trolley tops... yes or no?

[doug hodder]

Craig McCormicks nephew built one...that, and some vintage trailer sites is where I got the idea from for the Rocketear.

The question is...do you see it as a positive or a negative on the design of a tear? If it is a positive, is it the overall look, or the potential headroom? If it is a negative, do you not like them and why?, if you're building...is it the extra work in the interior and exterior finish that is the drawback. And do you see it as a + for resale . Just wondering... Doug

[BILLYL]

Doug -
IMO I think the trolley windows add to the build. Although I have not have the pleasure of see the ROCKETEAR in person - the trolley windows add greatly to the overal visual effect. It - IMO - would also give a more spacious feel when one is inside the tear.

Would it add to the selling factor - yes - but not all teardrop designs would benefit with that add on.

Bill

[Ma3tt]

After seeing yours I think the added light and that little feeling of extra room makes a big difference. however it seems like a pain in the behind to build.

[kerryd]

I think it would be a plus inside and out . It's like it takes you back in time . I would buy it . Kerry

[halfdome, Danny]

Doug, I see a trolley top as a way to disguise the seam for those who want to build a 5' wide while using 4' wide aluminum or Stainless for the roof. It does have it's challenges but with a little patience on the builder it could be executed quite nicely as you have proven . I think the possibilities of some indirect lighting in the raised portion would be welcomed since overhead lighting can sock you in the eyes while laying in the cabin. The resale value of anything with attention to detail will usually stay high if executed properly. Danny

[Ron Dickey]

Doug,

Include a shot of your tear or did my computer just not download it in time.

As you know I love them. But on this build I do not have one.

You my freind need to answer some questions, we do not have one.

Does it bother you in the morning having mr. sun walk in so early or do you have sliding top drapes? is there more privacy to high for people to look down in.

Is it colder in there does it keep the heat or do you have a fan.

You might offer a how to build one site so those who wish to try know what to do and what not to do.


Here is a traditional Trolley top.

[Ron Dickey]

Doug I have a question about Marine paint in a post that will fallow.
I need to down load a pix of your trailer so I am using this space to get your attention.
Ron

[Ron Dickey]

Here is what Doug has now..... he is the Rocketear Man....



Cool trailer.

Ron

[dguff]

Yo Snoop,
For those who like it I think a trolley top would add a great deal of value, but with so many things not everyone likes it. It adds a unique look to a tear, can hide a vent, more light but not really a practical amount of headroom. Personally I like the look but would probably not go to the trouble of building one. Are you thinking of selling?

Jerome

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Positive or a negative?... Positive.
Overall look, or the potential headroom?... Both, but more for the overall look.
Positive for resale?... How could it not be?
Is the extra work worth it?... Yes, but only if it compliments the profile.
Do all profiles lend themselves?... No

[martha24]

Doug,
On your Rocketear, I think the trolley top works very well.
I think it depends on the overall design on whether the trolley top works or not. I don't think it would work if someone wanted a very classic teardrop look. But today there is such a wide variety of styles out there, I don't see any problem with it. Yours has some very nice detail to it, which is very nice.

Well done like the Rocketear it would undoubtedly add value because I don't see it generally being widely done (fair amount of labor I presume) which would make it a rare find. Rare finds = extra value for anyone who likes it.

[Geron]

I am completely esthetically challenged -- completely.

So being completely pragmatic if it serves a purpose then I'd go for it. For Example, If it provides a real option to solve the AC installation dilemma as in the ET I like it.

It has to be really, really ugly or really, really purty 'for I can offer an opinion on style, looks, profile, balance, or whatever.

I think it serves a purpose so I'm considering it on my next build for the Air conditioner.

g

[bledsoe3]

I think the looks are worth it!

[Chaotica]

Does it look nice on the right profile? Yes.

Would I pay more for it? No.

[doug hodder]

Thanks for the feedback. It really doesn't allow people to see in or you to see out other than almost vertically. The extra light is nice, but it's not one of those things that keep me awake, at night, moonlight does give a nice pattern on the ceiling and walls. It does cut down on the claustrophobic effects that a tear can have, and the extra headroom thing doesn't really apply as there's not enough to stand. I built pretty much for the look I wanted. Doug