Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I'm working through some design ideas for a 4' x 8' teardrop, and one of the features I'd really like to incorporate is a removable galley. This way the tear could function as a covered cargo trailer whenever I need it. The trouble I'm having is figuring out the best way to secure the galley when it's in the tear. I came up with this idea as a quick and easy way to bolt the galley to the walls and floor, but I'm not sure if such a bracket even exists.



Basically the bracket is inset flush into a plywood side wall or floor (similar to a striker plate), and it is secured in place with 4 screws in the corners. The center hole is threaded to accept a bolt, and the bolt would pass through some part of the galley frame to secure it at multiple points to the tear frame. Does anyone know if a bracket like this exists, and if so, what it's called? If not, do you have any ideas on some other good ways to attach the galley to the frame?

Thanks in advance!

-Robert

A variation on this idea would be to use a flush bolt http://www.doorwaysplus.com/our-product ... flush-bolt

I thought about using something like those, but I wanted to actually tighten the galley to the frame to reinforce it and keep it from rattling around. If I can't find anything pre-made that can tighten the galley to the frame then I'll probably make my own. A small rectangle of scrap metal with the 5 holes drilled through and tapped would work, it'd just take a little more work on my end.

ok this might be way off but what about eye hooks and turnbuckles when the galley is out you could still use the hooks for securing other things

rnewhous wrote:I thought about using something like those, but I wanted to actually tighten the galley to the frame to reinforce it and keep it from rattling around. If I can't find anything pre-made that can tighten the galley to the frame then I'll probably make my own. A small rectangle of scrap metal with the 5 holes drilled through and tapped would work, it'd just take a little more work on my end.

Google image " DZUS fastner" I think this is what you are looking for, A high tensile wire type catch that is caught by a 1/4 turn quick bolt that surface mounts in a very small space.
The quick bolt can be a flat screw driver type slot or a folding ring.

It seems to me that the galley has to be quite a bit narrower than the gap it fits in, if it's going to slide in and out easily.

So my logic is that the fasteners need to be through the bottom which will always be in contact with the trailer floor. I would chose a thumbscrew like the eBay one shown below but a bit longer, and screw it into a plate with a threaded hole fitted under the trailer floor. That will leave a small hole when the galley is removed but a couple of rubber plugs would fix that.

How about draw down latches with the tab end recessed in the wall. Would be much more forgiving of being in the "exact" location required to get screw holes to align and you could use tapered wedge trim to provide a positive seat when anchored, yet give you plenty of clearance when moving the galley in or out.

http://www.spep.com/Latches/Draw-Latches/Pull-Down.html This is just a source that came up on a quick search that happened to have good pics of a variety of draw down latches; I have no idea about their prices or degree of service.

Quick, easy, nothing to lose, and no tools required.

I'll also plug using Draw Latches. Many different styles and strengths to choose from.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-draw-latches/=kv78a9

Hi rnewhouse,

Maybe a "low-tech" way to do it would be to size the bolt/thumbscrew
you need [size it large enough to handle/use easily] and epoxy-in the
corresponding nut in the same thickness [depth] recessed hole drilled
in the wall. [Obviously, be sure to keep the nut's center/threads clear/clean of the
epoxy.] Use a Forstner bit to drill the hole to ensure a very smooth bore-hole.
Andrew's suggestion of installing them on the floor is spot on too.

Oh, and to reinforce the holes in the removable galley through which
the bolt/thumb-screw will go through, why not use some appropriately
sized grommets ? I'm assuming the removable galley'd be made with
thinner sheet plywood or such.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&suge ... rQGF1oGgAg

DeStaCo has a big selection. I've used them for years and always find what I need.

Let me check as to my understanding of what you want. The mounting of what ever is in the floor?and or walls needs to be flush or nearly flush so that it is easy to move cargo and "galley" in and out? It needs to be very secure.
My shift in thinking was, secure cargo more than secure galley as that would follow. D rings are fairly easy or E track or airline track.
http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-S ... -Tie-downs
http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Van-Trail ... -Tie-Downs
http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-S ... s-Hardware

Hi Robert,

I'm new at this teardrop thing, but I do understand bolts and such. I would attach narrow brackets to the side walls of the shell. I would use the brackets as locators for the galley wall and cabinets. Then I would bolt thru the brackets and galley wall. Being old and fat, I'm not too keen on crawling under the camper for wrench work. If you make the brackets with built in spacers, the galley wall can be somewhat narrower that the inside width of the TD and then the wall will be easier to wiggle into place. I think the galley wall and cabinets help tie the walls together. The brackets might stick out (in) about 1.5 inches, I don't think that would be a problem.

BobH.