6x10 Red Vardo Build

[jeremymeehan]

Ok here goes - first build. I hope it's successful enough to be valuable to someone else to watch. I welcome the input along the way. It'll have a vardo / trolley inspired shape - (that's what I was sketching before I knew it was a vardo). On the spectrum of tiny house --- teardrop traveler it will be mostly tiny house. The 'don vardo' by Portland Alternative Dwellings most characterizes the look I'm going for - though it is a much larger structure.

I'm using a Northern Tool 5x8 as the base. I'm extending over wheels to get to 6' wide and extending beyond the frame front and back 1' each for a total length of 10'.

I'd like to be able to live in this for extended times if possible - so my narrowed down wish list includes:

Refrigerator
12v Solar 100W Battery System with 70Ah battery
Sufficient storage for 2-3 people
Electric lighting
Kitchen Galley with Gas range and propane storage
Queen Bed
Potential for over axel fresh water storage
Portable Toilet Storage
Moderate insulation
Abundant Natural Light
Extra Ventilation
Want to see stars while in bed

Things I've determined that are not important to me are:

Sinks - seems like they take a lot of counter space and I don't want to generate tons of grey water.
Ovens - too big.
Grey water storage

I started on what I'm gonna call a deck riser to get the floor above the wheels and allow for 10" deep storage below the floor.
This 10" below floor might be a foot well too - I'm exploring possbility of having a mobile office in the red vardo.

Here are some pictures from the first night's work:


I always wonder about the ideas that people have but that don't get built - so here's a bunch of my doodles. Also gives you an idea of where I'm headed on this.

[planovet]

Good luck on your build!

I've been thinking of building a vardo style trailer myself some day.

[Steve_Cox]

Do people without sinks wash their hands?

[jeremymeehan]

Do people without sinks wash their hands?

I HOPE so - just use hand sanitizer when in a pinch and use a tub when set up. I keep debating back and forth on it - how useful is a sink really without some sort of grey water storage or drain? Steve where does your grey water go on the gypsy wagon? Amazing work btw. Inspiring =)

[jeremymeehan]

here's another picture of where I'm trying to head with the exterior design.

[Steve_Cox]

Do people without sinks wash their hands?

I HOPE so - just use hand sanitizer when in a pinch and use a tub when set up. I keep debating back and forth on it - how useful is a sink really without some sort of grey water storage or drain? Steve where does your grey water go on the gypsy wagon? Amazing work btw. Inspiring =)

I had two 16 gallon tanks under the bed at the back of the trailer. One for fresh water and one for grey water.

[planovet]

Do people without sinks wash their hands?

Cats just lick them clean

[rebapuck]

That's why I don't buy those luscious smelling hotdogs in front of Lowes.

[jeremymeehan]

2015 And this LONG delayed project is gaining ground. Hoping to take on the road next month. I'll post some progress pictures tomorrow.

[bobhav]

Jeremy,

I'll follow this with great interest. I have been having the "Vardo" itch also. Can't wait to see your roof covering ideas. Considering a 5' X 10' or a 4' x 9' with tapered sides. I would like to keep the weight down to less than 1200#.

BobH.

[Gold5one]

I would like a sink in my build, too. I have figured out how I can do it- I'd use a piece of large diameter PVC pipe for the grey water storage and another piece for water storage .