Design for 1 tall sleeper

[volvoman62]

I have been lurking on the forums for some time studying while I save up some money to build a teardrop. I had a thought of a design that would help with my girlfriend and I. I am 6'3" and she is 5'1", so I need some extra length but dont want to build a larger trailer for connivence and money's sake. So my thought was to make the cabin different lengths on each side instead of loosing all of the lower storage area in the galley I would only loose half. That way I could still have a cooler and maybe a little room for a fold out table or something on the side where the foot well for the cabin would be. Is this idea doable? Has anyone already done it? Can you think of any problems as to why it wouldn't work? Thanks for your help.

[Oldragbaggers]

I actually think that's a great idea. I can totally visualize that, and I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work if you can do with a little less galley cabinetry. You could still have lower cabinets across the whole galley, one side could just be a little shallower than the other to allow that extra length in the cabin on that side. That's usin' the old noggin for somethin' other than a hatrack.

[Lgboro]

A slide out like several of the Aussie teardrop and small camper companies use might work too. I built a side slide out with a folding counter top that is 15 x 40 inches with storage underneath in my 4' x9' tear. Haven't figured how to deal with pics on the new forum so I don't have any posted. Built in a 1 burner marine smooth cook top for when I have paid for electric.

[volvoman62]

A slide out like several of the Aussie teardrop and small camper companies use might work too. I built a side slide out with a folding counter top that is 15 x 40 inches with storage underneath in my 4' x9' tear. Haven't figured how to deal with pics on the new forum so I don't have any posted. Built in a 1 burner marine smooth cook top for when I have paid for electric.

I thought about a slide out. The only problem is I think I would like to close the galley at night so I dont have to worry about critters or people.

[DriverOne]

If you make the galley (entire rear end) slide out, you could add length to your trailer while you're camping. That will allow you to keep the standard frame while in transport and keep all of your storage.

[volvoman62]

If you make the galley (entire rear end) slide out, you could add length to your trailer while you're camping. That will allow you to keep the standard frame while in transport and keep all of your storage.

Do you mean have the whole trailer extend? Has anyone done this before? Are there pictures. I would like to be able to close the hatch while im sleeping to keep animals out and if just the galley slides out I would have to slide it in to shut the hatch.

[kirkman]

volvoman62 ....... I am 6'6 my tear is 5x8 an with a queen size futon (80" long) I fit just fine. Unlike a regular bed in a tear you are able to use the hole bed with out any this getting pushed off the bed on to the floor. I did have to find a thinner cooler for my galley. Here are the coolers I used.http://www.coleman.com/product/20-can-party-stacker-cooler-red/3000000484?contextCategory=8530#.UAXXJZH-1c8 Because they are thinner I went with 2 of them. It worked out great one for drinks and the other for food.
You could use a regular cooler if you made it 9' instead of 8'

[oth47]

Build your galley so it slides out the side of the trailer.If you build the galley high you'll have the full 8' for sleeping or if you're short you'll have room at your feet for suitcases,duffel bags,whatever.You can dispense with the hatch altogether.I've had this idea in my head for a while.I need to build this style of trailer or at least a mockup to see if it'll really work.

[Lgboro]

That's what I built -- works really good. I had 2 feet to work with so I built it below the interior cabinet. It allows for a large inside rear cabinet and more open space inside if you do away with the hatch.

[volvoman62]

That's what I built -- works really good. I had 2 feet to work with so I built it below the interior cabinet. It allows for a large inside rear cabinet and more open space inside if you do away with the hatch.

Do you have any pictures of your side sliding galley. That sounds like a neat idea.

[T&CLongmire]

I'm 6'4" Carole is 5'2" we built a 4'x8'. I have no problem stretching out and sleeping. We shortened the galley bottom section to 20". It hasn't effected us in any way.

[volvoman62]

I'm 6'4" Carole is 5'2" we built a 4'x8'. I have no problem stretching out and sleeping. We shortened the galley bottom section to 20". It hasn't effected us in any way.

That sounds pretty good. 20 inches should be enough for most coolers.

[T&CLongmire]

I use the small igloo marine white cooler it fits fine on the bottom. But lately I have been carrying it in my tow vehicle easier to put ice in and food stuff. I am fast learning that with a teardrop you can use others ideas, they are great starting points. But you are going to have to modify to make it fit your needs. The great thing is, it is so easy to do with a Teardrop. Just have fun.

[doris s.]

The only problem that I can see here is your girlfriend...what if she decides to not be your girlfriend anymore and you move on the a taller chickie... it's no camping for her in your teardrop.

Doris

[WhitneyK]

The only problem that I can see here is your girlfriend...what if she decides to not be your girlfriend anymore and you move on the a taller chickie... it's no camping for her in your teardrop.

Doris

Excellent point Doris

I'm 6'4+, my wife is 5'2 +/-,(more - than +) I made mine a 5 wide 80" long (queen size mattress), it works out fine.
Be careful "over-customizing" your build, when you start on your 3rd build, you want to be able to sell the first one for funding the others.
Good luck on your build.