New kid from PNW

[WorldHazard]

Hey guys n gals. I've been lingering around for a lil while as I have been tossing around the idea of building a teardrop. The reason I wanna do a teardrop is i am heavily involved in motorsports. Either as a competitor, or a volunteer. And when I go far distances, I HATE paying for a hotel, and when it gets cold and the weather blows.. well my single man pup tent just doesn't quite cut it. Also, I figured I could use my new teardrop as a small service trailer.

My build plans (when i get to it) will be something for possibly 2 people.. mostly just myself though. to have room to climb in, relax and sleep comftorably. And when en-route, fold/roll up the 'matress' (w/e i have to use) and carry wheels and tires inside. (yes they'll be in bags themselves )The 'kitchen' and such that is a regular thing on trailers won't be there. I actually wanna put a small generator in, an airtank/compressor and other misc things to help myself service my car for the occasional autocross/rally/track day things. I was drawing design at work today, but sadly i left it there when i was free. FAIL!

When building for being pulled by a sedan, are there any recommendations for the size and material? i'm looking for as light but sturdy as possible. Figured the HF 4x8

So there ya go. And while i'm introducing myself, name is Jason. And has anyone out there done something similar to what I'm looking at doing?

Btw, this forum looks to have HUGE amount of resources. WOW! Thanks!

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Jason, welcome to the forum. With the needs you have indicated, you might consider getting a ready-built cargo trailer, that can haul all of the stuff that you need for your hobby, and it will double for a place to sleep during your ventures into the motorsports world.

Others have outfitted such trailers to provide storage for toys and also a place to sleep while on the road. It would be quicker to get one already built, since you don't seem to want a galley, and it could provide the best of both worlds. Good luck, and keep us informed as to what your plans are.
Roly ~~

[WorldHazard]

Thanks Roly,
I was looking into your advice, and it does make some sense. Heck, they're likely more affordable than the route I was planning on anyway. (at least from parts/materials/build lists i've seen)

Anyway, this is where i'm at at the moment. Please share your thoughts:

Victory 5x8 Single Axle Cargo Hauler
Sleeping accommodations would be inflatable Full size mattress.. (might go twin.., just for a lil more room). Decided on inflatable for weight solely. Remember, i'm pulling this with a 4cyl econobox sedan.


For power I'm thinking a HF 7 HP, 3050 Rated Watts/3500 Max Watts Gasoline Generator (http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engine-generators/7-hp-3050-rated-watts-3500-max-watts-gasoline-generator-67560.html). Will be powering laptop, cellphone charger and work lighting. along with the occasional tool charge, and air compressor.

I'm looking into something like a power input kinda thing, for when I'm at a park where i can get power. But i'll regularly be places where there's no chance.

Lighting: Inside.. well i might just settle with some LED battery power gimmick.. The exterior is another story I would like 2 recessed 400watt work lights (http://www.harborfreight.com/general-merch/lighting/portable-halogen-shop-light-66433.html) on both sides. I will likely be only using 1 side regularly but can think of many reason for running the both sides. I would love to stealthily wire this in the trailer, but that'll take more research than where I'm at right now. I'm no electrician, so first thought was surge protectors haha.

I'd like to throw in my portable 5 gallon air compressor, with some cool external plug adapter thingies.

And another thing, I'm going to be looking into, I'll need to power a HAM radio, and CB unit also... So that will be another power task to tackle. Again, i really know nothing about this stuff. Just have an idea, that I know I can accomplish. and wanna do it sooner than later.

Lastly, i borrow the idea from a manufacturer. Get some metal poles and make a canpoy extending off the 'primarily lit' side with a tarp up on top. Yes, this entire thing is quite 'ghetto'. but it's under a budget, and sounds like a ton of fun still! Welcome to stage rally... no money......

it's almost 6 am... i'm pooped. so apologies if this didn't make sense. i've been drawing on graph paper with idea for a few hours, and gonna just go LOOK at some cargo haulers tomorrow (today)

Please feel free to express your ideas, comments and well... no.. no complaints. AT ALL! have a nice day! =D

[WorldHazard]

oh, totally forgot to throw a window in there and some good ol fashing rally (truck) vents for ventilation while in dreamland