Fifth Wheel Teardrop Shaped

[fullon627]

We are still building my daughters trailer. But since we started building it, I've been dreaming about other small trailer builds. Has anyone built a teardrop shaped mini fifth wheel trailer? I've been searching the net for photos of one, to no avail. Anybody ever seen one?

[anon1]

Do you mean like any of these:

[fullon627]

Do you mean like any of these:

Cute but no. I've seen all those before, I did see the last one you have pictured (video) in person at a dealership in San Jose in the early 70's.

[jandmz]

I don't think I have ever seen anything that would qualify as a fifth wheel teardrop. The frame shape of a fifth wheel really doesn't lend itself to the teardrop shape, unless you would leave the upper part of the frame as a cargo rack and built something like the Campster 12 on the lower part of the frame.

There have been a few small fifth wheels built commercially. In the '80's, Lance built 17 and 19 ft. fivers, but they were pretty traditional trailers. Scamp builds a 19 ft fifth wheel, but it is more a variant on a fiberglass egg trailer than a TD.
You can see one here.
http://www.scamptrailers.com/showroom/1 ... LayoutA_01

Do you have a design in mind?

[fullon627]

I don't think I have ever seen anything that would qualify as a fifth wheel teardrop. The frame shape of a fifth wheel really doesn't lend itself to the teardrop shape, unless you would leave the upper part of the frame as a cargo rack and built something like the Campster 12 on the lower part of the frame.
There have been a few small fifth wheels built commercially. In the '80's, Lance built 17 and 19 ft. fivers, but they were pretty traditional trailers. Scamp builds a 19 ft fifth wheel, but it is more a variant on a fiberglass egg trailer than a TD.
You can see one here.
http://www.scamptrailers.com/showroom/1 ... LayoutA_01

Do you have a design in mind?

It wouldn't be considered a teardrop, just teardrop shaped. I have a 18.5ft Prowler Lynx fifth wheel. After owning just about every kind of rv over the past 40 years, I've settle on this little fifth wheel. The biggest reason is its a little over 7ft wide and weights nothing compared to what I'm use to towing. I camp frequently over the past 30 years at Pamplin Grove where the IRG is held. The path down to the lower camp grounds is getting narrower from the trees getting fatter. I've brought very big trailers and motorhomes in there in the past (btw, we used to tent there (I like tents myself) and other places at first. But my wife and I didn't like taking five children to the bathroom throughout the night). Now that it's just the wife and I, this little 5th is perfect. King size bed over the top and a big rear bathroom. I also like how a 5th tows. Even though the Lynx is perfect for us and my F150, I have something else in mind. I have a 1957 Black Ford Ranchero stored in my garaged for over 30 years. I'm finally getting ready to take it out and build it. I'm going to want to travel with it. So what better than a little teardrop shaped 5th wheel standee to take along. Out of all the years owning trailers and motorhomes, I've never cooked inside. So having a rear outside kitchen appeals to me.

My Prowler 5th. Photo is from the person I bought it from. I keep it indoors when not in use.


A photo of a black 1957 Ranchero. Not mine, but mine should look as good.


The shape I was thinking of. Sleeping up top, bathroom in the middle and kitchen out back.

[fullon627]

I just edited some of my wording. I was never thinking it would be considered a teardrop. Just sort of teardrop shaped. I think it would be cool looking behind the Ranchero. I was thinking it would be 6.5ft wide by 16ft long, with overall height around 7ft.

[DrCrash]

I like it ..

[fullon627]

I like it ..

Thanks DrCrash for the thumbs up on my drawing!! I looked at your photos to see what kind of trailer you have. I saw that you might have a boxer. I was trying to send you a private message about Boxers. But it didn't look like it went. We have two boxers that love children and cats!!! I like the Brindle with the matching cat!!!




Maybe DrCrash's Brindle with matching cat!!

[GerryS]

What kind of tow vehicle? I think this is an interesting thread but it seems to me you are building something so custom that the reuseability or ability to sell later is about zero.

At the height you are talking, if you are going to attach inside the truck bed, you won't be able to turn....the teardrop won't articulate without hitting the bed walls. And it's too tall to use a bumper hitch unless you have a 4wd with a serious lift...

Or maybe a low rider with the ball mounted way up high...

I can't see how this would work without knowing the tow vehicle and the ball location....

[SSchumacherCO]

I remember seeing a pair of fifth wheel type teardrops pulled by 2WD Chevy S10 pickups. This was near the Tetons or Yellowstone in August of 1982. I have never seen them or reference to anything like it since. But I have always wondered what you could do with that format.

[jandmz]

I think another reason that people don't often home build fifth wheel type trailers is that a flat frame is much easier to build. Hitch and coupler parts are also more readily available. Another consideration, is that your Ranchero will easily handle a fairly good sized trailer with a frame mounted drawbar hitch, but mounting a fifth wheel hitch will require drilling holes into the bed of a classic truck.

[Westy]

Fullon, Have a look at this one I posted some time ago. The company is in West Australia
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=36144

Westy

[Vedette]

I think Westy has answered your question, if you look at his link.
My personal opinion is that it is too tall!
But do you want a standee or a teardrop?
Cool Idea for your 57 Ranchero though.....and in that Rancheros were built off of a Station Wagon platform.
There is that huge rear foot well under the box floor that would be ideal for the storage space you lose by using the box for a fifth wheel hitch.
I have restored a 57 Meteor Ranchero, so I am very familiar with them.
Can't wait to see what you come with.
I build TD's out of cars! Check out my Album.
Loved the VW truck with the fifth wheel, but it was a little too long???
Good roads
Brian & Sandi

[fullon627]

I remember seeing a pair of fifth wheel type teardrops pulled by 2WD Chevy S10 pickups. This was near the Tetons or Yellowstone in August of 1982. I have never seen them or reference to anything like it since. But I have always wondered what you could do with that format.

I'd like to see them!

[fullon627]

I think another reason that people don't often home build fifth wheel type trailers is that a flat frame is much easier to build. Hitch and coupler parts are also more readily available. Another consideration, is that your Ranchero will easily handle a fairly good sized trailer with a frame mounted drawbar hitch, but mounting a fifth wheel hitch will require drilling holes into the bed of a classic truck.

I've seen a lot of super built teardrops and tiny trailers here that I wouldn't attempt to build. But I think I can pull this off. My daughters trailer is a budget build. If I build this one, all stops are off!