Contemplating a Tear

[Alan_H]

Hi folks!

Alan from Central Florida here. I have a travel trailer that my dad and I made by converting a 8'X25' Enclosed trailer. I pull that with my 2001 Chevy Dually. However, due to it's size, it is sometimes not the best thing for a weekend trek, so I'm contemplating a Tear.

I have a small 5' x 8' utility trailer that my dad and grandfather home build in the 60's. It's still in great shape, has 3/4 ply floor, sides and tailgate/ramp. The sides are 1"x1" angle with the plywood inset in them, and about 36" high. The trailer also has a tilt built into it's design.

It's been refurbished once, probably 10+ years ago, and has lived inside or under cover most of it's life. I now also have a 5' X 10' utility trailer that I do most of my hauling with, including moving my motorcycle when needed. As such, the little 5x8 has been basically idle for a few years.

I think this would be a good platform for a tear, with my main concern being how to incorporate the 3' height of the angle frame, or if I should contemplate taking that off and just using the base. I would like to retain it, if possible, in case I ever chose to return it to basic utility service.

Has anyone ever done something like this, and incorporated an existing frame into the wall structure?

[tony.latham]

Hi folks!

Alan from Central Florida here. I have a travel trailer that my dad and I made by converting a 8'X25' Enclosed trailer. I pull that with my 2001 Chevy Dually. However, due to it's size, it is sometimes not the best thing for a weekend trek, so I'm contemplating a Tear.

I have a small 5' x 8' utility trailer that my dad and grandfather home build in the 60's. It's still in great shape, has 3/4 ply floor, sides and tailgate/ramp. The sides are 1"x1" angle with the plywood inset in them, and about 36" high. The trailer also has a tilt built into it's design.

It's been refurbished once, probably 10+ years ago, and has lived inside or under cover most of it's life. I now also have a 5' X 10' utility trailer that I do most of my hauling with, including moving my motorcycle when needed. As such, the little 5x8 has been basically idle for a few years.

I think this would be a good platform for a tear, with my main concern being how to incorporate the 3' height of the angle frame, or if I should contemplate taking that off and just using the base. I would like to retain it, if possible, in case I ever chose to return it to basic utility service.

Has anyone ever done something like this, and incorporated an existing frame into the wall structure?

Somewhere, I've seen a photo of someone that built a teardrop on a sidewalled trailer. Frankly, I can't imagine haveing to negotiate a hurdle like that to get in and out. It'd be a simple task to cut off the sides (with a $30 sawsall from Harbor) and a grinder. Easy for me to say. The other thing you need to look at on this project is where the axle is and a rough idea if the axle location will work –whether it needs to be moved back nd if its weight rating iis semi-close to the weight of your project.

My two-bits.

Tony

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum Alan
I am with Tony. Don't even think about saving some old angle iron sides.
And as far as going back?? That is like trying to make an interchangeable Teardrop/Utility trailer.
A useable go to the dump or local nursery trailer can be had for $50.00 to $100.00.....so why would anyone bother???
Building from an old utility trailer has no merit, except sentimental value.
If you think you are doing it to save money? You are dreaming! It is like renovating an old house? It costs a whole lot more to retro fit everything than it does to build a new house.
Sorry, I don't want to rain on your parade. And we are really excited to have you join in the world of Teardrop Camping.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[tlsallada]

I used a utility trailer with the raised angle iron sides and it worked out great. The raised sides allowed me to use that space as a basement for under the floor storage. The top of the raised sides were right at the right height to sit down in the doorway and swing into the teardrop. I'm not sure how to post a photo but my trailer is pictured in my gallery if you click on it.
Good luck in your build.

[Alan_H]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice. One of the other reasons that I'm contemplating keeping the frame is that I might add a rack and put a Roof Top Tent up there for the kids. I have 2 girls, and we're contemplating a third, so doing a Tear and a RTT would be the way to go. The other option would be other friends in the RTT, or we give up the nice bed in the Tear for friends and we use the RTT. It would just provide more options while still being able to use the Tear instead of the big trailer. All good advise thought and everything is still in the planning stages.

[Vedette]

Alan
You might want to research and replicate the 1967 Scad-A-Bout (only three made to my knowledge).
If I was 30 years younger and had kids (especially two girls) this would more than definitely be my build of choice.
There is a large hole in the average age of the Teardrop campers we have met.....they are either under 30 with no kids, or over 50, after the kids have left home.
This is due to the makeup of a Teardrop Trailer! But, if the Scad-A-Bout had been produced in large numbers, I am sure this demographic would be much different.
I am not computer savvy enough to post a picture of it here, but if you PM me your e-mail address I will send you pictures I have of one.
I can't figure out why nobody has replicated this build yet????
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Alan_H]

Thanks Brian, PM inbound

[KennethW]

Are you talking about this.
http://nationalserroscotty.org/history/ ... a-bout.pdf
A person could do the same concept as a add on form fitting roof rack. So that is can be removed when not needed.
Or even a roof top clam shell or wild goose.

[bobhenry]

Alan :

A few ideas......

Rear entry

pop up roof top tent

modular kitchen that stores inside but hang outside on a french cleat when camping.

My barn camper was built on a angle iron sided trailer. I wanted every inch of width so cut away some of it and built over top of other portions. Early pictures in this link might show the frame.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=30307


I have seen one that used the side rails as a guide and a pocket was create in the trailer body for it. Inside it was a 4x8 but the shallow side galley and opposite side storage made the unit almost 6' wide. Thinking saddlebags might help invasion this idea. Again a rear entry and perhaps a mounted ladder at the tongue for "2nd floor" access.

[felixx]

Mine will be removable from the trailer so I can have an 8x4 trailer

Also I will be sleeping 3 in it, myself and my 5 yr old on the floor and my daughter on a bunk above my shins. clothes etc will go under the bunk on alexanders side (He is only 3'2" tall) by the time he is tall enough for it to be trouble I will have built them an awning/ got them tents

Welcome