Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hello,

New here... and new to the concept. Have always wanted a cargo trailer... and intended on using it to throw camping gear in and haul stuff around. I got to thinking (as I usually do) and wondering how I could make this the camping equipment, not to just haul camping equipment. After searching the internet I was led here and low and behold, I'm not the only one. Trailer is a (used) 2015 Arising 5x10 v-nose, w/ side door and rear ramp. It's got one light on the inside. First things on my list are interior insulation (gotta read all about insulating and moisture... don't need mold) and a bed (either side mounted bunk beds or a rear elevated full bed). After that.. my mind has gone crazy. I want windows, solar, interior and exterior LED lighting, side awning, and more. This will take some time, but I'm ready to begin! Love everything I've read here... and cannot wait to start showing progress pics!

David

Welcome frome another Tacoma guy

Thanks CGRotorhead... love my Tacoma. Keep thinking I want a Jeep... but so hard to think about getting rid of the best truck I've ever owned.

First thing I would add is a roof vent and cover so that you can have the vent open no matter what the weather is doing

You've come to the right place, now it's only a matter of how far down the rabbit hole you want to go.

I tow with a V6 truck too and am finding that I went a little too far with the build, the trailer has gotten a little too heavy for some of the back roads I want to travel. Now I'm going the other way. I won't give up the solar, fridge, hot/cold water, but I'm finding a lot of places I could cut the fat. Build it right, build it light, and build it tonight!

Nice Tacoma! I have a 3rd gen 4runner, so we basically have the same powertrain (3.4L v6). I towed my 7x12 with extra height this last weekend. That's about the max I'd go, so you'll be plenty fine with your 5x10.

Looking forward to the build!

Rainier70... It came with a roof vent.... but one that can be left open during inclement weather sounds good.

dustboy... I'm afraid that I'm gonna overdo it myself.... I like things that are unique.. and other than online.. i've not seen anybody else doing this.

Rocky5000100... Thanks Rocky... love my Tacoma. I want to lift it a little bit...but think i want to spend more $ on the trailer right now. Think the wife is even starting to like the idea.

I think the more I read on here.. the more confused I am about the insulation though. I do NOT want a mold problem.... living in midwest, have a very wide range of temperatures that the trailer will be exposed to. I am thinking that a window style AC will be in the future.. before heat. (can always throw on another blanket, right?)

One word: Windows.

Didn't see the vent. Good that you already have one.

I used a Maxx Air vent cover over mine. It keeps the rain out even when it is blowing sideways.

http://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-00-933066 ... B000UUMM6K

Ventilation is your best weapon against mold, So windows, vents, and fans.

AZKayaker - Definitely want a couple of windows, but not wanting to cut through any "studs". Looking at a vertical window on the curb side and a window in the curb door. Not sure if I'll do any windows on the road side.

Rainier70 - Thanks for the link. Definitely looks like a good option.

Rainier 70 - I was wondering about the vent cover. When placing it over the roof vent, does it require caulk and some form of seal or gasket?

I am hoping to get a trailer in the next month and this is one of the first mods I am looking at doing. I am wondering if it's a half hour or two hour job.

Oops. Never mind, just found this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZY3JCxAg0k

The YouTube pretty much covers the install. I'll just add my experience of two years with the vent cover. It works great. I like being able to leave my vent open and not worry about the sudden thundershowers we get in the mountains here. The install is easy and quick. It is installed to the sides of the vent, so you don't have to drill holes in the roof. That was another big plus for me.

1st Update is complete... Thanks for the tip on the vent cover Ranier. Went on easily and will be great! Took the 1st interior pieces down to check out the uprights and insulation situation. Wall "studs" are 1" x 1.5" retangular tubing spaced anywhere between 5-16" apart. Trying to figure out the best place to place a window. Originally wanted a 14" wide vertical window to avoid cutting any bars, but the only 16" spacing is right in the middle above the wheel. Getting ready to hit Vegas for a week... will do Insulation, Exterior Lighting (4 LED "Porch Lights") and a window when I get back. Then work on the folding beds.

Rocky5000100 wrote:Nice Tacoma! I have a 3rd gen 4runner, so we basically have the same powertrain (3.4L v6). I towed my 7x12 with extra height this last weekend. That's about the max I'd go, so you'll be plenty fine with your 5x10.

Looking forward to the build!

Haven't had much time to do anything lately... but getting some things bought for the trailer. Got an 18x14 Access door that I plan on installing to house a removable window AC. Got the interior plywood off and ready to begin insulation (finally). And as of yesterday, traded out for a new tow vehicle. Hoping I don't regret getting rid of my Tacoma..... but so happy with my new vehicle.

tucked, Howdy;

You are aware of the Fiat/Chrysler recall and buyback ???
Difficult to tell what year your are showing us...
http://www.safercar.gov/rs/chrysler/index.html

hank