Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am repurposing a 10x6 trailer for a conversion to a camper trailer. I have been using it for camping in for a couple of years now. After looking at all the wonderful ideas and projects on this forum I am ready to take this to the next level.

I know there is much info posted on here about this decision, but my first consideration is to stealth or not to stealth. Being stealth makes it easy to keep it simple and tidy. However, if I decide not to go stealth, it seems to open many more options.




JG

First things first…have a little maintenance to do. This thing has been sitting outside under trees fir years. Looking worn and sprung a few leaks. Spent the day getting the molded goo off the seams. Started with a scraper and chisel. Too labor intensive and not getting it all. Attached a wire brush wheel to my 1/2" drill and made short work of it. Nice clean surface to reseal to. Didn't have time to take pics, but will next week when back home.

Have seen a lot of opinions/info about what to reseal the seams with…just have to decide…

Also some surface rust on frame, etc.

Has anyone had good luck with the Eternabond tape sealer?

Seems too good to be true…means it usually is..

JG

jegrosso, Howdy;

It's kinda of an RV industry standard repair material, used on the rubber (EPDM),
roofs.
Unless you dug the sealant out from between the shoulders sections (connects
roof to sides), you can use some tube type sealant (caulk), or just paint it with;
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Henry-4-75-G ... lsrc=aw.ds
Dual purpose, seals and keeps the interior cooler in the Summer, ... or both.

hank

Hello and good luck with your conversion.

It seems cheaper to go stealthy and there should be less work involved but I would only do it if needed to. Windows would definitely make the space feel larger.

jmho

Rich

I like the stealth concept, but it would be nice to be able to see who/what is outside your trailer.

McDave wrote:I like the stealth concept, but it would be nice to be able to see who/what is outside your trailer.

Maybe a wireless camera mounted outside the trailer with a monitor inside…?

But yes, stealth would be more simple and cheaper.

JG

jegrosso wrote:

McDave wrote:I like the stealth concept, but it would be nice to be able to see who/what is outside your trailer.

Maybe a wireless camera mounted outside the trailer with a monitor inside…?

But yes, stealth would be more simple and cheaper.

JG

For this application, I'd go for a wired camera. Keep it cheap and simple, you don't really need the distance part of wifi cams.

A couple of simple door viewer's installed around the trailer works. Cheap and just drill a small hole.

Rich

@ Doublacola,
That's a perfect solution. I'm using that!
smartypants...

Was able to get all the seams clean with a drill and wire brush wheel. Have decided to go with 6 inch Permabond Alumibond. worried about it bridging the gaps and laying down over the ridges where the pieces of the roof meet. The guy at the roofing supply store seemed to think there would be no problem with it bridging the gaps as long as I applied good pressure to the tape while putting it down.

He seemed to think the tape was a way better solution than sealant…

JG

Also, the aluminum roof is a little dented and bent up…no rust though. Planning on inserting 1/4" plywood on the interior between the aluminum roof and the bracing on the inside to straighten it out and support it a little.

JG

jegrosso wrote:I know there is much info posted on here about this decision, but my first consideration is to stealth or not to stealth. Being stealth makes it easy to keep it simple and tidy. However, if I decide not to go stealth, it seems to open many more options.
JG

I never thought much about the stealth idea and even with the windows, TV antenna, and awning, people do not realize it is a camper inside ... I did not try to hide anything ... 120 vac plug, grey water drain, propane tank, battery box, in addition to the windows, awning and TV antenna!!

I took it to a swap meet this last weekend (Got there a day early and camped over) and when folks looked inside they all seemed to be amazed that it had a galley, etc.