by Trackstriper » Fri Mar 02, 2007 10:04 am
Think I've got a rough idea about what you want to do from looking at previous posts. Not a bad idea and a lot less work.
About four years ago I bought a standard-front Pace Cargosport 6x12 (model CS612SA) to build into a camper. I had them add 6" extra height so I could stand up in it, side door, 15"x30" windows in the sides, electric brakes, etc. It was a nice beginning, or so I thought. I have a full-sized van that is my work van/daily driver. The extra height got above the van's profile and I could really tell it was there when I pulled it around; I put maybe a hundred miles on it. Also, because the wheels/fenders are on the outside of the box it felt very "wide" (7'-9") behind my van. In reality it was no wider than the distance across my side mirrors, but I was concerned about having to pay a lot of attention to lane discipline while driving as all that width was behind me.
I also bought a small 4X6 Pace Journey that I still use for "overload" purposes if my van can't fit all my work stuff for a particular job. When towing this trailer I don't even know that it's behind me, even with 1000# of extra cargo. I can't see it in my side mirrors, so I have to wag it once in a while to be sure that it's still there. All this to say that the frontal area, shape, and hiding in the profile of the tow vehicle can make a huge difference. The loaded 4x6 was heavier than the empty 6x12 so weight was not the issue. That was my lesson learned and I sold the trailer to my brother who uses it today, it is a fine trailer, I just didn't like pulling it.
Next, following Andrew's discussions about aero drag, the v-nose may not be all that it's cracked up to be, but it has got to help a bit (I also would go that direction.) There is an issue with the sharp transition between the sidewalls and the front walls. Having rounded edges between the roof and sidewalls will help, though. Planning the interior space utilization with a v-nose is a little tricky, I've played with it in CAD in the past.
I would suggest towing an empty cargo trailer (or two) around so you know what it will be like, pull it at highway speed. Give it a test drive, like buying a car. I didn't and it cost me a grand to learn this lesson. Be sure you know what it feels like and see if it will work for you. The weight you'll likely put in it won't be much of a factor except for braking. You might consider electric brakes, depending on your tow vehicle.
This aero drag issue might not be an issue for you if your trips are short distance. I have to travel a lot and tend to think in terms of "what will it be like to pull this trailer 300 miles, or 800 miles?"
Now for some details for you to think about. The Pace Journey trailer you are looking at will have a spring axle unless you go to the Journey Plus model. The axle will probably be a 3500# beam with 3000# or 3500# springs. The trailer capacity is somewhat derated to 2990# to get by with many states requiring brakes at 3000# GVWR. The point here is that you probably won't be putting much weight in the trailer and it may tend to be oversprung for you loading and have a rather harsh ride. The Wells Cargo axle is a 2000# Dexter Torflex and will probably give you a smoother ride. The Pace might be able to be ordered with a down-rated axle. I know they had a 2500# Torflex in their 5x8 several years ago...I could not get that axle in the 6 foot wide trailer though. Notice the cargo handling capacities of the different trailers. For resale, or as a multi-purpose trailer, the higher capacity will be helpful, but not necessary good to baby your Cannondale while you own the trailer.
Do you need a side door? I had a side door with an RV latch system, plus the stock locking bar setup. This would be good for storage security, but I was concerned that someone could lock me inside and planned to have a way to lock that bar in a neutral position when I was "camping." I would think that you could modify the latching system of the right rear door to provide all the access you need. Build a galley inside the left door, there is plenty of vertical height.
By the way, how long is your tandem bike? How many people to sleep in the trailer, seemed like there was mention of kids' bikes too? Would your bike fit in my current design (see my album.) This tiny travel trailer is designed to fit behind my van and is a 6x10 body with a drop floor in the rear, interior galley, porta-potti in shower, closet, AC, etc. with enough headroom in galley for my 5'-5" wife, stooping height for me. Guys are tough. This will be an ambitious build so I am presently counting the cost.
Hope your shopping goes well.
