16 replies to this topic

[mininoob43]

Hi,
I am making a mini trailer for my A2 level project in design and technology and i was wondering if anybody has any tips and tricks that would come in handy for when i am making it, i do have a mini of my own already and this is why i chose to do a mini trailer for my project, or any ideas to make it a bit different from the usual trailers that are made as this is part of our specification for the project.
Thanks Toby.

[wardyxxx]

Do a full-height trailer. Like the rear half of a mini.

[mininoob43]

that would actually be really cool but wouldnt it be hard to see behind the trailer then ? or would you keep the rear windscreen ?

[wardyxxx]

Rear-view camera with a lcd screen in the towing car.

Also, make the rear of the trailer like a hatchback, so the whole panel lifts up on gas struts.

[mininoob43]

that would be really cool to make, and would give the unique edge that i need for the project, so thank you for that!I was considering doing a normal one but having the boot lid and the top of the trailer open up like a land rovers boot lid so the bootlid of the trailer opens down whilest the top of the trailer opens up, and trying to find a way of not having any beam or metal between the two if that makes sense lol.

[Bungle]

think light, loose as much weight as you can and look for a lighter way to do everything

[Mini Cheddars]

Unique, eh?

Put a 'wide load' sticker on the back.

[mininoob43]

Haha I like that idea of putting a wide load sticker on it that wouls defo make it unique then, also I will be needing a donor mini shell for this project so if anyone has one which has a reasonably good condition back half for a reasonably cheap price then please let me know
Toby

[new_zealand _minis]

put a bbq in there , a umbrella . and a chiller . shuld be cool !!!

[devilpaint]

Keep it as simple as you can, i've seen too many students get bogged down in the detail or aim too high in the first place.
i considered a full height trailer from a scrap shell i had so i could take my dogs with me, basically cut the front off at the door pillar & use all the glass + a perspex front window.
in the end i decided the shell was too far gone & i needed to concentrate on the 72 resto project. do let me know how you get on if you go the full height route.

[mininoob43]

Thank you for all the info so far, its annoying because I want to do lots of different things to it but most of them are complicated and as most of you have said I should try to keep it as simple as possible
Toby

[grumpy2]

not giving away what I do for a living but I do have a few suggestions for you...

which board are you taking your exams with? some are more DESIGN biased and others more MAKING. You must check with your teacher/tutor where the majority of your marks come from. There's no point in maknig a fantastic trailer really well with little designed input if most of your marks come from solving problems and thinking creatively.

are you certain that you can achieve the standard of finish required for an A level practical piece. on a car trailer of this type you will be looking at a finish similar to the finish of the car. can you weld, flat and paint?

are you able to do the work at school/college to demonstrate your skills to your teacher/tutor. If you do the work off site how will your teacher/tutor know what you have done and what you have been helped with?

how are you going to make your trailer individual? some of the above suggestions are OK but fiddling around with the way the top opens or the height of the trailer will not allow you access to the highest grade descriptors. Fitting the trailer out for a purpose specific to your needs will provide potentially far more marks (show equipment or racing goodies for example).

Do not underestimate the time it takes to make something like this, most boards suggest a making time of between 40 and 60 hours with a similar time allocated to the design folder. Is this enough time for you to make and finish your trailer?

Potentially a fantastic project, keep one eye on the trailer and both on the mark scheme!!

G

[minidream94]

theres been a few threads on full height trailers, and the most common downfall is the severe drag that it would cause behind the mini. IF you were to do a full height trailer, id suggest making the front rounded and not flat so it atleast gives it abit more aerodynamic properties. I personally would make a normal trailer, but make it into a camping sort of trailer with a cooker, sink, fridge etc. Good luck wioth it all dude

[mk1leg]

Hi,
I am making a mini trailer for my A2 level project in design and technology and i was wondering if anybody has any tips and tricks that would come in handy for when i am making it, i do have a mini of my own already and this is why i chose to do a mini trailer for my project, or any ideas to make it a bit different from the usual trailers that are made as this is part of our specification for the project.
Thanks Toby.

saw this one at Beaulieu last year..................a little bit different.................

[mininoob43]

that is a very good point about checking the mark scheme so thank you very much for that, and those pictures of the trailer look really nice, that deffinately gives a uniqueness to it lol. I am leaning more towards a full height trailer now as there are less of them around than the small half height trailers, also i shall take into account the drag issues. I am considering having the door for the trailer either split in half but have it the whole height of the trailer, or have it hinged at the top and have a full height hatchback style door.
Toby