Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Has anyone constructed a teardrop with a canvas roof? I have been thinking a lot about it but since I haven't seen one done I am having a very hard time imagining how to upholster the canvas so that it will attach to the tear and not allow any water in.
My main reason for this idea is to get rid of some weight and so I won't have to build a hatch.
If anyone has done this or has any suggestions then PLEASE post any input.

Derek , there has been discussion on different types of tops. Rool top hatch,canvas, pocket, Even 2 piece. The issues that couild happen with canvas is like you said , water, one of the killers of Teardrops! Canvas is by construction a very pourus material, you can try to seal it with treatment but it would be a continues job to keep up, I feel. Building a hard hatch is not that difficult as long as you take your time & plan the project, just as in the body. Never rush it & try to think seceral steps ahead , thats where the planning on paper could be a huge help. Also asking or doing a search for previous threads here that would pertain to your questions. as you see there is a plethora of info flowing around this forum , & all ya gotta do is stick out your bucket to catch what ya need, ya know? Anyway just my 2 sense worth , good luck on your build.

So you are thinking about doing something like the Runlite?

http://www.vintage-vacations.com/runlite-trailer.htm

Ross is also building a runlite... Have you started on the top yet?

Mike...

I have not started the roof yet. Still have a few more things to do before the material is put into place. I probably won't be able to start the roof until mid March. It is just too cold to do anything. I am in the process of adding on to the shop, so I'll have a place to work on the Runlite....and stay warm

Here is what I have done so far: RUNLITE ALBUM

Well, off to Florida for a Tearjerkers gathering,
Ross

Also check out Cabinet Maker John's roof...

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jscheuerm ... .dir=/63cc

I think some of the Reinforced Vinyl Coated Nylons that are out there are worth a looksee...

I used EPDM Rubber RV Roll roofing on mine...

Cheers,

Coop

On the Runlite -
What will the roof be made of?
I'm having trouble visualizing even 1/8 ply bending 2 ways.

I know several airplane owners with fabric covered planes and it holds up well if taken care of. They have used these products for 10-12 years and are happy with the results.
http://www.aircraftfinishing.com/

If you're interested in seeing what their planes look like, here is a link to their site.
http://www.kcdawnpatrol.org/

Just my $.02.

Scott F.

oldradio wrote:On the Runlite -
What will the roof be made of?
I'm having trouble visualizing even 1/8 ply bending 2 ways.

...think, cloth covered canoe ...............................................................

madjack wrote:
...think, cloth covered canoe ...............................................................

naaahh, think tent!. got tired of it leakin and gettin me wet. too much maintenance for me.

BG started a thread a few months ago about an alternate material for a roof, I thought Steve Fredrick had some pretty good insight too.
[linkage to the above mentioned thread]

Steve

OK!

Back to Vinyl Coated Nylons, here's the best buy I found and they will also thermo fuse clear acrylic windows in to spec for a nominal fee:

http://tinyurl.com/exsev

They are resonably priced, UV stable, tough as nails, come in large sized rolls and various colors!

Just something to think about

Cheers,

Coop

The Chummy has a soft top http://www.teardrops.net/images/plans/chummy.jpg

goldcoop wrote:OK!

Back to Vinyl Coated Nylons, here's the best buy I found and they will also thermo fuse clear acrylic windows in to spec for a nominal fee:

http://tinyurl.com/exsev

They are resonably priced, UV stable, tough as nails, come in large sized rolls and various colors!

Just something to think about

Cheers,

Coop

Has anyone used this tuff? It looks good to me!

Rather than canvas think ragtop convertible. You'll need roof bows and ways of attaching that allows for replacement. Simple snaps like on 50-60 roadsters would probably be sufficient. Convertible tops on cars are good for about five years if not garaged.

Mitheral wrote:Rather than canvas think ragtop convertible. You'll need roof bows and ways of attaching that allows for replacement. Simple snaps like on 50-60 roadsters would probably be sufficient. Convertible tops on cars are good for about five years if not garaged.

Now you hit the Bulls Eye... A ragtop - That would be cool.. I agree with that...


Classic Finn