SkyNerd wrote:Hey all, this is only my second post but I have been lurking a bit and have reached a point in my "design phase" where I think I need help getting some questions answered. Hopefully my picture attached and what I'm about to say makes some sense. It's a pretty rough sketch and not to scale (meaning i didn't use a ruler).
I have a family of five, so a teardrop is a stretch to begin with, but If I can make this work for a few years I'll count it as a win! The advantage I have is that the kids are only 2, 4, and 6, and they don't take up much space. If I followed through with the top bunk, that plus the full size mattress and probably at least 2 more feet for the kitchen. brings me to a 12' trailer, yikes. I figured I could extend out 2' over a 10' trailer but I worry about getting close to the truck (see questions below).
my requirements for this build are: a.) has to fit in my single side garage, my f150 with mirrors hardly fits width wise anyway overall width according to ford is 79.9" (excluding mirrors) I also have 17 feet of space (length wise) that I can use, there is a step and an additional 2.5 feet of space at the back of the garage as long as the tail end of the trailer stays high enough to clear it when backing up. So whether I extend the bunk or go with a bigger trailer, overall length has to fit in the garage.
Questions:
1.) If keeping the trailer no taller than my tow vehicle (F-150) which stands just over 6' (75.6" according to ford) how much should I deduct from my working height to account for the trailer clearance? (I assume there is some range or average that will give me a starting point my guess was 14" trailer height)
2.) I would like to have a battery (or two) for lights, charging phones, maybe running a small heater overnight. Is this what is normally in the forward storage area? (the "?" on my picture).
2b.) How far from the tow vehicle should this forward storage area be? Or in my case if I extend the front out over the storage box will I just end up hitting the back of my truck in turns? I assume there has to be some distance from the tow vehicle per width of trailer calculation that I could use to figure out how close to the truck I can build. I will likely be having a custom trailer made/built. I could also taper in the sides of the bunk to give a greater turning radius.
3.) Noting my picture, I could potentially just make a really long trailer and then use the lower portion (below the bunk) for inside AND outside storage. This is more of an opinion question, but would it be easier to retain the traditional shape and just make a long trailer? I want to conserve MPG's as much as possible as I plan to do another 3000-4000 mile trip next summer. FYI I'm not afraid of a design challenge or leaving the traditional design with the forward bunk area either, however if anybody thought it was a bad idea PLEASE educate me
4.) Trying to estimate weight. What are most 10', 2" tube steel trailers weighing in at? I've looked for utility trailers to re-purpose but most weigh in the 1000lb range!!! even if I strip the railing, remove the 2x6 floor and detach the loading gate I assume it would still be 700ish lbs? The difference is I can get one of those cheap, but I would gladly spend the extra $$ having one built if I will save significantly in the weight department.
Thanks in advance for any advice/information. Feel free to use, print edit, repost my picture.
- Jes
PS. I traveled 3200 miles a few months ago tent camping with my family we had a great time. Unfortunately we lost so much time setting up and taking down camp, and we had little room for toys. the teardrop gives us everything we need to "setup" ready to go anytime. and we can spend our time loading and unloading bikes, fishing, gear, etc. and less time dealing with tents, sleeping bags, cots, camp stoves etc... so I don't think I want much more than anybody else, a comfy place to sleep, protection from the elements, maybe a little climate control too. lol
SkyNerd wrote:WOW almost a year and a half since my last post..... UPDATES BELOW
I have been lurking here and all over pintrest for ideas for nearly 18 months. Finally coming to terms that I probably wont build the perfect trailer on my first try, I’m finally ready to order a trailer and just get to it!
I found a local trailer manuafacturer (to cut out the middle man markup) and got quoted for a 5’x10’ trailer with 3” channel, extended the tongue from 3’ to 3’6” to make room for the jack a propane tank and a decent sized storage box for electronics (battery PV charge controller etc.) and maybe some other utility items, and a couple rear trailer jacks to level things out when camping.
Ive seen SO many awesome galleys and internal storage configurations I have decided to start with the most BASIC trailer I can.
The plan is to put only shelves in, no cabinets and rig up some bunjies or paracord to keep things in place. The galley will be just shelves initially as well and a big storage compartment in the lower area for the Ice chest, etc.. Once I know “how we camp” I figure I will know what our storage needs are and can add in cabinets or little storage areas from there as I discover what works for our needs.
I’m so excited to get things started.
If anyone has any suggestions before I pull the trigger on this order. Please give me a heads up I’d hate to have to take it back for additional welding if I over looked anything.
One thing I’m looking in to is adding some “tabs” to bolt the floor of the trailer to the frame as to prevent drilling holes in the steel. Thoughts?
Also, I figured I would build the lights in to the back of the trailer (mostly for looks), but should I just have them weld on the mounts to the rear of the trailer and keep it simple?
Lastly, considering this is a 3500 lb axle trailer with 3” channel on a 5x10 frame and a (probably 5’ tall) camper built on it, would it be smart to consider trailer brakes? They are far cheaper to add during manufacturing VS. afterwards, and though adds about 20% to the price, its not out of my price range. I have two tow vehicles, an F-150 and a Subaru ascent (rated at 5000lbs towing). The brakes would be more for the Subaru than the truck. But do you think I should do it, or is it over kill on a trailer this size, single axel with an AUW of probably no more than 3000 lbs?
Thanks in advance for any replies!!
- Jes
Very similar dimensions to the trailer we had built.
I found a local trailer manuafacturer (to cut out the middle man markup) and got quoted for a 5’x10’ trailer with 3” channel...
tony.latham wrote:Very similar dimensions to the trailer we had built.I found a local trailer manuafacturer (to cut out the middle man markup) and got quoted for a 5’x10’ trailer with 3” channel...
How much, out of curiosity???
Tony
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