building of pull behind teardrop trailer for valk

[NJF6Cowboy]

Inzane 07 I had made a trailer hitch & tray for my interstate. Worked great but need more luggage space, last July I transformed an aluminum trailer box to fit on my hitch. Posted pics a few on the board ripped me up. I have to say I rode out to Sturgis with the box and back with just my stuff and it was fine. Picked up wife at airport in Rapid City with her luggage rode back to Hot Springs SD, manageable but a little lite in the front end. So I have taken the boards advice and I'm in the process of building a teardrop style tailer with a buddy of mine. Attached is a few beginning shots, more to follow as we progress.
http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=10285&pos=0
http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=10285&pos=1
http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=10285&pos=3

[PAVALKER]

Interesting.  Where did you get the trailer and did you cut it down (width wise)?  Be careful adding all the metal to the framework or much weight in general, and keep the weight as low as possible.  Granted, the Valk could pull it I'm sure... but stopping is a concern as well.  I do have the HF trailer cut down in width and a Sears CT carrier, which is light weight plastic and has plenty of room for stuff.  I have considered adding diamond plate aluminum to dress it up or change it with a diamond plate box the size of the trailer, but more metal weight means less physical weight I can carry inside the carrier (gas grille, folding chairs,  luggage, cooler etc) before it gets to be too much (and I'm not sure how much is too much). 

I'm interested in hearing and seeing more...... thanks for sharing your project.

[Big IV]

Looks like a car topper might be easier to load. But I am interested to see how your dew drop tear drop works out. Keep us posted.
Lookin' good so far!

[Michael K (Az.)]

He's thinking about 'glassing a tourer style bag to be the carrier. Might want to get together w/ him. He has good ideas 'cept about gps's. 

[Chrisj CMA]

Cowboy...Pulling a trailer of that size, Im wondering if maybe you should consider a tongue/brake system.  I pulled a boat that had a neat hydraulic brake that automatically applied itself as the weight of the trailer pushed against the hitch during braking.  It would mean a major engineering project, but if you fill that bad boy I think it will be unsafe to stop in certain situations

[Ken Tarver]

here are some reasonable priced trailers.
http://piggybacker.stehltow.com/
http://www.alumaklm.com/mctxl_towable_motorcycle_trailer.html
looks like there will be a whole lot of weight there you got even before the luggage
and then again you could go top dog
http://www.californiasidecar.com/trailers_elite.htm
http://www.californiasidecar.com/trailers_classic.htm
good luck with your build....be wary of the tounge weight

[NJF6Cowboy]

To PAValker ??? and other ????
Trailer is a Harbor Freight model 2575-5vga, 12" wheels, bed size was 40"x50". Fender to fender the trailer is the same width as my highway pegs. I know the pics make it look really large. Tubing is 1" sq light wall steel. 1/8"x1" strap steel for the roof trusses. Plan is for 1/2" plywood floor replacing the 14 guage steel decking it came with. 030 guage aluminum sheets for outer skin. .090 white plastic FRP board for interior side walls to protect aluminum from damage.

I in no way shape or form looking to fill this trailer. I have driven  6 horse gooseneck trailers since I got my license 34 years ago. Have my CDL license for the past 9 years, currently driving dump trucks pulling 20k to 30k  excavators. I am well aware of being able to stop. The size & shape is basically for asthetics only. I do plan on taking my dog for daytrips in the trailer, thus the  sliding windows for his comfort. 

Thanks to all for the questions, tips, and suggestions. That is why I love the VRCC.  I will be working on skinning the trailer Saturday and will post more progress pics asap

[NJF6Cowboy]

The build of my teardrop trailer is going smoothly. Waiting on smaller fenders to arrive. Need to finish trimming with RV corner molding. Paint & install fenders. Install LED lights and tag. Install of rear door window. Weigh trailer on digital race car scales, establish tongue weight with scales after mounting of spare tire. Test crash, I mean test ride.

http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=368&pos=11

http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=368&pos=12

http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=368&pos=14

http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=368&pos=15

http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=368&pos=16]

[Big IV]

still lookin' good!~

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Inzane 07 I had made a trailer hitch & tray for my interstate. Worked great but need more luggage space, last July I transformed an aluminum trailer box to fit on my hitch. Posted pics a few on the board ripped me up. I have to say I rode out to Sturgis with the box and back with just my stuff and it was fine. Picked up wife at airport in Rapid City with her luggage rode back to Hot Springs SD, manageable but a little lite in the front end. So I have taken the boards advice and I'm in the process of building a teardrop style tailer with a buddy of mine. Attached is a few beginning shots, more to follow as we progress.
http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=10285&pos=0
http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=10285&pos=1
http://photo.vrccservices.com/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=10285&pos=3

I made a few comments about the aluminum box you mounted on the back of the bike I would'nt say I " ripped " you more like I was concerned for your saftey . That thing you mounted on the bike looked dangerous and I thought I should say so   

Great job on the trailer 

[TWT]

Interesting.  Where did you get the trailer and did you cut it down (width wise)?  Be careful adding all the metal to the framework or much weight in general, and keep the weight as low as possible.  Granted, the Valk could pull it I'm sure... but stopping is a concern as well.  I do have the HF trailer cut down in width and a Sears CT carrier, which is light weight plastic and has plenty of room for stuff.  I have considered adding diamond plate aluminum to dress it up or change it with a diamond plate box the size of the trailer, but more metal weight means less physical weight I can carry inside the carrier (gas grille, folding chairs,  luggage, cooler etc) before it gets to be too much (and I'm not sure how much is too much). 

I'm interested in hearing and seeing more...... thanks for sharing your project.

That topper style trailer, with the small frame is actually pretty known around here in Ontario anyways, I've got a cousin with one forsale even. Just hard to keep your stuff dry while in the rain, but otherwise it does the job

[PAVALKER]

I have not had a problem with rain getting into that topper..... me and my GF were soaked on occasion, but everything inside was dry.