Hello from Buffalo

[kerryb]

Hi! Cool site you have here. I've been reading and looking a lot lately so I figured it was time to join in. I've been making lots of sketches of the trailer I wanted to build for my motorcycle. It was to be a HF 40 x48 w/ 12" wheels. A folding camper design...but I came across an unfinished (barely started) project from someone else and thought it was a great deal! So now I'm rethinking EVERYTHING to make my ideas fit into a teardrop design envelope to be pulled by an 1100cc motorcycle. Got into bikes a couple years ago and figured riding and camping would be a good mix. (I'm done backpacking, too much labor involved) Still have all my backpacking equipment, works quite well out of the kayak and canoe rig.
So now I'm trying to decide which construction techniques will work best with my skills and budget. My primary goals are a TD low enough to see over from the seat of the bike, but still accessible to get a quick nap without unfolding too many panels. Overall weight and aerodynamics will be my chief constraints. This should be fun!!!

p.s. I put photos in my album, do they get linked to this post somehow?

[Mary C]

Kerry, Welcome You have a great start, There are so many designs and ways to build. All I do is suggest Foam. Have a happy build!

Mary C.

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum.
And as Mary said, you are off to a great start.
Your chassis is exactly what you needed , rather than a crappy HF one with cheap springs.
It would be nice if you were an aluminum welder and could build an all aluminum skeleton c/w riveted skin.
But, a simple (basic) teardrop body will more than suit your needs.
There is a ton of great construction information here on the Forum!
Good Luck with your build!!!
Brian & Sandi

[kerryb]

Thanks for a warm welcome folks,

I can weld aluminum (Lincoln MIG welder) but my thoughts keep coming back to foam fiberglass sandwich for it's ability to created compound curves in the front corners. What I still want to research is how much benefit is to be attained from this aerodynamic angle. The bike is about 30 inches wide at the back and the camper (trailer) is 48" wide, so the drafting effect from the tow vehicle is greatly reduced. But finding someone knowledgeable to comment without having to build a wind tunnel like the Wright Brothers to find out would be a nice touch right now!. I still have the 40 x 48 HF kit with the leaf springs from my initial start on this project, so I may build that one first for practice. I could use my new-found knowledge of foam/titebond construction to see if I agree with the articles I've read. It sounds like a good system, the cleanup sure is easier! This could be an interesting winter.