what is it? it is and it isn't...a Teardrop

[working on it]

Took my completed trailer to weigh at the scales today. I was asked by the nice girl running the scales "What is it?". I replied "Have you heard of Teardrop Trailers before? This is and it isn't one." I explained the aerodynamic slope on the front, as a substitute for the curved sweep of a teardrop, and I hit the slope very hard with my hand..."That's why I didn't bend thinner plywood for the curve, you want strength in a Texas hail/wind/thunderstorm", I said. She agreed; after all there was a really strong storm here a coupla days ago. And I further explained that the size was based on the original "4x8 sheet of plywood" plan, but I still felt that it wasn't enough of a "justification of variation" (my words, my excuse)...after all, it isn't a Teardrop, my words were lost on her and others I've talked to that had viewed my build, while in progress. It doesn't look like ....Oh well.

[citylights]

What is it? A mobile shelter with provisions for storage, cooking and sleeping. It doesn't need to be tear shaped. I fought with myself long and hard about weather to make mine a practical box or a "cute" shape.

So what did it tip the scales at?

[S. Heisley]

It's a ttt in a combat uniform! Err...Maybe a "Night" in shining armor? Or, is that a "Night in shining "amore"?



Regardless of what it is called, you did a nice job on it and I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

...Maybe we'll get to see if Mother Nature's golf ball sized hail bounces off!


...Congratulations!

[BrwBier]

Took my completed trailer to weigh at the scales today. I was asked by the nice girl running the scales "What is it?". I replied "Have you heard of Teardrop Trailers before? This is and it isn't one." I explained the aerodynamic slope on the front, as a substitute for the curved sweep of a teardrop, and I hit the slope very hard with my hand..."That's why I didn't bend thinner plywood for the curve, you want strength in a Texas hail/wind/thunderstorm", I said. She agreed; after all there was a really strong storm here a coupla days ago. And I further explained that the size was based on the original "4x8 sheet of plywood" plan, but I still felt that it wasn't enough of a "justification of variation" (my words, my excuse)...after all, it isn't a Teardrop, my words were lost on her and others I've talked to that had viewed my build, while in progress. It doesn't look like ....Oh well.

But isn't a curved surface twice as strong as a flat surface for half the weight? Teardrops weren't designed curved to be "cute", it was for strength. Its the same reason that the panels on your vehicle aren't flat. If you tale notice there are many curves and bends in the sheet metal of every vehicle.
Brwbier

[Mary C]

A tiny travel trailer, a portable permanent camping hard "tent type" shelter. and it looks like some type of a armored little trailer but efficient. You should be very proud it looks great!!!! I am impressed.

Mary C.

[working on it]

What is it? A mobile shelter with provisions for storage, cooking and sleeping. It doesn't need to be tear shaped. I fought with myself long and hard about weather to make mine a practical box or a "cute" shape.

So what did it tip the scales at?

1280lbs with jack still attached. Actual "travel" weight will be 1438lbs. 1280-12 (removable jack) + 100 (two water jugs) + 60 (loaded ice chest) = 1438lbs

[working on it]

But isn't a curved surface twice as strong as a flat surface for half the weight? Teardrops weren't designed curved to be "cute", it was for strength. Its the same reason that the panels on your vehicle aren't flat. If you take notice there are many curves and bends in the sheet metal of every vehicle.
Brwbier

• The point of the reinforced 3/4" plywood front slope structure was for brute strength with aerodynamics. This build was an exercise in cut, bolt, glue, and screw... but still with strength without spars or bending. The only "spar" in the whole build was actually meant for a threefold purpose:
• first to brace the front against wind pressure (high psi at speed),.
• second to add strength to the door frame/hinge area (smallest width of cut, piece),
• and third to create the termination of the overhead stereo/lighting shelf..
• And, I still think I had no chance to duplicate the strength of curved automotive sheet metal, if I had used 1/8" or even 1/4" curved luan...the flat, braced, piece of 3/4" thick ply is very strong.

[working on it]

:lol: It's a ttt in a combat uniform! Err...Maybe a "Night" in shining armor? Or, is that a "Night in shining "amore"?



Regardless of what it is called, you did a nice job on it and I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

...Maybe we'll get to see if Mother Nature's golf ball sized hail bounces off!


...Congratulations!

Thanks! I hope its as durable as it is heavy. I have a long-term plan to recoat it with Durabak, or similar, to make it impervious. (I don't think I can afford to use carbon fiber or Kevlar to cover the exterior).

[working on it]

A tiny travel trailer, a portable permanent camping hard "tent type" shelter. and it looks like some type of a armored little trailer but efficient. You should be very proud it looks great!!!! I am impressed.

Mary C.

Thanks! In an earlier post, I had stated my desire for a "hardtop tent". This is it!

[working on it]

Yesterday, my young-ish "30 something" neighbor couple returned my cherrypicker/engine lift that they had borrowed a week ago. They asked for the "tour" of the trailer, after they saw it in the garage, next to the Chevelle (they got that tour 3 years ago). Once again, the man liked the utility aspects I had incorporated into it, whereas the woman commented that it was a coffin, and didn't think she could sleep in it (my wife still has doubts about that, too, although the two-windows & two-doors were entirely for her "approval", and to try to ameliorate some of her claustrophobic leanings). "Coffin" seems to be the most common descriptory observation from the women. I guess men feel more comfortable in a closed environment, hence the term "man-cave". Other comments: I have had some people ask (at gas stations, mostly) if it is a dog-kennel, a bomb shelter (yes, on wheels!-the sign on front fooled her),

• 

a cargo trailer (the windows should've said "not"), and lastly, a boon-docker (asked by a guy in camo). Not one has ever remotely ventured "Teardrop", nor "Tiny Travel Trailer". I find that I enjoy trying to explain my "tangential thinking" for using non-standard materials/devices to achieve functionality, though it seems to be lost on many "tourists". If it doesn't look like they expect, nor have the same layout that they have become used to, then they (some) dismiss the trailer build off-hand. At least, most all of the South Central Group (that I've camped with) respect each other's individuality and ingenuity in their non-standard choices, or at least are nice enough to smile as I spout my "off the wall" logic for my build choices. From the two camping trips I've been on with them, so far, "Teardrops", per se, is not de rigueur. I like that.

[48Rob]

"It is a home built camper" always works.

Rob

[Martiangod]

Bed in a Box, although I think that name is patented

[Roly Nelson]

Looks like it will work just fine. I believe 3 things designate a teardrop. 1) it has to have a bed inside. 2) it has to have an exterior galley under the hatchlid. 3) Must be low enough so you can't stand in it. Ta-dah.....a teardrop trailer. Enjoy your efforts.
Roly, the So Calif woody guy

[Vedette]

I am with Roly on the definition!
And we both own & build "non traditional" teardrops!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[rowerwet]

I would call it a camping pod.
structure wise, a thinner sheet with a curve in it is as strong as a thicker sheet that is flat.