A Tricky Build (Mini camper/Mini Cooper)

[Jrios94]

Greetings from Alexandria, Virginia!

My name is Julio Rios, I'm a 19 year old College student at Northern Virginia Community College,
and I am looking to build a Teardrop Camper that is light enough for my 2013 Mini Cooper (non s) to haul.
Now before anything, I would like to say that I have no experience with trailers/trailer hitch/ or anything
Related to towing. But for some reason I always like to challenge myself, even if it means putting a lot of
Time, effort, and money! Into something I have never dealt with. If I succeed, then a pat on the back will
Do, If not then life will go on, I am only 19 anyway. My goal is to build a teardrop camper that falls Below
900lb! so i was thinking, my walls being Wooden frame, and Insulation between aluminum (outside) and
plywood (inside)? Hopefully someone out there with more experience can
Help me! Or give me some good advice

Step 1: I need a trailer!
-What do I need to look for in a trailer? Rust? Dents?
-how do I connect the lights to the car? (I know, laugh all you want, I am a complete noob lol)

Thanks for reading!

[Woodbutcher]

You might tell us a little bit more about what you want. Do you plan to camp alone? If so a 4' wide would be big enough. What do you want in it? Does it need a galley? You should be able to build a decent trailer under 900 lbs without any trouble.

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome! I would start with a 4x8 trailer kit that you can get relatively inexpensive at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. Etrailer.com is a good place to get the stuff you need to hook it up to your Mini. Here is are some links:

Harness:

http://www.etrailer.com/fitguidet1.htm

Hitch:

http://www.etrailer.com/fitguide.htm

[Vedette]

Connect the lights to the trailer with wire and a plug.
That is the simplest part!
Good Roads
Brian

[Jrios94]

You might tell us a little bit more about what you want. Do you plan to camp alone? If so a 4' wide would be big enough. What do you want in it? Does it need a galley? You should be able to build a decent trailer under 900 lbs without any trouble.

Yeah sorry about that! I'm looking for a 4x8 trailer that would fit me (5"6) and my girlfriend (5"2). I'm also thinking on installing a Pull out tent from one side and also an attachable table on the other. But there is one problem, me and my girlfriend have 2 11ft sit-on-top kayaks, do you think it would be possible to put a roof rack on it? Or would that be too over the top? The kayaks weight around 45lb each.

Thanks for reading!

-Rios

[Jrios94]

Connect the lights to the trailer with wire and a plug.
That is the simplest part!
Good Roads
Brian

Could it really be that simple? Is there a forum that talks about that more in depth? I was about to pay some guy 180 to set up my wiring

Thanks!
-Rios

[TPMcGinty]

Yeah sorry about that! I'm looking for a 4x8 trailer that would fit me (5"6) and my girlfriend (5"2). I'm also thinking on installing a Pull out tent from one side and also an attachable table on the other. But there is one problem, me and my girlfriend have 2 11ft sit-on-top kayaks, do you think it would be possible to put a roof rack on it? Or would that be too over the top? The kayaks weight around 45lb each.

Thanks for reading!

-Rios

You should be able to put a roof rack on it as long as you re-enforce the roof a little.

[Jrios94]

Yeah sorry about that! I'm looking for a 4x8 trailer that would fit me (5"6) and my girlfriend (5"2). I'm also thinking on installing a Pull out tent from one side and also an attachable table on the other. But there is one problem, me and my girlfriend have 2 11ft sit-on-top kayaks, do you think it would be possible to put a roof rack on it? Or would that be too over the top? The kayaks weight around 45lb each.

Thanks for reading!

-Rios

You should be able to put a roof rack on it as long as you re-enforce the roof a little.

Really? That's great news! I haven't necessarily seem any teardrops with roof racks on them. I'm going to check out a trailer freight this Saturday, then maybe I can start my build.

-Rios

[olhogrider]

I'm just getting started on my build. Put the walls up today! I got the HF Heavy duty trailer but that was overkill. I hauled a couple of motorcycles from California to Texas and back with the HF folding trailer with 8" wheels, no problem. etrailer is the best source for hitches and wiring. They have install videos on youtube for specific models. They had the kit for my '99 Police Intercepter. I'm sure they would hook you up in your Mini. Remember, your separate brake lights and turn signals will be combined on the trailer.

Most people will tell you that 2 people in a 4' trailer is too tight. Try it! If you want to go bigger, sell the first one and build another. I would put the kayaks on a roof rack on the Mini. I'm keeping mine simple. A water jug, cooler and propane stove will be my galley. Add a few pots and plates and hit the road. No A/C, no battery, no water pump and plumbing. Some stick on LEDs and a few flashlights will be it.

Keep us posted.

[SeaFlea]

me and my girlfriend have 2 11ft sit-on-top kayaks

Julio, why not just purchase two Thule J-Racks and mount them to the roof of the mini??
I carry a 14' sit-on-top on the roof of my Subaru outback without any issues...

This will net you two things:
1) you won't need the trailer to haul the kayaks, and
2) you'll simplify you TD build...

just my 2-cents...

Chal

[Mary C]

Rio, welcome, Now I have a 20 year old little car eclipse, I decided after reading a lot that a foamie would be the best for me. There are many ways to go about getting what you want. I suggest you check out the build threads and to take a look at the foamie section too. Then no matter what you decide there will be people to help you along the way. The new trailers come with the diagrams to wire your trailer and to hook them up. I am not good at that so I have decided to get my son to do the wiring. The most important thing for pulling by a small car is the correct weight, a balance of front to back weight. I know if you put your mind to it you can accomplish it. Good luck.

Mary C.

[ksmack01]

I built a roof rack and put on my td. Its invaluable for hauling just about anything. I reinforced the roof during construction and bolted it on. I built it to haul a boat, but I never even put it on there.