FWP Fab Teardrop Trailer Build / Restoration #overlandAF

Well its getting to the point were he wont be welding on my stuff anymore.

Ive been debating on buying a stick welding machine for the house. But then i also need to buy some metal saw blades, chop saw, bender, etc, etc, etc....

 

Just give it time and I will be buying a nice Millermatic welder and then I will be back into welding and everything. Ha.

 

A few updates on the trailer progress.... This old trailer has a lot of things that needs to get fixed. Still happy to have it!

• front window was re-panted and reinstalled
• Cooler cage welded back on
• gear box bolted back on

I took it on its first official camping trip for Fall Run 2018...

Overall i was happy with how it went, got down to high 50s - low 60s at night, between the dog and I it was too hot in the trailer and i had to open all the windows and the roof vent because i was sweating! 2nd night i started with all the windows open and a small fan in the window and slept like a rock.

Definitely would be nice to have to electricity to run the roof vent fan all night and have some interior lights, need to finish running electrical wires so i can install panels and build cabinets.

The tongue is a little heavy so im thinking i may build a simple but beefy rear bumper to keep me from backing into trees or anything else when trying to park it. Should help take a bit of weight off the tongue.

Also this trailer bounces A LOT! So i found some new leafs, leaf hangers, and shocks that i want to install. Also thinking about getting some brakes for this thing...

My steel hatch supports are not as reliable as i would like to i think its back to struts to prevent the hatch from collapsing while its supported open.

Also the old hatch latch needs to be replaced, after a bit of bouncing the hatch can open and flap around. Found this out while towing at 65mph after a guy flagged me down... For now a bungee strap is holding it shut.






Got it stuck trying to pose for pictures before the camping trip and after it had rained for a week...
Also the best picture i have of the front window installed currently.

 

FYI..

These hatch supports are not the most reliable things. Had the hatch collapse on me when i bumped it with my head, i guess the sudden rise and fall was too much for them. Most of the damage was done to my elbow as my head was already out from under the hatch.

I just need to find out how heavy of struts i need, i dont want "force" my hatch closed.

 

Took the teardrop to Hidden Falls OHV last weekend. Temp was down in the 30s at night, my sleeping bag is only rated to 30° so it was a little cold in the trailer, but Dude and I made it though. I had to bust out the buddy heater in the morning to warm up the trailer before i got out. I need to build a temp shelf inside so i can store stuff inside while im sleeping (heater, clothes, phone, etc), at least till i get the cabinets installed...





I need to remember to take more photos of the trailer when im camping... I think more will come with the next additions.

The tongue is heavy so im thinking about adding a beefy rear bumper to the frame to help counteract that, plus some leveling jacks will help a bit. But then I plan to add a roof rack and awning so that will add some more weight forward of the axle so hopefully the rear bumper still be enough to help! Also need to get some hood struts for the rear hatch as the support springs are not cutting it. Electrical work is almost done so panel instalation is getting close, just need to borrow a table saw or take the trailer to my brothers house because he has one...

There is also a lot of condensation accumulation that i need to do something about, thankfully i bought pillow protectors for the pillows i just bought because the edge closest to the window felt a little damp.

 

Couple updates....
Built a custom rack from 1/2"x1/2" square tube. Hole in the middle allows for my vent to open when gear is not stored on top!

Also is now painted black... and wanting to add a short railing all around to keep things from sliding off the edges, and for additional tie down points.




Rack came in clutch to attach a tarp to as it was raining my last camping trip at Mega Run 19.
#sametrailerdifferentpark

 

Looking great, it’s came s long way

 

Installed an Amazon special awing last night... 6.6'x8.2' The cover wanted to have the zipper on top but i didnt like that idea, so i unscrewed the end cap, worked some magic and now the zipper is on the bottom how i wanted it!

Ready to test it out!

 

Im liking the new awing....

Now to get this suspension and brake setup done!

 

Thanks man! Weather is a bit more tolerable so its time to start work again!

 

Digging your thread! Nice teardrop

 

Just picked up my brakes, 1250lb leaf springs, hanger kit for double eye leafs, new U bolt kit.

 

And the brake controller is in!

 

Got the tekonsha P3 brake controller installed last night in preparation for the new trailer brakes I just bought. During the install I also found the issue with my locker switch so I went ahead and fixed that too. Locker and brake controller ready for action!!

 

So your post in the DFW thread. Is your trailer bouncing instead of the suspension moving?

 

Suspension??? what suspension?? lol

Right now its just leafs on the axle, i dont think that the frame weights enough to get any flex. Also the leafs i have on there now are slipper springs and they do not use hangers like a double eye leaf spring will. I think a hanger will help a bit with the flex, but will also require shocks.

 

I build lots of trailers and think your on the right track. It looks like you have more forward weight and not enough over axles. You are going to have some trailer hop with these smaller trailers. I know this is no help.

 

Yeah i am wanting to build a beefy rear bumper to get rid of some of the tongue weight. Also hoping that the wood for the cabinets will help some also.

 

Got some more work on the trailer done this weekend. This time it was on the inside!!

 

Posting these here for future purchase! These are just air shocks but they are adjustable and i like it! I should be able to dial it in nicely with these!

$73 GZYF Pair 340mm Universal Motorcycle Rear Air Shock Absorbers Fit for Honda for Suzuki for Yamaha for Kawasaki ATV Go Kart Quad Dirt Sport Bikes,Black & Gold

https://www.amazon.com/GZYF-Motorcy...ve&sprefix=air+shock+a,automotive,155&sr=1-37