Loosing the teardrop shape -boo hoo

[mikeschn]

Here is a view of the weekender on a 10 ft long trailer.

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/weeken ... railer.pdf

The wheel location has not been optimized yet either...

As you can see, with the axle 48" from the rear, the tongue weight is 200#. That would have to be optimized if you were towing with a car...



Mike...

[EZ]

I am really trying to stay with the standard 8' length for various reasons. I figure if I build a Rimple style, baiscally a round cornered box, I can maximize interior space. I am sure I will be doing this again in another 5-8 years when my kids are grown. Then I will take the time and spend the money to do some quality work.

My plan is to put a 24" wide bunk across the back (5 1/2' wide camper) that is 24" from the floor allowing my smaller kids to sleep there while the lovely wife and I take up the floor. I have had a pick-up topper that was set up a lot the same way in the past. A small cabinet on the wall and still enough room for the little porta-potti and a fold-up table.

After assembling the HF trailer this weekend I am certainly going to go with built-up walls. It isn't quite as heavy duty as I envisioned. But what do I know; maybe it can haul a truck.

EZ

[sunny16]

I, too, wanted more space and so the "teardrop" shape didn't work for me. I designed a more modern shapped teardrop, (i have so far called it the Un-Tear, like the Un-Cola) which allowed me to have bigger upper cabinets in the galley and cabinets in the rear of the sleeping section. I will also add a shelf in the front of the sleeping sections. Who know, I may build a teardrop shaped one in the future. It seems most people on this forum can't build just one! I think whatever shape you build "your tear" in will be supported by members on this forum. Right?

[sunny16]

Sorry, I was typing so fast I forgot to mention that the picture is a mock-up and is one foot short on the rear. But you get the idea I hope. GOod luck on your design!!

[raru]

i'm looking at the same. though i have been generating most of my ideas from the roadtoad. really trying to keep the classic tear shape along with keeping my weight down. right now i'm figuring to forego the cabinets in the rear instead using a shelf with a fold down wall to make the bunk 28" wide. my oldest is 3 and figure it will work for a little while, then be an excuse to build another.

[EZ]

I guess then mine will be a TTT as opposed to a Teardrop. Whatever the case I am sure I will want to bounce ideas of this group for some time to come.

Having constructed almost an airplane and a composite (wood mostly) sailboat and now a tiny camper I can say:

- these types of forums are there across the world for whatever it is you are building

- none of those activities (including this one) is an exact science

- you meet(?) a lot of great and helpful folks. And a bit crazy.

[Ira]

EZ--I'm in the same boat. I have a wife and two young boys.

Will my 4 by 8, a more or less conventionally shaped tear, sleep all of us? No--so I'll also be using a side tent or in my case, I can also use a truck tent topper.

I just think the TD design is so cool, and loving the retro look of it so much, I didn't want to sway too much from that design.