$6000 finish it yourself Teardrop

[Cosmo]

$6K 500 pounds (dry weight). Good construction that was load tested by the pros.

=Cosmo

[friz]

I would call that near perfect. A light weight, no frills, plastic and steel 5 wide was not available when I built my CLC. I love my CLC but a "no wood" alternative would be pretty awesome.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[twisted lines]

I still like the open one!
Might be different if I had a real truck

[TimC]

Nice report Cosmo...

I saw the early version of these Road Toads on a factory tour when they began producing them. They were constructed well back then and the tour I took this past Sept showed they are still building a quality entry level TD.

I think that Craig and Cary have a knack for running an efficient business. My theory, which is merely an amateur's observation, is that they created this product line to address some initial bottlenecks in their production process. The CampInn line's woodwork seems to be a very labor intensive process and the plant can improve assembly staff and plant space efficiency at a higher level with the additional line.

Anyway, I'm very impressed with the Road Toad. If I was a bit younger I'd try to buy a couple a year to customize for other teardrop fans.

[Capebuild]

Very cool, Cosmo. Thanks for posting.
I'm familiar with the aluminum composite panels they mentioned which they build their trailers from (if it's the same material I'm thinking of). I'll be using it for some trim work in my build.
If it's the same material, it comes in 3 mil and 6. I'm assuming they use the 6 mil. I'm just wondering how they hold the whole unit together. I'd think if you just screwed it together there wouldn't really be much meat there for the screws to hold. Hmmm.... but really cool. I'll go to their web site, maybe get a little more educated.

Thanks again for posting.

John

[Cosmo]

Hi John,

Full disclosure - I am not paid or sponsored by any maker. HNY! I had lots more video than I could squeeze in. Cary and Craig talked about working for years to come up with extrusions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrusion) that are holding together the sides of the trailer. The Aluminum extrusions looked strong and structural (to me), not just trim. I did not do a deep dive into it. I should have gotten some video of the honeycomb material they spoke about. While I can blather on I think calling Craig or Cary might yield results. They were were very open about what they are doing. Its possible if you call they will be willing to discuss.

I like the concept. Often the entry level rigs scrimp on quality and feature thin vernier glued to crap that can’t hold a screw. In Tony Latham’s book (https://amzn.to/3zk1E63) he noted some trailer workmanship looks like the workers “hate their job”… I think we have all seen the pretty junk some makers are churning out.

It looks pretty simple for an owner with imagination to finish this interior much better than a commercial operation could do while saving money and getting better quality. I would possibly add some wood, carpet, trim and warm lighting to make it a bit more inviting. I would also add trailer air vents to the sides https://nhtrailers.com/product/swva-installed/ for more ventilation.
We are fortunate to have so many wonderful choices.

On my Youtube channel I have had a few inquiries from electric car owners who are looking for a well-built light weight trailer. This may be it!

Best wishes for a lot of camping in 2022!
=Cosmo

[friz]

The most attractive feature to me is the lack of wood. Wood requires maintenance and at minimum, careful monitoring. There are a lot of horror stories of people buying expensive campers and having them get ruined in very short order by moisture. Mine is built like a boat and I still monitor its condition very closely. After 4 years of use, I have multiple places that need repair. Not a big deal but it needs done to keep it in good condition. If something happens to me, I fully expect my campers days to be numbered.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[saywhatthat]

is the core plastic ? Have seen a few trailers that they've used at signboard .Once the plastic gets burning in the trailer walls just melts. very toxic

[matphat]

What about R value on those panels? I live in the Rockies and I'm in need of something as insulated as possible for cold weather. Digging into their videos now, but it seems like this would be an issue.

*edit*

5 mins in to the OP video and I have the answer. 3 season camper. Probably not for me.

[TimC]

Not insulated. That could be remedied with some foam on the ceiling and walls. Its basically about the thickness of coroplast board but aluminum sheathed.

I think they are a two and a half season trailer at best. Maybe some folks would say they are suitable for just the summer shoulder season (springish and fallish).

[friz]

I would insulate it the same way I did my CLC.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[matphat]

I would insulate it the same way I did my CLC.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Did you skin the insulation after you installed it? If so, how did that impact the build, space, and durability of the interior?

[friz]

I would insulate it the same way I did my CLC.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Did you skin the insulation after you installed it? If so, how did that impact the build, space, and durability of the interior?

Fitted the foam, glued headliner to foam, glued wrapped foam in place. Spray adhesive for all of it.

Seems fairly durable. Have camped two seasons with the headliner in place and no complaints.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[TimC]

That looks great Friz. What do you think is the R value for your walls?

[friz]

That looks great Friz. What do you think is the R value for your walls?

Enough to kick condensation and keep me and the Mrs comfortable in the 40s without heat.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk