Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Grant Whipp has a design for a family teardrop and build drawings are now available to download from the Design Library:
Campster 12

This is a large teardrop, 12ft long by 7ft wide, with a double dinette across the middle for indoor eating, a pair of bunks across the front, 'bending-over headroom' over a dropped footwell and a standard teardrop galley at the back. A trailer was built some time ago to a similar design and these photos give the general idea:





I think this is just what at least a couple of forum members have been looking for. At 84" wide by 75" high, it would suit a larger tow vehicle, but it's got pretty much everything needed by a family.

I'm sure Grant will be happy to answer any questions anyone has.

Andrew

PS I'm off on holiday for a week from tomorrow, so while I'll be able to follow the discussion, I won't be able to access the files or web page. So if I've made a howler of a mistake, tell me in a week's time, eh?

What kind of frame is it built on? Is there a off the shelf frame available for it?

Thanks,

Chris
http://retrosurflounge.blogspot.com/

Grant has made a wonderful TD Great work!!! I love it.

Dee Bee

Tiki Dude wrote:What kind of frame is it built on? Is there a off the shelf frame available for it?

Thanks,

Chris
http://retrosurflounge.blogspot.com/

I would think a pop up frame would be ideal. Most are 7' wide.

Tiki Dude wrote:What kind of frame is it built on? Is there a off the shelf frame available for it?

Hi, Chris!

If you were to follow the plans for this design, there is a specified frame layout to allow for the dropped footwell, so no ... no "off the shelf" frame. However, if you are planning some modifications, then whatever frame you can find the fits will work. If you've got a Tractor Supply Company store near you, they can build you something to your specs fairly reasonably.


Dee Bee!

Thanks for the kind words! Andrew & I have been working on this on and off for a couple of years, and I can't tell you the number of e-mails sent back & forth trying to get things just right ... ...! I think I was dangerously close to bona fide PITA-status before we got it all worked out ... ... ...! Our hope is that it fills the bill for a number of folks looking to build a teardrop big enough to include the family. As always, then ...

CHEERS!

Grant

Dear Andrew and Grant,

Good going guys. Pretty "little" teardrop. Does it qualify as a "teardrop"?

Wonderful design! We don't have kids in the house anymore, but there may be some grandkids in the future.

Wonderful look and perfect timing for a lot of folks.

we're going smaller.

The design looks good. Lots of storage. I didn't see space for heat, or ac... but of course, it's for camping, not RVing!

Mike...

mikeschn wrote:The design looks good. Lots of storage. I didn't see space for heat, or ac... but of course, it's for camping, not RVing!

Hi, Mike!

Glad you like the looks! You're right about the "camping vs. RVing" thing, IMHO, but ... if you look the plan over again, closely, you'll see that even though it isn't specified, there is plenty of room for a heat/air unit (and in more than one location to choose from)! Also, with a little careful planning & execution, a potty closet/cabinet can easily be fitted across from the entry door. From the beginning, this design was planned for plenty of opportunity for personalization & potential for modification to specific needs.

CHEERS!

Grant

grant whipp wrote:Also, with a little careful planning & execution, a potty closet/cabinet can easily be fitted across from the entry door.

I've been waiting for soemone to suggest that! There is space for either A/C and heat, or a portapotty, opposite the door.

But, adding a closet or toilet compartment (or anything above the dinette seat height) in that position would need to be looked at carefully - as well as removing any sense of space from the interior, it will become almost impossible to get into the street side seat of the dinette without some major redesign. Could be done - just wouldn't be easy or pretty.

Andrew

The profile looks kinda familiar.

It looks like Chubby on steroids

I am new to this site!!!! I've got a 1978 Coleman Tent trailer that the canvas is gone and looking to make a new trailer over the frame. The campster12 is the closest teardrop to the size it is except I would like to have 6 ft standing height. Does anyone know of a detail guide to buid this model??? I am looking to make it in the form of a woody but sealing it from the rain and other weather has got me puzzled??? Is there a good book of other sites that can answer these questions. i've got woodworking experience but has never built trailer. Thank you in advance. Kirk