Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Again I return with my new adventure a trailer build , not the trailer I wanted to build at this time but a must do. With the high fuel prices I have had to cut back my use and have been using my propane powered ford ranger 4cyl 4speed pickup. I must haul garden furniture high cubes but low wieght but the ranger can't haul very much. Solution a high cube light wieght trailer. Because I won't be able to build my dream machine camping trailer for awhile I will incorporate many of the features into it. The new trailer will use a salvage harbor frieght 4x8 frame with a spring update and welded using 2 less crossmembers. The box is to be 5ft.x9.5ft. x5ft. complete with side door and large rear door,2 side windows roof vent and a front none opening window. All windows are to have security covers protecting them from loaded frieght as well . With a small change to the angles it will look very much like a Simple. When planing and designing this build one will notice that I really have not designed anything but have used many of the forums ideas incorporated into a trailer for my purposes. Please forgive me for not mentioning individuals but it is my belief we give freely to the Forum by doing this the knowledge alows me to build my trailer and by sharing the experiance I to may help someone else . Hopefully the build won't take to long as the need is now. Three pictures will follow of the frame and floor build you will notice many of the forums lessons. Sandy

your build looks quality...can't wait to see more pics

It's all up from here. Sounds like a beautiful TD.

Small progress today . Seeing the pictures the progress is viible, the first picture shows the deck ready for the hardwood flooring. Not shown is the 3/8 plywood subfloor glued screwed and stapled and the whole unit secured to the frame with 16 carriage bolts. After securing a 8 inch skirt is added , this is to secure the sidewalls and for looks. You will notice the skirt is over length at all ends this is due to me not bieng sure of the final lower look, sort of building on the fly. The second picture shows the completed underlay , this is a foam and doubled film comercial acoustic product ,the niebours shouldn't hear me. The 3rd picture shows the hardwood going down. This is a finished fully sealed solid wood product I have sealed multiple times to keep moisture out, but have left room for expansion just in case . The last picture shows the floor trimed and totally layed. To complete the floor I must totally seal the sawn edges and put a protective plastic sheeting over the entire surface until the build is finished. The next will be the sidewalls useing laminated framing . Again all coments and help is apreciated thanks in advance Sandy

That floor looks amazing

Incredible, beautiful floor. I have a feeling your teardrop is going to be one of those that sets a high-water mark on craftsmanship and design.

Of course, I am a little partial to that look - the interior finish of my sidewalls is engineered hardwood flooring (planks PL-glued to MDO with TB III-glued tabs):

Firstly thankyou Readtocamp &Aggie 79 Your walls look Fantastic!! My walls will not look as well as the trailer is multifunctional with high cubes for frieght purposes and a tiny travel trailer . In fact I will call it "THE FITALL" . I have been experimenting laminating plywood together [with resin and glass fibres ] and will build this trailer using this method. 2layers of 3/8 exterior plywood laminated and totally sealed , studding to be 2inches with headers and sills 4inches. the body bieng 5ft. high this system will be much easier and use half as much plwood. I think so anyway, should be stronger but probably not any lighter. I will try to get some pictures up which will explain it much better than I. Again I must thank this forum ,by examining the pictures you can see all the lessons you have taught me . Sandy

Well new build saw its first daylight today got a few update photos the side profile is just about complete the wheelwells need to give more tire clearance. One can see the laminated plywood framing using this method there is hardly any waste with the resin and glass fiber glue my tests have shown it at least if not stronger than using the solid sheet cutout system. I believe it is much simpler. Also noticable is the extra framing due to designing on the fly. actualy some of the photos could be poster shots for making actual drawings first. Again all coments are welcome Sandy