Sunset Landing

Tech, Toys, Boats, and Projects

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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

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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

Framing and Skin - Page 1

Construction Sequence

The pieces of the trailer had been assembled a few weeks ago for dry fitting and working out various design details. In the meantime, I got sidetracked helping a neighbor kid build a rowboat. That is done now and moved to his garage for all of the finishing/painting work.

Skiff 1

Skiff 2
Just before fitting the seats and shipping it off to the
neighbor's garage for sanding and painting.

 

Now begins the actual assembly of the pod.

Walls stacked on deck
Wall sections stacked on deck awaiting assembly.

Routing the internal framework
Visible parts of the internal framing are routed with a one-
quarter inch round-over bit.

Pod floor being primed
The deck of the pod gets two coats of primer/sealer. The pod
may be easily removed if insulation needs to be added later.

Chassis with deck and vinyl flooring in place
The deck receives its layer of lay-flat vinyl flooring. The walls
will prevent the flooring from slipping.

Left wall up
The first wall goes up. Stainless steel screws and
3M 5200 marine adhesive hold the walls to the deck.

Both walls up
Both walls up--starting to look like a trailer.

All rafters in place
Roof rafter installed. Rafters are 2x2 except front,
rear, and center. These were cut from 2x3 stock to
allow for complex shapes.

Framing for front awning window
View of the front awning window panel. The window
opening will be routed out later in the assembly process.
All window openings are left sealed at this time so
the trailer may be stored outside ASAP.

Front is shaping up
The nose of the trailer is starting to shape up. Frontal area
works out to about 22 square feet.

Before bulkhead wall goes in
View from back before bulkhead wall goes in.

Start of bulkhead wall
Bulkhead wall is being dry-fitted. Wiring runs need
to be worked out and holes drilled before wall panel
is secured in place. The opening at the bottom of the wall
will be a flip up door panel so that plywood and materials
eight feet long may be carried when lower cabinets are removed.

Start of bulkhead wall 3
Cabin side of bulkhead wall. Vertical 2x2s add strength
and provide anchor points for galley and cabin cabinets.
This wall will be insulated. The cabinets and wall panel
will be removable for access to wiring.

 

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That's it for this update. Assembly must move quickly now so that the trailer will be ready for a trip sometime in August. I may not get every little detail done but the basics will be there.

Updated July 21, 2004