Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

When I first built this frame I overlooked one thing. The center is 7' from the ground, I'm only 5'5". Making it impossible to put a tarp on top of it without standing on something. So it was time to redesign this frame. So I cut off two feet from the bottom making it easier to put the tarp on. After putting the tarp on I'll just raise one end and reattach the part that I cut off and then do the same for the other side.

Old design


New design


In case you want to know how I get this frame in the camper.

It comes apart.

When you have time I would love to see a picture of it with the tarp on and set up. Do you use bungees to strap the tarp on and what do you connect them to? I may steal an idea here

Bob, what material are you gonna use? Regular roof tarp?

Kens
With any luck I'll have the tarp on today. There is a chance of rain today so I may not get it on till tomorrow. But I will post pics when I get it together.

Ira
I'm just using that plan blue plastic tarp like you see in these pics. This type of tarp will sun rot over time. Fortunately it takes several months for this rotting to happen and the size of the tarp I'm using doesn't cost very much. They do make a heaver tarp that's green on one side and silver (for reflecting the sun) on the other side. This will last a lot longer and it does cost a little more.

For me physically, weight is a bad thing. The heaver things get the harder it is for me to lift. I may try that heaver tarp in the future, I like the idea of that silver side reflecting the sun, but for now I just want to get this up to see how it's all going to work.

And just for you I'll show pics on how to install grommets. The tarp that will go on top of this frame is 9' X 12'. Part of the tarp will cover the frame and the rest will go over the camper. Since the gromments on this tarp do not match my frame I'll have to install my own.

On the left and right side of the frame I'll use a 6' X 8' tarp. this will leave about a 4' opening in front. I'll use a shower curtain that will open and close to cover this opening. In my mind this will all work but I want know for sure till I put it all together.

Bob,

Hope you don't mind if I share a personal opinion here. I used to do the crafts festival circuit. I spent several summers under a really good E-Z Up tent awning......................sweltering in the heat. Couldn't figure it out. After all, we were out of the sun, right? Wrong! I had a pyramid liner made out of an aluminized vinyl tarp to go onto my frame before putting on the top. It made all the difference in the world. Absolutely no UV rays coming through made a horribly hot day completely tolerable. I'd vote for an aluminized tarp for your set up.

As I get close to finish with my build, my attention is beginning to turn to the side tent. Budget and aesthetic constraints considered, I'll make it myself.

Is it necessary to use heavy PVC? Would 1/2" work? I see a 4 by 4 by 7 structure.

My idea -- right now -- is to sew up the shelter with a UV resistant fabric, keeping Cris' suggetion about the reflective liner.

Any more thoughts, suggestions, or pictures.

dave

Chris
Your right about that aluminized tarp being cooler. I'll go with something like that in the future.

dwgriff1
1/2" PVC is very flexible. I don't think it would give you much support. You might get by with 1" PVC if your structure isn't very large. You can try 1/2" and if it doesn't work just go to a bigger size. I'm using 1 1/2" and my horizontal pipe is just under 8' and it bends a little.

I know this will sound costly and time consuming but it's proven to work.
Rather than the blue poly tarp get some nylon ripstop (or silicone-coated nylon aka silnylon) from a fabric store and some Reflectix insulation. Measure your frame and add 6'' over hang plus 1'' for hemming, and cut *two* pieces of fabric that size. Sew them together like a giant pillowcase and run the Reflectix inside then sew the last seam shut. Put your grommets thru the hems. It won't weigh much more but it will last several seasons and block UV.

Laredo
Thanks for the tip, never thought of doing that.

Laredo wrote:Reflectix insulation.

This looks interesting, and it comes in 6' widths.
http://www.insulationsolutions.com/prod ... ation.html



Mike...

mikeschn wrote:

Laredo wrote:Reflectix insulation.

This looks interesting, and it comes in 6' widths.
http://www.insulationsolutions.com/prod ... ation.html



Mike...

It seems to work. I can stay on the beach all day and the tear stays pretty cool.