Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

First time poster, long time lurker. This board has given me TONS of ideas for my 6x12 in converting it to a toy hauler/camper for my son and I.

We're currently using cots to sleep on, which are comfortable but no room between them when setup. I'd like to have more "walking" room and starting thinking about how to add a couple of "tent bunks". Not sure if that's what you call them, but basically the beds that fold out with a tent over them, kinda like a popup. I have a welder, and have been designing it in my head for a while now. Although quite a bit of welding, I keep thinking it wouldn't be that difficult. The biggest issue would be the tent part.

Anybody done this on their CTC? Anyone know of a "kit" that would get me there?

-Rob

I haven't done this... however... I did just recently dismantle a damaged popup camper. Great place to get hardware for a bed setup. Cheap too. I got mine for $100 bucks. Had water damage, but I saw several with varying degrees of damage under $1000.

Bkcreation34 wrote:

Welcome to the forum and if you want a portable way of adding bunks to your CT and will not take up alot of room and are very comfy check out this link,

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Disc-O-B ... l+Products

I've seen those before, but was hoping to open it up a bit more. Something like this:


-Rob

How about a slide-out room instead. Easier to waterproof. Been done before on this forum.

Best,
Tom

Someone did post a link to one. After market price was about $1,000.

Several models do offer them, like:
http://www.lightningtrailers.com/defaul ... ingflattop

Lot's of places call them camper packages, only a dealer inquiry can get you a quote.

Barb

I had really toyed with drop-down bunk idea, a friend has a hybrid trailer with fold out beds on either end, and I liked the idea of extra space for sleeping. I even started searching the RV salvage yards trying to find a hybrid that I could buy the dropdown unit off of. Once sanity took hold, I dropped the idea. Putting a full-size bed on a 6x10 would pretty much take up the whole side and would turn the thing over if I rolled to the edge.

I am probably going to go with an attached room for mine. If you really wanted the built-in, I would second Tom's comment about adding a slideout. Some of the individuals on the forum have done amazing work.

Pat

Wouldn't a slideout take up a bunch of interior space when slid in? My son races karts, so the trailer is pretty stuffed when traveling. That's why I thought the fold out bunks would offer a good alternative.

I've been mentally building it in my head and the tent portion is the one part i'm stuck on.

I'd like to see one of the slideouts if anyone's got a link.

-Rob

As far as the tent portion, I'd suggest talking to an upholsterer or seamstress, someone who can work with heavier fabric/canvas. If you can design and construct the frame so that there are secure attachment points for fabric, someone with mad sewing skills could probably design and sew the fabric portion for you. Not saying it will be cheap, and it will probably take some time, test fittings, etc., but it could be done. You can waterproof the final product with Scotch Guard or other waterproofing spray. I made a simple, flat screen panel with fabric edges for the back of our cargo trailer, with a roll-up flap, like a tent. I bought a cheap double garage screen door, then sewed it into the fabric frame. I attached it with Velcro to the inside of the trailer, and it held well. Your idea is definitely do-able, so don't give up if it's what you really want.

Robin

Why not just buy a tent trailer or hybrid? It's a lot less work

Ever camped in a popup? Its just a slight step up from a tent IMO.. You can hear Everything going on outside day or night.. Cold in the winter hot in the summer. Sand plays havoc with the zippers and any rain or dew and you have to open it all up once home to let it dry out or it will mold and mildew.. lol Not trying to talk you out of it or anything cause if you need more space and dont' want a bigger trailer adding a tent section is probably the best way to expand. Just throwing the draw backs out there.

8ball_99 wrote:Ever camped in a popup? Its just a slight step up from a tent IMO.. You can hear Everything going on outside day or night.. Cold in the winter hot in the summer. Sand plays havoc with the zippers and any rain or dew and you have to open it all up once home to let it dry out or it will mold and mildew.. lol Not trying to talk you out of it or anything cause if you need more space and dont' want a bigger trailer adding a tent section is probably the best way to expand. Just throwing the draw backs out there.

8ball_99: I have seen the trailer that the picture he has showing and that was one draw back I saw also. This specific trailer had several other draw backs other than over priced. That specific trailer is not the subject at hand so I will leave it at that.

Rob: I has been done before so no reason you can't do it. There are some draw backs but there are advantages too. Additional sleeping space in a CT is a very goode thing especially when you are hauling a family around. if you want to do it, go for it. Don't let me talk you out of it. Good luck!!

Earnest

I have found them in kit form at http://cargooutlet.com/Camper-Package-Includes-Pop-Out-Tent-Bed-with-Mattress-P1988831.aspx It looks to me something like a twin size be and its $1,500 for it.

That seems to be the way to go. I do have the remnants of my "donor Rv" and just so happens to be a hybrid. I think you have just given me a very good idea for my sleeping arrangements. I posted on my local Craig's list wanting a donor camper and within 4 hrs I was on my way to pick it up. It's saved me a ton of money, time and effort. If you have a little bordering skills, you might be able to do your conversion fairly cheap. As it stands right now, I'm out of pocket $300. The only thing I have bought and will have to, that I know of, is insulation.
My thread is 8x20 build. I really don't have much going on with it right now since this is peak riding season for us. I plan to get hot on mine after Dec 1st.
A lot like you, we haul our toys on it and sleep in it. Interior space is optimal when hauling, then unload and make it "home" for the weekend. As it stands right now we haul a 4 wheeler (Can Am max 800) and my Polaris RzR 800 in it.