Modified teardrop House trailer

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Modified teardrop House trailer

Postby firemaker » Wed Dec 22, 2010 10:57 pm

Hello Everyone, I just wanted to post my recently finished pride and joy. it is a 17 foot teardrop style with a raised front. It is built on the chassis of an older aluminum travel trailer and it has most of the amenities of home. Right now my partner and I are living in it in Ontario. Here is the link http://tinyhometeardrop.blogspot.com/

cheers
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Postby absolutsnwbrdr » Wed Dec 22, 2010 11:03 pm

Not sure about it being tiny, but it sure is nice! Great job! :applause:
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Postby Greg M » Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:39 am

Were you in Victoria a week or two ago? I think I may have seen you.

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Postby Steve_Cox » Thu Dec 23, 2010 9:26 am

Adam,

From the looks of your build, you've been lurking here a little. Nice work! Looks like a really fun project. Your bunk mate is pretty cute too! Thanks for sharing

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Modified teardrop House trailer

Postby firemaker » Thu Dec 23, 2010 10:25 am

Thanks guys, yea this forum is a great resource. i was in victoria briefly actually about 3 weeks ago though. We were driving through to catch the ferry to Port Angeles.

I know its not exactly the tiniest trailer but my intention was to build it to live in full time so it had to be somewhat comfortable.
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Postby Oasis Maker » Thu Dec 23, 2010 10:56 am

Absolutely superb! :applause:

Jay Shafer has nothing on you. I love your layout. Great choice to have a loft sleeping area and the kitchen is as good as any "full size" home.

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You are living the dream of no mortgage and the smart usage of space. Well done and keep in touch with this forum of your ventures. Out of curiosity, how long did you lurk on this forum before joining, and what is your background and experience with building or carpentry?

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Postby cuyeda » Thu Dec 23, 2010 11:22 am

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: What an inspiration for small living spaces! Great job! Are the both heater flu's for the diesel heater? Did you consider venting out the side wall? There are some nice Suburban heaters that will vent nicely out a side vent using propane.
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Modified teardrop House trailer

Postby firemaker » Thu Dec 23, 2010 11:39 am

cuyeda-
They are 3" flues for the cabin heater and the hot water heater. the cabin heater is a sig marine 100 diesel heater and the hot water is marey takless water heater. both of them required a certain flue height so i needed to poke it out of the roof.

oasis maker-
Ive been looking at the site off and on for a few months i hadnt actually discovered it until after i had started building, if i had there might be a few revisions to the design i would have done.

as for my prior experience building i have been working in the trades for awhile but mostly as a painter so most of my building skills ive learnt through observation and research online.
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Postby steve smoot » Thu Dec 23, 2010 5:39 pm

Firemaker,

That is an impressive build. Makes no difference what you do on your day job. And, I agree with Steve cox, that is a cute helper you got there.

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Postby 48Rob » Thu Dec 23, 2010 7:02 pm

You've done a very nice job. :thumbsup:
A lot of thought went into your build...

I'd love to hear more about it, and also how it does/is working out in the winter season.
Is the 20 gallon tank proving adequate?
I may have missed it, but is there a toilet?
Do you have a battery system, or is it all mains?

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Postby firemaker » Thu Dec 23, 2010 8:04 pm

Hi Rob,
Thanks for the comment.
the trailer is holding up pretty well so far. I have had a problem with the grey water outlet freezing. it is just running outside into a portable holding tank. when i was traveling with it the pipes were capped and some water was left in them which ended up freezing completely. A full tank of water lasts almost a week just doing dishes and we use water sparingly. we havent really used the shower yet because i have a few more finishing touches to do in the bathroom and we havent really been parked in one place for long enough to settle in and get everything set up completely.
im guessing the showers will be quick and seldom when we do use it.
We have two deep cycle batteries hooked up to an inverter which is then plugged into the main breaker box. the batteries are trickle charged by the truck while driving and two 20 watt solar panels mounted to the roof. We have been using the power to run our lights which are all LED, a computer with speakers, the water pump and a small fan. the last two are hooked up on a 12 v circuit.
For a toilet we have a bucket toilet and i am going to try and incorporate a composting system eventually.
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Postby Oasis Maker » Fri Dec 24, 2010 1:11 pm

Firemaker, I'm curious. The picture of your bed begs a few questions about your set up:

What are the dimensions of your bed and what is the ceiling height once in? Can you sit up in it? And what is the height of the opening for entry. Judging from your girlfriends shoulders, it appears to be a very slim entry??

Do you keep a small ladder somewhere to climb up? I can't tell, but is the edge of the bed recessed from the ceiling overhang so that you don't hit your head when climbing up?

Scott

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Postby firemaker » Sat Dec 25, 2010 9:35 pm

Hi Oasis

The bed is 4 feet by 6' 4" the ceiling is curved so only on one side of the bed is it high enough to sit (leaning against the shelf not upright). There is about 3 feet from where the bed ends to where the lower ceiling begins.
Right now we are using one of the stools and the coffee table to climb up. i plan on making a small step eventually.
im working on some drawings and a sketchup model and will post them when im done that may give you a better idea of the space.
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Postby droid_ca » Sun Dec 26, 2010 3:41 pm

this is a really nice trailer I like your use of space

:twisted: might need to borrow some ideas
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Postby canned o minimum » Sun Dec 26, 2010 9:41 pm

As "I" am about to take the "plunge" into my first ground up build....yers is an inspiration ! A friggin CASTLE !! And just well thought out fer a young whipper snapper !

Since you mention that ya live in it FULL TIME...whatdaya do fer livin expenses ?

Jus a GREAT trailer thar brother...PROPS !!
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