Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **UtilConversion** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:44 pm

Hi All... I'm Jim from Fernley Nevada (Reno) and decided to convert my 6x14 V-Nose to a camper. I have a ramp with a side door so will be hauling my ATV in the back. I begun the conversion a couple of weeks ago (June 15/11) and budget a build time of around six weeks seeing that I'm retired and have the time.

I purchased a couple of windows and installed them along with an remote operated ceiling fan. My intention is to have an interior finish to the level of an upscale sailboat with similar conveniences. Installed items will include wash sink, elec/LP fridge w-Ice, Insta-heat water cabinets and storage. I will have a 20 gal fresh water supply along with marine battery and 140 watt solar charge and power source. I will also have one of those new transparent Propane tanks mounted externally for fridge. cooker and instaheat.

I'm currently half way through the build with delays due to hiccups with various crap from ebay suppliers. I'm posting build pics externally and will update these every couple of days until complete.

Some issues todate .....

- Had to build my own custom fridge vent system due to locating fridge in the v-nose and not able to locate suitable off the shelf products that would fit correctly.
- Ebay water tank had a leak so needs repairing.
- Insta-heat would not lignite.
- Original budget was around 2K already at 3K!!.

Change to the plan... I was going to build a fold-up bed support like most then changed my mind after purchasing a really nice queen size air mattress that includes a blowup box spring. This way I inflate, sleep and tilt up on its side allowing lots of space during the day along with huge weight savings.

Anyhow, just want to say thanks to all of you who take the time to contribute articles and such that really helps us newbies out.

Pics are here ---> http://gallery.me.com/jamesaellis1#1002 ... &view=grid

by **Goodwood** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:09 pm

Hey there.....I'm a noob too! Good luck with your build!

FYI, tried to look at your pics, but it is asking for a password.

by **woodenchef** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:58 pm

Air mattress is great, I also haul ATV's and the extra room and less weight is a huge plus

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k51 ... mage16.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k51 ... Image2.jpg

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k51 ... Image1.jpg

by **David_L6** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:36 pm

UtilConversion,

We can't access your pictures. Password protected....

by **David_L6** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:39 pm

woodenchef,

Have a link to that tent thingy you have on the back of your trailer?

by **UtilConversion** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:50 pm

Try it now and let me know if PW still required

by **Goodwood** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:22 pm

David_L6 wrote:woodenchef,

Have a link to that tent thingy you have on the back of your trailer?

Yeah, that thing looks pretty cool! :thumbsup:

by **pete42** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:58 pm

It ask me for password 6/29/11 1700 est.

by **David_L6** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:09 pm

UtilConversion wrote:Try it now and let me know if PW still required

OK, I can get to the pictures now. :thumbsup:

by **8ball_99** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 11:15 pm

Sorry to hear you've had some problems.
3 way fridges do tend to raise the budget also! I had to get creative on my vent setup for mine also since it wasn't against an exterior wall.

As for the bed. I might would reconsider the air mattress. We used them in tents and then in our first cargo trailer. They do the job I guess. Me and my wife both hated them. Pretty much everyone we camp with doesn't care for them either. One of the biggest pluses to a trailer for us was being able to have a real bed.. I bought a memory foam RV mattress off of ebay for 135 to my door.. It sleeps a hundred times better then the air mattress. Its also much easier to just fold the bed up and down vs pumping up the air mattress. Or deflating it and folding it up.. Heck we can even leave the bed made and fold it up against the wall. So at night we just lay the bed down stick a couple pillows on it and were done.. I've also had the pleasure of having my air mattress spring a slow leak so you wake up about 2 am laying on plywood.. Run the loud pump to air it back up only to wake up on plywood again a few hours later.. IMO get a foam mattress....

by **UtilConversion** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:54 pm

My ebay leaking storage tank is now repaired and happy. Today I purchased a super light weight 3/4" ply that uses a balsa core with a very nice finish both sides for cabinets and counters. Yesterday got a super sweet deal on a 48 Volt 180W Solar panel from my neighbor for $75 bucks. Last night ordered a multi input solar charge controller that charges and powers the systems at the same time with a usage meter and other goodies.

Got around to finishing the resin and cloth application to my custom fridge vent. Tomorrow will glass the vent to the roof and pretty up with body filler and reflective paint. I will also begin building the galley. My non-working ebay insta-heat will go on the back burner for now. Next week I hope to begin finishing everything up........... More pics added

http://gallery.me.com/jamesaellis1#100237

by **OverTheTopCargoTrailer** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 2:19 pm

dam UtilConversion

6 months ago I could not find a place to give me some help with CT conversion, :cry:

I just signed up here a week ago on the 26th of june,

have yet to start my own tread as I have been reading others. So I have just been enjoying other treads & postings. Pretty soon we can have a large CT gathering by next year.

Here is link to my Blog

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

The blog also has link direct to more pictures as it is hard to post pictures here, mobile me gallery is supper easy

http://gallery.me.com/codecheck888/102972

Keep up the good work :applause:

Jerry

by **OverTheTopCargoTrailer** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 2:27 pm

Hey Woodenchief

where did you get that great tent from.... :thinking:

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k515/dogwould1/NewImage1.jpg

I still need something like that ?
PLEASE do you have link where to buy ??

Thanks in advance

Jerry

by **woodenchef** » Mon Jul 04, 2011 11:20 am

Hi, bought it from here:

http://www.interwestsports.com/

I also have the awning \ add-a-room for the side :D

My trailer is a 7x14 and I went with the 12' deluxe awning \ add-a-room for the side and the 6' standard for the rear because deluxe only starts at 7'.

Note:

In hindsight I should have went with the 7' which would have covered my rear ramp door better. The only issue is the bag that the awning rolls into would stick out a little if leaving it in rail while traveling, no big deal. if you have a 7' wide and looking at this I would get the seven deluxe instead of 6'

by **OverTheTopCargoTrailer** » Mon Jul 04, 2011 9:51 pm

Hi Woodenchef

thank you very much... :thumbsup:

I found something under this link , about $350

http://www.interwestsports.com/add%20a%20room.html

I will put that on my wish list, they do not seam to give you much info about colors etc ? :thinking:

When I get ready I can call and get more info

Jerry

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Nevada New CT Conversion

Nevada New CT Conversion

Who is online