Long time lurker with a New design

[mikefowler]

Well I have been hanging around this board for probably about 2-3 Years now. Last week harbor freight had there 399 trailer on Sale for 299 And I have time AFTER I side the house that I could construct A teardrop. So I took the plunge. I have a good idea as to what I Want and need in a trailer. The tow Vehicle is a Scion XB. Topping the consideration List will be weight. I consistantly tow 600 lbs with this scion all the time with NO problems But still I want to keep it low.

The trailer will have these features:
1. Built on a HF trailer.
2. Be 8x4x5 want the width
3. Be able to Seat & Sleep my 6'1" wife
4. Have a dining area with a drop down floor that raises for travel
5. Be of a light weight design - the roof and wall panels will be of 1/8 inside and outside with framing and insulation of 3/4 thickness.I
the Floor will be 1/2 plywood on a 1 to 1 1/2 frame with insulation

I have uploaded to my gallery Some 3d drawings and 2d Blueprints please Check them out and give me your feedback
http://tnttt.com/album_ ... er_id=1521

Here is a tickler:



As you can see I wanted something boxy that was along the same design concept of the Scion I will paint it the Same color.

TIA,
Mike
Well there it is my FIRST Post!

[Joanne]

Hey Mike!

Welcome to the madness. It took you long enough to come over to the "dark side"!

Two thoughts:

- copy the rear air deflector from your Scion to the rear of the trailer. That would tie the two designs together.

- less practical would be to use Scion wheels on your trailer.


If you've seen Gaston's PT Snoozer you'll understand where I'm going with my suggestions. It's a real sleek look that ties the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Again, welcome aboard! Don't wait two years for your next post.

Joanne

[Miriam C.]

Great CAD. It looks like you will have a beautiful TTT. I am not sure I would paint dark but others have. I would insulate the ceiling and add Air. Small spaces get hot fast.

[mikefowler]

Joanne Yea I thought about the rear deflector thing thought I could add it later -
And UH PINK! - No way!

Aunti M I have tought more along the lines of a portable swamp cooler home built and Yes to the insulation
I had a tent trailer years ago and it was dark too! I sewed a front porch for it out out white duck canvas and threw the rest over the top it REALLY made a difference I was think of doing something simular but more refined

[bledsoe3]

Mike, now that you've taken the first step it will become an obsession. Not a bad thing really, but an obsession none the less. Keep us updated with your progress and pictures of course.

[madjack]

Mike, angle the front corner back a bit to mimic the windshield...add a tongue box to mimic the hood and with the rear spoiler you will have a serious match....have ya seen "sunny16's" camper in the HoF........
madjack

[billydj]

been lurking forever myself but what I would like to know is this.

I was looking at the scion x/b, still love em but my dealer said I couldnt even tow my small aluminum fishing boat......so I reluctantly bought a minivan...... the x/b offered a roomy interior for such a small car....

when I see one I think that could be me driving it.....

luck on your project :thumbsup:

bill

[bledsoe3]

Mike, You should come down to the Dam Gathering http://www.teardrops.net/14thDG.html It's only about 2 1/2 hours from Medford and you'll see between 50 & 60 teardrops. You could pick up some ideas, ask questions and meet some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

[Ron Dickey]

simple design..... not far from a tear drop I put a little rounding on the fop of mine just to give it the traditioal touch!!

looks like it will fit you and the Galley looks intriging.

Ron D.

[mikefowler]

Ron Dickey thanks for the compliments

bledsoe3 Thanks for the invite I have been considering it.

[mikefowler]

BillyDJ The toyota dealer pretty much has to Say that. The Scion has a no factory rating on towing. If you Compare it to the mini Cooper you can get a pretty good idea what you can and Can Not tow. I do contracting and landscape work for National Mortgage Companies and have a trailer on just about every day of the week. My standard trailer set up runs about 650#. I can run up and down the freeway all daylong at 75 mph up and down hills etc. No Prob and our freeway system has three narly passes with 7-6 1/2% Grades I go over all the time. I do Shift into 4th on the climbs. I really don't have to but why Stress stuff out. I would not do this with a automatic. I will probably only get 200,000 out of it instead of the typical 350,000- 400,000 miles and will probably have to get a clutch sooner and brakes more often. BUT I LOVE my car. I have to date towed a trailer that weighed in at 1580# -I DID NOT Like it a bit - slow and Steady that day. Was'n't that I did Not have enough power it was just that the trailer pushed me around. With my 650# back there I hardly Know its there when I get over 1200# I really start to notice it. Especilly if I am light on the tounge weight.
If you are ever in Medford and want a Test Drive Send me an e-mail
I

[mikefowler]

Well I have found lots of goodies this Week
Scored a Brand New Aluminum Vent for $5
A complete Electric converter system out of a wrecked camper for $15
A 8 gallon freshwater tank out of the same Camper for $10
the guy GAVE me the the Sureflow pump - SCORE
I went down and bought all my plywood today at our Local hardwood Distributor and as I was picking up the plywood they GunKed a pile of poplar - I thought No way! I was looking at doing all my framing with doug fir Not No more - Check it out!
put a serious workout on my Yakima rack but it sprung right back
Awesome product - to give you an Idea of now much poplar I got the Rack is Rated at 500# I think I MAXED that!



Fully loaded - Bars Bent

Bar went Back Straight Yeah!

The Spoils

Going to try to Un-box the HF trailer and get it together the first of next Week. Or maybe this weekend

[bledsoe3]

Nice score on the poplar. I'm glad your rack sprung back. So, are you coming to Shasta?

[martha24]

Looks like you are on your way!! Good luck on your build and keep us all posted with your progess and lots of

If you haven't ever visited a gathering, you really should come to Shasta. Best way to look at a variety of TDs up close and see what you like or don't like.
Martha

[mikefowler]

I really want to come down to the dam gathering but have to see what next week holds.