Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

After reading about "foamies" and thinking about our Ranger pickup (short), I'm wondering about a "foamie" camper or camper shell. Does the foam give off stuff that's bad to breathe? Can you fasten the foam walls to a wood frame? Any other ideas?

It can definitly be done. If you are having a sleeping area over the cab then you will need wood (or metal) structure support.

I was wondering about tagging issues for such a structure, and also about lights, etc., (3rd brake light?). I live in Oklahoma. As you can tell, I'm really a newb.

BettyOKLPN wrote:I was wondering about tagging issues for such a structure, and also about lights, etc., (3rd brake light?). I live in Oklahoma. As you can tell, I'm really a newb.

The regulations are different in different states. Here in WA, it is supposed to be registered if you can stand up in it at the fully extended height (not sure of the exact measurement).

There's also the consideration of whether the LEOs would care. Your project may cross over with mine quite a bit. I am building a camper top for my Jeep. I was originally going to use cardboard composite, but I think I've decided on a regular foamie type build. As an example of whether the LEOs would care, mine will be a full standup pop up, but when down will just look like a fancy/interesting top for my Jeep. Technically it would need to be licensed, but no one is going to care. If it looked like a camper with an overhead bunk, that would be different.

Waaay back in the Big thread , somebody made one , and pretty Nice too .... all depends on the size as to how complicated it is ... Typical paw paw camper shell would be easy ... Something a little bigger , or what we’d call around here an “Oakie’ Palace” (Sorry , my wife’s from Elk City) would still be pretty easy ... One of those full on Standy tops with cabinets , stove, overhead sleeper ...is much more difficult ... naturally .. All in what you need ... and we’re never short of ideas around here for you to choose from ... ... and Betty , WELCOME to the Foamies !!!

Welcome to the World of Foamies... You can certainly attach the foam to a wood frame of some sort and as far as I know there are no known fume hazards. My wife and I spent almost a week in ours with no ill effects, issues or concerns. It is designed for house construction so I think it's fine. As far as i know, no one has had any issues. If its a particular concern for you, I'd do some research on the Internet. I'd also go to the internet to look up your states licensing requirements. There are federal requirements for trailer lighting and the like but licensing requirements vary by state. Good luck to you and ask away.

Under the Other Ideas... Here's what a couple did.
http://thesupercamper.blogspot.com/2006 ... t-and.html





They made it out of NidaCore which is a honeycomb type sandwich panel. Not the best insulator due to the large air pockets, but strong, stiff, and light. Sheets can be fiberglassed together at the corners. They have a well photographed build journal.

I build this topper in the mid 80's.
3/4" insulation with 2 layers of glass on the outside and one layer inside.
Inserted wood for hard points to mount lights, cabinet, etc.
Two people could lift it, but it was a little awkward because of its size.

I think because it's a short-bed pickup, the tailgate would need to be open to accommodate for the length needed. I wasn't thinking about over the cab. So I wonder that would make a difference on the tagging.

BettyOKLPN wrote:I think because it's a short-bed pickup, the tailgate would need to be open to accommodate for the length needed. I wasn't thinking about over the cab. So I wonder that would make a difference on the tagging.

No changes needed to the tags other than to keep them visible. Goes along with the rear lighting. Either keep the factory lighting and move it back with the extended back of the pickup, or use DOT certified lighting. There are many makers. Here are the rules for trucks, buses, and RVs: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/standar ... Mpstr.html for USA and Canada. You will note that some groups like Identification lights (Groups #3 and #7 at the web page) are only needed for vehicles over so wide. Similar goes for side marker lights and vehicle length. Page for trailers: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/standar ... rpstr.html

The only thing changing tagging status would be related to switching to RV status, and that would likely require adding toilet, water, bed, etc. to be able to make that change. The rules vary by state and country.

Welcome Betty !!!!! glad you made it to foamies I don't know about what you want to build but the guys and gals here are really friendly and I hope you don't get too spooked by all the information. I just finished reading the whole forum and I am new, but I still get confused by all the information so don't give up and continue on . You want to build onto your truck ? most states have no extra laws except Lights and gotta have a tag light. Sounds like your really serious and just stick to the forum and read when you can. It has certainly helped me to understand about my future build. The foamie section is not so ridged in ideas and have a try and see attitude. It is interesting and I feel right at home here. I am building a TD because I want to pull it with my little car. I live on Social security and live alone so my build is going to be slow and methodical, Piece by piece. The important thing is to let us know what you are doing and when you build ::: Pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Please.
See Ya
Mary

Thank you all. I realize this is a bit old and I don't know if I'll ever actually get to it. I've tried to think of ideas to build something without going to too much expense, or requiring a lot of building skills.

If you want some ideas read this build. http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=64361