Working with a trailer manufacture on "affordable" trailers, need advice.

Teardropper

Well-known member
I would suggest you ask this same question over on the teardrop forum at http://www.tnttt.com/ Those are folks that actually camp in tiny campers.

I would also suggest he build a prototype and take it on a week-long camping trip. He'll end up with two doors and ceiling fan.

And for the record, properly installed vents (or fans) don't leak.

T
 

L3TT3RS

@pooping_outside
I just ordered a utility type trailer and added a roof vent with bracing and wiring for ac.
It was about 100 bucks to add all that. I think that needs to be an option. I'm right at 4k before wheels and larger tires. That's including everything you mentioned plus adding what I did.Additionally. the inside is already insulated and lined. 5x8 with 4 foot height. Very similar to this one pictured. .
30abab7b6fc2a01ba8c9b99d64670484.jpg


Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

opp

Observer
Be sure to look at steel cost have gone up 50 to 65% in the last 4 months before pricing . On a few trailers we have been the builder . Well over $1100 just in to the frame # 3500 axle a must .
 

nick-v

New member
Insulation should be considered for your big model. Just did mine and I found it sad to tear off a brand new trailer to insulate it...

Envoyé de mon Moto X Play en utilisant Tapatalk
 

TwinStick

Explorer
Brakes, sorry. I have been towing all my life & would not/do not own a trailer without it's own brakes. We have a lightweight 2016 camper 3500 lbs loaded up, w/brakes & a 2018 6x10 enclosed utility trailer with brakes. Bringing it home from the dealer would have been the end of it, if it were not for the brakes. Loaded triple axle dump truck went right through a stop sign. I literally missed it by inches. If it had no brakes, no way would I have been able to stop in time, even though it was empty. One of the reasons I was considering an X-Venture was brakes.
 

gatorgrizz27

Well-known member
I really like the idea, as well as your trailer selections. I’d stay away from the teardrop concept to start as there are quite a few on the market, and people will want it 6” wide or 6” taller, etc. They are also harder to build to a lower price point. I’m not sure what business experience you have, but I see your target audience being 25-50, middle income, DIY types that own a drill but are not skilled fabricators. These people will be content to bolt things on or build a wood shelf, but probably not doing heavy electrical wiring or using a hole saw through the metal skin.

I agree with having a base model to keep costs down, but I think it’s a mistake to not offer a ton of individual options, especially with a direct sales model. It’s a different industry, but look at http://www.customgheenoe.com/price-list/lo-tide-25/ for an idea of an options list.

This is a really stout option for an affordable axle, and will allow you to run longer leaf springs and taller tires while keeping the COG down. https://www.southwestwheel.com/c-1249-3500-lbs-4-drop-dexter-trailer-axles.aspx They also come with brake backing plates so those who want brakes can add them. I pull a 2,500 lb (loaded) cargo trailer with a 1/2 ton Suburban and have felt no need for brakes or issues stopping.

For the M100 style trailer, I agree that a $2,000 price point with a lid would sell well. It would be nice to have gas shocks and front hinges that can be easily removed to haul taller items like mountain bikes. Probably not many options on this model as there’s not much to be done besides a tongue box, spare tire, and load bars. A longer removable tongue to accommodate kayaks would also be nice.

For the Scout type trailer, I would offer options like a propane tank holder and line, 12v electrical package (basically just a deep cycle battery, charger, fuse panel, and inverter) to allow easy additions.

For the enclosed trailer, I’d look at a 6x12 V-nose that’s tall enough to stand up in. I paid $2,150 for mine brand new, but it’s a construction model. A reasonable profit at a $5k price point with insulation, better tires, RV door and window, and nicer interior finishing/panels should be achievable. I would definitely offer an electrical package on this model, and at least install one of these power ports standard. https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...mbO2lt3vEKqEnkKQZE2rOaIcHuA18td4aAp1IEALw_wcB

Options like roll up screen doors, awnings, E-Track to support a bed frame, hammock hooks, etc, would be popular. Maybe a small countertop/cabinet in the V-nose section as well. This model would be really popular for people with kids and toys, especially if it can be reasonably well configured for $8,500ish.
 

Jmanscotch

is wandering
You asked about price point desires....

For the three levels, it'd be "cheap" and awesome if they came in around $3,000, $4,000 and $5,000 respectively.
 

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