Sunset Landing

Sunset Landing	Tech, Toys, Boats, and Projects
Introduction Tech, Toys, Boats, and Projects Index S-n-F Contact Disclaimer

Introduction Design Criteria - Profile and Dimensions Trailer/Chassis Framing and Skin - 1 Framing and Skin - 2 Windows and Hardware Exterior Finish Interior Design Stocking the Trailer Test Results Click on italicized text for links and use your BACK button to return. Teardrop and Related Links Teardrop Web Ring Teardrop and Tiny Travel Trailer Forum Trailer for Chassis The trailer for this project is a Rance Rough Rider 5X8 utility trailer. Parts Li'l Bear Tagalongs Awning windows, hatch hinge, and drip molding. Harbor Freight Trailers, etc. Reid Tool Company Lots of cool hardware. Northern Tool Similar to Harbor Freight. TJ Trailers Trailers and parts	Teardrop Cargo/Camper Trailer Design Criteria Ever since I first saw a teardrop trailer as a child I have been fascinated with them. Several years ago I decided that when I retired and had more free time I would build my own. While waiting to get started, I researched everything I could find on the Internet and tried to envision how I would use a teardrop. As the information piled up in folders, some design criteria began to emerge. Easy towing I will be towing the trailer with a small four cylinder pickup or a mini sports utility vehicle therefore the weight must be kept to a minimum. With this in mind, I acquired a lightweight aluminum trailer a couple of years ago with the intent to eventually use it as the platform for the teardrop. The trailer proved to be so useful that I became reluctant to use it only for the teardrop chassis. I had come across a few teardrops on the web that could be removed from their chassis so I determined that the teardrop shell should be removable. Multiple Uses We also have need to transport kayaks and bicycles. The kayaks can be locked to the top of the trailer but I would like to be able to transport the recumbents inside the trailer when it is not being used for camping. Some provision for that use had to be incorporated. It would also be nice to be able to carry 4 foot by 8 foot building materials since I have a lot of remodeling to finish on the house. The kitchen unit and the cabinet in the sleeping area will be removable and the wall between the kitchen and the sleeping area will hinge downward into the sleeping area. This will create a large enough space for transporting and securing bikes, plywood, etc. We would be camping mainly in state or private parks so we do not need to be concerned about off-road factors. More often than not, there would be only one person sleeping in the unit and the 4'-8" interior height could allow for a single mattress raised of the floor and with storage underneath. All sleeping configurations would be flexible and removable. Additional Design Considerations Interior Height 4'-8" to allow for bikes Construction technique should be as light as possible while still maintaining necessary strength Low wind drag Aluminum skids on bottom of shell so that it can be slid off of the trailer Will initially have painted ply exterior since it is a prototype. May have aluminum skin added later if design proves worth keeping. Good ventilation in the summer Roof vent Fan possible Big doors on each side for easy cargo loading Awning style opening windows with screens on left, right, and front walls Doors will have non-opening windows Doors will be set on self-closing hinges -- this is mosquito country Insulation may be added later Well sealed against drafts and road dust Energy self-sufficient. Will either use 12 V deep cycle battery or 2 - 6 V disposable batteries during testing Fluorescent lights, 12 VDC AM, FM portable radio Minimal 110 V provisions. We usually like non-electric sites No built in heater, may use 110 volt ceramic heater for cool weather Kitchen/Galley Propane camp stove Cooler Water Carrier/Underfloor Tank Removable sink Possibly a "gray water" tank under the floor Overhead light on inside of hatch Cutting board Pass-through to sleeping area Storage in removable plastic boxes Provision for roof rack Tongue box Attachments inside for cargo net, pouches, and bungees to secure bikes Convenience Items: Cup holders - outside, sleeping area, kitchen Porch light Tongue/hitch light Clock/alarm Glasses storage Smoke detector, CO2 alarm, possibly a low temp alarm Table/counter top mounts to exterior of trailer wall Stainless steel and galvanized hardware Street legal lights/licence plate Fire Extinguisher Getting this project underway... Construction should start this month (March 2004). The windows, hatch hinge, and drip mold have been ordered. Plywood for the exterior skin is in the garage. Framing materials and ply for the floor will be picked up soon. Progress as of June 15, 2004 This is where things stand. These are photos of the first dry fitting. Everything is just tacked together to verify layout, dimensions, and construction details. It will all be pulled apart for routing, interior wall priming and varnish, final gluing of floor/deck, and a variety of other bits of detail work. The wood on the back is just for squaring the frame. The final hatch details are yet to be worked out. Side and front view - doors are large enough to allow putting recumbents into the forward cabin. Side profile - galley hatch not in place - shape will be either slightly rounded or have angles similar to front. The front will open like an awning and have screening. I like lots of fresh air. View out the front window. There is a lot of design work yet to bring this to the point where it will be water and wind proof and still maintain a view. There will be a shelf below the window and cabinets under the shelf. When will it be done? No promises on a completion date. The fine folks on the Teardrop and Tiny Travel Trailer Forum keep giving me too many ideas. Just when I'm ready to proceed, along comes another tantalizing idea and I have to figure out if and how to incorporate it. Profile and Dimensions This profile was measured from the final built pod. The actual profile was developed while building to suit the materials available and to incorprate some degree of aesthetics. No top view is included because builders may use trailers of differing widths. This pod was built 4"-8" wide for the trailer I had available. I recommend a width of five feet for more comfort. A trailer five feet by nine feet would be great or you could expand the length out to ten feet and use a five by ten trailer. Construction was stick framing and ply skin. three-quarter ply only would probably exceed the desireable weight. Deck and roof have 2"x2" framing for strength. Return to top of page Updated June 15, 2004