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What's your take: TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer

Blade1668

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Great suggestion. Believe me, it has already entered into my brain housing group... I need to research more, but I'm hoping I can just add solid aluminum blocks(drilled for the bolts) to each side, raise it maybe 2-3". The suspension is buit on torsion half axles. The solid axle is built into and goes through the body. We did this to eliminate anything hanging down underneath the shell. The theory was less to snag on a stump, rock etc.
On the torsion axle if you do you might want the "lift blocks to extend a few inches longer than the axle mounts. Adding a few more mounting bolts too. To spread out loading of the axle on bumps. Think about axle wrap on a dragster effect or the added leverage from mounting points.
Something I've been thinking about on my Scamp's axle too.
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SargeDiesel

SargeDiesel

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Dang, I need to wash n wax my Scamp and post it here now too. :giggle:



I got a portable A.C. that plugs into regular outlet, it would probably be like what your looking for. It's not a bad unit to cool a small camper or T.T. I used it briefly to cool the "tiny house" cabin I built last year. If I was going to build or buy a teardrop trailer I would possibly use it for that now.
FYI, before I moved from Georgia I was building a teardrop trailer. My move to AL. was the point of my buying my Scamp T.T. and cutting away with a lot of things.
In GA. a home built trailer wasn't a big deal, just swing up to tag office with specs on trailer with a possible P.D. check. Get a V.I.N. plate to install and tag. If a H.F. or any other trailer it has a title paperwork with them. Been there dozen times or more. :facepalm: 6 utility trailers, 4 boat, few home built, Scamp.
A place to get ideas on how and what to pack is in many camping and T.T. forums. It's easy to over pack stuff you don't use or need. I was "full-time" in my Scamp for over a decade, so I experienced more than some just camping time. That made a bathroom and inside kitchen necessary. I've "lived the pack light freeze at night" life as a infantryman.
So funny, I bought the trailer in Georgia and I live in Alabama. I actually got it tagged today (AL). I tagged it as a utility trailer and the used Georgia's Home Built Trailer serial number tag number for the VIN #... so I'm good now.
I have to research some forums... because its time to accessorize.
 
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SargeDiesel

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On the torsion axle if you do you might want the "lift blocks to extend a few inches longer than the axle mounts. Adding a few more mounting bolts too. To spread out loading of the axle on bumps. Think about axle wrap on a dragster effect or the added leverage from mounting points.
Something I've been thinking about on my Scamp's axle too.
Im probably going to ride it out and see if it becomes an issue. Over the road, I should be fine. I'm thinking most "shorepower" locations should be pretty tame as well. Not planning on any real offloading yet, but will have to consider something before I do.
Have you found a pre-made kit anywhere or considering getting something fabbed up ?
 

Blade1668

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A lock and cable on propane tanks is a great thing. I was lucky that whoever decided to swap out my propane tanks at least gave me their empty ones once. A coupler lock and insurance is piece of mind at a paid good campgrounds.
 

Blade1668

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So funny, I bought the trailer in Georgia and I live in Alabama. I actually got it tagged today (AL). I tagged it as a utility trailer and the used Georgia's Home Built Trailer serial number tag number for the VIN #... so I'm good now.
I have to research some forums... because its time to accessorize.
BTW, I'm in N AL. have we met or crossed paths somewhere?
 

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Blade1668

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I've got a welding equipment and like making things myself. Planning on a swing out hitch thing lately. I have looked at the torsion axle on my Scamp and saw that it would be a good idea to extend the mounting further along the frame if I install a lift to it. Towing it though B-ham a couple of times beat the crap out of it.
 
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SargeDiesel

SargeDiesel

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I've got a welding equipment and like making things myself. Planning on a swing out hitch thing lately. I have looked at the torsion axle on my Scamp and saw that it would be a good idea to extend the mounting further along the frame if I install a lift to it. Towing it though B-ham a couple of times beat the crap out of it.
I'm close to the B'ham area.... Trussville/Clay. I doubt we have crossed, but it would be great to sometime. I might need some help fabbing up the lift when needed...
 

Blade1668

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I'm close to the B'ham area.... Trussville/Clay. I doubt we have crossed, but it would be great to sometime. I might need some help fabbing up the lift when needed...
I'm near Decatur AL.
So we need to have a life kit install party. I've got a Rusty’s lift kit to install on mine.
 
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SargeDiesel

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I'm near Decatur AL.
So we need to have a life kit install party. I've got a Rusty’s lift kit to install on mine.
Is that made for torsion half axles ? If so, I need to look into it.
 

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SargeDiesel

SargeDiesel

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Like others, I went the DIY cargo conversion route.

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Looks like you did a great job. You definitely have plenty of room. I'm looking at a similar hitch. I saw it on etrailer. My only issue (I think is height). My JT is lifted, so I use a drop down hitch (my trailer is normal height). It looks to use this adapter(hitch style), your receiver/hitch need to be even. Maybe there is a drop down adapter ?
The other issues is trying to decide between buying a quality lock (about $300) for my current hitch or invest in a similar type like you have, that probably doesn't need an additional lock. Do you secure yours ? If so how ?



Jeep Gladiator What's your take:  TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer 20240602_200055
 

A 2

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Looks like you did a great job. You definitely have plenty of room. I'm looking at a similar hitch. I saw it on etrailer. My only issue (I think is height). My JT is lifted, so I use a drop down hitch (my trailer is normal height). It looks to use this adapter(hitch style), your receiver/hitch need to be even. Maybe there is a drop down adapter ?
The other issues is trying to decide between buying a quality lock (about $300) for my current hitch or invest in a similar type like you have, that probably doesn't need an additional lock. Do you secure yours ? If so how ?



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So I have two things working for me. The trailer is lifted and I have receivers on both the trailer and, obviously, my truck. I used a drop receiver for the lock and roll on the trailer side. For security. I just pull the receiver out of the trailer and slide the locking pin back in. It’s enough to keep people honest. I’ve left the trailer in remote areas for a whole day and never an issue. Frankly, if someone wanted my trailer they’d figure out a way to steal it. That’s what insurance is for.

Jeep Gladiator What's your take:  TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer 6CFA4A38-1343-4F87-A705-45EDE4CF9CD1
 

Blade1668

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Is that made for torsion half axles ? If so, I need to look into it.
Nope for JT.. :like:
Earlier today I was moving and checking my Scamp torsion axle it's really shot, so I might be doing a "lift kit" to it. :facepalm:
 

MemphisMississipp

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Hello my fellow travelers/campers !

Im getting ready to pull the trigger on a semi-offroad micro camper/trailer.

I am retired military, so I am definitely familiar with "roughing it"... but true camping is a different animal, especially when you add in a teardrop or micro camper and the materials to support it to the mix.

I'm opening the thread for your experiences, suggestions and stories. (Pics are a plus. I will post mine once the purchase is final).

It would be great to here from the DIY guys pertaining to their build and some background of why you made the choices you did.

UPDATE:

The build was completed and the sale was finalized 😁

It is a complete custom build by an individual, not a known brand name. This was his first. He is in the process of incorporating and starting a business building them.

It does have a make/model name. It was manufactured under the name: CMR manufacture (cry me a river)
The model is: Soque River (a river near the builders location)
Weight: 900lbs / Tounge: 150lbs (or so)
GVWR = 2000

It tucks right behind and inline with the tailgate.
It does not obstruct the mirror views at all.
It rolls/rides really smooth with the torsion suspension.
It tracks straight as an arrow. You really don't even know its there.

I have a few outside pics, I will update with some additional detailed interior/gallery shots.

I have tentatively nicknamed it: Michaelangelo ... (I'm a TMNT fan...ha ha)

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Love my Tab 400. “Rendezvous”

Jeep Gladiator What's your take:  TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer IMG_1830


Jeep Gladiator What's your take:  TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer IMG_2380


Jeep Gladiator What's your take:  TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer IMG_1825


Jeep Gladiator What's your take:  TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer IMG_1842
 
 







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