Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Howdy,

I'm looking at building a squared-off teardrop per the design below, which I found in the archived design library here on the forum. This, and almost all the other squared off campers I've seen, have a combination of galley hatch for the top and traditional doors at the bottom (with the exception of the Desert Dawg).

My question is, what is preventing a traditional, full-height galley door on a squared-off teardrop?

Thanks!
Kristian

Update: I finally found a camper with the hatch (and exact side profile) I'm looking for: https://www.vorsheershop.com/xoc

Any ideas on how complicated building a trailer with this profile and galley hatch will be compared to a traditional teardrop?

kirtky97 wrote:Update: I finally found a camper with the hatch (and exact side profile) I'm looking for: https://www.vorsheershop.com/xoc

Any ideas on how complicated building a trailer with this profile and galley hatch will be compared to a traditional teardrop?

You'll note that the one you cited has tight radiuses instead of angles. The problem I see with building that design is skinning those tight curves. And an angled --two flat hatch with your sketch will be tough in my opinion. I think the joint angle is going to want to flex.

A curved hatch is easy... but that tight of a radius won't be.





Tony

May look here great ideas & build video's With a nice shape
oregontrailer.

Use baltic birch or marine ply for the ribs and and an extra rib or two. Epoxy and bias tape the joint; it won't move.

A curved hatch is easy... but that tight of a radius won't be.



Tony

Thanks for the feedback Tony! While I do like the look of the "cornered" design as opposed to a bigger, more traditional curve, I'm enough of a beginner that I'm happy to stick with whatever is easiest. Before I saw your comment I messed around in Sketchup and came up with my initial design (check it out here), it would be a bummer to scrap all that... any suggestions on how to approach the rear hatch so the curve isn't so tight? Could I build beyond the back of the trailer by a bit so the downward angle isn't so dramatic?

PS, just bought your book, looking forward to reading it!

Thanks,
Kristian

PS, just bought your book, looking forward to reading it!

Thanks. Don't be bashful with the questions.

Perhaps someone on here can help you figure out how to manufacture an angled hatch. I think it's problematic. But it's probably been done.

You have done a lot of work in Sketchup and it does look good. Perhaps you've seen Dan Lott's Sketchup series?



Don't be afraid of curves...

Tony

I appreciate it! Any idea how much more complicated would it be to install a star-gazer window in a traditional design like yours vs a squared-off front like my idea? Considering I'd like to have roof bars and/or a solar panel as well...

kirtky97 wrote:I appreciate it! Any idea how much more complicated would it be to install a star-gazer window in a traditional design like yours vs a squared-off front like my idea?

It isn't any more complicated. I think Frank over at Vintage Technologies has got the leak problems fixed with his moonwindow.

Tony