Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hi. I'm a real newbie here, and I am thinking about building not a teardrop (at least not yet), but a camp kitchen/storage trailer.

Does anyone have sources for a 4' x 5' trailer? I found only one, online, and the price is over $500. I thought that was a bit steep. I can't make one, as I have no welding skills or equipment.

Second, rather than build in cabinets, I was considering getting a couple of cheap built-ins from Ikea. They would probably add a bit more weight, but this thing is already going to be pretty small. It isn't going to have a sink, refrigerator, or ice chest area. I want the kitchen for storage, counter top space, and cooking (can put my propane stove on it). Has anyone ever used actual cabinets in the building of their campers? Are there any other cons to doing so other than weight issues?

Thanks!

I'd start by checking out the selection at Harbor Freight and Northern Tool. they may not have exactly what you want, but you may b able to find something close. Keep in mind that you can always extend the body over the frame and/or over the wheels.

Harbor Freight has a few ~ 40"x50" trailers, one for $200. Might work if you go out over the wheels and extend beyond the frame. They have other sizes too.

As for cabinets I'm going to try some 48" wide kitchen wall cabinets and see if I can just drop them in. I'm picking them up on Monday if you want to know how it works out.

Lucas

Kelleyaynn-

I would be concerned about moisture when using any pre-made cabinet.

Most will be made from MDF or Particleboard and moisture will soon cause swelling...then ROT

Maybe a better choice would be plastic or metal cabinets designed for Garage workshops?

Cheers,

Coop

$350 at Tractor supply for a 4x8 fully titled and ready to go, lights and all

Tractor Supply also has a 4x6, at least here in east entral Florida.

goldcoop wrote:Kelleyaynn-

I would be concerned about moisture when using any pre-made cabinet.

Most will be made from MDF or Particleboard and moisture will soon cause swelling...then ROT

Maybe a better choice would be plastic or metal cabinets designed for Garage workshops?

Cheers,

Coop

exactly, so I'm assuming that you are going to build some type of enclosure over the pre-made cabinets?

You can get cabinets made of plywood but even the particle board cabinets seem like they should be OK. I plan on sealing the edges and maybe enclosing the bottoms. My thinking is if they can be used in a kitchen or above a cooking range then they can handle some moisture. My parents had extremely low quality cabinets in some rental property and they lasted 25 years with few problems. As long as they are not exposed directly to water I think they'll be fine. I mean if there is enough moisture in the teardrop to ruin the cabinets you're probably going to have other problems too. Someone correct me if I'm wrong so I don't make a huge mistake though!

I'm currently playing with many ideas on my builds 2 and 3 which I'll be selling. For our tear I'll try my hand at making my own cabinets but I've never done anything like cabinet making before so we'll see how that goes.

Lucas

LMarsh wrote:You can get cabinets made of plywood

Yes you can, BUT plywood cabinets tend to be in the higher cost range.

LMarsh wrote:above a cooking range then they can handle some moisture.

Above the range would/should be a vent (which would remove the moisture) then maybe a cabinet over that vent.

LMarsh wrote:I mean if there is enough moisture in the teardrop to ruin the cabinets you're probably going to have other problems too.

CONDENSATION happens to Teardrops left outdoors as temps. vary and people inside, etc.

Lucas most cheap BOX cabinets are coming from China these days...

Do what you want, BUT! suffice it to say I have seen plenty of OSB, Particleboard, MDF and the like turn to MULCH when used in trailers.

Maybe some plastic strips under the bottom edges of the cabinets?

Cheers,

Coop

Thanks to all who replied. I decided to bite the bullet and build my own. My design is pretty simple, so I should be able to handle it.

Kelleyaynn wrote:Thanks to all who replied. I decided to bite the bullet and build my own. My design is pretty simple, so I should be able to handle it.

The advice I was given---it's a box, it's a box, it's a box. Yes it made me really angry at first but everything in a TD is a box........Lots of boxes of different shapes and functions.

take pictures so we can help if you need it.

OH yeah, have you read the Generic Benroy above? Free plans that are easily modified.

A basic wooden cabinet only consists of 4 primary items. A couple of shelves attached to vertical ends, some sort of face-frame material to support the doors, doors that hinge on the face frames and some sort of back. That's it, been building them for years, and yeah, I guess I am still open for suggestions. Good luck, anyone can do it, if you think you can.
Roly