Self build micro caravan

[petenbex]

I have been drooling over teardrop trailers for a while and have been thinking about trying my hand at making one. Last night I was searching ebay for a donor trailer (which is proving harder than I thought) when I stumbled upon this..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370732275568? ... 1423.l2649

This got me thinking. The one in the listing is pretty tatty looking and I'm wanting something astheticaly pleasing as well as practical.

Searching through the trailer legislation is giving me a headache and I wondered if anyone on here has a working knowledge and could advise me of the following:

If I bought a spares or repair reliant could I strip the running gear except the rear axle, attach a towing frame to the front so that the car is now the trailer and then strip out and reformat the inside as a pod style caravan?

When you see cars used as trailers they usually have the bonnet area taken away is this to save weight or some other reason? I'd like it to remain recognisably Reliant shaped on the outside and use the engine bay as a storage locker.

hope that makes sense.
Cheers
Peter

[Driver+Passengers]

Fun idea!!

Nose-weight when towing with the Bongo should be <80kg, if I remember correctly. Don't know if just using the rear axle and leaving the bonnet would give you that when kitted out and fully loaded - seems like it might be a bit front heavy...?

[Diplomat]

Things are looking up.

At last someone correctly calling it a Reliant Robin instead of a Robin Reliant.


Frank

[helen&tony]

Hi
If you can lay your hands on an old Mini subframe (not those German things)...and a good supply of angle iron, you have a trailer. It's easy to rig brakes, as you have hydraulics already attached. Add one floor (disused shuttering ply makes for a solid floor), and build a frame on it...whatever you put on top is your choice. I got a decent mini years back, as I saw one with a Council notice on it...went knocking on a few doors with a LARGE friend of Tony's for safety's sake, and found a good deal! One nice trailer for peanuts.
Cheers
Helen

[petenbex]

Thanks for the replies so far guys. Part of the issue is that I passed my driving test after 1997 meaning my towing entitlement is just for a trailer which is single axle, unbraked and under 750kg.

The nose weight is indeed something I had not really considered. I was speaking to my brother last night who suggested that if I put some concrete behind the rear axle this will help to tilt it back again. I guess I'll not know until I get hold of one and start stripping it down.

I'm off to see one today to get a proper idea of available space, length etc.

Anything else I haven't considered?

Cheers
Pete

[fatcatlawyer]

Thinking of the cost, how about taking the test to pull trailers. With that entitlement the limits are only governed by the towing vehicle. I noticed at theSPring Camping and Caravanning show (NEC February) they are offering 15 mins technical towing advice for free.
Ian G

PS Just realised you is in Fife - probably cheaper to contact loacal caravaning club re lessons.

[MountainGoat]

No need to go down to Birmingham. The Scottish Camping & Caravaning Show is being held in Glasgow in three weeks time (7th to 10th February). You can have your free taster session there too.

http://www.caravanshowscotland.com/page ... Section=10

Tony

[winchman]

Heres one I made earlier


First thing you need to do is fire an Email off to VOSA as all trailers must now have an IVA test dont worry its easy, as yours is living accomodation I feel it wold be exempt as caravans are exempt if built this year ( just check)
If it requires a test read the manual if its unbraked ( you need to remove the brakes on the Robin or if fitted they must work) so you are on the 01 class, basically they check strength of construction, lights etc.
Join this
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/
Its free, and look in the trailer section, all the info and down loads you need.
You can balance the nose weight but to be honest I would have a look at this idea, or just weld a draw bar to the end of the existing chassis as I have done
Old caravan Chassis, stripped bare and place the robing on top, if you can find an alloy one its even lighter.
Loads of info here
http://s614.beta.photobucket.com/user/G ... 4482959585
I assume you have seen this before
http://www.flickr.com/photos/austin7nut/4899130232/
Keep us posted, its asimple project that looks hard, but will give you a lot of satisfaction.

[petenbex]

Thanks Guys lots of good stuff to consider there. I have thought about getting my B+E license so will look into that and the caravan show in Glasgow looks interesting (I'll ask the missus).
Thanks for the info Winchman! Really useful and a lot to think about.
I have bought a Robin for peanuts and am bringing it home tomorrow. The Excitement starts here!!!
Cheers
Pete

[winchman]

Just measure twice and cut once!
Spend a few days looking and planning then get a friend to do the same as some times you can miss something.
Dont forget the bits you dont need will fetch a few quid towards the project.

[Simon Jones]

Can't help but think of Chris Harris and his pink caravan as featured on 'Hey look that's me'

[winchman]

Petenbex
Come on what have you done today?? I cant wait to see the end result
We need more pictures, progress, shall we see who finishes first????
Heres some more ideas
http://www.tnttt.com/
Did I show you this thread?
http://www.furgovw.org/index.php?topic=174565.30

loads of good ideas and it will improve your spanish too.
Pity you are so far away as we could compare notes and stupid ideas LOL

[roosmith]

First thing you need to do is fire an Email off to VOSA as all trailers must now have an IVA test dont worry its easy, as yours is living accomodation I feel it wold be exempt as caravans are exempt if built this year ( just check)
If it requires a test read the manual if its unbraked ( you need to remove the brakes on the Robin or if fitted they must work) so you are on the 01 class, basically they check strength of construction, lights etc.


I'd never considered this. I've recently bought half a punto trailer and hasn't considered needing an IVA. Best check this out! Funnily enough the last owner didn't mention that!

[winchman]

First thing you need to do is fire an Email off to VOSA as all trailers must now have an IVA test dont worry its easy, as yours is living accomodation I feel it wold be exempt as caravans are exempt if built this year ( just check)
If it requires a test read the manual if its unbraked ( you need to remove the brakes on the Robin or if fitted they must work) so you are on the 01 class, basically they check strength of construction, lights etc.


I'd never considered this. I've recently bought half a punto trailer and hasn't considered needing an IVA. Best check this out! Funnily enough the last owner didn't mention that!

I would ask the original seller for a reciept and if he would give you a letter saying when it was manufactured, I feel that will be sufficient proof so assuming its early (cant remember the exact month) 2012 than alls fine.
I think its July 2012 I know my donor was only scrapped in Nov 12 so I cant really say it was built before it was scrapped can I!
Just been out measuring it and a small kitchen and bed will fit so it should be a caravan by Easter as we have a show to attend to dispaly our wares in the back of it

[petenbex]

Hi, well after an exciting day playing in my 3 wheeler I thought I'd give you a glimpse of the 'before'...

Now it's going to take a while so don't hold your breath for the after.

Winchman the links and info you have provided are fantastic, great reading and lots to digest.

Cheers