Another Foamie Convert

[Toby]

Hi All and Happy Holidays!

Newbie from VA here and I just posted my intro in the Newbie folder.

I decided my first teardrop build will be a foamie. This project build will be me, myself, and I (except with a little help where it's needed most). And of course with comments, suggestions from this group.

I just got my trailer. It looks like my first build will be a foamie with a 'basement'. I'm getting excited about the prospects and ideas now.

Initially, I thought I would build the basement out of wood, and top it with a foam teardrop body making everything permanent. But now,...I'm rethinking of just framing it, using thinner sheets or sandwiching for the floors, and incorporating it as a whole complete removeable camper. I'm going to try to post the pics of the trailer to give you an idea of what I'm starting with. Access to storage in the front will be through the floor and underneath the mattress along with access from the and underneath the galley. The floor is really solid. The floor of the teardrop will go across the top of the top frame railing.

Any ideas, suggestions or comments?

[GPW]

Great start !!! Nice trailer , with fold down patio ...

[Mary C]

Welcome to the Foamiies. I was going to make mine removable but decided that after I built it getting another trAiler would be much easier. Looking forward to seeing your build


Mary C.

[Toby]

Great start !!! Nice trailer , with fold down patio ...

I had thought about that; the ramp used as a landing or 'patio' but with my current vehicle, I can only tow 1500#. So, I will just stow it away until I need it with the trailer itself. And to think I had already started planning on tiki lamp holders on the corners!

[Mary C]

Toby Check out my build I have finished but I have had computer problems and hav ent been able to get the info on the forum but mine is Grits and proof that anyone can build a foamie. if you need help just ask!

Mary C.

[Toby]

First of many questions: As I understand, the counter top in the galley should be 28-36 inches from the ground. Here's my problem, ground to trailer floor is 16". Trailer floor to camper floor is 10". That leaves only 2-10" from the bottom of the camper floor to the counter top. On paper, it looks too short for the camper itself. The trailer has a 10" railing from the floor. That was going to be my 'basement and the teardrop was originally going to sit on top of this.

Now I'm thinking I can shorten the camper floor to accommodate this discrepancy using the bulkhead. In doing this, I will have to lengthen the hatch lid to cover the basement too. What do you think? Could there be a problem with the longer hatch? Thanks for the input!

[ghcoe]

I would just set the counter at 36" you would then have a 10" space for cabinets or shelf. If you are concerned about cooler space you could just cut a hole cooler sized in the floor to slide the cooler into the basement area. Just make a flip up counter to allow installing and removing cooler. If that make sense.

[KennethW]

I think 36" is the very max with built in burners. With a table top stove you will want less. My thoughts is have a 4"+ drawer with the counter on top. When traveling put the cooler on the counter. When you stop to cook take the cooler out and set it on a low cost arm-less camp chair.
If you have the cooler below the counter you can not get into it without taking it out anyway. The drawers would be handy for plates, cups, knives, spices, and all the other cooking and eating stuff. The drawers would hold more then the top shelve. One could even have drawer covers that would slid in or out to extend the counter space.