Car trailer

[Alcatraz]

I can get a 2003 ford focus like this one for $200.00 

.Its got a blown engine and slight damage to the right front side and hood.
My idea was  to remove the  front wheel drive train and convert it into a teardrop type trailer. I would cut it off at the bottom of windshield even with the firewall and closed off following the same lines
I think I can sell enough parts off it to pay for the conversion.
What  do you guys think?

 

[DannyB1954]

I like the idea. I think I seen it done somewhere. Maybe a red neck video. http://tinyhousepins.com/6-vw-vans-converted-into-original-teardrop-like-micro-campers/

I also thought about a small boat on a trailer made into a camper. https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/boa/6088829080.html

 

[Alcatraz]

Thank you for that link.
I was thinking of something like the volkswagon with the tandem axels.
Except I keep it a single axel and close of the rear windows.

 

[Alcatraz]

Found a video of a ford fiesta turned into a trailer.
I Wonder with the wheels being so far back, if I will have to turn it into a tandem?

 

[bullfrog]

Front wheel cars are pretty light after you cut them off at the fire wall. I have cut them at the windshield pillars and midway between the front seats. I was able to move them around the shop using the exhaust pipe by myself. It was a like moving a loaded wheel barrow around. Ones with the fuel tank located behind the rear wheels would be prone to flip up on their own when cut.

 

[highdesertranger]

axle is to far back. most of the weight will be on the hitch. highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

Why bother with all the modifications? Just yank the engine, exhaust and gas tank and flat tow it on four wheels. You'd have more room for stuff. You could even build some kind of floor in the engine bay so it could hold things too.

 

[DannyB1954]

Why bother with all the modifications? Just yank the engine, exhaust and gas tank and flat tow it on four wheels.

Most difficult to back up as the front wheels will want to go into a bind. 

The only reason for tandem wheels is to carry more weight. If you are using it for a place to sleep, not worth the effort and maintenance.

A small suv may do you better Like HDR said in post #6 having the rear wheel so far back will put a lot of weight on the back bumper of the tow vehicle.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Like HDR said in post #6 having the rear wheel so far back will put a lot of weight on the back bumper of the tow vehicle.

I'm guestimating the tongue weight to be about 80 to 90 percent . . .

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Seems like a great deal on the car. How about grabbing it for the $200, selling it for a few grand and use that to buy a small cargo trailer you can convert into a teardrop style trailer?

I think HDR nailed it with the axle advice, it's won't be balanced at all. No matter what you end up doing to compensate, it will either end up being tongue heavy or tongue light.

 

[Alcatraz]

Seems like a great deal on the car.  How about grabbing it for the $200, selling it for a few grand and use that to buy a small cargo trailer you can convert into a teardrop style trailer?

I think HDR nailed it with the axle advice, it's won't be balanced at all.  No matter what you end up doing to compensate, it will either end up being tongue heavy or tongue light.

Engine is blown, I think a couple of grand is what they go for in running condition.
I been looking at some rental U-haul trailers and it should be okay.
I am going to give it a shot.
I personally dont like pulling anything behind me.
I got mad fab skills, and should be able to make something nice out of it easily enough.

 

[minimotos95]

Here's one that always was cool to me, Civic wagon towing a Civic wagon cut off and converted to a camper. The guy that did it is still active on the HondaCivicWagon forum as far as I know and there is a full build thread there but here's a summary.
http://www.sub5zero.com/honda-civic-wagon-camper-redefines-notion-civic-modification/

 

[highdesertranger]

get this book read it and understand what this guy is talking about. he knows his stuff. you will change your mind. https://www.amazon.com/Trailers-How-Design-Build-Basics/dp/0914483315 . highdesertranger

 

[Alcatraz]

Actually this car will make a better trailer then what it was designed for.
Something like the Honda Civic in Minimotos95 link but rounded off would be perfect.
I personally will more then likely never use it. I just need a project and this seem to be like a fun challenging one.
The kids would probably enjoy using it on the weekends.