Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **Bobjr59** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:41 am

I have a 1997 Ford Escort LX 4dr I'm thinking of using a Harbor Freight 1175LB 48"x96" with 12" tires any ideals??? is this to heavy for a Escort? I'm thinking either a teardrop or a tent trailer any thoughts?? Also I need to try and build it as cheaply as I can. I hope I'm in the right place if not would one of the Mod. please send it to the right area thank you. Bob

by **MOKI SEAKER** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:02 pm

Bob a teardrop (4x8) weights in at about 1100#. you need to check the owners manual to see if your escort can handle the weight...Jim G

by **mikeschn** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:11 pm

Bob,

My 4x8 Benroy ended up at 800 pounds...

But you could definitely build lighter...

something like this maybe... est weight 433 pounds...

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... c&start=45

Mike...

by **tinksdad** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 3:53 pm

For lack of something better to do (no funds and it's just too darn cold to work outside), I have been playing around in Sketchup with the Superleggera from the design library. I would have to check; but I think our resident engineer calculated that one to be 174 Kg (383 pounds for those on this side of the pond). I would think an Escort could probably handle that; but don't quote me on it.

by **mikeschn** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:00 pm

The biggest difference between the superleggra and the lightweight cub is the chassis.

The superleggra is built on an "A-frame". That cuts a lot of weight out of the final product. But the remaining structure has to be built right, as per angib's design, in order for it to work.

The lightweight cub is built on a standard HF chassis, which people have no problem getting a title for, even in Pennsylvania. We started with that, and then just dropped the lightest body we could imagine on it.

What's most amazing is the difference in estimated weights isn't all that much.

Mike...

by **tinksdad** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:07 pm

I noticed there was only about 50 pounds difference between the two. I was just throwing another option in the ring. Too much spare time on my hands.

The ease of getting a title would probably outweigh the weight difference.

by **mikeschn** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:17 pm

tinksdad wrote:I noticed there was only about 50 pounds difference between the two. I was just throwing another option in the ring. Too much spare time on my hands.

The ease of getting a title would probably outweigh the weight difference.

Spare time can be a good thing. If I recall, you are quite a designer... are you looking for something to design?

Mike...

by **tinksdad** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:22 pm

Just a past time when I get bored. I have been thinking about building another lite weight for re-sale to help finance my next one. I'm torn between going with the Paddy Wagon I've sort of all ready started and making a complete left turn and doing a SlumberCoach clone (if I can find enough pictures to work from). My skills are no where near some of the designs I've seen you put up here.

by **mikeschn** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:26 pm

tinksdad wrote:Just a past time when I get bored. I have been thinking about building another lite weight for re-sale to help finance my next one. I'm torn between going with the Paddy Wagon I've sort of all ready started and making a complete left turn and doing a SlumberCoach clone (if I can find enough pictures to work from). My skills are no where near some of the designs I've seen you put up here.

Your slumbercoach design that you did in Sketchup looks fantastic. That would be a really nice build. You would not regret that.

If you can build an affordable lightweight, you will always have a market for it. Check out Len's pricing on affordable trailers.

http://www.geocities.com/len19070/Bare_ ... ilers.html

Mike...

by **Bobjr59** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:27 pm

Mike how much weight would it add if I insulated it and used a lite covering for the ceiling and I have a 12 volt Norcold I took out of my semi as for power I have a inverter I used in my semi and I was thinking of useing a solar collector aswell as a 1000 watt gen. I'm also thinking that ideal using a 5 gal. water jug and a wash pan for a sink would diffenttlly work I used a simular setup and for heat was looking at using a Coleman heater and I have a light weight two burner stove I'm also looking at using 2 12volt florecent lights one in cabin and one in galley and L.E.D marker lights

by **mikeschn** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:31 pm

Bobjr59 wrote:Mike how much weight would it add if I insulated it and used a lite covering for the ceiling and I have a 12 volt Norcold I took out of my semi as for power I have a inverter I used in my semi and I was thinking of useing a solar collector aswell as a 1000 watt gen. I'm also thinking that ideal using a 5 gal. water jug and a wash pan for a sink would diffenttlly work I used a simular setup and for heat was looking at using a Coleman heater and I have a light weight two burner stove I'm also looking at using 2 12volt florecent lights one in cabin and one in galley and L.E.D marker lights

Hey Bob,

Insulation adds no weight at all.

At least none that shows up on my bathroom scale.

A light covering? That depends on what you use. If you use a fabric for example, that doesn't weigh much. If you use a rubber backed carpet, that doesn't weigh much either. As for the other accessories you are thinking about, you'd have to weigh them and decide if they are worth taking with you.

Mike...

by **Bobjr59** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 5:23 pm

I like wood I was trying to think what would be the thinest birch vener I could use with out add to much weight??

by **mikeschn** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:00 pm

Don't get too thin, you'll lose your puncture resistance.

Of course you could always put a layer of fiberglass over it to get your puncture resistance back!

Mike...

by **Bobjr59** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:18 pm

If I built floor 2x2 frame and a sheet of 5/8 pine and using a sandwich of a frame made of 3/4 x 4 pine with insulation incased in vener on both sides of it then for roof I'm thinking 1/2 inch framing ?? question I was wondering which biscuit would I use for putting frame together and would I also use brades??? I noticed on one of the builds I saw someone used a staple gun and glue to fix skin to frame.

by **tinksdad** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 12:46 am

If you are really trying to go light weight I would suggest 1/2" ply walls(good quality), a stable wood for roof spars, a fairly thin but flexible roof sheathing (your choice), and an epoxy sealer on the whole thing. Paint or stain on the interior without adding any thing else.

Disclaimer: I have only built one TD so far, and all recommendations are strictly from an experience gained viewpoint!!

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

A Lite weight for a escort

A Lite weight for a escort

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