Hello, pleased to meet you!

[Wolfpack]

Hello,

I've been lurking here since February, and I've learned a lot from all the fantastic information on these forums. I have decided what type of teardrop I want to build, so I thought it was about time that I joined.

I will be making a foamie because I really like the efficency of the low weight, which will be ideal for my Nissan Maxima, that has a tow rating of 1000 Ib. My exterior design is similar to a full size travel trailer but with much smaller dimensions, after I completed a rough Sketchup I realized it's also a reverse Teardrop design. I have no plans for a galley, my 2 Dogs will be comng on all camping trips, so I want to maximise the interior space.

Here's my Sketchup design, excuse their roughness, I did these while learning to use Sketchup, and the axle is a few inches too far forward. I will do a final version shortly, with all the correct measurements, with some other revisions.




I already have 4x8 Northern Tool utility trailer which I will be using for this project, I use it frequently to carry items which are too big for my car, but unfortunately I don't have room for a second trailer, so I am thinking of having a rear hatch in the teardrop, so I can put big boxes and wood in there on trips to the hardware store. I plan to raise the floor by 4" to clear the wheels, so I can have a flat floor which will be 5' 6' wide. I've measured my car for trailer clearance on tight turns in parking lots, and I will be able to extend the floor by 6" beyond the trailer frame at the front and rear, so the floor will be 9' long.

I have collected about 2/3 of the parts, and I expect the weather to get really cold shortly, so I plan to research and get the rest of the parts, and finalize my design. I will start the build in March when it's warmer and hopefully get it done in 3 months, as I really want to go and visit some national parks next year. I picked up 6 sheets of 2" XPS foam this week, so there is no turning back now.



Thanks for all the great information provided here, and I look forward to starting my build journal in the spring.

[Wolfpack]

Thanks! As the wooden floor will be almost 2' in the air, I plan to have 8" skirting around the edges, so it doesn't look like an off road trailer. I'm planning to have the 12v battery, and the spare wheel under the floor. I will definitely consider underfloor storage.

[felixx]

Just an idea since you are lifting it up a bit
Get the studs re drilled to the same pattern as your maxima
then get some maxima wheels from a wrecker.
(it will look 'matched') and you can use your car spare if needed.

(frees up storage space too)

Also welcome! from one noob to another

[pchast]

Welcome!

[bc toys]

Welcome to this wonderful site

[Wolfpack]

Thank you everyone! Your advise is much appreciated.

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum.
Yes, you will enjoy under floor storage!
Good Roads
Brian & Snadi