My TD design Process.

[airrj]

Hello All,

I have finally started to waste memory space at work to design my Teardrop. I thought I would share as I go along. Tips and Constructive Critisism is welcome from all. I have been lurking for a few months and have learned allot from everyone.

These shots are of my current design, and as you see they are far from complete. So, I have allot of it designed in my head and I have not had time to model it up yet, and some of it is just open still. My goal is to have the 3-D model complete some time in mid-Aug. and to start the frame at that time. And then the body will be a slow process as I have time over the winter.

Some of the design constraints and unique features are as follows:

Tow vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
Intended to be towed across country. Aka 3000 mile trips.
Emprty weight - less than 1000#. NYS requirement for brakes is greater than 1000#
Wheels will be matching to the CR-V. One spare for the entire setup.
Bolt Circle for the CR-V 5x115mm or 5x4.527 If the wheels don't fit the standard 5x4.5 I will move the bolt pattern to fit.
Must be able to open rear door of CR-V.
Basic dimensions 5'x8'. More comfort with the 5'W and 8'L is to minimize the overall weight and size.
Torsion Axle (looking at Dexter #9 right now.)
Lightweight/Midweight 2x2x11ga.(.120") frame. 3/4" plywood floor bolted on.
Long storage under the floor for paddles etc.
Side wall construction of 1/2 plywood.
Roof Construction 5x5 sheets of 1/4" Baltic Birch. Unknown covering over that.
Plans for a insulated compartment for the Ice Chest to extend ice times.
Full Matress 54x75. I am 6' even so I don't want to have to remove my feet to sleep comfortablely.

That is all I can think of at this time. I will keep you posted as I dream up more stuff at work.

Here are a few shots. The first was my planned profile, but as I quickly learned keeping an 8' length isn't allot of room for the cooler area. So in true Mechanical Engineering style Function takes priority over Fashion. The new side profile is more basic, but still has a decent shape.

[angib]

Excellent work and a nice sensible chassis - neither overdone nor underdone.

To make sure the CR-V spare fits the trailer axle, there's quite a list of things you'll need to match:
- lug pattern
- lug bolt spec (angle, diameter)
- offset (inset or outset)
- pilot diameter (will central hole in CR-V wheel fit over trailer axle hub?).

Admittedly, some of these don't have to 'match', they just have to fit.

Andrew

[airrj]

Thanks Andrew. That is what I am going for on the frame. Unremarkable.

As for the wheels, yes I will need to make them fit. I am curently building a set of wheel adapters for my other project my '72 Chevelle. http://www.buffnet.net/~airrj/Z06.html So any modifications to the hubs will be easy to do. And I am planning for the offset in the design. The 'basic' wheels in my model are of the Honda wheels. I will detail them more later.

[angib]

As always, after making comments like that to someone, you discover they've got most of a small machine shop in their garage and have previously made their own engine from billet.

Typical!

Andrew

[Marck]

My design process is very simple.
I just go to Andrew's site.

hehehehehhehehehehehehe

[Ron Dickey]

where are you going on your 3000 mile venture.

will it include mountain ranges if so you might want to rethink you brakes, or install a parachute

Looks like you are very organized

Ron

[purplepickup]

I like the way you think. You're making a well thought out trailer that is functional and simple. If you find a need to add more function later, you can.

You're doing your Chevelle project the same way by doing the important fundamental stuff right and later if you want to go to a higher level, most of the hard work is done. It's going to make a nice handling pro touring car.

I'll bet your trailer is going to turn out real nice