Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I really wanted to show some REAL progress, but I keep changing things. So it's one step forward, replan two steps, one step forward again.

I did get the deck down and attached.


Then I decided curved rockers with an 'upswept' rear rocker would be more attractive. So...


Then, after I had the profile completed (after many-many redesigns), I decided one last time to 'enhance' the cuve from all radii, to one with an ellipse. The result will add about 1 1/2" to 2" more headroom over the table. (In theory).

In reality, it actually simplified layout; consolidating two curves.

So I have curves... alright, almost ONE curve.


Current profile...


So progress. SOME progress.
(I feel compelled to make an effort before posting.)

Looking good

Man...I really like those rocker panels!!! New ideas are the llife blood of the BBS!!!

Yep, I 'third' or 'fourth' that comment - those rocker panels will look wonderful.

Andrew

It remains to be seen if I can pull off the curve (both front and sides), without a major hassle. Right now, it's ribs and a spine. (Spline?)

I intend on covering with thin ply (1/8"), and then epoxy coating in & out. I will likely have to add weep holes so moisture cannot collect near the bottom. - I don't want them to rot like '70 chevy quarter panels!

My second concern will be obstacle clearance, and road debris. That is one reason why I chose to taper the rear section upward about 4 inches.

Currently the sides do not reach as far down as the drop well - which should have a road clearance height of about 9 inches.

I appreciate the complements, but I've seen everyone else's work,and I got a lot catching up to do!

Lester... Those curved rockers are gonna look great! You could fill in the hollow space with expanding foam? Then sand down flush with the wood... then fiberglass/epoxy the curves. A lot of fenders and similar curved things are done that way. Even compound curved corners can be done like that.
It sure looks like you are on the way to one amazingly unique TTT.

I got the sides framed, biscuited & glued every joint. (Titebond III) Then I sanded each join to ensure it was flush. (Lining up for biscuits is hard on small dimensional lumber.)
Then I glued and screwed the sides down through the deck to the deck frame using 3" deck screws. (That should hold it!)

All the 'roof' spars are glued and screwed (no biscuits - too much effort).
So now it has a SHAPE!

One confession:
Measure THREE times then cut. The trailer is 1/2" TALLER than my garage door opening! D'OH! It's ok though. If I drag it out with the toungue on the ground - it'll clear. - Barely. Good thing it's gonna be outdoors after completion! (After the OUTSIDE is completed.)

Anyway, 'Da Pics' of Lester's Nest'r...


And...

That's the first fun part....when it actually starts to look like something! Keep up the good work!

Hi Lester, That's really starting to look great.
Don't worry about the trailer being 1/2" higher than the garage door, just let some air out of the tyres and roll it out when completed. Simple, Huh
Cheers
Paul

...just let some air out of the tyres and roll it out when completed. Simple, Huh

I did think of that first but I had one stumbling block; no air compressor at the house, just a standard bicycle pump!

I even thought about removing both wheels and placing it on dolly wheels - but in the end, if I tilt it forward enough (tongue nearly on the ground), it should just ''squeak' by the weather strip. For those keeping track with a tape measure, the opening is EXACTLY 84". (Minus the rubber strip that seals the garage door). So, the roof top needs to be like 83 1/2" or less.

All this arises when ya measure once, raise the jackstands, measure once again, lower the stands, replace the wheels, remove the wheels... you get the picture.

As my wife would say: "Lester HOLD still!"

Very cool and looks like a great start............................

Barb

By the time you get the skin on and stuff built inside the springs will probably drop a half inch or more anyway. And the tires shouldn't be a problem to pump back up with a hand pump. May take a bit but I've pumped up tractor tires with one more than once. Had to take a break or two in the process but it will get the job done. Though I must admit I went and bought a small 12 volt emergency pump after the last time I had to do it.

Tear is really looking good!

Lester,

Just a thought. If you are going to put a roof vent on, wait until the trailer is outside. We started to do that and realized that if we did, we couldn't get ours thru the overhead door. It added about 4"-5" to the top of the trailer.

BTW, your trailer looks great. I really like the curved rockers. Keep at it and you will be camping soon.

Hi Lester, That's really starting to look great. Those curved rockers are terrific.