Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Well, I'm new to the group but I've been checking the site out for some time now and have got what I think are some really good ideas for a TTT as you see below, what do ya think?. I'm thinking about building once I get all the details worked out in my head, like the slide, door, tanks for the bathroom and most of all.. weight when closed up towing, It must be under 1000lbs but if I could build under 600lbs it would be great.

Very interesting design I'll be following this one for sure
Welcome to the forum

Hi dcvail,

Welcome to 'Foamville'.

Your design is a great approach I think, and doable if you
have enough "do" to do it!.

My family had a 13ft Hi-Lo telescoping TT way back when
I was growing up. Your design will be a much more
sophisticated version.

To show you that great ideas often arise simultaneously,
here are a couple links that may be of use for you:

The first is an attempt at a Foamie telescoping camper/
mini-houseboat from a few years ago on the forum here.
It wasn't finished, but is still interesting:

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=19227& ... oating+pop

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19227

The second is an amazingly light build [319lbs] by a Swedish yacht
outfitter for his own use with his touring motorcycle. His
Prototype #2 is a fast build that looks very polished for a prototype.
His proposed Prototype#3 sounds like it is a twin to your
design - and he's going for a 220lbs [yes that's correct] final
trailer weight! This has to give you inspiration and a confirmation
of the validity of your proposed design/build.

http://www.goldbrand.info/index.html

We'll all look forward to following your project. Please be generous
with the documentation and pics!

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

Here is one similar to what you are wanting to do (it also floated). Sadly, it was never finished
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19227&hilit=floating+bub&start=45

Thanks for the warm welcome and encouragement. Looking at the other builds it looks like I should be able to make this happen...if I can ever get home to start it. My work is 100% travel so time at home is few an far between. If and when I build this the 'experiment' will be trying to live in it when I'm on the road working. A bed, shower, and a throne to sit on and contemplate stuff is all a guy needs right?

I've been wrestling with a similar design but haven't been able to resolve

1. How do you lift the top and keep it from racking to the sides? (I'm familiar with the system the former Hi-Lo used in their design, but I don't like the idea of using cables and rollers.)

2. For a side door entry, how do you reinforce the top to keep the opening from separating when trying to lift it?

3. And the big one, how do you seal everything to prevent leaks and stop drafts (while in motion and stationary at a campsite)?

Please solve these and there will be two of us building this design.

Take care,
Tom

aggie79 wrote:I've been wrestling with a similar design but haven't been able to resolve

1. How do you lift the top and keep it from racking to the sides? (I'm familiar with the system the former Hi-Lo used in their design, but I don't like the idea of using cables and rollers.)

2. For a side door entry, how do you reinforce the top to keep the opening from separating when trying to lift it?

3. And the big one, how do you seal everything to prevent leaks and stop drafts (while in motion and stationary at a campsite)?

Please solve these and there will be two of us building this design.

Take care,
Tom

Yup, those are the things I still have to work out in my head. but what I was thinking was...
I was going to use the rollers and cable to keep the weight down. I would have two extra cables on each side of the door and the bottom edge of the top box would have a rigid frame made from 'T' shaped metal and one of the 'T' flanges would face inward toward the bottom box that would also have a frame toward the top with the same 'T' shape metal frame facing outward. both would have door seals that would meet when raising the top box. also there would be a 6" to 8" overlap to help with racking
Now here's how the push would work.
after raising the top box, enter the trailer and four lock pins are inserted, one at each corner to keep the push out roof from sagging when extended. you can't see the roof from the pics but there is slide guide support that's part of the roof.
Now all I need is a good secure door design and time at home to start the build
Thanks
Don

welcome to the foamie section. i also will be following this one.

Don,
I think you may have things solved. I look forward to your build.
Take care,
Tom

Welcome... I am also interested in this design as I have contemplated the downsides of my current project. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with it but as garage clearance is one of my big issues and towing a brick is the other, this would have solved those two. I'll be looking forward to this one.

On another note, I'm thinking of breaking an old (cheap) bottle of champaign over the bow when/if I can get mine through the garage door.

dcvail wrote:Thanks for the warm welcome and encouragement. Looking at the other builds it looks like I should be able to make this happen...if I can ever get home to start it. My work is 100% travel so time at home is few an far between. If and when I build this the 'experiment' will be trying to live in it when I'm on the road working. A bed, shower, and a throne to sit on and contemplate stuff is all a guy needs right?

Well, that and a beer