subaru teardrop build

[angib]

I am worried that the trailer wheel placement may be a little to far back, putting too much weight on the tongue.

Yes, that's how it looks to me. I don't immediately see any way to change it - tinkering about with removing weight behind the firewall isn't going to make much difference - you really need to move the rear wheels and that becomes a real nightmare, plus it looks wrong.

I think you have to just suck it and see. Maybe rip out all you can and then do a test weigh to see how far out it is - no point waiting till it's finished to find you can't tow it.

[queeg9k]

I didn't mean wait till its finished to find the tongue weight, just a mockup. Strip it, get the frame built and then see how far out it is.

[greekspeedoman]

Great idea. I'll be watching your project develop. I've owned 5 subarus and have one that I could turn into a trailer behind the new one! What fun this place is.

[M B Hamilton]

I think it will look great if you can pull it off.

The cautions you've already received on tongue weight seem appropriate. I looked at your drawing and think you need a new location for your battery and that water tank (water is heavy, about 8 lbs./gal.). Behind the axle would somewhat reduce the potential for too much tongue weight. Your cooler and an a/c, if you're going to have one, should be behind the axle.

Glass isn't as heavy as it was 40 or 50 years ago, but there are lighter alternatives and you probably don't want that windshield there for privacy reasons anyways. There is a "Foamie" discussion section here. Perhaps you can fab the whole front enclosure out of foam and epoxy?

If you can make this workout for you it should look great and be very unique. I know everyone here would love to see the picture. "We love the pictures."

[queeg9k]

Thanks every one for the input.

M B Hamilton- The plan is to get it mocked up, just with framing done, no cabinets, electronics, water tanks, bedding ect.. take gross weight and tongue weight and go from there, however there is not much room aft of the axle to work with.

Shoot, I have not even picked up the donor vehicle yet! Going to get it, not next weekend, but the one after that.

[queeg9k]

Picked up the donor car!!! the front end was lighter than I expected, two people can pick it up no problem. Will get even lighter when I cut out the front horns and radiator suport.

[xddorox]

Keep it coming. I'm very intrigued about this project and I truly hope you pull it off. Mucho points on the cool factor.

[3822sean]

this should be cool to watch keep the pics coming

[queeg9k]

It is in its new home!! Not for long I hope, next summer seems feasible.



Here is the tow vehicle at one of my favorite road houses



this is not a tiny travel trailer but it is awesome, it was at my uncles wedding



another shot of the wedding, I think I took more pics of cars than I did of my family

[campmaster-k]

I have seen that motor home before. I cant remember where. What museum is that?

[queeg9k]

I have seen that motor home before. I cant remember where. What museum is that?

The motor home is at the California Automobile Museum in Sacromento.
It is a 1971 STAR STREAK MOTORHOME, and I believe it was built of a Lincoln car frame. It is ugly as sin yet I still find it loveable somehow.

[queeg9k]

Did a little work today. Ripped out the fuel lines, brake lines, a bunch of heater ducting, and a bunch of stuff on the interior. I found out it has a full tank of gas, and a bunch of black widows living next to said tank. Gotta get out the raid before I go much further. Not much but its a start. Don't think that little of work warrants a pic. Gonna start cutting this weekend!!