Minimalist Teardrop opinion... not for camping (pics + vids)

[adam_mac84]

More thoughts. This is a 5x10x5tall option using the 4x8 HF frame. It would overhang the wheels a bit. I will have to figure out a fender idea. I don't really like having the side overhang the wheelwell, so it'd probably be a matter of building and fiberglassing a fender, or cutting a standard fender and mounting it (with 'no step' stickers of course haha). Or just trace the fenders that come with, and cut the opening/box it in with the last couple of inches hanging over (if that makes sense)


CM Capture 9 by adam_mac84, on Flickr


CM Capture 8 by adam_mac84, on Flickr


CM Capture 7 by adam_mac84, on Flickr

Too front heavy? I did assume the HF 3d model in the sketchup archive was accurate

[Wobbly Wheels]

I think angib nailed it with the sled trailer - they have zero problems with the rigidity of the shell or of the seam. It would be simple enough to use a gas strut (or an electric ram if you're feeling adventurous) as an assist for the weight.

Personally, I would avoid OSB altogether despite how cheap it is. 3/8" ext ply isn't very pricey and is a WAY better product for this application. If you build your end walls as forms and kerf the roof sheathing, I would think a 6X10 shell should come in well under 200lbs. Some (threaded, not screwed) eye & pintle gate hinges will be more than adequate as a hinge and will allow 2 people to slide the shell off sideways for use as a flat deck.

Link

With the deck lifted and locked (gas struts), a canvas curtain would provide a changing/tech room with full standing headroom like a tent trailer.

[mckenney56]

mckinney56. I love that trailer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need something to pull in the cow pasture behind my atv and then load it and pull it out to check cows behind a ford explore suv.

I have the parts fenders wheels axle lights and hitch from my teardrops harbor freight frame as I trade out these parts on the teardrop.

what did you use for a frame under your trailer mckinney56?

as the frame under your trailer doesn't look like it is stock harbor freight and you said you built it yourself.

just courous and I like the kayacks ever seen a skin on frame kayak?

slow.

I bought the standard 40 X 48 Harbor Freight trailer (all I could afford at the time), took steel from another bolt together trailer frame and lengthened it by 2 feet moving the axle back in the process. Then I bought 8.5 feet of 2.5 inch square tube to replace the tongue. Added half inch plywood deck, 2X4 bumper, and my yakima racks for the boats. The trailer I robbed the steel from now looks like this:



I was a 4X8 ft. I cut it down to 4X4 ft. I pull it around my property behind my lawn tractor.

And yes, I've seen canoes and kayaks covered in some sort of canvas. One of the canoes you could collapse it down, fold it carefully, and put in in a large suit case.

[adam_mac84]

well, i have abandoned the TD plans. Picked up a 4x10 trailer for $300 on CL.


I liked the concept, so thought I would keep it, and work out some kinks for my application


Picked up a harbor freight welder, and am extending the 'roof portion' to be taller to fit my bikes







Will likely insulate it, so it can be camped in (need to change the door situation for internal entry/egress

Picked up some marine grade vinyl, needed an 84ish x 120" piece, so flat fell seamed two pieces together (hard to do straight with a home sewing machine)




Now i guess we will find out how much the pop up mech holds

[Wobbly Wheels]

Nothing wrong with that.
Are those struts manual or do they crank like a tent trailer ?
I had thought about keeping the mechanism from the tent trailer I scrapped for my build, but it was a scissors and took too much room to operate.
Had it been a vertical lift though......

[TBuilder]

trying to learn google sketchup, but here is my cardboard box 'size trial'

Hehe, looks familiar.



I'm in the process of deciding whether to just get a small cargo trailer(4x6x6) or custom building one.

Good luck with your build!

[adam_mac84]

your link isnt showing up for your photo ^^^^^^^

Edit... copy and pasted your URL to new window... It would defiantly work, what makes it hard is that i ride a 60-64cm bike with 85cm saddle to bottom bracket, so fitting under 4 feet is much closer on my bikes haha... Hope to see how your build works out

The lift system is a Goshen lift system commonly used on pop up trailer... it is operated by a manual winch up near the tongue