Pico light is on its first trip.

[Chess]

I planned on building a teardrop over the winter, but time and finances got in the way, then my daughter Charlotte decided that she wanted one, as I have 2 weeks looking after my parents house and putting in a decking for them, I thought I might just fit in a teardrop build as well.
She hasn't got a very big budget and a small towcar, so we decided on small and simple and after seeing the Pico Light on angib's site (thanks for you excellent plans) we decided that was the way forward.



Well things started the outline was drawn, I layed in the outline no problem, Charlotte layed in the outline no problem then came her boyfreind Pete it looked a little tight for him, so we decided that if we added 380mm to the length it would give him more than enough room and a flat section of roof for an roof vent which would make my life easier, also means I have enough room to use some 10' Mini wheels I have, so outline redrawn, axle position moved forward 190mm, (whilst writing that I've realised that's probably not quite right as it changes the 60/40 ratio) anyway out with the jigsaw and this is what we have.

[Chess]

Have got a bit more done, made the floor, slightly different to the original design, I have sandwiched Celotex between 2 sheets of 5.5mm (1/4')ply. Had some fun with the Celotex it was 25mm (1') and I have used 25mm prepared baton which of course less than 25mm so had to slice a few mm of the Celotex .



The weight of the floor came out at 22 kg (48lbs), as its going to be the heaviest panel this trailer should come out lightweight

[Chess]

Today I Epoxy resined all the edges of the side walls and floor, never used it before and was alarmed at the price, but am now convinced thats the way to seal everything. Dry fitted the side walls so I could see where I needed too shape the end profile of the floor, which I did, then decided to add another baton on top of the floor to put back the strength I had taken away and shaped the second one, pleased i did this as I now have much larger surface area at when I come to fit the roof sheets.

[Chess]

Bit more work done sides now attached, roof spars added and the door opening has been cutout.

[Chess]

Well things are progressing, we had a small disaster in windy weather teardrop bodies are light enough to blow off axle stands , finished up with a couple of punctures in the floor and the side scraped down an old screw filled decking beam that was in a pile to go to the tip.
On a positive side the door has been fitted but I removed it before taking photos and the roof has been added, was a bit tricky but having done one the next one will be easier
Whilst working on the teardrop the other day the Google streetview car came past so a part built teardrop should appear soon.

[synaps3]

Good progress so far!

What are you using for your chassis? I didn't see a picture of it.

[Chess]

What are you using for your chassis? I didn't see a picture of it.

That's because it doesn't exist yet, but after the disaster of it blowing off the axle stands I will build the next one on a chassis!!

It will be a simple A or T frame using 350kgs (770lbs) rubber suspension units like these
something I don't see you Americans using a lot as most of your trailers have axles and leaf springs. Hopefully will order these at the end of the week.

[asianflava]

Your build looks just like mine. I built the cabin body first before committing on the project with the frame. I built my floor (and everything else) with 3/4in insulation and 1/8in faces. The sides, doors, and cabinets are made with the same sandwich construction. Looks good, keep going!

[Chess]

I built the cabin body first before committing on the project with the frame.

Thought I was the only person that had done it this way, feeling better now

[Chess]

Never ever try and build a teardrop outside in the UK even when its supposed to summer, I seem to have spent the last few weeks trying to keep the teardrop dry or repairing water damage or collecting the remains of my gazebo from neighbouring gardens.
But progress has been made and the body is ready for the chassis which should be ready in the next day or two.

[crumbruiser]

The body looks very nice. Can you tell us about the roof vent? I've never seen one like that.
Frank

[Chess]

The body looks very nice. Can you tell us about the roof vent?

Thanks, the roof vent is just a cheap replacement unit available from most caravan/motorhome places in the UK, it permantly vents and can be popped up for extra ventilation http://www.leisureshopdirect.com/caravan/home/product_20395/mpk_rooflight_290_(280mm_square).aspx

[Chess]

We have a chassis



and some wheels and suspension



and we put it behind the car too see how it looks



Just need mudgaurds and its useable then we just need to add some luxuries like windows etc. As it stands at the moment it weighs just under 120kg( 264lbs).

[Chess]

Already to go, Charlotte,Pete and the teardrop ready for its first camping trip



Bye



And for the eagle eyed its got different wheels, wheels and mudguards stolen from my utility trailer as one of the mini wheels is slightly buckled and the other has dodgy tyre and I haven't had a chance to make mudguards yet.

[Junkboy999]

Looks nice.

I know the ideal for the Pecio was to be as light as possible, and it looks like you did it, but I would be a bit worried about that axle setup. I know I tore the back axle away from the car cassie on my T-R7 when I lived in England. I pulled over a bit too far to let a tractor pulling a hay wagon pass on a small back road. My back tire dropped in a hole on the side of the road and that is all it took. Just my opinion on it

Keep us posted on the first outing

Terry
Junkboy999