So it begins...

[Wangofree]

Hello folks,

Mike here, better known as "Wangofree" a madeup moniker that I often use in forums. 2 years ago I said I would start building a small travel trailer, and now the time has come. What my wife and I have in mind is sort of a Wazat, but without the sharp angle in the front, and no sleeping quarters. Maybe something like Rik Keller's Roadtoad.

We sleep in our Honda Element when camping. What my wife has requested is a trailer that has 3 items. 1) A full kitchen galley. 2) A hot water shower. 3) Some type of bathroom.

So, after reading and salivating over everyones' posts (especially Joanne's Desert Dawg) , I've made the first move to start the project.



I started with a notebook with dividers for all the major components that will go into the trailer. This should help me keep things organized.

What I have in mind for this trailer so far is:

5 x 9 ft custom weld aluminum trailer by local fellows.
#9 Dexter Torsion axle with electric brakes and parking brake feature.
14 inch 1800 lb weight limit tires with aluminum wheels.
6 gal Suburban propane/electric water heater.
4' x 5' "bathroom/shower" area in the front of the trailer.
Fresh and grey water tanks in this area.
Utility/electrical system in the middle.
Galley in the back of the trailer.
Optima deep cycle batteries on tongue with Propane.
Both 120v shore power and 12v systems.
Aluminum exterior.

Yesterday I received 1 of the wheels. Next one should be arriving in a day or two.

So far, so good. Now I can calculate what size of Dexter axle to purchase. With this wheel (and this is where I can use some help checking my math), I've measured 4 1/4 inches from the interior rim where the hub would connect, to the top of the tire. ( I did this before I shrink wrapped the tire.) I want to calculate the required "hub to hub" dimenions. The axle brackets from outer edge to outer edge will be 5 ft or 60 inches. To that 60 inches I would add 4 1/4" plus 4 1/4" making it 68 1/2". To that I would add the thickness of the trailer sidewalls, 3/4" x 2 = 1 1/2", so now we are up to 70 inches. Of course the tire needs a little breathing space, so I would add another inch or 2 to each side. Say we split the difference and make it 1.5" on each side between tire and trailer siding. That would bring the distance from hub face to hub face to 73 inches.

Does this seem about right to you guys? These tires are 205/75D and are about 7 1/2 inches wide. I figure with 1 1/2 to 2 inches between the tire and the trailer siding, a 10 inch fender will look great.

I have a plan, but like so many, I'll end up designing or refining the design as I go. I've enjoyed so many of your photos and posts, I look forward to increasing my album as I go.

Thanks.

Mike

[John T. Hodgen]

Welcome Mike,
Welcome to the forum and good luck with your build. I know alot of Honda Element owners are going to have a gathering in VA. in the next month or so. Alot of them are now building Teardrops.
I just camped at the Tearjerker's Tn. Chapter at Warrior's Path and Kenny had his Watzat there--cool trailer. Seeing as how you will have a galley, shower, and toliet, I believe its do-able. Maybe a sit down shower would work for the height thing. The rest is just figuring out how to place it all in there?!!
Good luck and look forward to the build. My build/camp pix r here: http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/panheadjohn60/ and also here: http://www.gearztv.com/index.php?conten ... c=12_14178 Til later by the fire--John T.

[hiker chick]

Welcome aboard, fellow E-person and soon-to-be Teardropper.

Teardrops do seem to be proliferating among the E-ple.

[teardrop_focus]

^ hiker chick, I applaud your tow rig and teardrop combination... Very clean and right. I've seen pics of it elsewhere, too, but your above-posted pic of the combo is outstanding. Well done, milady.

Wangofree/Mike

What I have in mind for this trailer so far is:

5 x 9 ft custom weld aluminum trailer by local fellows.
#9 Dexter Torsion axle with electric brakes and parking brake feature.
14 inch 1800 lb weight limit tires with aluminum wheels.
6 gal Suburban propane/electric water heater.
4' x 5' "bathroom/shower" area in the front of the trailer.
Fresh and grey water tanks in this area.
Utility/electrical system in the middle.
Galley in the back of the trailer.
Optima deep cycle batteries on tongue with Propane.
Both 120v shore power and 12v systems.
Aluminum exterior.

Welcome aboard! from another no0b who's planning his own teardrop.

A concern arises from reading your list that the trailer's tongue weight might be a bit too heavy what with the battery (70 lbs min for your setup) and fresh and grey water tanks forward of the axle.

Think of what it might take to get the heaviest components of your otherwise excellent concept as close to or on top of the trailer axle as you can. Try to keep the tongue weight to 100 lbs or less (but have at least 8% of the trailer weight on the tongue); since the Element is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you don't want to unweight the front tires by having a too-heavy tongue load. I see hiker chick's Element is sitting level, but with some noticeable load on the rear axle. Perhaps you can ask her what her tear's tongue weight might be. That's the only weight question that one can politely ask a lady. rofl.

If I am reminding you of things that you're already thinking about, then please pardon me.



I like your concept! Now, I'll go Google some images of the Wazat you speak of.

[Wangofree]

^


If I am reminding you of things that you're already thinking about, then please pardon me.



I like your concept! Now, I'll go Google some images of the Wazat you speak of.

Thanks for your kind words John.

Nice setup Hiker Chick. We love the E.

Chris, Thanks for the weight reminder. I will have to move the water tanks, which will be "below" the deck toward the back. I'm thinking the axle will be about 45" in from the rear. I'll have to do some figurin'.

Mike

[Miriam C.]

To the playground Mike. We used to live near Lawrence and many of my family still do.

I think if you are doing a shower you will want to go at least 10 usable feet long. Be sure to use some type of exhaust fan too....

We will be looking for more pictures to keep the bubble oil level......

[Wangofree]

Hi Miriam,
I always enjoy reading your positive comments. I do have an exhaust fan in mind for the shower area. Probably a Fan-tastic fan. As to length, I still have the luxury of deciding since the frame will be built to my specifications.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Lawrence is a great place to live. Just don't tell anybody.

Mike

[Miriam C.]

ummmmm a fantastic fan might be a bit much for a tiny bath... May I suggest a small, cheap bath fan or even a puter fan.

[Wangofree]

Yikes! I see some mistakes in my future if I don't ask a few more questions Miriam. I've researched this and other sites for 2 years, but you don't have all the answers I guess until someone points out a possible boo boo.

The Dexter #9 axle came in today. Looks good with the wheels. Tomorrow I haul it 2 blocks south to the welders. A couple of young guns that build some amazing stuff. They say a trailer will be easy. I have confidence in their skill from what I've seen.



I guess this is like jumping out of an airplane. No turning back now!
I think I'm off to a good start. The hub face to hub face of 73" gives me excellent tire clearance from the torsion bar, and an 11" fender will fit perfect.



Mike

[Wangofree]

Progress is being made. Went to check out the almost completed frame at my local weld shop. MAN it is SWEEEEET!



Won't be long until the fun begins.

Mike

[Beachbuggy]

Welcome and have a fun build, from another Element owner

[Wangofree]

Thanks BB. It's going to be a long, hopefully fun filled summer.

Mike

[WarPony]

Mike, that is one healthy frame. I'm just left of you in Topeka..... we go out to Clinton every once in awhile, over at Bloomington Park.

Jeff

[Wangofree]

Hey Jeff,

Clinton or Perry is nice. Sometime we'd like to go to Lake Wilson. It's supposed to be a clean lake. Another fun spot is Watkins Mill State Park Missouri next to Excelsior Springs. They have a great museum and camp area.

You've done some nice work on your trailer.

Mike