Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I own a "hobby business" that I sell products at local fairgrounds. I decided it would work well to make a mini toyhauler so I can save some money on hotels since I am normally staying for 3 day events. I needed a dual axle trailer because I normally carry around 2000 lbs of inventory with me when I got to shows and by the time you add in weight of camping equipment and the trailer a single axle wasn't going to cut it. Also I think dual axles pull a little nicer than singles.

I wanted a v-nose front, rv style side door, and ramp rear door. I ended up ordering a new trailer from H&H built to my specs since I couldn't find a used one that wasn't the cost of a new one or in decent condition.

What I ordered was a 14ft x 7foot plus v-nose, blue, rv latch on side door, ramp rear door, double 3.5k axles with brakes, 15x24 window on drivers side of trailer

Here is what the trailer looked like when I first got it.


First thing I did was prime the 1/4" luan walls and 3/4" floor. Then I bedlinered the floor and rear ramp. I also started the process of insulating the trailer with 1" R5 pink foam.


Almost done...


I insulated the ceiling and also put some e-track in for securing my inventory and a future fold down bed


I then installed a used roof AC unit I found off Craigslist from a parted out camper.
Past the point of no return...


Installed



This is where I'm at now. I have some 12v LED lights to install on the inside and I need to run all the electrical inside as well. I decided I'm going to run the electric through conduit outside of the paneling so it would be easier to change things in the future if I add on later. I am also planning on just getting a camping toilet and maybe putting in a sink using removable large water jugs. The front "V" area will eventually get some cabinets as well.

cornfused. Howdy;

Like what you have goin' on there. What is the interior hight
of you CT?
How does it tow and how do you anticipate keeping the 60/40
weight (suggested ratio for a proper loading), ?

hank

Good looking trailer. Great work so far. Keep us posted.

hankaye wrote:cornfused. Howdy;

Like what you have goin' on there. What is the interior hight
of you CT?
How does it tow and how do you anticipate keeping the 60/40
weight (suggested ratio for a proper loading), ?

hank

I find your comment interesting about the 60/40 weight distribution. I thought of that when I get my 6x12 single axle trailer. If I do some weight distribution calculations, can I specify where I want the axle placed when I order the trailer? I will go with a chuckwagon approach w/AC in the rear, then bunking and up front some sort of shower area and porta potty placement. I might have some water storage, but no built in waste storage (plan on using the blue waste containers). And I want to investigate the recessed floor idea for a battery or two and the spare tire.

Bob

hankaye wrote:cornfused. Howdy;

Like what you have goin' on there. What is the interior hight
of you CT?
How does it tow and how do you anticipate keeping the 60/40
weight (suggested ratio for a proper loading), ?

hank

It tows well so far. I've only towed it empty about 90 miles from the dealer to my house. I've had it for less than a month. Next show I will need it for is late August.

Interior height is 6 foot and I'm 6'6", but I didn't want the extra wind resistance. I don't really plan on wandering around in it much anyway As far as tongue weight goes, I don't think I will have too big of a problem with it, the trailer seems to be a little front heavy empty and I put the AC unit up front as well, and I will eventually have some cabinets in the front "V" and maybe a deep cycle battery or two on the tongue as well. I am planning on leaving the rear 10 foot of the trailer mostly open with the exception of a fold down bed off the wall, so I will have some room to shift my inventory around to vary the weight if I need to. It has a 2 5/16" ball on it, so I can go up to 1000 lbs on the tongue if I need to and I know my truck will handle that fine based on other stuff I've pulled with it. From my experience extra tongue weight isn't always bad, but too little gets interesting...

Nice CT keep up the good work

Earnest

Will you be putting in windows or will you keep your inventory out of sight?

It has a 24"x15"window on the drivers side from the factory. I think I will put another slider window in the door though so I can get some flow through ventilation if needed.

When I see trailers with colors other then white, I realize how much they really look good, as yours does. Too bad I am restricted to the lighter colors which are better for reflecting away the heat from the sun.

If you want another 1 of those windows go to redneck trailer supply in Arlington Tx google them they ship I used them on my last build and really liked how they treated me But I went to their store.

Thanks, there is a Redneck Trailer Supply here in Iowa also and I didn't think about looking to see if they had windows!

I have a question I have been meaning to ask for awhile. Does any one see the logic in looking at windows that one can use as an escape hatch in case of an emergency?

I will have a chuck wagon approach in the rear and will probably keep the barn doors closed to keep critters out of it at night. That leaves only the side door and should it become blocked, jammed or whatever, then what does one do? That is where the idea of a window that you can "kick" out and then crawl out. Yes I do tend to think of the things that can go bad.

lrrowe wrote:I have a question I have been meaning to ask for awhile. Does any one see the logic in looking at windows that one can use as an escape hatch in case of an emergency?

I will have a chuck wagon approach in the rear and will probably keep the barn doors closed to keep critters out of it at night. That leaves only the side door and should it become blocked, jammed or whatever, then what does one do? That is where the idea of a window that you can "kick" out and then crawl out. Yes I do tend to think of the things that can go bad.

lrrowe,

I consider that a smart man thinking. There are windows made for that. The only ones I have seen are made to not open partially like a slider or crank window. If you choose to have one that you can kick/bust out to escape, be careful, broken glass in the frame and on the ground could be a bad thing to crawl over and in to. Most escape windows just have a latch with no screen. They swing open with no obstructions.

Never ever get yourself cornered without a E&E backup.

Earnest

lrrowe, Howdy;

Quick search found this;
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/rv-exit-window
Some are fairly large, but then they are made so
folks like Bubba can fit.

hank

Perfect.....this gives me a great start.
Thanks.
Bob