Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am planning the rear hatch for my tear and am running into an issue.
I am not doing a traditional curve on the rear, it is very slightly angled and if i were to do a hatch I will hit my head on it.

So i was thinking since I am doing a jeep theme anyway what if i did a canvas hatch. Either roll it up when i get to the campsite or maybe design something that I could insert tent poles and make a awning of some sort. Have it either attached with snaps or maybe even zipper. and do a set up like a jeep soft top with velcro and zipper combination. Would have to make sure everything was secured during the travels.

Your thoughts.

First off, do you have any pictures to let us know exactly what you have for a galley area.

Second, I would think that the 'soft' hatch would present a real problem when trying to keep rain out especially when traveling. It will be on the back of your build and driving rain at speed could be a real problem.

Third, you would have vertually NO security for your galley area then.

I think a canvas hatch would be cool. I have seen pics of teardrops where the whole roof is canvas. In our tear build I am using canvas for the cabinet doors instead of wood. (make td lighter) I'm going to use turn buttons to keep the canvas secured in transit.

The only thing I wonder about is how the canvas will do when driving at 70mph down the road. It may rip if you are not careful to get a heavy duty canvas material. But I like your idea...I'm sure you get it to work by trial and error.

I do not worry much about security. I traveled all over with tent and have not had much trouble. I just always keep my money and keys on my person. They can have the rest, lol.

Doris

They did it in WWII, if you thought it through it might work.
Particularly if you waterproofed your kitchen area, so even if some water got in it wouldn't be a big deal.

I'm 6'2" so I have the same concern, but rather than do a tradition teardrop I'm planning on a weekender style. That way when I place the hinge a foot from the back the back it will hinge up more and give me more room.

The deuce and a halves I've been in were no where near water proof.

I think it could be done...but it would have to be well engineered to take into account the whole traveling and driving in the rain thing. Maybe a water-tite galley interior just incase it leaks?

Just a passing thought; why not hinge the hatch like a bi-fold door?

doris s. wrote:I do not worry much about security. I traveled all over with tent and have not had much trouble. I just always keep my money and keys on my person. They can have the rest, lol.

Doris

But do you leave your tent with stuff inside parked in a parking lot while you get gas or run in for groceries, etc???

OK -as a Jeep owner with a rag top only, I have never been concerned with security for my jeep - Anyone can come up and unzip, unhook the velcro and take anything from the jeep. Also Ask a person with a pop up camper - they have similar issues. However, a solution to the highway problem and wind loads maybe a simple channel similar to the one used for truck tonneau covers at the top in which the canvas or vinyl is inserted and pulled down to fasten At the bottom

I'm all for it!! You going to have a frame or snaps like on a boat to hold it in place?

As for security, I don't know what you would be carrying back there but I never have anything of value anyway. If a bear wants my food, canvas or wood isn't going to stop it.

We would all like to see some scatches or pictures of what you are thinking about

John

Here is the sketch of what i am thinking. Will goto a local canvas guy that does custom for boats and get his input. Taking alot of it from the 97 Jeep wrangler a heavy duty zipper that has a velcro flap that covers it. I was also thinking of doing a sleeve for a rigid pole to create an awning. Going to get the canvas guys opinion yet thinking of tacking it down and then covering the edge with a wood trim. Wife also suggested maybe have it fold out to make a larger awning. we shall see I love her thinking though.

Question for Ya': What's the clearance on those tires to the fenders? it looks kinda close to me. I'd be afraid that a good bump could cause some tread shaving

the fender clearence is 2 inches and yes it has caused me some concern. I do plan on trimming it once the build is complete and i fully load it it see how much to trim.
Its nice to have such good observations from people.

Forrest747 wrote:I am planning the rear hatch for my tear and am running into an issue.
I am not doing a traditional curve on the rear, it is very slightly angled and if i were to do a hatch I will hit my head on it.

So i was thinking since I am doing a jeep theme anyway what if i did a canvas hatch. Either roll it up when i get to the campsite or maybe design something that I could insert tent poles and make a awning of some sort. Have it either attached with snaps or maybe even zipper. and do a set up like a jeep soft top with velcro and zipper combination. Would have to make sure everything was secured during the travels.

Your thoughts.

My chuckwagon is only 5' 6"" but the hatch is 6'6"



I put the brauma hump at the rear and in front of that will be a roof rack that will plane out at the same height.

Just cut a chunk out of your sides near the top and build an "L" shaped hatch the farther forward you go the taller it gets

That canvas might just cost you more than you think

Still thinking canvas and have talked to a couple of awning companies that do boat covers. looking at material it will be about 75 to 100 dollars plus labor. Cant think of it being to complicated.

The plan is to use Jeep cargo nets instead of cabinet doors, sink on the left hand side, the box is sitting on the slide out cooler rack. On the upper shelf area on the right hand side will be the stereo. Battery is getting a bracket to prevent from sliding around. Use the area underneath the sink for camping chairs and such, with cargo nets on the lower shelfs.

This is keeping me occupied and mind off stuff.