Wondering if my conquest could be reality

For some reason, I frequently look on Gumtree for trailers, simply because I like lawn like strips in boot area and object to tip runs ruining the ambience
Nevertheless, after much looking on Gumtree, I see frequent ads locally of car based trailers, simply fitting an A frame to an old junker!
So I’ve enquired with the seller if it’s possible to mount an A frame on a scraped X5.

I’m hopeful, though should it prove fruitless, I can see the dust being blown off the Mig!

Unfortunately, I know my thoughts must be ludicrous, as google images have only came up with the below, which seems a bit big (storage considerations)
So the Engineer within me, is going to conjure a realistic frame size, in the event the above enquiry falls through..
It would be good to have someone build the base, (detract my desire for a T5 self build)

Mixed thoughts currently, though I believe if built correctly,

I could mount bikes on the roof, for days away. (Already have X5 roof bars, cycle rack & roofbox)
Have a simple drive away awning, fitted to boot, to increase space
Leaving the interior fittings and carpetry to install a Matress for comfort sleeping
Under floor storage..
(Allbeit strip out of non essentials to reduce weight, ideally leaving pano roof & windows functioning)
Would allow a for drop down bench seat from the tailgate (provide seating comfort)




Whilst many would think He’s bored, what has he been smoking / drinking Etc.... I foresee a realistic, credible project with a relative cool end product!
Whilst I appreciate many alternatives are on the market, I believe their called Caravans or something!
I can’t help but think how cool the build and end result would be!

Erm! The start of my project thread!
Final design, not conclusive though maybe E61 based, for garage fitting!

 

People do this with other cars, Capri s , Minis , and many others so why not a BMW X5. I think it would make a great project and the worst case scenario would be at least you d have a cool trailer, anything more than that is only dependent on how far you want to go with the project . Go for it .

 

@snrbrtsn Not wishing to pee on your chips but I'm pretty sure 'self build' trailers need certification under some legislation or other - be sure to do ALL the research before putting your hands in your pocket and embarking on such a project, no matter how desirable/fun it may be.

I like the idea a lot, though.

 

Dahm!, I mean thank you John
Should have just went head first into and thought afterwards
Thank you Europe, back to thoughts on house restoration & renovations until I better understand the type Approval certification requirement!


http://www.dft.gov.uk/vca/additional/files/vehicle-type-approval/related-information/vca047.pdf

At least I never got as far as placing hand in pocket, though looked at “a lot” of salvage sites!

 

I know it's not a project, but you could always buy one of those many alternatives are on the market, I believe their called Caravans or something!

i thought your idea was brill and would have loved to follow your project if you had decided to go for it

 

Yeah, go on, do it!

 

Ahh well, and That , as they say , is the end of That .

 

You can still make it though, just for the hell of it.

 

Caravan A frame chassis.....!! to start with....
chop it down in size.... to keep it within sensible size constraints....
further.... if you made one as in your first picture.... which I love BTW... what about nose weight..?? you'd have to go for something like the Nissan that Rich posted, with the axle in the middle for balance and to create the correct 75-100kg nose weight for your beloved tow bar...
As an aside.. I heard a great story the other day from an Asian Chap on my shift at work Nas... who I think is ace...He had a trailer for the tip, but it wasn't big enough so he bought a twin axle number to increase his payload and reduce the number of visits...
He got told off by the Blackpool council tip wardens...4 wheel trailers are not allowed. It could be commercial stuff he was dumping..?? so when he went home he removed one of the wheels...
When he next went to the tip, the warden was waiting for him and started having a go again about his 4 wheel trailer...
'Let me just hold you there fella was his reply', as Nas swiftly walked him round to the nearside to show him there was only 1 wheel in place...
Your council sign says nothing about me not coming in here with a 3 wheel trailer was his reply... and the warden duly had to back down....
Made me chuckle..

 

Sorry, Sean I think it's better to be aware of possible snags before bashing ahead and be disappointed [or worse, prosecuted ] later, even it the job was done in genuine ignorance of the regs.
And, a thing like that would be more likely to attract more attention of the authorities

That said, if you decide to go ahead...more power to your elbow, 'cause I like the concept.

 

Honestly John, I thank you, couldn’t see the wood for the trees etc

There’s now a couple of factors to consider....
Primarily VSA approval and acceptance, primarily I thought it would be a simple case of cut and shut, cheap and cheerful, now it seems a bit of Design and construction Regs have to be adhered to, ultimately allowing for a final chassis plate, stamped and approved....
I’m currently looking at the braking limits of trailers, less than 750kgs has no requirements, greater than 750kgs requires reverse lock, though I believe even if the body was striped down it would render the end product too heavy or otherwise too small to use for intended purpose!
I’m also looking at mounting the body on a modified caravan chassis, seems a workable solution however the process would yet again require Vsa approval and plating!
Thinking of worst case and sending a bodge welded body hurtling across the carriage whilst I saunter on with a bare chassis doesn’t seem much fun! Though I guess I could say ignorance is bless! And deny all or any knowledge
Perhaps thoughts are best left in the think bank bin & maybe a caravan is the best solution (Grrr!) from my reading the red tape may prove too much!

 

Shame if the red tape stops you. Just watched the latest Grand Tour. SPOILER ALERT...









Nice example of car turned trailer using a Mercedes W123 on there. No red tape on Mozambique though...

 

Ha!
Don’t tune into you tube or consider typing Rs4 Avant trailer in!
Today’s episode of grand tour is on bucket list for things to do before I sleep tonight!

 

GT was a good laugh today, just like the old Top Gear road trips.

 

I hope that you're not going to be 'kicking the bucket' tonight!

 

No bucket kicking just yet!
How odd.... watched Grand tour this morning - a premonition?