How big is too big?

[Plainsgirl]

I am wondering how many of you tow a wider TD? My chassis is 7' wide and a snick over 11' long. I want to keep it FAIRLY low..not going for a standy..so can any of you suggest a really nice profile/shape for my chassis size? Thanks all.

[Vedette]

Your chassis sounds like it is off a Tent Trailer (pop up......or whatever you call them over there?)
Ideal width for a teardrop (sleeping two?) is 5' wide. That is your inside width!
Teardrops normally have external fenders (guards) keeping your overall width to 75" to 80 "
If it is a Tent trailer chassis it is very easy to modify for a TD Build.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[48Rob]

[S. Heisley]

This will probably get lost in the shuffle, but:

If, according to manufacturer's specifications, it weighs too much for your tow vehicle to tow and/or does not meet DOT regulations, then, it's too big.

[rowerwet]

Most trailers can be trimmed down in width, some may require a welder to make them the width you want. You probably don't want a tear wider than the TV, otherwise you will need towing mirrors to tow safely. 6 feet wide is about the widest anybody builds.

[grant whipp]

The Campster12 is 7'x12' with 5' high walls ... http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear56.htm ... it could fit nicely on your frame ... ...!

Good Luck, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[Plainsgirl]

Thanks guys.
Rob, I keep going back and back to your design. It was my first 'tick' so there must be something in that!
My chassis can be trimmed in length reasonably easily and I THINK I can get the width to an external neat 6', with just the wheel arches outside that, which would make me a bit less nervous. I'm not TOO worried about towing weight, but I get the occasional heebie jeebies about vision when towing. I used to tow wide horse floats until I was 30..maybe I can recover those skills... or....I'm just losing my nerve as I approach the more genteel years

Kerry

[dales133]

Hi kerry is the trailer still registered in tasse?
If it is will be a bonus for you.
If not you want to read this front to back and check a few things via measurements ect http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/ ... _b.aspx#17.
There may be something tasmanian specific with your road authority but I would probably look at reducing the size if it dosn't hold current Rego for less headaches

[Plainsgirl]

Dales it's not registered at all so my first stop will be the trailer manufacturer down the road and the second will be my mate who actually does the inspections THEN I'll see what size mess I can create in order to get buiding Thanks for link..I WILL read it because I'm an information junkie.

Kerry

[HarryL]

I'm near the end of my built, a Standie. It's 83" wide and 12' long. Definitely not something that you can just push around like a normal teardrop. 1500# +

But, when the wife says a teardrop is two small for her and she wants to be able to stand up in the camper and get dressed, it kind of limits my options.

Fortunately is pulls easily behind my truck. Don't even notice it's there once I'm on my way.

[48Rob]

Kerry,

The original cabin car was 6' x 11', but the modern version I built is 7' wide x 12' long.

The body hangs over/covers the wheels which allows a lot more room inside.
Having fenders on the outside does make it a lot easier to see around when towing.

Rob

[rebapuck]

I really like that Cabin Car. But then, I like my room. It's why I camp in a VW. And I can pop the roof to stand up.

[48Rob]

Judy,

I understand.

At 6'-2 I like to stretch out as well. In a regular tear with the mattress as the floor, not much you can do other than lay down, or sit up slightly.
In the Cabin car (my design at least) the bed is on a platform, much like a bed at home. The floor is "dropped" or recessed 3.5"
These things combined allow you to sit straight up with your feet on the floor.
Standing straight up isn't possible, it is more a bent position, but if you chart the amount of time you sit, as opposed to stand while inside a camper, you'll find that 90+ percent is spent sitting, not standing (this doesn't count sleeping).
As with most things in life, camping is a matter of personal compromises!
I really like having the extra floor space, and the bathroom.
I can stand up outside

Rob