Now you can make a third brake light to plug in the unused receiver. I made mine and put a chrome "H". on it to dress it up.

David,

Nice light!

Rob

Tried it out with the trailer.

Rob

[img] [/img]

WOW --That looks fantastic !!! I would want Air shocks on the rear( that I have) and have a Reese self leveling hitch that I have all all but 2 pieces of. Looks like the front is raised up some so you might want to look into that. Meant to be constructive !!!-- the whole thing looks wonderful and I just would ask if you or a friend built the trailer--awesome~~~
Again, thanks for the photos and professional drawing of the car hitch stuff.
BUT---I don't have one of those trailers ~~~~~~

Richard,

Thanks!

No worries! I'm just trying to share this process with everyone.
We put new front springs on, and the front sits higher now, like it should. The rear is too low... New rear springs are on the menu, as soon as I can budget them in. Trailer or not, I think it needs them. Air shocks are a good idea and one I will probably use.
I have a load leveling system, but don't think it is needed as the tongue weight is only 280 pounds. I got a three inch drop with that 280 pounds, making the rear springs nearly level. Good indication the rear springs are shot, I believe.
I built the trailer. Here is a link to more info if you're interested;
http://48rob.yuku.com/topic/22

Rob

280# is not a bad weight I guess. here are the shocks if you are interested--cheap enough the last time I checked. Monroe pump up shocks #MA727--at Advance Auto for $70. /pr.
I have a valve under the car but could be hooked to a compressor extremely easy. Much cheaper than new springs--try first.

Rob,

What a trailer! I wish I had the funds and time to build such a thing. Would make camping with my cub scout den a thing of luxury! In the meantime my son and I will rough it in a tent. How long did it take to build? Again... beautiful trailer!

Ray

That looks awesome, Rob! Can't wait to see it.

Richard,

Thank you for the information on the shocks, that will save me a lot of research!

While air shocks might "fix" the weak spring issue temporarily, I believe in the long run it will be better to just get new springs, and use the air shocks as a boost when pulling the trailer.
After we installed the new front springs, the difference in ride and handling was immense.
With new front springs, and badly worn rears, the stance of the car is off. Air shocks would make it sit level, but I believe at the expense of the ride and possibly handling.
It throws off the caster as well, being out of level.
Will let everyone know if I get them on.

Rob

Hi Ray,

It took around two years, working on it part time. Most of the time spent was in designing. It was a production trailer for two years in 46-47 but then went out of business. There are only 8-9 left and the original interior and general construction wasn't what I wanted. The shape, the look of the exterior was was I was after. So, armed with a side profile photo, I built my version.

Luxury was certainly on my mind...
I built a standard teardrop previously, and while nice, I wanted as many comfort items as I could get. It may not be "camping" but it works for me!

Rob

Thanks Russ!

Rob

rob, nice trailer!
What is the total weight of the trailer?

Kerry,

Thank you. The trailer weighs 2400 pounds.

Rob

Great work on the hitch Rob. Glad to see it coming together. Nice trailer too. : )

Doug

Took the car and camper on its first camping trip this last week. 70 miles out, and 70 back.Hitch didn't fall off... Car had plenty of power to pull the 2400 pounds.
Grandkids had a great time; we went to the Newport Indiana antique auto hill climb.
https://myclassicgarage.com/social/posts/92853-the-newport-indiana-hill-climb
We didn't participate in the timed event (officially, as it is tomorrow) we did give it a go a couple days before, made the hill in 34 seconds.Record holder is 22 seconds. Still fun! 😉

Rob