Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

After a year and a half, I finally completed my first CTC conversion. This Thread has been a godsend. I had some challenges along the way, where I had to let it sit while I took care of my family. But once I was able to pick it up again, three months and BAM a camper is formed!! I will post my pics from start to finish. and try to explain them as I go. If you have questions please don't hesitate. I got a lot of great ideas here on this website, and the internet was a huge help. I think though after completing this one, I will be building another, but on a much smaller scale. Enjoy!!

The Day I picked it up! I was super excited! I had the electrical already installed, which was kind of a waste of money. I had to completely redo all of the electrical anyway, so if you plan on wiring your own system, forego the expense of the already installed Electrical box.


This 30A breaker box does everything you will need. it runs 12v and 120 when plugged into shore power, it also has a battery charger. I was able to tie my Solar into the Battery to charge when off grid, and hooked up a switch to use the breaker box to either shore or Solar. NOTE** If you plan on a lot of off grid camping solar is awesome. There are a ton of 12V gadgets out there. or you can use an inverter, just make sure your battery is big enough to handle the draw.

Some more images of the Solar and Electrical box.



It's was extremely hard to cut into a trailer I had just spent a bit of money on. But I taught myself how to weld, "ALSO with the help of a professional welder teaching me", I was able to cut and weld supports for the escape window, the small window, the cargo access door on the front V, and the place I planed to put the AC unit. Witch was just an aluminum truck box modified.

A Fantastic fan replaced the old vent, 12V, and the old vent fit into the welded frame for where the bathroom will be installed, you can pick up a 12V fan to fit under the vents without fans in them, which is what I did here. I wanted a Fantastic Fan for the main living area. BTW... It is Bad A**!!


I should mention that I spent the money at PPL motorhomes on line and bought the 5 layer puncture self sealing roof rolls. I installed them on a 98-100 degree day, and they stuck on first go. No bubbles. An added layer of protection. This went down (Obviously) before the solar panels.

Next came the redneck Awning, where I installed truck bed tie downs, and inserted a rod through them. This allowed me to attach a tarp to the trailer and then to poles on the other end, lashed down with ropes and steaks. After that I was ready for insulation and outer wall and ceiling panels.

Then came the true build out. I went back and forth on the type of bathroom I would build. Do I want a shower? Do I want a tank? A kitchen? I settled with a wet bath. I found this company in Seattle who makes them to order. It has a five gallon holding tank for sewer and a shower pan for when you really need a shower. I built in the bathroom in like with the support beams under the trailer, and ran plumbing to accommodate it. The V of the trailer became the hub of my plumbing, and also acts as a storage compartment for the nasty's.

Then the hot water heater. UGG this is the bane of my thoughts for days. I wanted a gas heater but didn't have the wall space to accommodate it, so I went with an electric one, which I can only use when plugged into shore, or off my inverter. Maybe even a generator. But I really only need water to brush teeth, flush the toilet, do a bird bath, and wash dishes. Outside of that I am sure I'll be okay.

Wow Mac nice work! That solar set-up is something I may go to instead of that Honda generator. Your timing is perfect for me in that its got me thinking about alternatives. Maybe cheaper I don't know. How much for those two big panels?
Thanks!

The AC was another conundrum. I can only use it when hooked to shore as well as the Fridge and Microwave. But those are Luxuries really. I figure if I'm roughing it the Fantastic Fan will do as well as my camp stove and outdoor kitchen. So I already told you about the truck box for the AC. Here it is mounted. I set it just enough outside the trailer and with a bit of a tilt for the water to drain. I also ran 4 ea 12V fans to keep it cool. This cuts down on the Unit overheating. This set up worked great this summer when I was working in the build out phase. Kept me cool on 100 degree days. and the Box never heated up, my battery didn't drain, and I have an AC I never have to move. All I have to do is open the outside door for it to vent.

I realized I didn't really give you guys good pics of the bathroom, here you go:

Tommy B.... The whole Solar set up ran about700$, the panels 2 ea 100W each, and the Battery which was about 300$ because its a 200Amp Hour. But it's a monster!!! and well worth the money. Then the 30A fuse box, which wasn't cheap, but about 100-150$. PPL Motorhomes is where I got that. But I ordered the Panels on Amazon, and the Battery on line too. It took me about a month to figure it out. But it works great!!! You will love it!!

hmmmm

For the cost of a generator but an endless supply of electricity within reason of course. Thanks. more questions to come I'm sure.

Is that a 250 KX Your riding?

Some more of the AC set up

The Radio, Marine grade speakers, 2 outside, 2 inside, and an antenna for both tv and radio.

Tommy... Yes... I loved that bike. I just bought a 4wheeler to go hunting with my dad and cousins. Had to give it up.

The rest it cosmetics. All choices I ran through my mind while on break from the build. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be going hunting with my pops and cousins in October. I made sure to leave 48" for a standard 4 wheeler to roll all the way forward, and one will fit behind it as well. But I only have one, so no issues there. The rear bunk comes off and can be stored away when not needed. I will post pics of it in action, when I get back.

Great Job on your build


Martin

Sweet. A very nice camper is formed! Skills.