Newbie want to build a Tiny Toy Hauler

[TXTiny]

Hello. I'm interested in anyone's thoughts on a toy hauler design I'm contemplating.

I am a Powered Paragliding (PPG) Pilot, and I'd like to make a toy hauler for my motor and gear with a bed, desk, and cabinets.

I'm thinking about a 5x8 trailer with a side door and rear barn doors. I'm thinking about putting the paraglider motor and gear (wing, tools, gas can) in the rear 2 ft and making a partition to isolate any potential gas fumes/smells from the living area forward. The rear doors would be only to access the toys, and the side door would be to access the living quarters.

How does that sound? Does anyone know a good way to build an air-tight partition between the two sections to keep any fumes away from the front section? I have read that gas fumes are heavier than air and so I'm assuming low vents in the aft compartment would help. I've thought of using Tyvek Home Wrap on top of luaun.

I know 5x8 is "tiny" but I'd like to store it in my garage.

Here's a picture of the motor. The wing gets stuffed into a stuff sack.

[mikeschn]

Welcome to the forum.

Wow, you got balls. You'd never get me up there in one of those...

As for a toy hauler... here's an idea...

maybe something like this?



or this...







If gas is heavier than air, then put holes in the floor, and seal the compartment off from the sleeping area. (I'm thinking about the top photo when I say this!)

Mike...

[Miriam C.]

Wonderful picture! First opinion--make it 9' to 10' long. You will need at least 6 1/2 feet inside. You will also want to have room for walls and tie-downs.

As for the gas. I think I would line it with pvc shower pan liner or something similar.

Oh and to the playground.

Try this with a squared off tail.
http://www.mikenchell.com/Weekender_Photo_Album/

[Nitetimes]

One question...How the hell do you land that thing????
I mean, it's gotta run outta gas sometime?

[kennyrayandersen]

You may not be able to get a tear shape out of it, but the concept is certainly workable. Start with a square box. Put the rig in the back 2 feet where the galley ‘normally’ goes and keep the same configuration as a standard galley at the bottom which is only 12-18 inches in depth It looks like it would be a pretty tight fit at 2 feet, but I’m guessing that the seat either removed or folds up. It looks like near the bottom of the fan that there is only the fan, which is thinner. That should allow you to Put a cubby hole in it to make the bed longer and likewise doing the same thing at the top gives you a place to put the chute on the inside. You can tweak as required.

[M B Hamilton]

Just a thought here: you're talking about building a small wooden box, storing a couple of containers of gasoline in it and then getting in and going to sleep. It's been done, why not look into the positive ventilation systems mandated by the Coast Guard for power boats? Multiple doors/escape hatches out of the sleeping section might be appropriate too.

Not looking to be critical here, just offering a couple of suggestions relating to safety.

Mark

[kennyrayandersen]

Just a thought here: you're talking about building a small wooden box, storing a couple of containers of gasoline in it and then getting in and going to sleep. It's been done, why not look into the positive ventilation systems mandated by the Coast Guard for power boats? Multiple doors/escape hatches out of the sleeping section might be appropriate too.

Not looking to be critical here, just offering a couple of suggestions relating to safety.

Mark

That's why I moved the doors to the side and left the compartment for the powered chute in the back. I don't think you want to sleep next to fuel. With doors on both sides escaping would be easy and there would be zero chance a getting fumes in the cabin. Fuel could be stored either side of the engine in the same compartment as the engine, so all of the gas is in one place.

I think the other versions that Mike drew would probably work as well because the fuel source (whatever toy) is not in the cabin while you sleep. Still the point about the fuel not being in the cabin is a good one, so for that configuration maybe the extra fuel could be accessed from the outside so that it too is sealed from the cabin?

[TXTiny]

Thank you for all of the feedback. There are some great suggestions there.

Miriam, I had originally thought of converting a cargo trailer, but now I'm seriously considering building it myself to get it exactly how I want it. That album was inspiring. Also, I think the shower pan idea is much better than the Tyvek.

mikeschn, I like your first design along with kennyrayandersen's.

I had not thought about an actual fire, so escape is a good one. I don't think the fire hazard from fumes is great. The gas is in an enclosed tank and maybe I can drain the carb bowl back into the tank before I store it for the night. I do think whatever is done on boats is applicable here, so thanks for that tip.

Nitetimes: it lands just like a sport parachute. I've even had the engine stall a couple of times at 500+ feet, but you just pick a landing spot and glide there and touch down.