Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hey guys,

I sounds like it's about time that we put together a set of building plans...

Here's what I am thinking about doing... I am going to start a new section called Generic Building plans...

Then I am going to start a bunch of threads with the appropiate subject... for example...
1) Assemble trailer
2) Assemble sub floor
3) Assemble floor

etc...

Then we can all fill in the blanks of how it's done. What do you think about that idea...

We would have to pick a decent popular profile, and decide on a few basics, like set it on top of a red trailer, and cover it with aluminum.

Are you guys game for something like that?

Mike...

P.S. We can even include a basic materials list...

Which profile do you guys prefer? The Benroy or the Cub/Modernistic?

I'll set up the plans to be a 5' wide version, built on a red trailer...

Do you prefer the aluminum covering or the Uniflex 255?

Mike...

I vote a Kenskill profile my favorite with the double radius in the front

My two cents:

Cub/Modernistic
5 x 8 Red Trailer (Do something about those 12" wheels, though)
5' width
Aluminum skin

I like Andrews idea of a Cub with wooden construction. Metal framework, as in the original, is just a little tough for the home builder.

"If you build it, they will come"

Tom

PS: Not on topic for a generic build, but... I have been giving some thought to composites.

I'm hoping between Andrew and I we can come up with some CAD models and drawings for you... I notice that Andrew doesn't have the Kenskill on his page...



What do the rest of you guys think? The Cub/Modernistic or the Kenskill?



or maybe the Mechanic Illustrated Trailer for two... not necessairly in wood...


or the Benroy...


Mike...

P.S. Thanks to Nick for the images... (I hope he doens't mind!)

I think this is a great idea. The design depends on who you are setting this page up for, a beginner, or someone that has some experience? Maybe a set of plans for each?

I like the Cub/Modernistic for looks, but now that I am building one, I realise that you loose some floor space because of the lower curves on the front and rear. I don't think you could get much of a kitchen in a 8' long Cub/Modernistic, so it would need to be at least 9' (which is what I am making mine. This adds extra work unless you can find 9' plywood.

I think something like the Trailer for Two, or a Benroy might be easier for a beginner to build, and give them more usable floor space. For a beginner, I would also suggest plywood walls instead of sandwich since they appear to be easier, and faster to build.

Using a red trailer would make it easier for the average builder. If you have the skills to build your own frame, you could probably do it (the frame) without plans, just dimensions.

I converted the question of profile into a poll... please scroll up and pick your favorite profile...

Remember... it's for beginners, and it's going to be built on a red trailer.

Thanks,

Mike...

I'll chime in with my two cents worth...
I say just go with the original Weekender design.
Simple to build, no ellipses (Those seem to scare some newbies) and you've already drawn it up.

I picked the Benroy, I think it looks better with a box on the tongue.

Although I am building a Cub/Mod profile (I like the looks best) it probably wouldn't be the best for a first timer (like me?) because of the tight radius in the rear. I think the Kenskill would be a good compromise. It has the same classic look but without the tight radius.

Obviously I prefer the Cub/Modernistic profile as that's the one that got me interested in teardrops, but I do agree with those who say the radiuses onto the bottom are a difficulty. However I think it's these two curves that make this profile so appealing. I think there's a compromise there somewhere - a bit more curve than is showing on Steve's stripper, but not a lot.

Andrew

I picked the trailer for two. Basic.

Since we still don't know how to build a trailer that would be 5' wide and longer than 8', I think the extra steps involved to build a trailer of this size would be appreciated.

Also, perhaps the best way to build 5' wide on a basic 4' x 8' trailer would be nice since the cost of the HF trailer is so reasonable and this size is so much easier to find?

Oops... nevermind... I forgot it was going to be built on a red trailer.

My only request is that you get a full 80" length mattress into it. At 6'5" I have learned to hate the RV "standard" Queen sized mattress. Yeah, right. Queen size width, but not length. Whey my feet hang off the end of the mattress, or in the case of a short tear, make me sleep sideways to fit I'm NOT a happy camper!

angib wrote:Obviously I prefer the Cub/Modernistic profile as that's the one that got me interested in teardrops, but I do agree with those who say the radiuses onto the bottom are a difficulty. However I think it's these two curves that make this profile so appealing. I think there's a compromise there somewhere - a bit more curve than is showing on Steve's stripper, but not a lot.

Andrew

Andrew,

Which profile would look best with both a round fender like Steve has, or a 40's style fender?

Mike...

I found a side view of one I liked. I blew it up to 8.5 x 11 on my computer, printed it off.... went to a window and held it up on the glass on a sunny day with a piece of graph paper on top.... traced the outline and went from there.

Each 1/4" square on the graph paper was 2" in real life, so I transferred enough to the ply to get the curve and filled it in free hand.