Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I've been burning up the search button with no luck so I'm going to ask.Where or how do you decide where to locate the top of the hatch? Do you measure back from the rear a set amount and use a plumb bob to find the hinge location or am I overthinking this? I have the sides mounted and 10 roof spars installed but it looks like the hatch will be too big fitting it from here and adding another spar to the roof it looks like it will be too short. Any ideas will be appreciated as my head is spinning to much for normal thought at the moment. Thanks in advance.

Barry

You will probably just have to guess at it. On mine I started from the back spar. I used a 5/16" offset on each side. I drew everything down on graph paper and figured it out. I also used the better than hurricane hinge.
Good luck.

Barry,

I agree with Larry, some what of a guess to get the right look and height to fit your design. What profile are you building? Take a look at the plans in the design resources area (link at top of site) the multiple profiles there should be able to help.

Good luck and be sure to share the pics!

I lay out a full size pattern of my profile first, using cardboard or 1/4" plywood. Once I have my profile I draw in where the fender will be. Then I draw in all my internal walls ,cabinets and the door. Next is the counter top. Then the galley cabinets are figured with the galley hinge. This is sort of a dance. How much storage I want in the galley affects the internal cabinets as they usually back up to each other. While drawing all this out I keep in mind what my hatch material will be. If it is aluminum I do not want it larger then 60" which is a common sheet size. Now my first 2 builds were 5' high side so I made a 5 X 5 hatch. My current build is 4' high sides and has a 4 X 5 wide hatch. I find the pattern helps lay out the whole project and serves as a blueprint . Nothing beats a full size "plan". After my 1/4" plywood pattern is done I clamp it to my frame and see that everything works before I start making sawdust. Good luck and have fun!

Here is a picture of what I have so far...maybe you can get an idea of what the pattern did for me.

Thanks for the replies. I was somewhat vague on my project,I was a little fuzzy when I posted this question. I'm building a 5x8 tear using a set of plans I bought from Frank Bear. I'm not as skilled working with wood as you guys are ( if this was made of steel I'd be camping already ) but I learn something everytime I work on it. I knew this would be subjective as everyone builds differently and those that use "the kitchen" would want more room than I probably will. Being 5 wide I'm already out of normal 4x8 sheet range so I guess I'll shoot from the hip and guesstimate.

The simple way to do it is figure on a 4' hatch (that's the width of a sht of ply). Then measure on the arc up from the floor just less than 4' (like maybe 3'10") and locate your hinge spar.




I came up with that method just by thinking it out. I know that there are several that don't know how to do that anymore. You will learn more by thinking it out and then doing it. If it doesn't work, then ask the question.

Hey Gage,Thanks for the pic of your hatch frame work. I stood and scratched my head for a few minutes,got a pep talk from my Dad and got back to work. Another couple hours and I'll have almost the same thing as your picture. Thats what is great about this forum, no criticism just motivation. I owe you guys one. Thanks.

bigblockbarry wrote:Hey Gage,Thanks for the pic of your hatch frame work. I stood and scratched my head for a few minutes,got a pep talk from my Dad and got back to work. Another couple hours and I'll have almost the same thing as your picture. Thats what is great about this forum, no criticism just motivation. I owe you guys one. Thanks.

You can see how I rebuilt a '46 KIT from the ground up HERE. The most important thing about building a teardrop is don't get in a rush. Take your time, think things out and don't take short cuts.