Andrew, thanks for the input, I appriciate it very much, even though I immediatly jump to defend by design. I'm trying to walk the line between lightweight design and long-term durability and ease of use. I think that it will be a tough challenge to get a teardrop camper that can also be used as a utility trialer. It has to be easy to switch between the two uses, while still providing a lightweight trailer. I don't want something that is the worst of both worlds, but I also don't have the space for storing two trailers (maybe not event the space for one) but I do have the need(want?) for two.
I have struggled with the need for a steel sub-frame, but my main concern is connecting the teardrop pod to the utility trailer. With the stresses involved with holding the teardrop pod to the utility trailer frame at only a few points (right now I would have six, three per side), I am leaning to having a steel subframe over a wooden frame. Peace of mind with steel being more durable over the long haul.
I don't think I'll need the rear 2"x2" lifting point, as I won't need to clear the fenders at the rear. I could simply lift directly off the steel frame and set it up on a jack stand.
The idea for lifting the teardrop pod came from a slide in camper design, lifting off the corners. I looked into the jacks that are used for slide-ins, but offroad jacks have about the same lifting distance and they are multi-use. I wouldn't need both of them on most trips, but one could be handy. Here are two views (a little crude, but the idea is there):
I probably should clarify on the attachment bracket. I envision having six such brackets welded onto the 1"x1" steel sub-frame to line up with six stake pockets on the utility trailer. Overbuilt, probably, but I don't want to be driving down the interstate or on a backroad and suddenly realize I'll have to use the utility trailer to haul my once teardrop pod to the dump.
Does anyone have a different idea for connecting the teardrop pod to the utility trailer? I want something that is simple in its design and also relatively simple to detach from the trailer. I also need to have a certain amount of redundancy in the design, with offroad abuse in mind.