Possible design for a MINI themed Trailer

[TSizemore3]

Attached is the thumbnail for a photoshop rendering of a MINI themed trailer I'm considering building. I plan to build the frame out of aluminum or steel, and the cargo box out of fiberglass. I would use OEM taillights, back-up and tag lights, and the axle hubs would have the stock MINI bolt pattern so you could use any wheel that could be used on a MINI. I could use either the Cooper or Cooper S style rear bumper.

I have seen similar trailers sold for Classic Minis and am wondering if there would be enough interest in a New MINI version to justify producing them on a commercial basis. I'm trying to gauge the level of interest and how much people would be willing to pay for either a basic knocked down kit with the cargo box and frame or a complete, custom finished trailer with OEM wheels and the purchaser being able to specify the paint colors and rear bumper style. I plan to build one for myself no matter what.

[moorlockx]

Just a wee bit on the small side, don't you think? It'd have to be at least 50% larger to be of any real practical use.

[bakerjc]

Quote: Originally Posted by TSizemore3

Attached is the thumbnail for a photoshop rendering of a MINI themed trailer I'm considering building. I plan to build the frame out of aluminum or steel, and the cargo box out of fiberglass. I would use OEM taillights, back-up and tag lights, and the axle hubs would have the stock MINI bolt pattern so you could use any wheel that could be used on a MINI. I could use either the Cooper or Cooper S style rear bumper.

I have seen similar trailers sold for Classic Minis and am wondering if there would be enough interest in a New MINI version to justify producing them on a commercial basis. I'm trying to gauge the level of interest and how much people would be willing to pay for either a basic knocked down kit with the cargo box and frame or a complete, custom finished trailer with OEM wheels and the purchaser being able to specify the paint colors and rear bumper style. I plan to build one for myself no matter what.

Trailers like these, for the old Minis, command a premium price. I believe there is a manufacturer doing fiberglas repros (thereby saving the old stock). I for a time contemplated either purchasing a ready made classic mini trailer for my MINI, or building up one. Came close to buying the back end of a classic off eBay.......too far away though.

Would there be a market for a "new" MINI trailer? Looks like your mock up is a little small, would need to go right to the door jamb to look correct. Done right, with the correct links to sell in the UK I would think you could do a business. It would be a pricy item though. A real niche market. I'm not sure if I would quit my day job.

But I do like the look of the old ones:

http://www.minifreak.freeserve.co.uk/trailermain.htm

[TSizemore3]

I have several different lengths in renderings. I'll try to post them soon. For my personal trailer, my main concern is that it hold my autocross set of wheels & tires, and an aluminum floor jack. My main concerns are the gross weight of the loaded trailer and the tongue weight (or load on the hitch). Wlth the wheels set in the normal MINI position at the very rear, lengthening the box forward will rapidly increase the loading on the hitch. For a longer cargo box, you need to move the axle forward to center the load and have the majority of the weight supported by the trailer axle, and keep the load light on the hitch. Remember, I am at a very early stage of design on this. I am also thinking of a mount on the front of the box for a spare tire.

[geraldholt]

I'm just throwing this idea out to see what you and others may think:

How about a 4-wheeled trailer with the front axles turning?? Sort of a mini MINI...

[TSizemore3]

A four-wheeled wagon, for lack of a better term, is a good idea in some instances as the cargo weight is supported by the trailer's axles and not the cars suspension. Unfortunately there are concerns over expense, complication, and most importantly added weight that make it impractical for this application. An additionial axle, wheels & tires, and pivot bearing would rapidly drive up the cost and complicate the design and increase the difficulty in construction. Above all, you will increase the weight of the trailer by at least 100 pounds, thereby reducing the possible cargo capacity by the same amount. If I recall correctly, I believe the MINI has a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. While the four-wheeled wagon's axels will support the cargo weight, you are still utilizing the MINI's brakes to stop that additional weight. So lightness is desireable in this case.

[TSizemore3]

Here are a couple of more drawings with a longer cargo box.

[NEMINI]

how about a 3 whel design, would reduce the tongue load, keep costs down and generlly be hidden such that the MINI look is retained.

[TSizemore3]

Again you have a weight and complication penalty. Also, if you are in an area with a lot of potholes, you lose the ability to straddle a pothole to miss it. With a third, central wheel I guarantee you will hit the pothole with at least one of the wheels, with possible disaterous results. I remember when I was going to college in Daytona Beach seeing a Harley powered three-wheeled chopper hit a pothole at speed and just start tumbling. The guy couldn't swerve to miss it due to oncoming traffic.

Once I find out the allowable load on the Mini-Fini TowLink hitch, I will be able to determine how much foreward I can extend the cargo box.

[Pepper'D]

think www.plmini.co.uk are doing a new mini trailer