Trail-Lite builds a "Teardrop"???

Design & Construction of anything that's not a teardrop e.g. Grasshoppers or Sunspots

Trail-Lite builds a "Teardrop"???

Postby DANL » Thu Jul 08, 2004 9:45 pm

Saw one of these a few weeks back. Interesting interpretation. I thought the interior layout actually limmited some of the potential for this trailer. There are two layouts--the TB and the QB. not sure what the letters designate--bed layout maybe.

http://imm.rvamerica.net/showinv/imm_de ... &id=360664

http://imm.rvamerica.net/showinv/imm_de ... &id=249576

I've seen prices from $6,000 to $11,000 on these. Heavy too. Interesting to see that big biz thinks there is a market for teardrop/sunspot/grasshopper type trailers.
The tiny trailer in the avatar is designed to carry our recumbents and sometimes sleep in. We LOVE having a kitchen in the woods and a place for most of our gear.
Dan Jones http://sunsetlanding.com/teardrop/teardrop_intro.html
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Postby Larry Messaros » Thu Jul 08, 2004 11:53 pm

I agree Dan.

I've seen this trailer on the internet before. I think that there is big potential for small trailers. I'm not sure on some of the design features of this trailer. On the one with the twin bed setup and with the table inside you can't open up the one cabinet door. The back seems to have a lot of open space.

All in all, I think it's quite a nice looking unit. Price seems to be ok as well.

I couldn't find any info from the manufacturers site but I'm guessing that the unit is close to 6'6" wide, as a queen size bed is 60' x 80". Looks to be a little over 5' high inside. The 1350 lbs doesn't seem to be too bad.

Here's another dealers site with a floor plan layout:

http://www.blainejensenrv.com/rv_detail.asp?ID=17650
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Postby Shrug53 » Fri Jul 09, 2004 1:07 am

To me, that is just like a hot rod. It is not something you should buy, but rather build yourself.

I have built a lot of cars over the years, but would never consider buying one that was all done. It is all about being unique.

If you just want a trailer, by all means get one, or just get one of thsoe boxes on wheels. You get a lot more usable space. The trailer we design and build ourselves reflect our personalities and are uniquely suited to our needs.

Just my opinion.
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Postby DANL » Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:08 am

No arguement there, Shrug. As interesting as the Cassette was, the limitations and the fact that all design choices were made already took away a huge fun factor.

Perhaps if they offered it as a partial-built with options for interior and galley layout, stain-it or paint-it-yourself cabinetry, and a selection of applique stripes and designs, it might be more appealing. Being able to rearrange interior cabinet and berth modules or remove them completely would have been nice also.

The personal taste element may not be important to some folks but it sure is to me. I have seen trailers of all sizes with excellent interior layouts but I could never live with the builders choice of colors, upholstery, or paneling. That's probably one of the main reasons I'm doing it myself.

I have spoken to dealers and manufacturers in the past about custom configurations or stripped interiors and they either simply will not do it or will sell you a stripped version for the same price as a finished one. Doesn't really matter now 'cause construction is slowly under way. I'll get back at my project as soon as we finish the skiff I'm helping a neighbor kid build. Sure could use a six-bay garage.
The tiny trailer in the avatar is designed to carry our recumbents and sometimes sleep in. We LOVE having a kitchen in the woods and a place for most of our gear.
Dan Jones http://sunsetlanding.com/teardrop/teardrop_intro.html
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