Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am going to purchase a Cargo Trailer here in the next coming week and trying to decide on the color.
As all most of any trailer they come white standard.
Does anyone know by experience or knowledgeable enough that if I went with a Red color that the temp on the inside of the trailer would increase?
And I am talking like a 5 or 10 degree difference over a white trailer?

Thanks

If you search through the forum you will find many views and opinions. Some based on personal feelings, others quote views with data. Me, I use my gut instincts based on years of personal erxperience....color matters IMHO.

I have to agree with Irrowe. There are some using various colors, but their usage and circumstances vary, and it's sometimes hard to determine how successful they really are from what's being said... or not said.

Dave

I believe it matters. Probably about like you said too, 5-10 degrees depending on the sun exposure. I've been in a couple of black ones parked near mine on the same day, and they were warmer to the touch, and inside with no climate controls going. On a really hot day, they're all hot. When its icy cold, they're all cold. On a sunny, say 50-70 degree day, is when it will be more noticeable.

I think of it this way, I can very effectively heat it without 120V electricity using a portable propane bottle and a 12 volt battery. I can't effectively cool one without some kind of AC power. I don't want to run a generator, and don't camp where there's a plug in. So I want it as cool as possible for the hot days and I'll heat it on the cold ones. In your case, it might depend on where and when you plan on camping in it.

I don't have any experience with different colored walls, but I got about a 15 to 20 degree difference in my trailer when I painted the silver metal roof with solar reflective paint. So I am guessing that there will probably be a small difference in the colored trailers.

Once the weather gets warm enough it really doesn't matter too much what color.....it is going to be hot even in the white ones.

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I ended up ordering my trailer 7x20 in silver color.

I added two 20x30 windows on each side with a rv door with screen door.
Adding a vent fan for the roof.

So the fun starts of figuring out the rest of the front bench, flooring, and getting the 12v electrical system.
With the electrical being on a battery then with a hookup of 110 when available.

Looking forward to getting it and scratching my head and browsing the forum for the best options to get a good setup.

A white wood frame trailer conducts heat much slower than a white metal frame trailer. The metal frame acts like heating wires inside a toaster speaking from experience owning both.

Cheers ottct

tmm72 wrote:Thanks for the replies everyone.
I ended up ordering my trailer 7x20 in silver color.

I added two 20x30 windows on each side with a rv door with screen door.
Adding a vent fan for the roof.

So the fun starts of figuring out the rest of the front bench, flooring, and getting the 12v electrical system.
With the electrical being on a battery then with a hookup of 110 when available.

Looking forward to getting it and scratching my head and browsing the forum for the best options to get a good setup.

I ordered mine up as two tone white and silver with a diagonal 6" chrome strip to separate the colors.

It sounds as though you have decided already, which is good. I was going to say, go with what looks good to you. People will say black is hotter and etc., but when it is really hot out... just run the A/C. :-) The white trailer isn't going to be that much cooler ( if at all) if you have insulated well. I have a black and I am going to white/silver as I upgrade almost exclusively because it looks good to me and matched the color of my White Ford Pickup tow vehicle well. I had a Black Ford Pickup when I bought the Black trailer. :-)

I pick up my new CT this Saturday and start the fun also. I look forward to following your build. This is my second so I'll be applying a lot of lessons learnt. :-)

One thing I am looking for is someone with experience for what they used for a 110v hookup to a converter to battery to run led lights and fan at this time.
Also, their water pump sink.

I have been looking on the forums and well there is so many to choose from.
I am budget minded also.

tmm72 wrote:One thing I am looking for is someone with experience for what they used for a 110v hookup to a converter to battery to run led lights and fan at this time.
Also, their water pump sink.

I have been looking on the forums and well there is so many to choose from.
I am budget minded also.

I can probably help you with that. I have an Electrical Engineering background and installed a Solar/110VAC system in my last CTC (200W system) and have already designed the system for my new build. My solar cells arrived yesterday. :-)


I know you said what you want to start with and that is easy if that is all you want to do and I am not sure what "budget minded" means that may vary per person... but I'd decide where you want to ultimately be with your CTC before buying anything, else whatever you buy, you may be replacing when you upgrade if it is not flexible (a 500W inverter or 1500W inverter for example). You can build up slowly and upgrade as you go.

A couple of things to think about and I may be able to give you some advise:

1) Decide what you really want to run long term on 12VDC and 110VAC. (12VDC is good for lighting and a fan mostly) (make a list)
2) Do you want 110VAC available when you are not plugged into "shore power or just +12vdc? (what will you run when "off the grid")
3) a) Do you want solar power to charge your battery or batteries, or B) Do you want to charge your battery with 110VAC connection? (Shore or Generator), or C) Both A and B
4) and the biggest question which may help define #1-3 - what is your budget for the power system. It s easy to drop hundreds to thousands on the power system depending on what your mission is.


I personally like to "boon-dock" for off road riding and want to run everything (except the A/C) off solar (quite and clean). I do have a small 2000W Honda generator to run the 5000BTU Air Conditioner when needed in the summer and top off batteries if the weather is poor (cloudy) or I am camping in a shady area (large trees nearby to block parts of the sun during the day). I allocated a large part of my conversion budget (about 25%) for the power system as I want to be very self contained when "off the grid". I had the Honda so this is not counting in the budget. I will be spending about $1,200 for a 400W Solar system with 40A MPPT Controller (for expansion later), 1500W true sine waver inverter, 50A DC Converter to charge quickly when on the generator or shore power and ~230AH worth of capacity in 2 6VDC Deep Cycle golf cart batteries.


On the sink... if you are a minimalist, you can get a hand pump faucet. If you have 12VDC avaialble, an on demand pump is the way to go. Different sizes are available and again, what will you use it for? 1) Just a sink, or 2) sink and shower?

flboy wrote:

tmm72 wrote:One thing I am looking for is someone with experience for what they used for a 110v hookup to a converter to battery to run led lights and fan at this time.
Also, their water pump sink.

I have been looking on the forums and well there is so many to choose from.
I am budget minded also.

I can probably help you with that. I have an Electrical Engineering background and installed a Solar/110VAC system in my last CTC (200W system) and have already designed the system for my new build. My solar cells arrived yesterday. :-)

I'd decide where you want to ultimately be with you CTC before buying anything, else whatever you buy, you may be replacing when you upgrade if it is not flexible (a 500W inverter or 1500W inverter for example).

A couple of things to think about and I may be able to give you some advise:

1) Decide what you really want to run long term on 12VDC and 110VAC. (12VDC is good for lighting and a fan mostly) (make a list)
2) Do you want 110VAC available when you are not plugged into "shore power or just +12vdc? (what will you run when "off the grid")
3) a) Do you want solar power to charge your battery or batteries, or B) Do you want to charge your battery with 110VAC connection? (Shore or Generator), or C) Both A and B
4) and the biggest question which may help define #1-3 - what is your budget for the power system. It s easy to drop hundreds to thousands on the power system depending on what your mission is.


I personally like to "boon-dock" for off road riding and want to run everything (except the A/C) off solar (quite and clean). I do have a small 2000W Honda generator to run the 5000BTU Air Conditioner when needed in the summer and top off batteries if the weather is poor (cloudy) or I am camping in a shady area (large trees nearby to block parts of the sun during the day). I allocated a large part of my conversion budget (about 25%) for the power system as I want to be very self contained when "off the grid". I had the Honda so this is not counting in the budget. I will be spending about $1,200 for a 400W Solar system with 40A MPPT Controller (for expansion later), 1500W true sine waver inverter, 50A DC Converter to charge quickly when on the generator or shore power and ~230AH worth of capacity in 2 6VDC Deep Cycle golf cart batteries.

That is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks for putting that out here for everyone to see.

Here is what I am going to have in my CTC initially is a set of LED lights, a MAXXAIR fan, and eventually a water pump for cleanups.
I am planning on to always be a 12v system and put a inverter in if needed but not in first year and see what I am needing after that.

What set/brand of 6v batteries did you end up going with?

tmm72 wrote:That is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks for putting that out here for everyone to see.

Here is what I am going to have in my CTC initially is a set of LED lights, a MAXXAIR fan, and eventually a water pump for cleanups.
I am planning on to always be a 12v system and put a inverter in if needed but not in first year and see what I am needing after that.

What set/brand of 6v batteries did you end up going with?

It is later here now... but give me a day or so and I'll send you a schematic (I'll post it here) and some Amazon links with suggested pieces. Your needs as stated are very basic and straight forward. have a good evening.

OK...

Based on what you want to do; LED lighting, Maxxair Fan, and Water pump, the following is what I'd recommend and the cost is very reasonable. You could still add battery capacity, Solar, and an Inverter to this system. I like it because it is a power center that protects with fuses and etc.. For someone not electrically inclined with very basic needs, this is very nice. It also has position for some 115VAC Breakers if you wanted to add a few circuits to use when hooked up to power via campground or generator.

The Power Center should have Hookup instructions. I'd give you a schematic, but these power centers have them usually in the instructions. This one has some hookup info on the inside lid.

Power Center:

This will handle the Charging, the Fuses and distribution. @111.00 on sale, this is a great deal and will do everything you need to include charge the battery.

http://www.amazon.com/WFCO-WF-8735-P-Black-Power-Center/dp/B004LF14Q4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1456365086&sr=8-3&keywords=rv+converter


Battery


Given what you want to do, this battery will do what you need and is cheap. The issues with batteries are that you need to keep it charged. If you let your camper set for long periods, these will drain down and once they go below 50%, you damage them. I’d get a trickle charger to keep on it when not in use. You can get a “Battery Tender” for around $30.00
http://www.walmart.com/ip/20531539

Water Pump

This Water Pump may be more than you need for just the sink. The Gallons Per Minute is the specification to pay attention to.
http://www.amazon.com/Shurflo-Fresh-2088-554-144-Gallons-Minute/dp/B00C1M6B1C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1456365147&sr=8-3&keywords=on+demand+water+pump#Ask




I hope this is helpful for you. Best of luck with your build.

Wasn't my thread or question, but great information! I applaud your help.

I can't thank you enough for laying out what you are using to help us that are just starting out.
If I ever have a chance to meet you I am buying you several drinks!