Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Anyone build one?

Any problems in going narrower (other than the obvious loss of interior space)?

Things to look out for?


We're ready to start and given local availability of trailers we're going to build smaller for the first one.

We'll be using one of these trailers:

1175lb cap
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=90154
1740lb cap
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=94564

I guess the biggest thing there is which one is in stock... As a backup Menards (local big box) has one almost, if not, identical to the 1175lb version.

I'll work up all my notes into this post later today so it can be scrutinized by all. If you see something you think is wrong or could be done better by all means please point it out.

Hi;
I'm just finishing a Generic Benroy. Mine is 4X8 so I didn't expressly follow the plans, but used them as a a guideline. I stuck with the 4X8 because I wanted to get going on it and get it done so I could use it this season and see if I enjoyed TD camping. That plan worked for me, everything went together well...the project is only 2 months old and I have already had it out twice). There are a lot of plus's to sticking to standard size lumber and panels for your first build...mostly, it saves a lot of $$$ and time. The only real draw back to the narrow 4 foot width is not being able to use a standard size mattress. But getting a foam mattress made costs less than $150 from what other forum members have said. But it sleeps two just fine.
Check out my build photos.
MrBuzz

I built a 4x8 Chubby and it was too small for two. Built the 5x8 Generic BenRoy and although haven't had it out yet It is much much better. Surprising the difference the extra foot makes.

Many 4x8 builders end up going to 5x8 on the second build. Usually the NO 1 complaint. not enough room.

Will spend the week in it next week at Watson Mill St. Park in GA.

Geron

That's my suspicion as well but it was a compromise of what trailers were available locally and what we can feasibly afford right now.

I realize that there's not much difference in cost between 5x8 & 4x8 but since I'm riding her about wedding costs... I'm getting nickled and dimed on the TD. I guess fair is fair.

You could still go with the 5' width on a 4' trailer....you'll have wheel wells to contend with inside, but like others have pointed out [in other threads] the wheel wells will be down by your legs, where you really don't need the extra width.

I used the TS 4x8 trailer and built mine to fit inside the frame. Or should I say still building. I used the Generic Benroy plans and like MrBuzz, I didn't do everything as the plans show.
You will want to look at it as you build to see were you like the placement of everything. I put up the walls and bulkhead (bulkhead was positioned to get the length I wanted for sleep area) and drew the foot well and cabinets right on the walls to get a feel of how much room I would have.
I also opted not to have lower galley cabinets and smaller interior cabinets. I made up for the interior cabinets by building a tongue box that you access from the inside.
I would recommend that as far as the little shelves here and there and storage in the cabin, if you can do without, it gives you a much more roomy feeling.
My boys and I spent two nights in the trailer a week ago, out in the driveway. So thats a 4 year old, a 7 year old, and me at 5' 10" and 220 lbs sleeping in a 4x8 with no bunks. Not bad. Slept like babies.

After looking at the trailer, there's no clearance to drop the sides down the frame as in the generic plans.

In order to make it work (without narrowing the already narrow frame), I'd have to build on the chassis and then slide a slim piece of trim on the bottom edge to cover the frame or go over the tires as in the 5x8 on a 4x8 build, which I don't personally like the look of.

So I guess we're 5x8 shopping this weekend.

5x8... hmmmm I think the biggest bang for the buck is Harbor Freight, although you'll end up with some extra metal.

2nd biggest bang for the buck is Red Trailers.

Not sure where TS fits into the picture though.

Mike...

Mike,

Are you talking about 93747-0VGA as far as the 5x8 at HF?

Mine is just a shade under 5'. Worked out great . Not to much trouble to do . TSC 4x8 trailer.

SAGR,

Yep that's the one... The regular price for the 5x8 at HF is $599 and the reg price for the red trailer is $529.

Sometimes you can get a sale price plus 20% off at HF. You just need a coupon. Sometimes the guys here post a link to a coupon.

Mike...

In deciding whether a 4' wide is wide enough for two people or if you need a 5' wide, I think it comes down to what you sleep in at home. If you sleep comfortably in a double bed at home, a 4' wide should work, as the 4' is a few inches narrower than a double. Doug Hodder builds his 4' 6", that holds a true double size bed easily. We cut a foam mattress down by about 4 inches. Probably also depends on what kind of walls you put in. Ours are 3/4" solid plywood, the thicker the wall the narrower the interior. If you sleep in a queen size bed at home & find a double too small, then you will need a 5' wide.
We built a 4' wide & truthfully it is roomier than we thought it would be & have no problems sleeping with the 2 of us in it. The only thing we would like to put in is something to grab hold of to help sit straight up from laying down.
Hope this helps you decide what will or won't work for you.
Martha

I am building a 5' wide on a 4' HF trailer. I am very pleased with it and am now working on the galley. I am following the Generic Benroy plans and maybe I should have gone longer than 8'. The Galley area is a bit compromised, but over all I think it will fit my needs and the 8' was a lot easier that finding longer plywood or lengthening the 4X8 sheet.

You can see the process under Member Designs in Starting the Northwoods and Building the Northwoods.

Thw widening wasn't so hard and the frame is covered except for the sping holders. They will be coverd by trim and Kerry's glass fenders.

Thanks Mike!

We thought about it and going 5' wide is going to be what's best for us. We sleep on a queen, and our tent is 5' or so wide, so I'm guessing 5' will be the trick.

We're going to HF today, hopefully they have one in stock if not we'll order it for pickup at the store and save on shipping (they let me do that before on a couple items - hopefully they will with this).

Bigwoods nice job on the frame!

Martha - I'm sure we'll be adding some kind of a grab handle inside as well. I have arthritis in the knees and hips, so I understand that sometimes getting up from the prone position can be a bit of a challenge.