It's time for a new Generic Standy Design...

[GPW]

Difficult choosing, but we know what we need at least, just have to fit it into a "Ham"...hahahaha Thinking 6'X 10'...oughta' do it... much smaller than our current TT, even smaller than our previous TD...

[ktm_2000]

I've been lurking for a couple of months and recently purchased a 81' starcraft pop-up for short $$ to build a TTT.

One drawback to my plan is that we bought the pop-up thinking that I'd strip it and start building yet when we got it home my wife cleaned it up a bit and took off the tent extensions and wanted to use it as is. She made some side curtains out of sunbrella left over from a boat cover project, I repaired the cable system which cranks up the top as well as the door, furnace and wheel bearings. Well we've used the camper at that size and it seemed pretty good with a pair of tables on either side which drop down to small beds but the one draw back is that the wonderful cable system gave out on us over the first night and nearly hit us as it crashed down on us. Needless to say I was given the OK to go ahead with the build.

Here are our requirements:
1 queen size bed + ability to sleep 1 more person
2. small closet
3. heating system - furnace works on starcraft
4. Small table for 2
5. enough room to put clothes/shoes on to walk to the campground bathroom
6. simple electrical system

We haven't figured out what design to do yet but we want something unusual and am not worried about creature comforts.

I'm curious about the build standards and how it relates to weight and what would be strong enough to withstand road travel? also I'd like to avoid going too far over the trailer's designed weight sticker says 1000# but has 2000# gawr + tires

I was thinking about 1/4" BS1088 Meranti plyoutside skin 3/4" studs and 1/4" birch ply interior and glassing the exterior with 1708 tape on all seams and 1208 over everything else. The final product would be faired and painted in a 2 part marine epoxy.

if I don't add to much to the interior could I build something and keep it under 1500#?

[del]

First of all welcome, and here are a few suggestions. To save weight use 1/8" ply, at least on the interior.

Here are our requirements:
1 queen size bed + ability to sleep 1 more person Build five foot wide
2. small closet may I suggest this profile, only ten foot long with a standard galley http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear36.htmWith a closet in the front I think it would look good, but you are building so make it one you will be happy with
3. heating system - furnace works on starcraftPretty simple to put in, just check for leaks before lighting
4. Small table for 2 Many have installed a removable table towards the galley, that seems quite usable
5. enough room to put clothes/shoes on to walk to the campground bathroom
6. simple electrical system

del

[GPW]

Having done a lot of research into this , we've decided on using 1/4" X 4" X 10-12' clear aircraft Spruce to laminate the two (possibly a middle profile too)outer profiles ,4-6 layers, steam bent ,dried on a plywood form and epoxied together.... extremely strong and light and we can incorporate fill blocks on the top to accommodate the 1/4"slats across the top at 12" intervals ....1/8" ply for walls ,in and out , insulated with rigid foam... interior construction(s) and a decorative arch (strut) should add sufficient strength for extended travel... almost like aircraft construction...Should be light enough for most trailers ... 6'X 10' looks like the right size....for us anyway...6'8" OAH...Using such light materials , the Best and most careful construction techniques would be Mandatory...

[ktm_2000]

so what % of the final product to the axle and tire rating is considered safe?

the pop-up axle and tires are rated at 2000# yet the pop-up is supposedly only 1000# and a 50% ratio. I'm guessing that I could build lightly and stay under 1400# for a 70% ratio and still have some cargo carrying capability.

I'm not concerned with towing as my tow vehicle is sized to tow my boat witch is 6500# when fully loaded. I don't want to stress the trailer and tires and run the risk of a blow-out.

I'm thinking of something similar to this person's design but not doing the round over on the bottom of the trailer.

do you think that can be built and keep the weight under 1400#?

[GPW]

Sure seems possible if you leave out all the heavy woods, thick ply and don't add the weight of cabinet doors,unnecessary structure,and heavy accessories/appliances... Good design should replace "overbuilding"...Weigh every piece before you install it...each pound is important....With light wood and careful building,seems like you could easily reach your 1K goal...then youcould carry 400lbs of cargo and still have your safety limit...once it's supported on the stands (jacks) then any reasonable added weight shouldn't be critical...since it's off the trailer suspension...

A friend of mine just built a 16' canoe ... weighs 50 lbs...

[moreforles]

sounds like size I was thinking about, 5x10 trailer (+ tongue) extend rear and front 1' each, slide out for chemical toilet or RV commode (slide out that entire side with galley or just the commode part of that side) idea I had already decided on (how much of a slide still up(, room for full shower a must for me - I'm hoping to take it to some out of the way places..... (losing oneself is a great feeling) pop up vent probably a must too for odors as well as dissipating moisture. gray water tank under shower, black water for commode? or simplify with chemical toilet.

6'5 or so interior head room preferably, galley opposite the bed, same side as shower, with 2 to 4 burner propane stove (vent above and/or window in front of it to vent heat) along with sink and some counter space. And maybe a microwave (hopefully, at least for when power hook up is possible) small rv refrigerator (12 volt or propane or for when power hook up is available) I have access to a Onan rv generator, but dont know if I can find space for it, possibly install it in Camper van and run power cord to towed camper

The bed (futon or other folding type bed to help save space when not in use) along one wall (I don't mind crawling over the wife or her crawling over me) if space allows possibly a swivel/reclining van seat

full sized door towards rear or in rear to one side, bed side of camper to allow room for shower on the other.

I think it will be classed as small travel trailer, as 12' plus tongue would put it bigger than what most would consider a TINY travel trailer. not that it matters.... Vans are 5' wide or a little better, height shouldnt be a problem, only a little taller than high top of astro and if nessesary a small air deflector can be attached to the Safari's luggage rack with out too much trouble

My tow vehicle will most likely be Astro (hopefully a small camper in itself) or Safari (work vehicle) both should have no problem hauling it.

I'll have to go back through thread and see if any shapes have been agreed to yet.

got a couple thoughts (probably too crazy, but you never know) after thanksgiving, I will have to pick up a book of graph paper and start thinking harder....

[GPW]

More.... more...much more... how about a rough drawing to whet our appetites....Sounds good...

6 feet wide is only a little bigger and allows you to sleep sideways...and still store easily in the garage...just a thought...

[mikeschn]

I put the star trek design in this thread so you don't have to feel bad about hijacking...!!!

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... highlight=

Mike...

[GPW]

Thanks for keeping us ...honest !!!! I got it in the wrong place ...MY DUH !!!! Sorry !!!

and while we're here... might mention that general layout is what we've pretty much settled on as far as an interior, but would prefer a more traditional vintage Canned Ham shape ,figuring we only have to stand up in the shower or at the counter top , thus being the highest spot of the can'...and it does fulfill all, the requirements set down in the original post...

[GPW]

better???
Mike, this is essentially what you've done already, just a little smaller and no outer galley...trying for 6'X10'...

[John B.]

Hello All,

Ok, so I am always a year behind on replying to these posts. What can I say? I am on teardrop time.

Anyway, do you want to see a cool new design for a tiny trailer go to http://www.sylvansport.com/

This has got to be one of coolest ideas yet! It is kind of a teardrop/camping tent/toy hauler all in a 4 x 8 package. It is kind of pricey so it would make a good "generic design" if someone is looking for a project.

For now,
John B.
"Tiny Tears"

[mikeschn]

it would make a good "generic design" if someone is looking for a project.

Who? Me?

Mike...

[moreforles]

that is pretty cool, sort or a micro popup tent camper with multiple toy hauling capabilities. back packers dream vehicle (basecamp)

I got to learn how to weld.... stuff like that would be cool to try to fabricate, just make a few changes to shape and components, and your free from patent restrictions....

[moreforles]

Airstream has a newer small camper out as well - BASECAMP - it seams similar to a tall teardrop to me, but with similar capabilities to the MOBIL ADVENTURE GEAR.

While either would be nice if you had the money, but I'ld rather spend a half or quarter of the price and build exactly what I want, instead of getting what someone else designed and having to modify it to my needs or learn to live with what others designed into it.

The finished product is great, but the build itself is going to be a good part of the fun. Watching it progress from a vision in your head or someone else's,, to an actual plan, then to acquiring parts, research and modifications and to assembly and then to the finished product.... finally to its maiden voyage, then hopefully no major learning curve and additional modifications, to something you and or friends and family can enjoy over and over. (at least untill you start your next build)


sounds easy enough