"TrailTop" modular trailer topper building components

[warejn]

This is a great concept. I have built a few trailers in the past with mixed results. I have always wanted to try a full camper but I have always been a little worried about the connections and the edges. This seems to solve all those issues. It has already got me thinking about all the applications. Not only my camper trailer but I also have a pop up camper with a pretty rough roof. This might be the ticket for a rebuild.

I hope that this actually gets to the point where we will be able to purchase the kits.

 

[jscherb]

Here's a thought: A manufacturer could have a website with popular configurations. Customer selects one, inputs base frame dimentions, and out pops a kits with the needed parts. You have a terrific concept. It seems much stronger, lighter, and easier to build that a conventional TD. I really hope this comes to market.

Funny you should mention that website idea, just the other day I was talking with my son about that. He's a computer science student at Northeastern University, and was looking for a recreational programming project to work on so I suggested a "drag and drop" TrailTop configurator app. You'd put in the size you wanted it to be, pick the frame style and tire size, then drag some of the shape components onto a frame, and the app would connect everything up nicely for you and generate a list of parts. I don't know if he'll have time to really do the app, given his school workload, but hopefully he will be able to squeeze it in.

A TrailTop-based camper would definitely be stronger and and should be easier to build than one built with traditional construction methods, and it probably would be lighter although the weight depends on many factors in the construction.

 

[jscherb]

How large a structure could be made with these components? Could a 12' standup be made?

Yes, you could build a 12' standup with the parts. The longest part is the 8' straight part, so if you used some of the curves - 3' radius on one end, 8' straight, 12" radius on the other end), you'd end up with 12'; if you needed longer straight pieces two could be joined together though. Strength in that size wouldn't be an issue, the TrailTop parts are intended to be strong enough to be structural components; for example one design criteria I have for the system is the ability to support the roof load of a roof-top tent, here's a smaller teardrop concept with an RTT upstairs for the kids...

 

[jscherb]

This is a great concept. I have built a few trailers in the past with mixed results. I have always wanted to try a full camper but I have always been a little worried about the connections and the edges. This seems to solve all those issues. It has already got me thinking about all the applications. Not only my camper trailer but I also have a pop up camper with a pretty rough roof. This might be the ticket for a rebuild.

I hope that this actually gets to the point where we will be able to purchase the kits.

Thank you.

The TrailTop parts should make the basic structure very easy to assemble, and it'll be easy to assemble the side panels to that structure.

This photo will give you an idea how the side panels will assemble to the TrailTop structure - a scrap of plywood is clamped in place against the side panel flange, you can see how it fits in the recessed flange and ends up flush with the curved edge...

 

[yj-hank]

Looking great Jeff. Please keep up the great work and keep the pics coming. I am imagining me taking one of these camping behind my classic bronco, going up north for fly fishing. It makes me relax just thinking about it.

Henry

 

[kayak15]

What about a design that looks similar to the FWC flatbed model where the rear overhangs then slopes down to the base? I'm thinking of creating a loft type bed over storage taking up the rear portion then doing sleeping and storage in the front. Goal to sleep two adults and three kids inside. Kitchen slides out from the side and below as previously drawn. This make any sense?


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[ajmaudio]

It's certainly very buildable with TrailTop parts. You might consider eliminating the front bottom angle, it seems to me that angle does nothing except reduce the usable sleeping area, and also makes it a little awkward for storage on the tongue. How about this?

I was debating that myself... Looks pretty good. You have a PM from me fyi Thanks again for the time.

 

[ajmaudio]

Well.. I tried to PM you.. appears you need to free up some space! Please do so I can PM you, or if you would rather PM me directly please do

 

[jscherb]

Well.. I tried to PM you.. appears you need to free up some space! Please do so I can PM you, or if you would rather PM me directly please do

My account on this forum is set up to allow people to send me email, so that's the best way to contact me.

 

[jscherb]

What about a design that looks similar to the FWC flatbed model where the rear overhangs then slopes down to the base? I'm thinking of creating a loft type bed over storage taking up the rear portion then doing sleeping and storage in the front. Goal to sleep two adults and three kids inside. Kitchen slides out from the side and below as previously drawn. This make any sense?

Are you talking about a trailer or about a truck flatbed camper like the FWC flatbed? If you can give me some more detail I'll be happy to draw you a picture of what you're thinking about, you just need to describe it a little more for me.

The trailer concept I drew for ajmaudio has a sloped rear like the FWC flatbed (see post 157 above); I've also done some design work on pickup caps/campers using TrailTop parts, although I haven't posted any of that here because this is a trailer forum and I don't want to get too far off topic, but a few are pictured below.

Just give me a little more description of what you're thinking about and I'll work up a drawing for you.

 

[kayak15]

Are you talking about a trailer or about a truck flatbed camper like the FWC flatbed? If you can give me some more detail I'll be happy to draw you a picture of what you're thinking about, you just need to describe it a little more for me.

The trailer concept I drew for ajmaudio has a sloped rear like the FWC flatbed (see post 157 above); I've also done some design work on pickup caps/campers using TrailTop parts, although I haven't posted any of that here because this is a trailer forum and I don't want to get too far off topic, but a few are pictured below.

Just give me a little more description of what you're thinking about and I'll work up a drawing for you.

I'm thinking a trailer but one that looks similar to the truck camper. The closest thing I can compare it to would be the Australian type trailers.

Post 157 above is close but without the rear hatch door. Coming off the trailer at an angle then sloping vertical or as close as possible then a flat roof then coming to the front and turning 90* down and ending like above flush against the trailer. Having a side entrance door on the hitch side of the axle and building the sleeping platform in the back above the slopes piece. Need to get two beds in there, both queens if possible. This would be a larger design and probably done on a custom 6x10 trailer. Or similar

Thanks for the help. The designs and concepts look very promising and exactly what I would hope someone would bring to market. I would use your components in a heartbeat!!

Kevin



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[jscherb]

I'm thinking a trailer but one that looks similar to the truck camper. The closest thing I can compare it to would be the Australian type trailers.

Post 157 above is close but without the rear hatch door. Coming off the trailer at an angle then sloping vertical or as close as possible then a flat roof then coming to the front and turning 90* down and ending like above flush against the trailer. Having a side entrance door on the hitch side of the axle and building the sleeping platform in the back above the slopes piece. Need to get two beds in there, both queens if possible. This would be a larger design and probably done on a custom 6x10 trailer. Or similar

Thanks for the help. The designs and concepts look very promising and exactly what I would hope someone would bring to market. I would use your components in a heartbeat!!

Kevin

Kevin,
How about this? I tried to follow along with your description. The overall camper shell is 10' long and 5' high; it should be large enough that you could get a queen-size bed in the back above the pull-out kitchen, and then put some bunks crosswise above the bed in the back for smaller kids. Might have to go slightly higher than 5' for the height of the shell but that's no problem.

Let me know if I've got it wrong and if you want any changes to the drawing.

jeff

 

[kayak15]

Perfect!

Wow!! That is perfect! I love it! Thanks for the drawing and I truly do hope you can find someone to bring these things to market, even though that's not your ultimate goal I know. This would be a perfect trailer for my family!

Thanks again!
Kevin

 

[jscherb]

Wow!! That is perfect! I love it! Thanks for the drawing and I truly do hope you can find someone to bring these things to market, even though that's not your ultimate goal I know. This would be a perfect trailer for my family!

Thanks again!
Kevin

Glad you like it . Of course you'll want a nice awning to provide some shelter from the sun and rain...

 

[kayak15]

If you get a chance would you mind doing an x-ray version of how you would set this up. Sleeping for two adults and three children. Storage as space is available, and the slide out kitchen that come under the awning. I have already taken your overall specs and tried to figure out a method of setting this thing up, but cant make the image in my mind appear as cleanly as you are able too.

Thanks again and please keep making these parts and testing them out. Truly innovative and exciting times for folks wanting to build THEIR perfect trailers!

Kevin