Canvas covered "Tentdrop" trailer?

[swaman]

Hi Folks,
I'm new to the site, but will take advantage of your wealth of knowledge, if you don't mind.
I've been researching teardrops for weeks, accumulating data to incorporate in the "mini" model that I am planning to build to tow with my motorcycle.
It will need to be just wide enough for my girl and I to "cuddle" for a night or two at a time, so I'm planning to use the harbor Freight 45"W X 48"L trailer with 8" wheels.
Weight being my biggest concern, here's my idea.....please don't hold back if you feel I'm teetering on the edge of insanity.
I propose that the trailer have solid front and rear ends, similar to the profiles you folks have, while fabricating a rigid "skeletal" framework for the sides, to support marine grade waterproof canvas. The roof area will be "screened, and covered with the same fabric as the sides, removable for sleeping under the stars Much like a convertible top.
I know that securing the canva sides for highway speeds may present issues, but trailered boats, dune buggies and antique sports cars like the MG have had canvas sides for years.
Please share your thoughts on theis concept.
GREAT FORUM!!
Thanks for your time.
Frank

[chorizon]

Welcome to the forum! How about making the hard front and rear hinged, so that they fold down while on the highway. You could stow the canvas underneath. I might have to make a fancy drawing...

Fancy Drawing:
<img src="http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv288/chorizon/foldytrailer.jpg" border="0" alt="foldy trailer">

[Juneaudave]

I can't say that similar concepts haven't crossed my mind...rather than canvas though, I keep coming back to a Runlite style using heat shrink dacron over a kevlar reinforced wood frame like these Geodesic AiroLITE Boats. I'm thinking that if you harden the areas that might be subject to road debris hits, the sides and tops should do well!!!

[del]

Welcome.

I built a tear on a 40"w x 48"l chassis and 8" tyres, have put in excess of 20,000 miles on it.

As for the convertible top someone else built one, sold it to her friend, and the friend is now enjoying it. I have CRS and can not remember who though.

Another build to look at is Roly Nelson's 1/4 Nelson. He used the same frame as me (except 12" tyres), a hollow core door as a floor, and weighs in at about 250#s.

del

[swaman]

Thanks Guys!
I'm releaved to read that my idea isn't totaly "out there". I think I'll start refining my plans and maybe get a weekend or two in it before the snow flies....YUK!
The hinged model closely resembles the popup that I have now, and I'm trying to get away from the setup fight that I seem to be losing more and more often as the pop and I get older. She's an early 70's TraveLite, that is ACTUALY a "POP" up, but she wants to pop up in a floppy, skewed manner that I have to fight every inch of the way. The pot-metal elbows at every upright are showing signs of age/fatigue, and I think I 'd have a better chance of seeing God than finding replacements.
Now I'm even more excited about my convertible, canvas wrapped tear!
Thanks again fellas!....you've been a great help!

Frank

[b.bodemer]

Go for it.

My friend is loving the convertible tear we worked on last summer.


Barb

[kennyrayandersen]

IF you build it and you don't like it you can rebuild it or change it -- none of it's the end-of-the-world stuff. It's unlikely that you can screw it up so bad it can't be unscrewed. Just plan the best you can and dig in!

[B52]

I used the HF 40x48 trailer as the basis for my motorcycle pulled "Bedroll". Actually, I didn't use the frame, just the tongue and axle/springs. After one season pulling the stiff, bouncy, rattling slipper spring setup, I tossed the axle and got a pair of Dexter 425# half axles and built a longer tongue. Now it pulls like a dream. I can't tell it's behind me on the road. The only thing I have left of the HF trailer is the numbers. Save yourself the hassle. Just my $.02.

[swaman]

sorry to hear that. That's exactly what I was gonna use it for......towed behind my VSTAR 1100.
Thanks for all the input guys!.....food for thought when I sit down this week (on vacation) and finalize my plans!

Swa

[Dan Hunter]

Have you seen the trailers behind motorcycles on the Hall of fame. I know there show be a few if not I can send you some pics of a few.[/img]

[bubba8814]

I am building the same trailer with a vynle roof sewed and button snap method every 10 inches....should i use a seal between top of roof and the cover?

[Lgboro]

I believe that Madjack built one with a very low profile that would be worth at look and if I remember correctly it is in his Personal Album.

[Lawnjockey]

A soft top offers some interesting possibilities. If you hinge the sides, rip the sides high enough so you can have them fold over the mattress. Have one side ripped higher than the other so it would rest on top of the other when folded. The top could be like a sheep wagon but with the sides being the ends. As far as having the top made google sheep wagon and you will find several canvas companies that make them. A word of warning, don't open the yahoo group called the sheep wagon, it is a group of perverts who do disgusting things with animals.

Jocko

[Duane King]

I have a VStar 1100 with a sidecar attached to it. The sidecar has a tanneau cover that snaps into place when the sidecar is not occupied.. The snaps are spaced about every 8" or so. The cover is made of black vinyl and curves up and over the sidecar windshield. There is a billowing that happens as the wind rushes over and around the cover, but the snaps hold it on very securely and I have never had a problem at freeway speeds. This application would be very similar to your idea of putting a removable cover on a small teardrop trailer. I think it would work real slick, bring down the overall weight, and give you a nice sleep under the stars experience when you want it. I would just suggest you screw the male portion of the snaps onto the teardrop so that the vinyl is stretched very tightly when snapped down. The vinyl will relax some in the heat of the day or be difficult to attach when it is cold. But you need it to be tight for best results.

If somebody wants to get into your trailer when it is parked, all you would have for security is a row of snaps. But in the 8 years I have had my sidecar, nobody has ever opened the cover to see what I have below. Good luck with your trailer idea. . .

One other thing to consider. The curved front of any teardrop roof is the strongest portion of the design when sheeted in one or more layers of 1/8" plywood. In your case, you will be sacrificing some of that strength by having essentially no structure to your top. For this reason, you may want to consider having at least the lower portion of the front of your trailer sheeted in wood. This will give you some of the unibody structure you will need to insure the integrity of the rest of the trailer. Again, good luck and post lots of pictures. . .

[Nic]

I have a snap down canvas top on my TD. It doesn't open or anything its just for looks. But when i first decided i wanted a canvas top i thought that it would help keep water off the hard top of the TD. I have gone through three new canvas tops because i cant find any canvas that is water proof/resistant. I have tried canvas that says it is and that its color fast and spray on stuff that says its everything and more. Nothing works. What do i need to look for in a canvas that will help the water roll off and not fade out in one hour?