Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **michiganflipper** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 6:45 pm

We are new to this and we have been here researching what some of you have done to your cargo trailers so my question is what would you do or not do to the trailer if you had to do it all over again. i have a 2006 united v-nose 6x12 that i'm going to convert into a camper so all the input would be very helpful.

by **southpennrailroad** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 8:17 pm

I bought my cargo 6x10 in 2006 and before that I took two years thinking of what to do and the fact that I could not just outright buy onne. First I actually went to Lowes and studied their trailers and actually did some numbers. (The tellers at the drive through bank across the lot watched each time I went back to get more numbers. They wondered what I was up to.) Then when I got it home that two years later, I was ready and had it up and running in two months for my first camping trip. So No I am happy for each and everything I did. Take time and think of what you want to do and enjoy your build.

by **Prem** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 12:13 am

I wouldn't change a thing either. (It was my 8th build. I knew what materials worked best and how I wanted it.) Here's the interior:

http://www.frappr.com/?a=viewphoto&id=5381897&pid=10369409&myphotos=1

Just make a list of what you want most, like the bed. What are the dimensions? Where will it go in the floor plan? Does it make into a sofa or take up all the room all the time? TV? Sound system? Microwave oven? (I rejected all of those. Don't want 'em. Got a boom box, books and a Dutch oven. RV skylight vents? Windows? Closet? Cabinets?...etc.

Look through all the threads posted here in Cargo Trailer Conversion forum and click on the "ALBUM" buttons below each person's post. You will be overloaded with floor plan ideas for your cargo!

Enjoy, and keep your ideas and progress photos posted here to share.

Prem

by **devigata** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 4:24 am

I think we should have taken more time to insulate the walls before putting in the bulkhead/galley. It's not that big of an issue for the winter, being in Florida, but the heat certainly is a factor!

We still have the open ceiling and are planning to insulate there, but are waiting to win the lottery (or something).

I hope you enjoy your conversion as much we do. Don't forget... LOTS of pics!

by **bobhenry** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:46 am

michiganflipper wrote:We are new to this and we have been here researching what some of you have done to your cargo trailers so my question is what would you do or not do to the trailer if you had to do it all over again. i have a 2006 united v-nose 6x12 that i'm going to convert into a camper so all the input would be very helpful.

Did anyone use the inside of the doors for a drop down counter ? It just seemed to be a good place for small storage and extra counter space.

by **Prem** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:42 am

bobhenry,

No.

I used the outside of the door so the door can stay shut:

http://www.frappr.com/?a=viewphoto&id=5381897&pid=10372285&myphotos=1

Prem

by **bobhenry** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:14 am

BUT my spices would get wet :lol:

by **FireLion** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:39 am

Bob, question? Why are there no windows or 'hayloft' doors? What are you doing about ventilation? :thinking:

by **bobhenry** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:29 am

My intentions is to have a scaled down 40 x 20 barn. This requires 1/4 scale faux entry doors and rolling cannonball implement doors. I will attempt to hide the larger full size windows under the faux implement doors. All scale faux windows will be approx 9" x 9" . For the moment the ventilation will be a 5000 btu window unit over the left fender and an O2kool 12 volt fan pulling air from or venting thru the stud cavity to or from the outside from under the bottom gambrel kick out which I have simply screened. Front hay mow was mentioned but would pose a leak problem. A smaller powered vent under the prow in the rear above the doors disguised as a small hay mow door but maybe too out of scale ?
Still trying to figure out how to camoflague the a/c unit too.
I am open to any and all ideas on windows, doors, hay mow and a/c concealment.

This earlier build pic shows the opening for the a/c. It will rest on a portion of the original frame on a 1x4 and padded with foam pipe wrap. A cradle will be used to saddle the fender when a/c is set in place. It and the a/c unit will travel inside.

by **devigata** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 8:06 pm

bobhenry wrote:

Why have I not seen your build thread before?????

What an exciting design, Bob. Jealous am I!

by **bobhenry** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:44 am

Being the typical non - conformist I decided to go outside the box. It's not a standie , it's not a cargo, and very obviously not a teardrop. So I decided to put the thread in the tiny houses ( and barns) on wheels section.I have just left the 30 day window and while there is still rough edges it is all but campable. Tail lights 12 screws in the roof cap and some rear trim and a door latch and off we go.
It is a whole new catagory it is a slouchy you can't stand up but you can put on your pants inside.

Its really really red ain't it !

I have had a bit more experience with yard barns after all I am a registered microbarnoligist

Do you think a 5 sided barn would be more aerodynamic :rofl2: