Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I have someone who really likes my build and would like me to build them one but they want some warranty that the foam/canvas construction is going to last. Thought I would check to see how it is holding up for others. Mine has sat outside all year without any noticeable problems arising. Just thought I would check in to see about some of the older foamies and how they are doing.

Mike started The Big Pink in 2011 and I "finished" it up in early 2014.
So, overall past the 4 year mark ?
It's been stored both inside and outside, and is holding up very well.
It's currently on a cross country road trip...

GPW finished the Nookery in 2011/2012. I have almost completed making an 18" addition and replacing the wood floor with a foam one. It should last for years.

I built my current foamie starting in 2015. It lives outside under a custom cover, and it looks better now than my giant teardrop did after just a couple years out in the backyard. But ask again in a few more years...

Mike...

FoamStream is going on it’s third year , left outside all the time ... No leaks , no nothing really , everything is fine , and even better now that we installed a drip edge for our rainy weather ...

I think the only “warranty” is that it will be well built ... and that should be enough ... there’s No warranty for falling rocks , trees , flying frozen Turkeys, or hungry Bears ... but that’s for any camper ...

Ps, we did complete some minor roof modifications to the roof recently , no problems , just didn’t like the way it looked ... so we changed it , and now it looks just like all the horse trailers in the neighborhood .... so much for being original ...

bonnie wrote:GPW finished the Nookery in 2011/2012. I have almost completed making an 18" addition and replacing the wood floor with a foam one. It should last for years.

I am new at this at the moment am doing all kinds of tests with Xps foam and canvas and have thought of putting foam on the floor BUT what do we put on the road side and on top that you walk on how many layers of glue and canvas would suffice , cheers Leslie

substantially complete in 2014, its stored inside and has seen a few trips,
roughly 10,000 miles all together. No problems beyond a few paint touch ups
and rust to clean up on the fenders.

FoamStream still fine and ready to go …. needs a washing right now, that’s about it … And for the money and time invested , it paid for itself years ago … Mine has always sat outside in the weather … Another “test” of materials

Built mine in 2015, no issues, with many thousands of miles on it. Didn't get to camp in it this year, but we did use it to haul stuff for my daughter to start college in PA.

Built mine in 2014, stored outdoors, still fine with minor maintenance.

Update (because I can )
Mike started The Big Pink in 2011 and I "finished" it up in early 2014.
Looks like 2014 was a good year for foamies.
It's been stored both inside and outside, and is still holding up very well.


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The key, no matter what material you build with, is water. Making sure that water doesn't pool anywhere or get trapped. Even bare wood will last a long time as long as it doesn't stay wet (think of a cedar roof.)

Details of the build that make sure water doesn't pool or get trapped so things can't dry out is the key to longevity.

I still find it amazing that Foamie amateurs can build a trailer that lasts FAR LONGER than most any commercial RV trailer … I must assume we Know more than they do , or they are just there to take our Money and run …
If you have an “ RV” and leave it outside , it won’t last out the warranty period … A Foamie , No worries ….

or they are just there to take our Money and run …

Glen:

I think you just nailed it.

Tony

Tony , from all previous experiences , they are …. I occasionally read a site like IRV , just to confirm all the problems these RVs are … Seems most of the problems are due to our old nemesis “ water intrusion” … Seems despite their experience , they cannot make a unit they will not leak …. Or they just don’t want to …

Ps. That dicor self leveling sealant they love so much is real crap , and must be renewed all too frequently … more money …. Made to Fail !!! grrrr !!!