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Sept 12, 2009 6:04:33 GMT
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Guess it had to happen. After this years season, and a couple of camping trips, I have decided to build (Or at least try to ) a Teardrop trailer of some sorts. Looked at small caravans, pop-ups, Eriba Puck, etc and decided that based on their prices, sensibility and generally what they are for what they deliver, to go the painfull route and to try build us one over winter. The design will be pretty basic and not spectacular as the unlimited budget Ametican style one you usually see. I think a basic chassis, ply wood sides, timber frame, and just the "roof" clad in metal sheeting will be my route. Finish will be paint in the colours of the bus , so Green, Red, White and a Checker flag roof. The whole lot will be in scallop shapes, so as to enhance the shape of the trailer, and to create an illusion of lowness. All advice and pointers gladly received. Help over here at Chez Grizz with tea making, and banter also welcomed. Basic idea:      Images lifted from various places on the web. |
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Last Edit: Dec 5, 2012 15:22:53 GMT by grizz
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Sept 12, 2009 6:11:16 GMT
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This was the trailer I originaly planned to drag about behind the bus, when it was going to have a bed inside etc. Plans have changed, and the bus layout has been simplified so that it can be a multi purpose tool as well. Thus the Teardrop trailer with a small kitchen built in the rear and soft sleeping quarters makes much more sense. Old Grizz-Trailer.  |
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Last Edit: Dec 7, 2010 18:34:17 GMT by grizz
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Sept 12, 2009 6:48:54 GMT
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one thing i was gonna do was use an old caravan door/frame,
just the top half, to cut down on fabrication, a mate has just gutted
a caravan to fit out an iveco camper so has the rolling shell left over,
its a shame the chassis is aluminium so a bit difficult to shorten/narrow.
old trailer tents are good bases, i've picked up one that has only been
good for its axle and a-frame, got the chassis all welded up and rolling
now, only took a couple of days to make up.
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Sept 12, 2009 9:37:46 GMT
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this is gonna be cool! I love teardrops, was thinking about buying one, But they're well expensive. Then thought about making one, But i don't have that kinda of time, space, resources and as for my handywork, Forget it! So ive bottled it so after RRG we decided we're gonna get a nice normal caravan (hmmmmm, Shower, toilet, Oven).
Fair play to ya Grizz! Cant wait to see it done!
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Sept 12, 2009 10:02:06 GMT
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Sept 12, 2009 11:46:45 GMT
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Sept 12, 2009 11:50:08 GMT
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Hey mate, great idea - I've seen one of these...... www.thebedbug.co.uk/home...at a show and they look good but not cheap. Worth a look at their website for inspiration though.  |
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Currently driving a '68 Karmann Ghia as my daily. Don't ask about previous cars - there have been way too many and I stopped counting at 160!
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Sept 12, 2009 11:50:14 GMT
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SORRY SEEMS PRICES HAVE GONE UP AND THERES BEEN A NAME CHANGE SINCE I GOT MINE CHEEPER TO COLLECT THO
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Sept 12, 2009 12:18:17 GMT
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Pics to follow.
The Bananasplit looks great.
Just bought an 18 foot caravan chassis.
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Sept 12, 2009 12:57:33 GMT
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Right, There you go. Was offered this by Marcus, went to view it today, purchased and will be collecting on the way home from the Battlesbridge show the end of the month after dropping the bus off with Edd (B&D) Once home I can start doing the real life measuring and getting a better idea of what I have let myself in for. The idea is to move the axle forward by 18 to 24 inches if I can get it right, then cut off the rear 3 or 4 foot. At that point it will be about starting to build the actual cabin of the caravan. As mentioned, ideas, tips on how to etc all greatfully/gratefully accepted. Looking for a Long distance trucking breakers yard...... any ideas ? Preferably in the south/Kent area. I want to buy some sides of an old refrigerated truck to use as sides for the caravan. Pics of todays purchase. Front end:  Rear end:  Side view:  |
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Last Edit: Dec 7, 2010 18:35:12 GMT by grizz
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Sept 13, 2009 16:44:30 GMT
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RIGHT - QUESTION 2. Has anyone ever moved a caravan chassis/axle on the same chassis ? I suspect it will be a fairly simple job of unbolt, move, measure , drill, bolt in. However, other than alligning the axle perfectly, any other issues ?? I need to cut the chassis I have much shorter from the rear, as I do not want to mess with the "A-Frame" side. This needs to be done in order to get the look right, as well as the weightdistribution a bit more forward. Thanks all for your contributions so far. Pic of said chassis, the idea is to cut about 3foot or a meter off the rear, around about the small long hole bewtween the small ones just behind the wheel. OK, here goes. (again) Has anyone built a teardrop trailer, or even a small custom built caravan ? I need tips, things to avoid, and even plans and measurements if you have. Any advice or recommendation appreciated. Cheers. |
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Sept 13, 2009 17:44:53 GMT
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Are you sure that's an aluminium frame and not just a galvanised steel one? I haven't got anything to add only that my next car has a hitch and I'll be watching your progress and nicking your ideas!
if the axle isn't aligned perfect, the whole thing will just crab a little to one side, no biggie unless you've really got it wrong.
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Sept 13, 2009 18:55:54 GMT
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Are you sure that's an aluminium frame and not just a galvanised steel one? I haven't got anything to add only that my next car has a hitch and I'll be watching your progress and nicking your ideas! if the axle isn't aligned perfect, the whole thing will just crab a little to one side, no biggie unless you've really got it wrong. It is gavanised indeed, not sure where i said it was ally. Ideas are always common propperty. |
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Sept 13, 2009 19:10:12 GMT
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hmm maybe i picked that up on the other thread in general. btw don't forget the most important measurement, your height for the bed.
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stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,960
Club RR Member Number: 174
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Sept 13, 2009 19:40:55 GMT
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These always look really small to me. Can you lay flat in them or do you need to lay on your side with your legs bent?
Matt
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Sept 13, 2009 19:50:26 GMT
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These always look really small to me. Can you lay flat in them or do you need to lay on your side with your legs bent? Matt Hi Matt, Hope all is good. Nicola was asking about Maisie today. The sleeping area is 6'6" long, anf then there is still a kitchen at the rear. I think they are deceptive for size.   Dimensions SpecificationWeight: 880 lbs (400Kg) SpecificationLength overall 12ft’11” 3.940M SpecificationLength without draw bar 9ft’6” 2.910M SpecificationWidth overall 5ft'8” 1.750M SpecificationWidth inside 3ft'11” 1.200M SpecificationLength inside (bed) 6ft'6” 2.000M SpecificationHeight overall 5ft’6” 1.700M SpecificationHeight inside (deduct 100mm for mattress) 3ft’7” 1.100M SpecificationDoor 1ft’11” X 2ft’10” width 590mm x 880mm Height |
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Sept 13, 2009 20:38:21 GMT
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okay lets see if i can help ,i have done a fair few boat wheelhouse and boat trailers in the past, some basic rules may apply to this project, when moving an axle forwards or backwards use the marks [or make marks] made by the axle in its original position,if it towed true to start with chances are it will tow true again, the only thing to watch is shifting weight, shortening and lengthening trlers and axle placement can create snaking charecteristics,
make sure you try to end up with 25-35kg nose weight, [although your trailer isnt likely to weigh a great deal] as far as construction is concerned, make your base oversize first , lay on it and draw your layout on it , drawing cupboards etc [if the base is big enough and you can stoop down okay then all the rest should be right,
cut the base to size and fit for good,[bitumen the underside and bolt onto prepared chassis,you can now make your sides to your shape and design , again before cutting the sides [out of the best quality ply you can afford] standit on the base and prop it in position again imagine laying in and climbing out ,also allow 2" overhang at the bottom to allow A. a drip mould [allows water to drip off not run in!] B a fixing [bolt/screw 2x2 under base and through sides],glue and silicone everything, now cut 20 or so crossmembers in 2x1 at the measurement between the sides , fix them at 300mm intervals up an over using piloted screws thruogh the ends , you can then ply up over the top with 4mm ply use 3 layers ,plenty of glue and screws [remembering to stagger the joints and the screws,] then cut out your windows and apertures [after drawing them on and again 'pretend camping ,] clad with ally sheet sarting at the back so the laps are weatherproof , use 25mm 'hockey sick' section up the roof/side joint as this will bend with no kinks, then its detailing which is your thing
hope this helps [I'm getting the urge to do me sen one now!!!],
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yes ,it started badly ,petered off in the middle and the least said about the end the better!!!
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stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,960
Club RR Member Number: 174
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Sept 13, 2009 22:06:17 GMT
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Ah right, have to be careful waking up to make sure you don't crack your head on the roof lol.
Maisie is great btw, she's really trying to crawl now, just needs to learn how to get traction on the carpet. PM'd you anyway.
Matt
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Sept 14, 2009 19:26:32 GMT
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Sept 14, 2009 20:38:30 GMT
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Thanks mate, that helps, everything helps at this point. |
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