Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hey Mike, ya got me, I'm hooked and think I'm ready to start.
I've been reading everything I can get my hands on for a couple weeks now, and think the Weekender is going to be my first project.
I just sold my 6 MPG gas guzzeling motor home and want to get back to the basics of camping, but have a couple questions before I start.
I want to go with a 5x10 weekender, so should I build a 5x9 frame?
I want a full 7 foot bed. Plus a bit more galley space.
I also have a question on the walls, if I build a frame out of 2x2's and skin it with 1/4 luaun outside and 1/4 paneling inside it that strong enough?? Or should I go with 1/2 plywood outside and 1x2 strip frame with 1/4 inch paneling inside ? it will be insulated and I plan to use the epoxy paint on the outside.
One last thing, how come I have not seen one tear drop from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" Minnesota?? Come on Guys I know your'e out there.
Thanks, Gadget Man, Central Minnesota.

GadgetMan, I think your 5 X 9 trailer frame will work fine. As far as walls go, I made mine with 1/2" outside, 1 X 2 spars and 1/4" birch ply for the inside. I'm not finished with mine yet but it is really strudy.

War Pony :
Thanks for the Reply, with the 1/2 inch plywood what type are you using?
I imagine if I go with the painted outside, I'll need a very nice smooth outside to work with, so the cheap ply with knot holes and voids won't turn out. I was checking my local Home Depot and found a lot of the ply was all twisted and warped, but I supose once I glue it to the frame it will flatten / straighten out.
I'm thinking if I go with the 1/2 ply I'll special order 4 x10 sheets.
I figure thats the only way I'll be able to cut out the roof with out a lot of waste, (4x10 sheets cut in half, mounted sideways accross for the top)

Gadget Man

I bought some 1/2" birch ply at Home Depot. It's pretty smooth and looks good. I am going to stain the sides so I was pretty picky on which sheets I chose. It would almost be a shame to paint over this stuff. It was only about $24 a sheet so that was a plus. The 3/4" birch was around $43 each!! If you are going to paint, you should be able to get some fairly smooth plywood that doesn't cost too much.

Gadget Man wrote:Hey Mike, ya got me, I'm hooked and think I'm ready to start.
I've been reading everything I can get my hands on for a couple weeks now, and think the Weekender is going to be my first project.
I just sold my 6 MPG gas guzzeling motor home and want to get back to the basics of camping, but have a couple questions before I start.
I want to go with a 5x10 weekender, so should I build a 5x9 frame?
I want a full 7 foot bed. Plus a bit more galley space.
I also have a question on the walls, if I build a frame out of 2x2's and skin it with 1/4 luaun outside and 1/4 paneling inside it that strong enough?? Or should I go with 1/2 plywood outside and 1x2 strip frame with 1/4 inch paneling inside ? it will be insulated and I plan to use the epoxy paint on the outside.
One last thing, how come I have not seen one tear drop from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" Minnesota?? Come on Guys I know your'e out there.
Thanks, Gadget Man, Central Minnesota.

Hi Mr. Gadget (or is it Mr. Man?),

I'm in the process of building a 5.5x10 grasshopper. Rather than spend the money on 4x10 plywood, I used lap joints to join the pieces of plywood. I'm planning on covering the outside with fiberglass to stop the plywood from checking, then use epoxy paint on it.

You can see my web site at: http://www.asolidfoundation.com

I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Joanne

Gadget Man wrote:Hey Mike, ya got me, I'm hooked and think I'm ready to start.
I've been reading everything I can get my hands on for a couple weeks now, and think the Weekender is going to be my first project.
I just sold my 6 MPG gas guzzeling motor home and want to get back to the basics of camping, but have a couple questions before I start.
I want to go with a 5x10 weekender, so should I build a 5x9 frame?

There is a 12" Chamfer on the front, and a 6" chamfer on the back, so you'll want to build your frame 18" shorter than your body, or 8' 6".

Gadget Man wrote:I want a full 7 foot bed. Plus a bit more galley space.

That shouldn't be a problem in a 10' long tear.

Gadget Man wrote:I also have a question on the walls, if I build a frame out of 2x2's and skin it with 1/4 luaun outside and 1/4 paneling inside it that strong enough??

2x2s sounds quite heavy. I would frame them out of 1x2s. When you glue the luan on, it's going to be plenty strong. Then if you glue in extruded polystyrene, it'll be even stronger. 1/4" paneling on the inside is fine, but make sure it's moisture resistant!

Gadget Man wrote: Or should I go with 1/2 plywood outside and 1x2 strip frame with 1/4 inch paneling inside ? it will be insulated and I plan to use the epoxy paint on the outside.

No need to go with the 1/2" plywood in the walls. It just adds weight. The epoxy paint is sweet and easy. Then if you can find a decal from JC Whitney, that'll really jaz it up! Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress!

Mike...