Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **lonerider** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:15 pm

Just joined, have been reading for awhile. I have the idea that I can build a Mini Travel Trailer, now how's this idea?
Start with a 6x10 flatbed utility trailer, axle rated at 3500#.
I'm thinking about building a Wood box 6' x 10' with an angle at the leading top part of the box for a little aero. I need it to be at least 6' inside up to the front which will be 4' at the bottom of the aero angle.
The BIG question is to frame the box with 2x4's, 2x2's or 1x4's, taking in mind that it will be running down the highway at 65-70 mph! ? Also is Luan OK for the outside skin as well as the inside?
Any advise welcome and if anyone has any photos of something like this I would Love to see them!!!

by **Mike_La** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 9:31 pm

Hi lonerider,

You've got a good idea for a standie. I'd have to go with 1-1/2" framing for the cabin. Luan is fine,but it'll have to be covered for protection.

Check out the Dinette in the Design Library.

by **bobhenry** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:01 am

This summer I built "barn to be wild " It was studded much like a house I did rip the 2x4's to 1 1/4" bt 2 1/2 " to save some weight.
I felt it was an absolute must to employ let in wind bracing to triangulate and stiffen the walls to allow for the wind shear at speed. The barn is 5x10 by not quite 6' tall. You might want to go thru the thread to see how I reinforced the walls.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=30307

by **lonerider** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 4:37 am

Etech wrote:Hi lonerider,

You've got a good idea for a standie. I'd have to go with 1-1/2" framing for the cabin. Luan is fine,but it'll have to be covered for protection.

Check out the Dinette in the Design Library.

Thanks!!

by **lonerider** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 4:44 am

bobhenry wrote:This summer I built "barn to be wild " It was studded much like a house I did rip the 2x4's to 1 1/4" bt 2 1/2 " to save some weight.
I felt it was an absolute must to employ let in wind bracing to triangulate and stiffen the walls to allow for the wind shear at speed. The barn is 5x10 by not quite 6' tall. You might want to go thru the thread to see how I reinforced the walls.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=30307

Yea, I saw that...Kool!
I had a friend tell me today that a build like what I'm talking about would weigh too much for a single axle trailer with all that wood. He suggested that I wait until I can afford a new Cargo Trailer of continue to look for a deal on a used one. He built a nice one from a 6x12.
Now I'm really wondering what I'll do!!

by **lonerider** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 4:49 am

This is what I was thinking about but taller.
http://davidbyrum.blogspot.com/

by **jlreyburn** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:05 am

I just joined and could spend hours reading and learning. We're in Indianapolis and find winter camping a blast in the little guy. We use an electric blanket and are good for the night. Got caught in the last snow storm on Valentines day weekend in Brown County...just added to the adventure!

by **bc toys** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:03 am

Welcome to site what part of texas are you from there is lots of trailers in texas you should find something you like what you are talking about can be built on a single axel go for it remember we need pics

by **bobhenry** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:06 am

lonerider wrote:I had a friend tell me today that a build like what I'm talking about would weigh too much for a single axle trailer with all that wood. Now I'm really wondering what I'll do!!

I have towed the barn with my 4 cylinder Suzuki Esteem without care , concern or incident !

by **lonerider** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 6:00 pm

bc toys wrote:Welcome to site what part of texas are you from there is lots of trailers in texas you should find something you like what you are talking about can be built on a single axel go for it remember we need pics

I'm in Pasadena, by Houston. Ok, I wasn't sure my friend was right about the weight. I didn't think it would weigh to much for a 3500# axle trailer. I'll keep looking and decide what to do. Thanks for all the advise. As soon as I get started I'll post photos ect.

by **lonerider** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:54 pm

This is the trailer I was thinking of getting, without the gate and side rails.
http://s570.photobucket.com/albums/ss14 ... so-650.jpg

by **bobhenry** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:56 am

lonerider wrote:This is the trailer I was thinking of getting, without the gate and side rails.
http://s570.photobucket.com/albums/ss14 ... so-650.jpg

Here is what the barn is setting on

It was a 5x8 and the barn is 5x10.

and I found a pic of Suzi with the barn

I am guesstimating the barn complete and ready to camp at approx. #1100 :thinking:

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Howdy from Texas!!

Howdy from Texas!!

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