from the design library:

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear58.htm

Andrew estimates the weight at 280 pounds.

[Tinbasher]

Thanks Tom

The Pico is my starting point but the estimate is close to my limit.

I am looking at an aluminium A frame chassis depending on whether I can borrow a suitable mig welder. Cutting it down to 3x7 and using a composite + foam construction.

Sophisticated grp and such things are beyond my skills.

The stainless steel one being built on Germany is interesting as from experience I can't see stainless being a lightweight enough material. The Danish behemoth is amazing if it really is as light as they report but I wouldn't like to tow it with the trike let alone a bike!

I am a big guy and also need to check if I can realistically manage in such a small space.

Tom

[grantstew8]

My brother in law is a keen motorcyclist bmw gs of some description and taken by my td . I did not realise the laws were so stringent for bike trailers. https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-motorcycle

My thoughts were to use a strip plank 1/8'. Now I know the limitations the design can start.

I've yet to finish my td but enjoying mulling over the motorcycle concept.