Lightweight futility?

[dwgriff1]

Assume that I could build a trailer that could collapse to 24â€

[High Desert]

well, my first thought is that more weight=more power needed to go up a hill, and therefore a hit in the mileage department. So it would sound more efficient to me, towing wise. A useable sized, aero slick 300# trailer would be a dream for small TV and fuel mileage conscience owners I'd think.

[eamarquardt]

My Ford Windstar gets about 20 mpg on the road. The last time I went on a trip towing my tandem axle dump trailer (weighs one ton empty and I had it filled with 700# or more for the return trip), I got 17mpg. I expect my 5X11 tear will do even better.

So, going slower up a few hills isn't a big deal for me and I don't think the mpg is a real issue.

But, the lighter your trailer the less you'll notice it (but with brakes and emply I barely notice my dump trailer but I drive with a "light foot").

Make it "your way".

Cheers,

Gus

[dwgriff1]

I have a light teardrop trailer that I made, and it works fine, but my mind keeps running to new design ideas.

The question is whether the maximum efficiency is, in real life, much better than average efficiency.

dave

[madjack]

I think it would an interesting design for a Prius, a motorcycle or some other light weight, non-tow rated(or low rated) vehicle. However, as your tow vehicle gets larger, the advantages get smaller and smaller...as always, the great thing building your own is building what you want
madjack

[Ageless]

If you have a good flat area to work; you could lay-up a foam panel that is lightweight yet strong.

I saw one trailer that was used to carry an ATV on top. It was only 12 inches high and opened up into a wedge for sleeping (no galley). It was hard sided and folded down

[hiker chick]

Excellent question: would going super-light/small gain much in towing efficiency? That surely brings us back to the degree weight is determinative and the effect of aerodynamics. And the particular tow vehicle's specs.

Little Guy currently sells a 360 pound gear hauler teardrop (Travelmate) and a 490 pound minimalist teardrop (the Rascal).

Surely some who have owned these have moved up to something bigger and could personally attest to the difference. And there are the folks who've gone from teardrop to standie.

Personally, I'd like my towable teardop to function like a dried sponge that when parked and wet pops up to a standie.

Travelmate - 360 pounds
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/mo ... ifications

Rascal - 490 pounds
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/models/rascal/

Overview

Need something larger than a cargo carrier--something that you can sleep in--but still light enough to be pulled with your motorcycle or small car? The Little Guy Rascal model is built with a tubular steel frame and light-weight composite materials, so that it is light enough to be pulled by a large motorcycle or tryke, and still has all the standard features of a classic Retro Little Guy Teardrop Camper Trailer.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Travelmate - 360 pounds
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/mo ... ifications

Rascal - 490 pounds
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/models/rascal/

Overview

Need something larger than a cargo carrier--something that you can sleep in--but still light enough to be pulled with your motorcycle or small car? The Little Guy Rascal model is built with a tubular steel frame and light-weight composite materials, so that it is light enough to be pulled by a large motorcycle or tryke, and still has all the standard features of a classic Retro Little Guy Teardrop Camper Trailer.

Obviously, I'm a bit taller than average, but 68" interior length would only sleep a 5'6" individual with any level of comfort. I need (and have) 78" in my 1,150lb behemoth!

[dwgriff1]

Madjack: True, build what you want, but for a lot of us there are money limitations, both in building and using.

Ageless: let's assume that it can be done. The question is should it be done?

Hiker chick: I sure would like to hear from some one who had some comparison between units. Any one out there?

dave

[Arne]

I've given a bit of thought to a fold down trailer.. but I went with convenience.. want to pull in and climb in...

but I do pay a penalty in gas mileage..... in theory, I could build a 4x8 trailer that folded flat... no galley, no mattress, no nothing... everything hinged up, stood up and in 10 minutes I would have a shelter...

Convenience has it's price, but there are middle grounds if you want to take them. I just kind of said 'screw it' and built what I built.

My no. 1 was built tall enough to put my scooter inside.. along the way, the complications of pulling in at night, in the rain, taking the scooter out, setting up the bed... I just got tired with all the thinking.... so gave up on it.

[Oasis Maker]

Funny timing - I just stopped off at the Mini Cooper dealer down from my house and looked at the Clubman. I will surely do everything smaller next time - everything. From tow vehicle, to RV, and house too.

But the way I would go ultra light RV is with some variation of the "Compact Camper". I like that concept. The owner (Scott) is a member on this forum too. I called him a week ago we tossed around ideas and had a great conversation.

Scott G.

http://www.compactcampingconcepts.com/ExplorerBox.htm

[angib]

[quote="dwgriff1"]Assume that I could build a trailer that could collapse to 24â€

[traveler]

I have a 1979 Postal Jeep, right hand drive and only two wheel drive and I pulled my fully loaded tear, aprox 1100 lbs with it to Austin Navada and it is powered by a V-6 Buick and has an automatic trans. Averaged the whole trip right at 16 mpg. Had very little problem with the long up grades, but could run the speed that the others were running leagaly. I think if you have anything with any weight to pull, you will see some drop in milage. I was really surprised to see the 16 MPG and hope that it stays there throughout all the rest of the trips. Look at Jerry and his VW powered trike. He pulls his tear, when the weather is good, to as many gatherings as he can with Donna on the back and Sassy in the trailer.
Bruce

[fornesto]

The Quicksilver 2.0 weighs 420 lbs dry, the 6.0 weighs 620 lbs dry. They are tent trailers made out of aluminum framing. I can't imagine getting much lighter or lower.

http://www.livinlite.com/pdf/2010QSBrochure.pdf

[07rascal]

Travelmate - 360 pounds
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/mo ... ifications

Rascal - 490 pounds
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/models/rascal/

Overview

Need something larger than a cargo carrier--something that you can sleep in--but still light enough to be pulled with your motorcycle or small car? The Little Guy Rascal model is built with a tubular steel frame and light-weight composite materials, so that it is light enough to be pulled by a large motorcycle or tryke, and still has all the standard features of a classic Retro Little Guy Teardrop Camper Trailer.

Obviously, I'm a bit taller than average, but 68" interior length would only sleep a 5'6" individual with any level of comfort. I need (and have) 78" in my 1,150lb behemoth!

I am 6'-4" and have plenty of foot room sleeping in our Rascal. The pillows rest on the lower curve on the front so essentially you can take the height from the shoulders up and not consider it in the flat length of the floor. In addition the head room is enough for me to sit up and watch TV or DVD in the evenings. Loaded we are 550lbs and towing with our Ford Focus 2.0L Auto we get 28-30. Life is good!