Offroad Teardrop+ concept

[expeditionist]

I picked up on this thread yesterday and I have been drooling ever since. I am eager to create a small camping trailer that can be climate controlled and insulated to take to the very hot desert regions of the Southwest. This concept is amazing and exactly what I am looking for. Unfortunately, I probably will not have the resources to create the fine example you are working towards, but I now have some great ideas to work on mine. Much thanks and very impressive. Can't wait to see the finished product you are working on!

 

[JJBiggs]

I would recommend against using marine grade plywood, because of all the adhesives and chemicals they use in it. that stuff will off-gas for quite awhile and you dont want to be sleeping inside a box made of it...

Just my 2 cents.

Cool trailer and awesome cad work. I wish i could get my renderings to look that good

Dude...It's you I should be praising. Your build has given me the inspiration to build mine. Your SawTooth trailer is outstanding.

 

[nwoods]

For some odd reason, the MOPAR factory JK and offroad trailer concept were set up in my office parking lot today...which is very inexplicable, but nonetheless there it was. There was no one standing next to it, so I shot a few photos with my phone, and noted the company that made the hybrid vinyl/canvas top:

 

[WMac]

For some odd reason, the MOPAR factory JK and offroad trailer concept were set up in my office parking lot today...which is very inexplicable, but nonetheless there it was. There was no one standing next to it, so I shot a few photos with my phone, and noted the company that made the hybrid vinyl/canvas top:

The trailer Rocks......And would be a great little SAR trailer for us.

No Hijack here, but I wonder where, Who, and if that trailer is in production by someone and just has JEEP on it or ?

 

[JKDetonator]

That trailer is in production by "Livin Lite" and Jeep has worked out a deal to label one for themselves and mark it up about 200% for the jeep sticker.

 

[JJBiggs]

That trailer is in production by "Livin Lite" and Jeep has worked out a deal to label one for themselves and mark it up about 200% for the jeep sticker.

Go fig. Chrysler needs to make up so cash some where. :victory:

 

[alia176]

JJ,

Have you given any thought to having an aux fuel tank under the trailer? Using a simple transfer pump, you can refuel the tow vehicle as necessary. Since you have a water tank, you could install a RV pump for showers and such and use the hand pump for the sink duties. This is what I'm doing on my trailer.

The flip out to the side creates a good potential for attaching a privacy shelter since the ceiling height is at a decent height.

Just some random thoughts. I didn't read the entire thread so these items may have been mentioned already.

 

[lowenbrau]

Just a gentle prod. I'm following this thread with much enthusiasm. Have you made any progress with the fabric manufacturer? Are you convinced to go with a steel tube frame rather than cnc plywood? I thought the p/w would have made the assembly much quicker but I'm no stranger to metal fab so I'm game for whatever you decide.

Jess' maiden voyage in the Stomper teardrop has me thinking how much I want to start on one of these builds

 

[JJBiggs]

Just a gentle prod. I'm following this thread with much enthusiasm. Have you made any progress with the fabric manufacturer? Are you convinced to go with a steel tube frame rather than cnc plywood? I thought the p/w would have made the assembly much quicker but I'm no stranger to metal fab so I'm game for whatever you decide.

Jess' maiden voyage in the Stomper teardrop has me thinking how much I want to start on one of these builds

Saw that on Jess' thread. Awesome work.

Update - Much has been happening. I have been discussing this project with a fellow Expo'r and metal fabricator. We are debating on preparing a trailer that could be put into production. As a result, we are preparing to build two prototypes for testing out in the field. There are a few considerations that we have explored:

1. The use of composite materials for ease of fabrication, durability and longevity.
2. Functionality and usability for off-road travel and exploring
3. A fully self-contained unit - that includes water system, LP tank and power supply.
4. The unit will have the ability to accommodate 4 adults comfortably via a flip top tent area.

As a result of all the work thus far, I am up to version 6 on the design end with #7 coming up shortly. Since we are looking into the possibility of making these for profit, I will not be showing any further designs.

However, if we do pull the trigger on this venture I will become a small business sponsor to help this great site and do things properly. If we don't, I will continue this thread with updates for my personal build.

cheers. :victory:

 

[elmo_4_vt]

Sleeping 4 adults sounds interesting... Shame on not seeing the designs though. IMHO, seeing the designs now, or the finished product is no different as far as design copying... Is there anyway you can just show something to give us an idea about the flip top? Nothing structural, just a basic sketch? I can't visualize how it will flip to accommodate 4 adults.

 

[JJBiggs]

Sleeping 4 adults sounds interesting... Shame on not seeing the designs though. IMHO, seeing the designs now, or the finished product is no different as far as design copying... Is there anyway you can just show something to give us an idea about the flip top? Nothing structural, just a basic sketch? I can't visualize how it will flip to accommodate 4 adults.

Hey Elmo...

I can empathize with the frustration of not seeing the design. Given that we are looking into potentially selling these, we want to take every precaution to ensure our design is safe to produce and does not infringe on any other current product out there.

That said - four adults will fit in this via, 2 in the lower, main cabin while 2 can sleep in the upper flip area. I am presently working on what will the best solution be for the flip top configuration.

Hang tight...there is more to come.

 

[JJBiggs]

Howdy folks...

Here is the latest.

The trailer. Well...it has gone from simple to complex. An Expo'r and local GA guy from Toccoa contacted me and offered his metal shop services if we built two trailers together. At first, I simply wanted one for myself. But after talking at length, looks like we might go in and produce these for sale. The design is 90% complete and will feature the following:

- Custom independent off road suspension
- Fully welded 2"x2" steel box extrusion trailer frame
- Fiberglass structural composite / insulated exterior wall panels. (Both lightweight and very strong)
- LED trailer lighting
- Stabilization jacks
- Integrated on board 20 gal+ Water system
- 12v Battery Power pack (optional solar recharge system or portable generator possible as well)
- LP Tank
- Space for 4 people to sleep comfortably
- 80"L x 60"W main cabin sleeping quarters with 4" foam mattress
- 78"L x 64"W Upper sleeping quarters with 4" foam mattress
- Flip top that opens over side entry door
- Rear Galley with running water (working on possible hot water system)
- Galley storage with room for a 43-45qt 12v fridge
- Interior LED lighting
- Interior Entertainment System
- High quality waterproof canvas tent with no-seeum screens and storm shutters.
- Optional color choices

That's the skinny. Still working on the details. These are going to be pretty slick (if I say so myself.) At any rate, I will be building one at the minimum for myself if we do not go to production. As soon as I know that we will do this for sure, I will be contacting Expo Portal folks to become a proper sponsor. So... in the meantime, there will be a bit of a lull till we get to the next step.

Stay tuned.

Chad

 

[Titanpat57]

Like that side flip much better, offers protection into the cabin...didn't see anything about an annex, but think it would make a nice option...and increase living space

Good luck, Pat

 

[Maximus Ram]

Very cool design.
Why not a flipac shell built into the tear drop trailer...this way the flip portion is pre built ...

 

[JJBiggs]

Very cool design.
Why not a flipac shell built into the tear drop trailer...this way the flip portion is pre built ...

Contacted FlipPac, the lead times for the tents is looooong. 6 weeks+. In addition, the sizing is either too big or too small and only allowed for a forward or rear flip top. This version allowed me to retain the trailer being connected to the rig.