New Convertible TDrop 4 Sale in OR IMPROVED DESCRIPTION

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New Convertible TDrop 4 Sale in OR IMPROVED DESCRIPTION

Postby John S. » Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:11 pm

I've copied the text from the EBay auction and revised my description here to include some information I'm getting questions about.

This is a new teardrop trailer that converts from a camping teardrop to a 3/4 Ton stakeside or flatbed trailer,
by 1 person, in about 20 minutes. I can do it in 15 minutes if I’m showing off.
This TD is symmetrical front and rear; it’s a "Gumdrop Style" teardrop.

The body of the trailer is 4’ wide x8’ long x4’ high.
Empty weight is ABOUT 875 Lbs. I'm still trying to find an accurate scale for this weight range.
You can tow this trailer easily with almost any 4-cylinder vehicle.

TEARDROP CONVERSION
The Teardrop is a separate module from the trailer, there are 4 removable lifting jacks with wheels, (included) that raise the module up and the trailer can easily be pulled out from underneath (like a pickup truck camper) creating a 3/4Ton stakeside or flatbed utility trailer. The module is held in place with 4 hardened steel brackets with Grade 8 bolts

TEARDROP MODULE
The module contains a sleeping compartment in the front (sleeps 2) and a galley area under the rear-opening hatch.
The galley features a removable Coleman 12 VDC cooler, (110VAC power block included) a slide-out propane grill/stove (grill on one side, standard burner on the other), (propane hose included) see-through acrylic sliding doors, 6 finger-jointed drawers, aluminum framed non-skid adjustable shelves, Formica countertop, and the bottom cabinet door folds up (solid steel brace) for extra counter space. The bottom galley cabinet has a holder for 2 gas bottles and a fire extinguisher (all included) and is for "large object" storage. The locking hatch raises automatically with 2 heavy-duty nitrogen gas cylinder springs. A two-stage 12VDC galley light (high/low output) as well as a battery LED backup light are mounted under the hatch, a 12VDC outlet is built-in above the cooler.
And, of course, a paper towel holder.

The galley hatch and both cabin doors are keyed alike.

The interior has twin cabinets with adjustable shelves, 3 drawers, long shelf, a lovely Vineyard mural, and will accommodate a standard length mattress. The fusebox is inside the cabin cabinet are there are 2 12VDC LED lights inside, 1 white, 1 red (night vision). There is another battery LED backup light and a 12VDC outlet in cabin. There are also opening ports in the cabin and galley for extension/cable cord access.
The module is fully insulated with 1 1/2" foam top and bottom, and 3/4" foam in the sides.

The exterior (as well as the trailer deck) is coated with Durabak 18, a highly durable and impact resistant polyurethane coating infused with recycled rubber. There are 2 exterior lights on each side switched inside the cabin. There are two exterior doors with sliding windows, screens and tinted glass.
One battery box on the tongue carries a deep cycle battery, (included) exterior battery studs, and a 12VDC outlet. The other carries a battery charger, a 12VDC battery maintainer (included), and extension cords.

A durable, folding plastic table with stainless steel brackets (included) attaches quickly to either side of the trailer and stores in a locking box under the front of the trailer.
Two other locking underframe boxes (all keyed alike) hold the stabilizer jack blocks, axle jack, tire changing tools, and wheel chocks. (all included)

TRAILER
The trailer has 5.30x12 5 lug wheels and tires; the spare is the same. Most other small trailers are smaller 4.80x12 4 lug.
A 2" ball coupler is mounted in place of the standard 1 7/8" coupler. The deck is 3/4" plywood, instead of 1/2" and coated with the same Durabak 18 polyurethane coating as the teardrop. The stakesides mount outside the frame and are built flush with the upright posts. Even though this is a 4x8 trailer you CAN flat carry full sheets of 4x8 plywood with all the sides in place.
The pins that attach the stakesides are corrosion resistant aluminum.

There are four frame mounted stabilizer jacks and wood jack pads.
Full size frame mounted spare tire and cover is included.

There is NO particleboard or strandboard, only cabinet grade (birch) plywood and/or solid wood.

All adhesive is polyurethane, Titebond III or epoxy; all sealant is silicone.

The tools in the last picture are the only tools needed to convert from camping trailer to utility trailer and back again.

The "stripes" on the deck of the stakeside is just dust, we were racing against the oncoming rain when taking pictures and didn't have time to wash the trailer, the deck is black without the dust.

There’s more…pretty much a "must see" teardrop.
Please contact me with any questions.
I'd like to build more trailers but I won't build anymore quite like this one; it'll be one of a kind.
Please see my other post about delivery options.
Thanks for looking!

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Last edited by John S. on Wed Sep 23, 2009 5:50 pm, edited 9 times in total.
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Postby FireLion » Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:59 am

Clever! :twisted:
'How can ya get away from it all if ya take it all with ya?'
2004 Ford Escape Ltd.
2012 Coleman tent-no wheels, no A/C, no hitch
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Postby Oasis Maker » Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:05 am

Wow :shock: Clever? Extremely. :applause: :applause:
Scott G.
Jeeping, Teardropping, and Cycling!......Where To Next?
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Jeep Wave>> :peace: <<Jeep Wave
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trailer

Postby Danny » Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:43 pm

Impressive!!! :applause: :thumbsup: Well done!!!
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Postby Von Pook » Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:59 pm

That is just amazing!!! What an excellent concept
Eric, the camping sound guy
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Postby mandy » Thu Sep 10, 2009 3:46 pm

Why is the cooler the td the farther it is away from me. :cry:
The greatest wealth is to live content with little.
~Plato~
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Stinks!!

Postby Pooh105 » Fri Sep 11, 2009 9:43 am

Mandy,

It is because we both live in a State that has no teardrop resources! :cry: I think Happi Trails in El Paso is the closest manufacturer we have. Heck, I am STILL trying to find a decent teardrop! :x

Later,

Pooh
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Come on up

Postby John S. » Fri Sep 18, 2009 1:01 pm

Why don't you come on up to Oregon? You know you need a vacation anyway. ;) Take the teardrop back with you...
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Going to Oregon

Postby Pooh105 » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:42 pm

The real funny thing is, I already took my vacation through the redwoods on the 101. Then, took US 199 from Cresent City to Grants Pass!! I just did not know you had the trailer for sale!! I went on to Roseburg to visit family, then headed south on I-5 back through Grants Pass a second time!! Granted, this was about three weeks before your add appeared here.

I could just kick myself!

Later,

Pooh
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Postby gjenkins » Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:27 pm

Ok, got it loaded. How much does this trailer weigh?
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Trailer Weight

Postby John S. » Tue Sep 22, 2009 2:21 pm

The short answer is 900-1000 lbs.
I weighed it at the local gravel yard, but they have a 20 ton scale; (with lots a gravel on it) I don't think it is very accurate at 1000 lbs. They said 4900 for truck and trailer, 3900 for the truck alone. They wouldn't weigh the trailer alone, against the rules.
I have a Chevy S10, I'm not so sure it weighs almost 2 tons. Also the truck/trailer can't weigh EXACTLY 4900 lbs, and the truck can't weigh EXACTLY 3900 lbs.
When I weighed the individual components I came up with 875 lbs. All the metal in the trailer frame plus the coupler, chains, axle, springs, wheels/tires came to 260 lbs.
Some things to keep in mind: I built the trailer with quality in mind. I tried not to add any extra weight, but I wasn't trying to set a lightweight record either. (When in doubt, make it stronger) Also because of the modular design it's going to weigh more than a one piece trailer. There's three full sheets of plywood (3/4, 3/4, 1/2) in the bottom where a one piece teardrop would only have 2 (insulated) or 1 (non-insulated). I also had to take extra care to build it strong enough to support its own weight when it's not on the trailer.
Sorry for the long answer, but at this time the weight is approximate.
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Postby gjenkins » Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:51 am

I am enamored with the idea of a teardrop and am currently kicking around the idea of building or buying. I have a MINI Cooper so the weight is important, as it has a max tow capacity of 1400 pounds. I don't particularly want to test out the max.

+ I love the convertibility. I need a hauling trailer as well.
+ I love the cabinetry (wood and fittings)

- I would like a 5 wide.
- Price

Do you have a few more pics of the inside and storage?
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Postby gjenkins » Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:53 am

Actually, you have plenty of pics. Scratch that last request.
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Postby JessEvans » Wed Sep 23, 2009 1:00 pm

That is just beautiful. I also have to say that the gumdrop profile seems like it would be a more ergonomic setup for cooking. My back tends to bother me when I have to work leaning forward, so having the galley flush to the rear of the trailer bottom, rather than set back, seems like it would be more comfortable for cooking.

I do have one question: is there any kind of lighting in the galley? Also, I know that these trailers usually don't come with them, but do you know if there is a way to set up a braking system on the trailer? My vanagon has underpowered brakes for the weight of the vehicle as it is. I worry about adding more mass to it.

Again, I just think your design and execution is spectacular. -Jess

P.S. what is inside the right lower galley cabinet? Is it open for storing large items, or shelved, or?
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Postby gjenkins » Wed Sep 23, 2009 1:38 pm

JessEvans wrote:That is just beautiful. I also have to say that the gumdrop profile seems like it would be a more ergonomic setup for cooking. My back tends to bother me when I have to work leaning forward, so having the galley flush to the rear of the trailer bottom, rather than set back, seems like it would be more comfortable for cooking.

I do have one question: is there any kind of lighting in the galley? Also, I know that these trailers usually don't come with them, but do you know if there is a way to set up a braking system on the trailer? My vanagon has underpowered brakes for the weight of the vehicle as it is. I worry about adding more mass to it.

Again, I just think your design and execution is spectacular. -Jess

P.S. what is inside the right lower galley cabinet? Is it open for storing large items, or shelved, or?


Hey Jess, he has more pics in his profile/album ....

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