New from PA! (now my design idea thread!)

[Conestoga]

Its going to be a convertible teardrop, with a removable tonneau cover over top of a screen mesh "ceiling."

Zach, this sounds like a smart design decision to me. I have been wondering if anyone has used a tonneau type construction, and how they did the bracing, so I will be following your developments closely. I got to thinking modular... Have you considered doing your cover with an option to swap in/out an insulated "winter roof"?

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Its going to be a convertible teardrop, with a removable tonneau cover over top of a screen mesh "ceiling."

Zach, this sounds like a smart design decision to me. I have been wondering if anyone has used a tonneau type construction, and how they did the bracing, so I will be following your developments closely. I got to thinking modular... Have you considered doing your cover with an option to swap in/out an insulated "winter roof"?

You NEED to get OUT OF MY HEAD!!!! HAHA!!

The "winter roof" as you put it did cross my mind, but the budget doesnt allow for such extravagances right now. Down the road, possibly... but not right now.

As far as previous convertible teardrops, there was another on person here that did it (b.bodemer), and she has offered to send me a cd with pictures of her build.


Keep an eye on my build thread for new developments!

[Conestoga]

There was no factory kit for my car either. But I got some really good information from the enthusiast forum on precisely how to wire in the basic universal type, and my install was quick and painless. So you could check the Outback forum if you haven't already.

[Conestoga]

You NEED to get OUT OF MY HEAD!!!! HAHA!!

The "winter roof" as you put it did cross my mind, but the budget doesnt allow for such extravagances right now. Down the road, possibly... but not right now.

As far as previous convertible teardrops, there was another on person here that did it (b.bodemer), and she has offered to send me a cd with pictures of her build.

Thinking is free (almost, it does require some calories) so you could build with it in mind for the future? I have been thinking a lot about this type of build too. We can provide each other with mental health support.

A one-inch-thick 4x8 sheet of foam board with foil on both sides was about $20, and a comparable amount of reflectix is not much more.

I would like to see those pictures too if the builder doesn't mind.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I'm sure any type of hard roof will provide a higher r-value than the tonneau cover, but since the walls won't be insulated, I dont know how effective it would be.

I guess insulating the walls down the road somewhere could help, but then you'd be losing an additional 1-1/4" of interior width, assuming 1/2" insulation + 1/8" interior panel, each side.

Something like such:

[Shadow Catcher]

http://hitches4less.com/trailer-wiring- ... 55-42.html has a kit for an Out Back not a wagon. I had go into the dealer to find the connector, it was on the opposite side from where my wiring diagram said it should be. The factory harness (picked one up on e-bay has a grommet that fits a hole in the spare tire well).
If you plan on brakes (a good idea from personal experience) the pocket just to the left of the steering wheel fits brake controller very well.

[steve smoot]

I bought the hitch and wiring harness for my Subaru from www.etrailer.com

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I bought the hitch and wiring harness for my Subaru from www.etrailer.com

Thats where I ordered mine from, but the hitch they sent me didnt fit. After sending them pictures of the install problem, they have provided me with a return shipping label and they are sending me a new hitch. Hopefully this one fits.

[TimJones]

Zach I am pulling almost the same trailer you plan to build. Very light wieght no problems pulling with my HRR. put 4000 miles on it last year and no problems from lack of brakes, Not necessary for this size might be nice to have, but over all get started on that build. No insulation in mine and do not miss it. no electric just strip plugs no 12v no fan have not seen my bearings or none of the other problems everyone use for ezcuses not to do it. Just cut that wood and get camping Tim Jones

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Zach I am pulling almost the same trailer you plan to build. Very light wieght no problems pulling with my HRR. put 4000 miles on it last year and no problems from lack of brakes, Not necessary for this size might be nice to have, but over all get started on that build. No insulation in mine and do not miss it. no electric just strip plugs no 12v no fan have not seen my bearings or none of the other problems everyone use for ezcuses not to do it. Just cut that wood and get camping Tim Jones

Can't start building until after the girl and I move... Feb 26! It can't get here fast enough.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Well I'm making baby steps.... picked up the 1720# HF trailer this morning, and just ordered the Power Tender Plus 12v/5a Battery charger. The galley hinge and FanTastic Fan 4000R arrived yesterday!

[steve smoot]

Hi Zach,

It sounds like you are making good progress this winter. Sorry you had a problem with etrailer. I have bought hitch and wiring harness for two Foresters and they worked great.

Steve

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Hey Steve,

eTrailer has been nothing but helpful! I would gladly recommend them to anyone.

It turns out that my car has an extra heavy duty bracket that was interfering with the hitch. After talking to some people on some subaru forums, it turns out that I should be able to remove the bracket, as its only use is for shipping the car from the factory to the dealer.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Doors came in today!!!

Here is one of them... the other is still in the box....

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Also, the Urabus has taken new form....

I've extended the front and the rear past the 4x8 trailer frame, to give it more of a teardrop appearance. The body is now 9'-0 3/4" long.