Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Figure it's time to show off what I've been working on after lurking for a while.

I like the idea of a light weight, compact trailer, but want space to standup.

What I'm looking for input on is making tents. Anyone have experience of making tents? I have a pattern ready to go.
Pros and Cons of various material options?
Sewing tips and tricks?
Making doors and windows?

Thanks for any help ...

I would suggest a type of canvas called Sunforger. It is lighter weight than canvas duck. Sunforger is also waterproof and flame resistant. Mostly it only comes in natural color, that would be a beige/tan canvas color.

For sewing, don't ruin your nice modern sewing machine on canvas. A older sewing maching with metal innards works best, you do not need a industrial sewing machine if you are only making one tent. Flat felling the seams is a good idea, but at a minimum you will want to fold the selvage edge to one side and sew it down.

Use size 18 (jean) machine needles, they will not break as much as the lighter weight domestic sewing needles.

Thread, you want your thread to be about the same weight/strength as the threads in the canvas. I use a heavy nylon thread.

For overkill, you can use a seam sealer for tents. It's a good idea if you live in an area where it rains a lot. If you do not use Sumforger canvas, there is a product called Canvak available from Cabela's, that will work for your untreated canvas.

Cynthia, yes, I've made a few &%$@*!! tents.

I don't have much for ya in the way of hard advice such as Cynthia has provided but here are a few links to materials and supplies....
madjack
http://www.owfinc.com/
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/index.asp
http://www.rvworkshop.com/rv-awnings.html
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yourautotri ... index.html
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/sunconkit.html

I'd suggest that you check into prices for those who fab boat tarps, awnings, fabric covers and even advertisement signs. Even check with automobile interiors and conv't top mfrs.

Thanks for the info ...

It's not the actual sewing that drives you it's making / sizing the pattern.

Is Sunforger an actual fabric brand name or is it a coating used by various companies?

How waterproof is Sunforger? I live in Oregon, one of those wet places
--
Scott

Sunforger is a brand name. Yes, it is very waterproof and for the web footed Oregonians is it also mildew resistant. Which is important for those of us who camp no matter what the weather.

Cynthia