Bandit, built by Hiker Teardrop (orig:Thinking about a...)

[samblam]

Hi!

I fell down this rabbit hole in a search for inexpensive moving options that don't involved handing money over to U-Haul. I will be moving in the next month or so and my modus operandi is to research something to death. I have wanted a teardrop or something similar for a while now, and this move has motivated me to make it happen!

This will be my first time towing anything. I'm researching the best/least hilly route with preplanned camping or hotel stops. My car is a Subaru Outback and my research dictates that I'll have no problem with a bone stock v-nose United XLV 5x8. I was inspired by these http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=59243 posts http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=60436 and I look forward to finding more inspiration as I dig further back! Had I prepped further in advance, I would have special ordered a trailer with windows/vent/side door. But this project will be more fun, this way.

Initially I'll keep it for cargo, just with upgrades for traveling:
-Electric brakes- overkill never hurt anybody, right?
-I'm looking into a sway bar addition
-trailer hitch bumper guard... I've already damaged my bumper enough!

I will monitor my car using a bluetooth odb2 reader/my phone. I have an infrared thermometer to monitor the wheel hubs.

Future usage of this will include tailgating, camping and parking at the ski areas in the drizzly NW:
-roof vent + fan
-window
-side door/window combo
-modular/removable storage
-outdoor kitchen with grill <lots to think about there!
-speakers/music for tailgating
-insulation and heater for skiing/cold camping days
-two awnings

Any other ideas? I've got time to play around. Once I get to the serious planning stages I will make the plans in CAD, as a means to learn the software better. (Can't beat free student editions!)

[MtnDon]

-Electric brakes- overkill

Personally I do not think brakes are overkill on anything but the lightest TD. I've used trailers both with and w/o brakes. I prefer those with brakes.

[samblam]

New plan!

I ordered a basic 4x8 from Hiker Trailers in Indiana (also in Colorado) with the added tongue rack and back galley door.
Some changes allowed for a slightly larger initial purchase budget, I found these guys and everything has come together, thus far.

Must Haves
-electric brakes/electric brake controller
-spare trailer tire
-trailer hitch bumper guard
-vent fan
-rear stabilizer jack(s)
-fire extinguisher
-bottle opener above garbage bag holder

Desired things
-Sleeping/Storage-magnetic bug screens for doors, window curtains, peephole in the side door, create a mattress platform/under bed storage <<won't really get an idea of what I want there until I'm in it
-Galley-two burner stove, propane tank, fold out table underneath hatch door, awning(s)
-Electrical-Need to do a lot of research, but hopefully a solar panel/battery combo (maybe even a turbine if I wanna get crazy)
-Tailgating-speakers, tv antenna, beer pong table
-Towing related-independent friction sway control
-Skiing-Winter insulation (velcroed on), electric heater
-Necessary luxury-wine bottle and wine glasses ceiling holder

Thanks to all those that contribute here! I've gotten a lot of ideas from this forum.

[lrrowe]

Glad to see you ordered the electric brakes. Besides being a good idea in my opinion, they are a great aid when I back the CT down my steep drive. I set the controller at a high level which makes the backing down easier for me and also gives me a sense of being in more control.

[Schlockthropus]

Samblam,

I am in the same situation. Just ordered a trailer to tow behind a Subaru Outback. It's a 6x10. I have been very interested in the electric brakes as well. It will be interesting to see how our experiences compare. I will post information when I take possession of the trailer. In the meantime, I plan to do a tremendous amount of lurking.

I must say, just knowing that I am going to undertake this project makes my days that much better.

[ae6black]

I've never had trouble driving a trailer without breaks on dry roads. Three times in the last thirty years I've been pushed down the road when I tried to stop in a hurry on wet roads. The problem of course is compounded when you're trying to stop in a hurry while you are headed down a hill and of course gravel will make it even worse. All three times I ended up getting off the breaks and doing some fancy avoidance techniques to keep from wreaking into the vehicle in front of me. Once I actually had to get off the road and go for a driveway. All I had on the trailer during that particular incidence was an 80 lb canoe. Breaks are a good thing, particularly when the TV is on the small side.

Art

[samblam]

Hey guys!
I'm obsessing about all the different things I can do to it once it won't be used for storage. I love planning and this whole adventure is perfect/horrible for my obsession.

Awesome that you're exploring the same thing, Schlock! Feel free to post updates here or post a link here to your own thread.

The trailer doesn't come with brakes, I'm going to have them added by a local shop... Yet to be determined. The drive from Indiana back to South Dakota I'm not too concerned about.

I won't know until I'm sitting in it what exactly I want to do with the bed. But this is excellent= http://iamsamthevan.blogspot.com/2009/1 ... d.html?m=1 I have an Ikea twin foam mattress that I'll use initially, but I'd like something larger long term. My dog tends to take up half, not length-wise... Definitely won't work with another person.

[bc toys]

Welcome I know how you feel with the obsessing about what to do I'm on my 3rd and I already am making changes Ever time I say i'm going to add something wife says are your ever going to be happy with it

[samblam]

The trailer is nearing completion so I will hopefully journeying off to pick it up soon! I had a brake controller installed yesterday on the Sube.

As I mentioned before, it's going to initially be used for hauling and storage while I live with my parents for a month or a few. Depending on my situation, though, I might unload it and use it a few times this summer! I if I don't, my only chance to try it out will be on the drive back from Indiana. This hasn't stopped me from thinking about things I could use in it, and picking a few items up. REI's Memorial day sale forced me to buy an Alps table and the fold up Camp Chef stove that is on sale. I'm getting really excited! If you haven't checked out Hiker Teardrop's Facebook page and are in interested in what they make- here ya go: https://www.facebook.com/takeahiketrailers?fref=ts

[samblam]

Nearer to completion than I thought! I have dubbed it "Bandit" because my dog's name is Smokey. The decal pictured is one I designed, based on personal passion and profession.

I'm going to take advantage of the long weekend and pick it up.

[samblam]

Successful move, and half-cross-country towing! I got it home and let my stuff stew inside for a little bit. Then I didn't want all my free time to go to waste just working on my thesis and applying for jobs! I rented out a storage unit and started to work on my plans. Convertible bed and storage solution is my major project. I also have two plywood squares cut to fill in the end portion of the bed/kitchen area. They will be my dog's sleeping area if I'm tired of sharing, also it'll serve as a table for indoor food prep when the weather is bad.

This is what I have done thus far!

[Junkboy999]

glad to hear the move went well and nice little camper.

With a bit of planing you can make a box that is removable in the back opening for a galley and storage area.

I like the bed idea, My next one will have a full size mattress area in it, bat was thinking if I still use a twin I can have a place for storage on the side and a dog bed on the side as well.