Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hey y'all!
I have been lurking for quite a while and finally decided to jump in and build a foamie. Hubby isn't completely sold on the idea, but I am doing my best to change his way of thinking. He is coming around on somethings.
I want simple. Aquatainers for water, proper drop cord for the times we have electric, dish pans for a sink. I think the more stuff you add the more chances for a problems.
I am planning now. I have an old pop-up frame, its about 6x8 and in decent shape. It needs cleaning up and a few changes, but its a start.
I really like ghcoe's #1. I will most likely do something similar, I'm not too afraid of the curves on it.
My must haves are:
Easy Set up and break down
2 doors
queen bed
some type of inside storage for clothes, etc
galley - still trying to figure out the hatch
light enough for my current TV to handle
Hubby wants (and I agree) on a tongue box for the chairs and EZ up.
I am trying to figure out some type of "roof rack" that folds out for adding an enclosure as a changing room/potty area.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this forum.
Dawn

BeachBaby wrote:Hey y'all!
Aquatainers for water, proper drop cord for the times we have electric, dish pans for a sink. I think the more stuff you add the more chances for a problems.

You got that right, and welcome to the forum.

I use two nesting plastic tubs for sinks, that way they nest together and hold things with not needed and I can have a sink anyplace. So many people regret they have a sink in such a small counter. Plus all the problems wit plumbing. For the camping chairs I just put them on the bed for traveling. It works for me and a tongue box would cramp my style.


Not for every body but I like it.

Randy

Dawn this is my suggestion. Read , then read, check out the build threads then check out the builds here, come up with your design put it on paper what you like now then if you want a foamie then start buying what you want to build it with or do like me and scrounge, Make a mental note of what you want and how you envision it then make a list of what you will need. I am using a piano hinge for my hatch, covering it with a piece of the material they line showers with so that went on my list. I have been camping for so long that I didn't think about the KISS theory when I started my idea of building. I was going to have a build in sink and lots of other electrical circuits but then I remembered.....Keep It Simple Silly, I will wash dishes just like I always have, heat water in one of the pots I cooked in add soap and pour clean water in a pan for rinsing. makes more sense too. As far as electricity that is going to be very easy an extension cord with a multiple receptical. I will have it very basic to begin with and will add stuff as I find it necessary to have. For now it is Basic.

Good luck and plan, read and as we say around here start a build thread and take lots of

Mary C.

How about a "double wide" sink ... one for washing , one for rinsing ...

Welcome to forum Dawn. I'm not as experienced as many others here. But I am sure, you will have all the guidance you might need.

Good luck with your build.

JNP

Welcome to the forums and the foamie section.

I too just throw the ez-up and chairs into the tear.
I found out on my last trip that I would not like the sinks. I used those double plastic camping sink thingies, and I hated it. Will just go back to using the boiled hot water and pot way of washing dishes (like Mary said).
The extension cord and multiple outlet thing has worked perfectly for me so far. I have run a/c's and heaters, coffee pots, microwaves, computers, well just about everything that way. Simple stuff there.

Just remember, they can be as simple or as complex as you make or want them. Enjoy the build and get camping!

BeachBaby wrote:I really like ghcoe's #1. I will most likely do something similar, I'm not too afraid of the curves on it.
My must haves are:
Easy Set up and break down
2 doors
queen bed
some type of inside storage for clothes, etc
galley - still trying to figure out the hatch
light enough for my current TV to handle

Sounds like what I wanted. My build was designed around a queen sized bed. Unfortunately, I had to cut off 2 inches in length on the bed area to get everything in the galley to fit and still only use a single sheet of foam for the side walls. Trying to keep it simple, still plenty of room thought. My cabin build is 5'4" wide and 8'4" long. I kept the width at 5'4" so that I could still use my stock mirrors on my car and also, to keep the all the frontal area behind the vehicle. Once you get past the width of the vehicle you start adding more sail. Bad enough it is taller, but with the rounded nose it does help some. Good luck and post .

BeachBaby wrote:Hey y'all!

My must haves are:
Easy Set up and break down
2 doors
queen bed
some type of inside storage for clothes, etc
galley - still trying to figure out the hatch
light enough for my current TV to handle
Hubby wants (and I agree) on a tongue box for the chairs and EZ up.
I am trying to figure out some type of "roof rack" that folds out for adding an enclosure as a changing room/potty area.

Dawn

Easy break down and set up.... check
2 doors .... one on each side, check
queen bed .... just get a big enough frame and it's easy to do
some type of inside storage for clothes, etc ... a series of cabinets either as a headboard or footboard or both
galley - still trying to figure out the hatch... I didn't like the fact that so many struggle with a hatch. I went with double wide doors instead.
light enough for my current TV to handle .... Welcome to our world of foamies
Hubby wants (and I agree) on a tongue box for the chairs and EZ up.... I like my tongue box, but those chairs and the EZ up might be a bit large for a tongue box
I am trying to figure out some type of "roof rack" that folds out for adding an enclosure as a changing room/potty area... My wife loves her potty area but it is free standing from the trailer. I think the attached version would be pretty easy. Let's see what you're thinking about

Welcome to our world...

Thanks for all the encouragement.
Let me add that we have camped for a few years so I have a ton of stuff. Also I have never built anything but I do feel encouraged by all the other ladies that have built.

Hubby wants to carry the e-z up and chairs in the tear, I am afraid that if I agree to that then he will add more and more to carry in the tear. I forgot I could carry them in the TV. The TV is usually packed to the brim with all the gear.

George thanks for bringing up the mirrors and keeping the front behind the vehicle. I forgot about that.

Mel the problem with the hatch is for me and hubby to agree on a hatch. I am leaning toward a hatch that lifts from the bumper up, like most do. Hubby wants barn style doors, 2 doors that open out from the middle. I do think we will do a flat back so there are no curves to deal with and I think it will give us better use of space.

Mary I have been reading and making notes. I am currently about half through "The Big One".

When I can figure out how to draw my ideas and upload them I will.

Dawn

The very fact that you’ve read through half the Big One is admirable in itself !!!

Ps. Barn doors are much easier to make and less problems ... JMHO

Gotta agree with GPW about the barn doors. I've noticed time and time again that people's otherwise perfect is spoiled by the leaky hatch. I have a lot of faith in my building skills, since I've spent a lot of time building things and remodeling our house, However, I decided it wasn't worth the headaches. The double wide doors are a breeze to seal. Just make sure the roofline extends over the closed doors, install a weather strip and you're good.

Just my 2 cents worth

Dawn I am building my hatch now. I thought I wanted a flat back at one time but then the advantages are I like to stand in the shade when fixing something to eat and I wont always have the easy up up. I am happy with the hatch look. It is what ever you desire. I would also suggest you take a good look at the build threads If you don't read at least look at the pictures. check out the chassis and frame too I will watch your build with a lot of interest.

Mary C.

Dawn, the bottom line is build what YOU want ... Many styles to choose from .. Help is always available just for the asking ... Good Luck !!!

Just make sure it works for you... That's the important thing!!! Can't wait to see what you end up with. Lots of help and support here, just ask!