Offroad Teardrop+ concept

[R_Lefebvre]

Food for thought, the people that need trailers are in two general categories:
1. People with more bodies and/or stuff than will fit in their family sized SUV (like the Land Cruiser 80 series)

2. People with smaller off road vehicles with no room for stuff, like the majority of Jeep TJ owners, or 4 door JK owners who fall into category 1 and 2!

Assuming a lot of your potential customers are Jeep owners, or vehicles that frequently are equipped with 35" tires, you might really want to consider that tire size capability as a minimum target.

Would a trailer this large really be dragged through anything difficult enough to REQUIRE 35" tires?

I've only got 29" tires on my trailer, and I have 18" clearance under it. My truck only has about 8 or 10" clearance under the axle with 31's, which would be about 12-14" if I put 35's? The flipside is, larger tires increase the CG height, which is already high on a trailer, making it more likely to turn over on terrain such as what you're suggesting.

I've said it before, I can't see any technical justification for large tires on a trailer.

 

[interceptor]

I can see the disadvantages to larger tires on a trailer. Whether large or small I personally like the idea of my truck and trailer having the same tire/wheel combination for commonality and interchangeability in parts. Plus if something went really wrong and a person went through all there spares they could take the trailer tires off, leave it behind, and keep moving. That may not matter to some but I have always been a “what if the worst happened” type guy.

Correct me if I am wrong but wouldn’t one advantage to larger tires be a better brake over angle?

Like everything else it seems one would have to decide what is most important for their situation and compromise a little on the rest.

 

[nwoods]

I can see the disadvantages to larger tires on a trailer. Whether large or small I personally like the idea of my truck and trailer having the same tire/wheel combination for commonality and interchangeability in parts. Plus if something went really wrong and a person went through all there spares they could take the trailer tires off, leave it behind, and keep moving. That may not matter to some but I have always been a “what if the worst happened” type guy.

Correct me if I am wrong but wouldn’t one advantage to larger tires be a better brake over angle?

Like everything else it seems one would have to decide what is most important for their situation and compromise a little on the rest.

Exactly

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I personally like the idea of my truck and trailer having the same tire/wheel combination for commonality and interchangeability in parts. Plus if something went really wrong and a person went through all there spares they could take the trailer tires off, leave it behind, and keep moving.

One of the oft-stated reasons for matching tires on the trailer is "I only need to carry one spare to serve the truck and trailer", which definitely doesn't work for the idea you have. You've got 50% more failure potential, with the same number of spares. Also, 3 29" wheels weight the same as 2 35" wheels, so you aren't even saving any weight either. You could have matching bolt circles, but smaller tires, and still have the same "limp home" ability.

For breakover... well that is determined by a lot of factors, wheel size is not the only one.

Look, people can do whatever they want. Doesn't matter to me. I'm just saying, that designing THAT trailer for 35's brings with it a whole bunch of compromises. You'd lose interior space, and an already high CG just gets higher. And for what? To gain ground clearance for terrain the tow rig could never pull it through anyway? I mean, let's be real here, the trailer is going to come out somewhere close to 2000lbs. And if it's being towed by a 3000lb TJ... you just won't need 35's for where it can pull it.

 

[Snowdrift]

just to through this out there, the #1 reason I run bigger tires on my rig is to have the ability to air down normally 10psi or less and soften up the ride. I noticed a big difference in ride when going to up to 35'' tall tires. This would work the same on a trailer. Let the tires do all the work.

 

[Hilldweller]

Back to my wish list.

2 man version: the top portion only opens to a 45* angle to add headroom to the downstairs. It locks in this position and has a big awning that deploys to the non-tent side at a tall-guy-friendly height. I just can't picture myself (or you) stooping to get under that thing when it's flopped to 180*.
The bed inside needs a flip part in front of the door that turns a big part of it into a chair or couch or whatever you want to call it. That means you can sit inside easily, stand for dressing, etc.
Still flip that door around and put it on 30"x9.5" mud tires with bolt patterns to match the rig.

 

[matthewp]

just to through this out there, the #1 reason I run bigger tires on my rig is to have the ability to air down normally 10psi or less and soften up the ride. I noticed a big difference in ride when going to up to 35'' tall tires. This would work the same on a trailer. Let the tires do all the work.

Crazy question, but would airing down trailer tires even matter? They provide no added traction for putting power to the ground, they just follow along.

 

[jeepfreak81]

I absolutely love the idea of the 'kit' and the idea that was mentioned to 'upgrade' it from 2 to 4 people down the road. I am building our current trailer and we have no kids, the wife started talking kids this year and now I am worried it won't suit my needs in 2-3 years.

My plan, they get a separate tent when they are old enough, or I can make a add-a-room type tent. That's what my parents did anyway

I only went in their camper If I got flooded out.

 

[Snowdrift]

Crazy question, but would airing down trailer tires even matter? They provide no added traction for putting power to the ground, they just follow along.

maybe I wasn't very clear, but airing down=softer ride. Running low air pressure allows the tire to conform around any small bumps or rocks so the suspension doesn't have to take the hit. This I think would be a important factor for a off road teardrop. not to make a huge issue of this, no biggie!
On another note if the wheel well allows room for a 34" diameter tire there would be room for 315/75r16 to fit. they only measure 33.5" but people call them 35s.

Offering these as a kit is a great idea! Probably way to early to pin a price on one eh?

 

[matthewp]

maybe I wasn't very clear, but airing down=softer ride. Running low air pressure allows the tire to conform around any small bumps or rocks so the suspension doesn't have to take the hit. This I think would be a important factor for a off road teardrop. not to make a huge issue of this, no biggie!
On another note if the wheel well allows room for a 34" diameter tire there would be room for 315/75r16 to fit. they only measure 33.5" but people call them 35s.

Offering these as a kit is a great idea! Probably way to early to pin a price on one eh?

Aha! I never thought of that aspect. Good point!

 

[JJBiggs]

Greetings All...

There has been much happening behind the scenes. My partner in crime is still on his Expo in the Northwest part of continent. We have brainstormed methods of fabrication, design styles, need, wants etc. Upon his return home, things will progress more quickly. In the meantime, I have been working on the overall design for all aspects of how we can build this unit. Here are some of the facts:

1. There has been some talk of making the 2 person unit upgradeable. Upon looking into this further, there are some significant hurdles. For one, because we want to stick to using composite panels (primarily for weight, and modularity) we must have a base structure to provide support. Not only for the sides, but also the upper sleeping area. As such, a custom fabricated heavy duty hinge is required. This is tied to the structure. Similar to the "Flip-Pac", the hinge is key. Having a unit that simply "bolts" may be a liability. Above all, I want simplicity not complexity. Second, tooling (mother molds) for the composite panels are VERY expensive. Starting out small is logical. So for now, I think offering two units, is simple and perfect.

2. Tire Size: Much has been discussed on this. Here's a simple answer, based on my knowledge I agree 100% with the idea that the trailer wheels and tires match the rig. That said, I am one of those that believe you do not need massive tires to meet the needs of the rig. IMO, 32"-33" are perfect. Just my personal preference.

3. My goal for the design is modularity. Meaning, there will be accessories that can be added to the trailer. We are hoping to offer integrated hot water systems, awnings, additional storage boxes, etc.

4. Because of this modular design, I believe we can also offer each unit as a DIY Customer assembled version. Meaning, all the parts needed will come to the customer via freight shipping and will be ready for assembly. From the trailer frame to the tail lights, everything will be there.

Lastly a reminder to all. We are exploring the feasibility of selling these. I want to remain positive, but also keep two feet firmly planted in reality. After all, we are funding, and putting a major effort in this endeavor. I have also built things to sell in the past. And, I have to tell you...it is a major PITA. It is impossible to please everyone. However, if we offer simple expandable units that the customers can tailor to theirs wants and needs.......that is ideal.

When all is said and done, if we can't make something happen for others, at the bare minimum we will be building 2 units for ourselves to enjoy. Hoping of course that this idea gains some speed moving forward.

Thanks again for all the positive feedback and support. Here's hoping that this all comes to be. Either way...I certainly want one. :victory:

 

[Uncle Roger]

I'm afraid I've had your trailer on my mind quite a bit the last week or so. Whether or not it's feasible to produce them for sale, you should be very proud of what you've designed. It is outstanding.

Of course, I do hope you are able to sell them because I want one. In looking at the last couple of renderings you've posted, I already know that the spot on the front deck, starboard of the tire, would get a waterproof box to hold my big first aid kit (think small suitcase) and a fire extinguisher would go either next to the first aid kit or in front of the gas can on the fender.

I don't know what you have planned for across the front, inside above the front window, but I think it would be a great place for some small cabinets or a shelf at least. It would be a good place for the end-user to install a stereo and speakers, as well as a CB or ham radio. Someone mentioned making the platform lift up to turn it into a back rest (like this: ____/ ) but I think that can be done easier and cheaper with some pillows.

You mentioned a solar panel and I simply love that idea. The battery box could go on the front deck, perhaps below the first aid kit? Or the first aid kit could go on the other fender.

I'm also pondering bikes -- with an RTT on the Disco, and the flip-top tent on the trailer, there's not really a place for them. Perhaps some sort of rack that goes into the hitch and has the trailer ball on the back of that for the trailer? I dunno... that's my problem though (most people would probably just put their bikes on top of the car or, if they have the 2-person version, on top of the trailer.)

btw, I (and probably everyone else) would love to see what you have planned for the port side of the trailer.

Anyway, kudos again on a fantastic design! I can't wait to see it come to life. Thanks for sharing!

 

[walking eagle]

On another note if the wheel well allows room for a 34" diameter tire there would be room for 315/75r16 to fit. they only measure 33.5" but people call them 35s.

my 315's were 34.5" - Now I'm on to 37's and will likely put 37's on a trailer at some time, but I'm not the type to spend 10K on something I'm going to drag down a trail that requires 37's on a trailer either. So.... 35's would be a good fitting option since they're pretty common for 80's and JK's

 

[JJBiggs]

**UPDATE** 07/29/10

Finally able to post up some news about this. Here's the details to date:

- The design is complete. All details have been thought through and are in the CAD detailing phase.
- The trailer name and tag is being presently under the copyright / trademark approval process.
- The trailer's target weight is around 1500# (under if possible).
- We are in the final selection of the composite and tent fabrication vendors. Final decision will come in the next week or so once the numbers come in.
- 2 fully functional prototypes are being produced for use and testing.
- Target roll out date is early November.
- We are hoping to have both ready for display by the Eastern Expo gathering.


A few Trailer details:

- Room for 4 adults
- Storage areas throughout.
- Full galley with an area for either a Coleman Extreme cooler or a 45qt 12V fridge
- LP gas tank (with hard lines/quick connects for cooking)
- 20 gal capacity water system with LP gas hot water heater.
- LED lighting (interior & trailer)
- Off Road independent suspension
- Fully welded steel frame with trail guards


More to come.

C.

 

[JackW]

Chad - really enjoyed talking to you at the Solaros meeting you attended. Your trailer design looks great and it looks like you're getting some great suggestions too. I like the idea of reversing the hinge side of the door - hinging it at the back edge would allow it to fly open if it came unlatched for any reason - its better to have the hinges at the front edge plus as someone pointed out it allows you to enter the trailer without coming out from under the awning.

I'll pitch in my two cents on the tire issue with something I haven't seen anyone mention. I'm a fan of tall and skinny tires as most of my friends know but on a trailer the make more sense for a variety of reasons. First is weight - keeping the ratio of unsprung weight to sprung weight as low as possible is a good thing as any car designer can tell you - among other things it lightens the loads on the suspension components. Since many of your potential customers will be towing with a smaller rig (Jeep or lightweight SUV/Crossover vehicle) you want to try to keep the overall weight of the trailer as low as possible. I'd think 1100 pounds (or less) would be a good target weight.

The other thought I have on tires is the skinny part - you need to remember that trailer tires track inside the cars rear tires so a wide tire on the trailer is more likely to snag an obstruction (root, rock, curb, broken Jeep, etc.) than a skinny one. Personally I think the ideal tire for your trailer may be something like a 235/85R16 or maybe a tall, skinny 15" tire.