Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Been searching through the forum for suggestions on which wall type people prefer: 3/4" or framed.

1/2 or 1/4 on the outside?

Also what is more common. Extending the wall down to cover the frame or mounting the wall on top of the floor?

I plan on covering the tear with metal to complete the package.

Decision has been made on trailer size and starting to accumulate materials for trailer, 5 x 10. I hope to complete the trailer frame in the next two weeks. Then on to the floor.

Thanks for any input.
TomW.

Tom,
What works best for you is what is best. I framed my walls because I knew I couldn't physically handle a 10' sheet of 3/4 ply. I made mine as light as I could. The outside is 3/8 Baltic Birch. The 1/4 all had patches on both sides and I didn't want to paint.

If I were to put aluminum on I would hang it over and make it all one color.

GitRdun

TomW... Since you live down here in the South, like me... You will prolly appreciate insulated walls and roof... And AC! So, a framed wall is the best way to go to do that. Most folks use 3/4" thick framing parts with same thickness foam insulation. Using 1 x 2" spars for the roof lets you put 1-1/2" insulation up there... Good idea for hot climates... in my humble view.

OH yeah and... Welcome to the madness Tom.

Tom, we build with solid 3/4 walls, 1x2 roof framing for insulation and we bring the sides down to cover the frame...if you did a thourough poll I think you would find no clear consensus on how to do any of it...what works for you will work OK...as long as it is done proerly...so doit like you wanna.....
madjack

Thanks for the tips. I am still in the looking/planning so any input is helpful.

My spouse is a little concerned about the lowered height of the roof when extending the sides down to the bottom of the frame. Anyone notice have any reservations on height. She has indicated that it is weird for me to keep measuring her height while sitting in a chair.

Once again, thanks.

TomW wrote:My spouse is a little concerned about the lowered height of the roof when extending the sides down to the bottom of the frame.

HOLY CRAP! YOUR WIFE IS ACTUALLY INVOLVED AND MAKING SMART SUGGESTIONS!

Forgive me while I pause to wipe a tear from my eye--yes, I'm that touched by this matrimonial cooperation:

All MY wife ever did was yell at me when another TD eBay purchase got delivered.

Seriously, I doubt those 4 inches are gonna make much a difference space wise in there, but it can dramatically affect the profile of the TD (for the better), especially combined with mounting your axle above the springs to further lower it.

There's just something so "cool" about those "short" babies being towed by mid- and compact-size cars. I tow with a huge truck, so mine looks totally ridiculous going down the road.

TomW wrote:Thanks for the tips. I am still in the looking/planning so any input is helpful.

My spouse is a little concerned about the lowered height of the roof when extending the sides down to the bottom of the frame. Anyone notice have any reservations on height. She has indicated that it is weird for me to keep measuring her height while sitting in a chair.

Once again, thanks.

At least you dont make her sit on a 4" piece of foam before you measure her and then get her to measure you as well, slumped and bolt upright

Cheers
Steve

Once upon a time, I too was worried about the height...we come down over the frame (2"s+1/2"floor)...the ceiling is 1.75 thick leaving 43.75...add a 6" matteress and my 6'2 frame comes nowhere near being too close to the ceiling...remember that you are not living in there...you are sleeping in there...and living outside...that is what the difference is between camping and RV'ing.....
madjack

Tom, I went round and round with which way would be best. And every way seems to be the best. You have to figure out which way you are comfortable with building. I was more comfortable with 3/4" ply (really 9/16) all over. Floor, walls. and part of the ceiling. It is a little different than everyone else, but that is the way I wanted it.
Good luck on your build.

Some say put the wall weight on the deck while others mount it to the side. I made my new 5x10 profile a 5'6" x 10 and cut my profile within these dimensions. My floor and outside ribbon measures 4 1/4 " deep. I let the outside skin cover all + 1/4" I then cleated the 1x4 to the outside skin at floor height ( up 4 1/2" ) inside profile will be cut to match the outside but will be 5' 1 1/2" floor to highest point .
With 2x spars 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" I will have the 5' interior height. My wall weight will rest on the floor and will also be carried by the outside skin being screwed to the ribbon.
I feel this helps to avoid having that hinge point right at the floor.
Simply put just add the depth of the frame to the outside sheet only and you can have the best of both worlds !

What I did was to let the aluminum skin hang down below the wall enough to cover the frame. The walls sit on the floor of the trailer.
Brwbier

You guys have it right. The consensus is, there is no clear consensus.

If weight was important, I would I would frame the walls and use a baltic birch outside skin, or an aluminum outside skin.

In AL insulation is important, so framing is the way to go. So is an AC. There are myriad ways to install an ac, this is one of my favorite...



Mike...

I have been looking at different methods and have about decided to frame the walls with 1/2" on the outside extending down to cover the trailer frame. Insulation is a must since we plan to use the tear 12 months, hopefully.

Thanks for all of the input. I go and pick up my axle/trailer kit next week and should start on the frame the next. Planning to go with a drop axle to get the low slung look. I will post picture as soon as I get started.

My friend who started the me in the tear madness should be back from a business trip to help. We are building two in parallel helping each other when we can. Hope to finish by October or sooner.

Once again, thanks.

Anyone know of any events in Alabama or Georgia in the fall?

Tom, we throw a wicked good gathering the last weekend of October at Lake Bisteineau SP just east of Shreveport...if you checkout the "SouthEast" forum, you will find those gize to be very active as well.....
madjack