Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I took mine out Halloween weekend!! No, it didn't have any wood on the front, top, or hatch. But I was only going 5 miles up the road to a local private campsite. I used my twin sized air mattress so I would have floor space for my tent heater. I grabbed a spare car battery I had, and charged it up. The battery stayed strong all weekend.

After camping in it before it was done, I'm glad I did. I found a few cold spots where I missed the insulation. It got down to 30 degrees, but not inside.

I don't have the doors done, so I had to use a bungie cord to hold them shut. All in all, she towed well, was well lit inside and in the galley. The porch lights weren't bright enough though. I used amber marker lights because they were smaller. They were OK, and I may change them later. Everything else seamed to work great

Now to get the outside covered so I can get out there this spring.

Here's the pics of my build
http://groups.msn.com/aldrichhomepage/t ... build.msnw

Keep buildin' guys
Duane
Lancaster, PA

good job duane,
did you use 2x4 for frame &what size pylwood did you use.im planning on using 15/32 outside on 2x2 frame with a layer of 3/4 & 1/2 foam board and 1/4 in ply inside,,whaddya think.whats going on the outside of yours? im thinkin bout fiberglass on mine

Critter,
I used 2X4 frame over the existing boat trailer frame. I used 2X4 ripped down to 2X2 for my studs, and 1/2" ply for the floor and outside walls. For my interior walls, I used 1/4" paneling glued to the studs, and screwed where the the screwheads would be hidden. I put 1" foam in for insulation. I could probably put in another 1/2", but may not due to the added cost.

I plan on using fiberglass / epoxy to cover it, but a coworker says I should use a spray on bed liner material. I'm gonna price it. It would cut out the cost of fiberglass and the auto paint. I think it would be a wash on the cost.

Duane

duane,
looks great,what did you think about the room inside,was it enough lengthways and how far back does your galley start,i guess what im asking is how deep is your galley from rear and how long is the bed area,also did you use the standard 114 in length?

Critter,

Length wise, I have about 3" extra when using the air mattress. Width wise, my queen mattress fits perfect. My TD is 9 1/2' long and 5' wide. My galley, I don't remember the exact dimension right now, but it's about 20" deep, the a 12" deep cabinet. Then there's the interior cabinet which I made to fit my TV. I can get you exact measurements if you want them. I had done my own drawings, and then found the ones Mike had on this site. Everything was so close to what I had drawn, I just decided to use his drawings since they had been tested and known to work.

http://www.mikenchell.com/weekender/index.html
Great Job Mike!!

Duane

duane,
cool thanks for info,if you get a chance and its not to much trouble id like to know the distance to the bulkhead from frt or back,also ive had some dealings with sray on bedliners&all will fade and its not covered by warrenty

Critter, I took some quick measurements, and created a drawing. It's not to scale, but here ya go.

http://tinyurl.com/87h9g

Duane

duane,
thanks just what i needed,

hey guys,
just posted pics on my gallery of what i have done so far whaddaya think?

Hey!!! I see progress being made!!!

one question: Am I seing this right? your glassing the luan(bottom) side of your floor frame? Why? I'm askin cause I don't know... are you doing it in place of the tarry goop I see everybody usin? or in addition?

Wright

hey,.
yup thats the bottom and just concerned about moisture on bottom so im gonna put auto undercoatin on atfer the fiberglass dries just being doubble safe i guess.whuddya think?

I think it'll work...adding strength as well as 'weather proofing' seems to be a smart thing...but I'm a novice...just added it to my design notebook...probably gonna copy it...If you have any probs with it let me know k?

WRIGHT

Critter, It's looking good!! Keep up the pace.
Duane

Frank just wrote me... He's been busy on the weekender. It's looking good. I thought I would share it with you guys....





Mike...

frank,
you are my inspiration,looks like you have this thing figured out.love dem pics!