Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

It really shouldn't take at least 2 times to get it right at every step. Framed the galley lid. Doubting it will fit properly. Lol. Not even sure I did it right. Not sure I've done any of the build right. Lol.

Forgot a couple pics.

Looking GOOD Tex ...

When frustration rears its ugly head, step back, have a beer and remember why you are building one.

If you look at my invisi-tear you will notice it has been 4 years in the making.

rbeemer is exactly right.

When you start getting tired and frustrated, stop work or you'll end up making more mistakes or, worse yet, hurt yourself.

Our first hatch is still parked out at the side of the garage. It was juuuuuuust a bit too big. We re-built based on what we had learned with the first hatch and came out with a much better product the second time. Just as Norm on New Yankee Workshop does, we had to build a prototype. That's how we refer to it, "...in the prototype we built earlier..." No one needs to know it was a mistake.

We did the hatch 3 times. Yes, it was frustrating, but looking back, it was worth it.

The get the size and shape of my hatch just right, I took my two side pieces, clamped them to the walls with 1/8 inch spacers, and worked them with a planer and belt sander to match the walls perfectly.

Then, i measured for each cross piece separately, cut them, and did a dry fit to make sure my fit was right.

Then, I took the hatch pieces, assembled them, and put the hatch back in place with clamps and spacers, and let the glue dry.



I also skinned the hatch on the TD.

CD

Thanks for the thoughts.

@ CD- I meassured and cut my hatch the same way. I have a little bit of a tweak I can't seem to fix. I don't have a planer or a belt sander so my hatch ribs aren't "perfect" with the side of the trailer. I think my spacing around the hatch is too big. Only one way to find out. LOL!
I like your idea of leaving the galley open. I might steal that from you. LOL!

I live just across the lake from you. So does PlanoVet. Let us know if we can help in some way. We'll try.

I have a garage full of tools. I'm sure we could work something out if you need to use something.

CD

I appreciate the offer. I have a guy in my neighborhood that built one about 8 years ago. I think I've worn out my welcome though. LOL! I go over there a lot to ask questions and just to "look" at it. Up till now I really haven't had any problems, but now I'm panicing about putting on the roof, hatch, and crossing my fingers it doesn't leak. How did you attach your roof? I was originally going to use FRP, but my buddy (who is also building a TD) convinced me to use aluminum. Haven't made a decision yet.

The one thing I would do differently if I were to do it again, is I would skin the roof first with some thin plywood, like a thin luan sheeting, then put my FRP over that.

I also kind of messed up one small edge.

I have only leaked once, and my TD has been towed through some heavy rains. I still don't know why it leaked that one time.

I store my TD in the garage, so the FRP doesn't see a lot of sun or weather. I don't know how well it would hold up if it was stored outside.

Oh, and my pass-trough has a solid removable panel. I would use a canvas panel if I were to do it again. Much easier to remove and tuck out of the way.

CD

I plan to store my in the garage too (the only room that's still mostly mine). I like the look of the aluminum too. Guess I need to worry about this galley lid first. Lol. I really am at a loss. I'm not sure what to do next. I'm gonna try it more like yours. I've already cut the notch for the weather stripping in the side walls. Will that throw off how it lines up?

@Slow----I never thought about it not EVER being done. I guess I'll name it "Work In Progress". Lol. I will have to rebuild the hatch at least one more time. Currently it tweaked somehow by about 1/4 inch. I promise me throwing it across the yard had no effect on it. Lol. I suppose I can move on to wiring and come back to the hatch. Theres plenty more to do before I HAVE to have a hatch. Lol

Depending on where you have a 1/4" off it may not matter or you have it lined up different. My whole camper is off and really the hatch did something bad. I let it hang and it recovered mostly. I trimmed it before I realized how off it was.. Then I got it in my head that this was practice and would fall apart going down the road.... I still have it, it is still tweaked a bit but oh welllllllll.....

Most people worry about their builds unless they are experenced builders. Just remember "it is a box".

Lets see if I can insert a pic.