Photos courtesy of Do It Yourself RV
Showing posts with label wood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wood. Show all posts
Do It Yourself RV
If you want to build your own teardrop trailer, check out the website, Do It Yourself RV for some inspiration, step-by-step instructions and examples of how many different handmade teardrops are on the road. Check out Larry's teardrop, made from recycled materials. His guide comes with explanations for each step. For other trailer ideas, do a search for "teardrop trailer" on the site.
Not only does the website have home built teardrop trailers, but it includes small trailer and campers and some great ideas on how to make your own vehicle more camp ready. For example, Joe and Eric of Minnesota wanted to take a break from work and travel the U.S. They outfitted the back of their SUV with a wooden storage area that looks very much like a teardrop galley.
The site also has news and information on how to RV full time, how to back up and tow a trailer, RV gear, fun vintage photos, and modifications to commercial trailers and campers.
Featured Teardrop: Casual Turtle Hatchling & Terrapin
Peter Pavlowich's small trailer designs are spreading through the Web like wildfire—for good reason. His beautiful wooden designs (and cute names) are a symbol of what you can do when you know how to work with wood. Peter received his degree in Wood Construction and Design from the University of Idaho and has since created a small business named Casual Turtle Campers. One of his designs is a teardrop-like trailer called the Hatchling. A larger design (complete with dining/sleeping area) is called the Terrapin. Both are currently available for sale. Peter is happy to hear from anyone who is interested in the current designs or any similar designs. You an contact him on his website or by email at casualturtlecampers@gmail.com.
Why did you decided to build wooden campers and trailers? How did you become interested in them in particular?
I grew up camping with my family in a pop-up tent camper—and I always enjoyed the small, cozy atmosphere it created. I never owned a truck camper before starting this venture, but I always loved the idea of having a little cabin on the back of the truck. Once I learned how to build and engineer with wood, I figured it was time to try building my own. The prototype came together well, and once it gained enough interest, I though it'd make nice little business.
Designing and building small trailers was really a reaction to the amount of interest I received from folks around the country. I've really been enjoying the trailers though, as its a little more flexible when you're not dealing with the bed of a truck.
Can you tell me a little about the building process of the Hatchling and the Terrapin? What do you think is important to include?
I start by designing a trailer frame that's appropriate to the cabin I'll be building for it—crossmember spacing, axle, suspension, etc. I tend to err on the side of overbuilding, while always keeping overall weight in mind. I typically build the cabin to about 80% completion before mounting it to the trailer frame. The framing and cedar siding goes up pretty quickly, then comes the roof deck...
Without a doubt, the domed roof is the most difficult element of my designs. The two-way arch makes building the roof deck tricky and time consuming, but it makes for a very strong, unique roof. I adhere a single-ply TPO roofing membrane to the deck, thermally weld the seams, and trim it about the edge with a custom aluminum termination bar.
When designing my campers, I like to include as many windows as is practical. Not only does it help keep fresh air moving around the cabin, but it goes a very long way to making such a small space seem more open and comfortable. I also like to leave enough roof overhang to send dripping rain past open windows.
In some ways, I think what you leave out of a camper is as important as what you include. I've had a lot of people who've owned small camper for years tell me that they never use their sink, stove, furnace. Obviously, there are plenty of folks who do, but if its not something you're going to use, I think it makes a lot of sense to leave it out in the first place.
What do you think is the appeal of smaller trailers?
I think there are a lot of folks out there to whom being in their camper isn't necessarily the most important part of their trips. Having a comfortable bed to sleep on is huge—but having a full kitchen, living room, closets, etc., we're all not interested in hauling that around. It's nice having such a nimble little trailer that is easy to hook up, pull around town, navigate campgrounds and backroads. Not needing to have a Ford F350 is nice too!
Do you have experience camping in a teardrop trailer? If so, what do you think are the pros and cons of them?
I never have spent any real time in a teardrop, but I definitely like them. As you can tell from my designs, I'm a big fan of simplicity and I think teardrops are great examples of how smallness, simplicity, and comfort can very easily go hand-in-hand. Plus, they're so damn cute, you can't help but smile when you see one rolling down the road.
I know there are some great manufacturers out there, but it seems like there are some awfully under-built models, too. Especially when it comes to the actual trailer, axle, and wheels. I just don't think it pays to skimp on these. The only other issue I have with most teardrops, is they often seem to be lacking in windows. With such a tiny space, I think windows are crucial to making a comfortable, little cabin.
Where do you like to go camping?
The vast majority of my camping has taken place in northern Minnesota. Obviously, here in Colorado the camping opportunities are endless. One place my wife and I have had some good trips is in North Park, Colorado. It's not a super well-known area for recreation, but there are miles of lonely Forest Service roads, lots of backcountry campsites, and more moose than anywhere I've ever been. The little area around Gould, CO holds some special memories for me.
What are some of your favorite camping items?
There's nothing better than a seriously comfortable camp chair, if you ask me. It makes everything better, from sitting around a fire, eating a good meal, drinking good beer(s). We also like to bring some prepared foods when we go. Grabbing something we can eat around the fire on our way out of town makes that first dinner real easy. We're also not opposed to having a DVD queued up on the laptop in cases of bad weather.
Photos by Casual Turtle Campers
Why did you decided to build wooden campers and trailers? How did you become interested in them in particular?
I grew up camping with my family in a pop-up tent camper—and I always enjoyed the small, cozy atmosphere it created. I never owned a truck camper before starting this venture, but I always loved the idea of having a little cabin on the back of the truck. Once I learned how to build and engineer with wood, I figured it was time to try building my own. The prototype came together well, and once it gained enough interest, I though it'd make nice little business.
Designing and building small trailers was really a reaction to the amount of interest I received from folks around the country. I've really been enjoying the trailers though, as its a little more flexible when you're not dealing with the bed of a truck.
Can you tell me a little about the building process of the Hatchling and the Terrapin? What do you think is important to include?
I start by designing a trailer frame that's appropriate to the cabin I'll be building for it—crossmember spacing, axle, suspension, etc. I tend to err on the side of overbuilding, while always keeping overall weight in mind. I typically build the cabin to about 80% completion before mounting it to the trailer frame. The framing and cedar siding goes up pretty quickly, then comes the roof deck...
Without a doubt, the domed roof is the most difficult element of my designs. The two-way arch makes building the roof deck tricky and time consuming, but it makes for a very strong, unique roof. I adhere a single-ply TPO roofing membrane to the deck, thermally weld the seams, and trim it about the edge with a custom aluminum termination bar.
When designing my campers, I like to include as many windows as is practical. Not only does it help keep fresh air moving around the cabin, but it goes a very long way to making such a small space seem more open and comfortable. I also like to leave enough roof overhang to send dripping rain past open windows.
In some ways, I think what you leave out of a camper is as important as what you include. I've had a lot of people who've owned small camper for years tell me that they never use their sink, stove, furnace. Obviously, there are plenty of folks who do, but if its not something you're going to use, I think it makes a lot of sense to leave it out in the first place.
What do you think is the appeal of smaller trailers?
I think there are a lot of folks out there to whom being in their camper isn't necessarily the most important part of their trips. Having a comfortable bed to sleep on is huge—but having a full kitchen, living room, closets, etc., we're all not interested in hauling that around. It's nice having such a nimble little trailer that is easy to hook up, pull around town, navigate campgrounds and backroads. Not needing to have a Ford F350 is nice too!
Do you have experience camping in a teardrop trailer? If so, what do you think are the pros and cons of them?
I never have spent any real time in a teardrop, but I definitely like them. As you can tell from my designs, I'm a big fan of simplicity and I think teardrops are great examples of how smallness, simplicity, and comfort can very easily go hand-in-hand. Plus, they're so damn cute, you can't help but smile when you see one rolling down the road.
I know there are some great manufacturers out there, but it seems like there are some awfully under-built models, too. Especially when it comes to the actual trailer, axle, and wheels. I just don't think it pays to skimp on these. The only other issue I have with most teardrops, is they often seem to be lacking in windows. With such a tiny space, I think windows are crucial to making a comfortable, little cabin.
Where do you like to go camping?
The vast majority of my camping has taken place in northern Minnesota. Obviously, here in Colorado the camping opportunities are endless. One place my wife and I have had some good trips is in North Park, Colorado. It's not a super well-known area for recreation, but there are miles of lonely Forest Service roads, lots of backcountry campsites, and more moose than anywhere I've ever been. The little area around Gould, CO holds some special memories for me.
What are some of your favorite camping items?
There's nothing better than a seriously comfortable camp chair, if you ask me. It makes everything better, from sitting around a fire, eating a good meal, drinking good beer(s). We also like to bring some prepared foods when we go. Grabbing something we can eat around the fire on our way out of town makes that first dinner real easy. We're also not opposed to having a DVD queued up on the laptop in cases of bad weather.
Photos by Casual Turtle Campers
Featured Teardrop: Klein Cabine
Fans of Westfalia pop-up campers, take note: Michael Hippenhammer has maybe built the first ever pop-up teardrop trailer that you can actually stand up in. His 9 by 4 foot trailer was built by hand with Douglas fir 2x6 construction and his beautiful work was featured in the photocentric Tiny House Swoon.
Michael named his teardrop the Klein Cabine, which means "little cabin" in German. The trailer contains two six volt golf cart batteries, a 40 amp charger, 110 volt break box and a 300 watt inverter. The trailer has lights, forward storage, a mechanical area, an overhead cabinet in the bed area as well as storage under the bed. The 3-panel bed can be adjusted to become seating area as well.
The 1,140 lb trailer does not have a traditional galley kitchen in the back, but the door can be built out to become a small kitchen or additional storage space. The best part of the trailer is the roof that pops up so you can get dressed standing up.
Michael also said that this trailer is nearly bear proof. Perfect for camping in Yellowstone.
Photos by Michael Hippenhammer
Michael named his teardrop the Klein Cabine, which means "little cabin" in German. The trailer contains two six volt golf cart batteries, a 40 amp charger, 110 volt break box and a 300 watt inverter. The trailer has lights, forward storage, a mechanical area, an overhead cabinet in the bed area as well as storage under the bed. The 3-panel bed can be adjusted to become seating area as well.
The 1,140 lb trailer does not have a traditional galley kitchen in the back, but the door can be built out to become a small kitchen or additional storage space. The best part of the trailer is the roof that pops up so you can get dressed standing up.
Michael also said that this trailer is nearly bear proof. Perfect for camping in Yellowstone.
Photos by Michael Hippenhammer
Featured Teardrop: La Tortuga
I ran across Steve's (Reddiver on the TNTT forum) pirate ship themed teardrop trailer, La Tortuga, over the summer at a teardrop gathering in central Nevada. My husband and I are fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, so we were drawn to this design right away. It's one of the most fun I've ever seen. Steve answered a few of my questions about his hand built design.
I love your teardrop design. Why a pirate ship?
I think I always wanted to build a boat. I knew that wasn't practical so when I decided to build the teardrop I went with a nautical theme (I was in the Navy). Next I decided to put in portholes — before I cut the holes inside I made the portholes to make sure I could make them. Once I had them the nautical theme was set. The nautical theme eventually evolved into a pirate theme during the next Christmas when my daughter bought me a Captain Morgan sign. The rest is history.
You built your teardrop yourself, correct? How long did it take you and what advice to do you have for other DIYers out there?
I did build it myself. Woodworking is a passion of mine. I bought the frame from Red Trailers, did some adjusting, cutting and welding and built the body. From the time they dropped the trailer in my driveway until the first camping trip was almost two years. I didn't work on it every day and the journey was great. I still work on it but miss the project now that it's complete.
What is your favorite part about your pirate theme?
I think the pirate chest toolbox and the portholes are my favorite parts. But once the pirate theme took hold I was receiving pirate stuff from a lot of friends, so the pirate theme includes many gifts from many friends.
What do you like best about teardrop camping? What do you like the least?
I think what I like best is about teardrops is that in NO time you will meet everybody in the campground. You can sit back and have a cold beer and meet all your neighbors. I can't think of anything I don't like...well maybe getting up to pee in the middle of the night but that's an old guy thing, not a teardrop thing.
Where are your favorite places to camp?
I'm a huge fan of the national parks. Some years ago, before I built the teardrop, my dog and I went on the road for two months and traveled across the country stopping at national parks and state parks all the way there and back. I haven't been able to do that with La Tortuga because of obligations at home but I am truly looking forward to the chance to get back on the road. I want to see Gettysburg.
Photos by Reddiver, Christina Nellemann and the The Flirty Blog
I love your teardrop design. Why a pirate ship?
I think I always wanted to build a boat. I knew that wasn't practical so when I decided to build the teardrop I went with a nautical theme (I was in the Navy). Next I decided to put in portholes — before I cut the holes inside I made the portholes to make sure I could make them. Once I had them the nautical theme was set. The nautical theme eventually evolved into a pirate theme during the next Christmas when my daughter bought me a Captain Morgan sign. The rest is history.
You built your teardrop yourself, correct? How long did it take you and what advice to do you have for other DIYers out there?
I did build it myself. Woodworking is a passion of mine. I bought the frame from Red Trailers, did some adjusting, cutting and welding and built the body. From the time they dropped the trailer in my driveway until the first camping trip was almost two years. I didn't work on it every day and the journey was great. I still work on it but miss the project now that it's complete.
I think
my advice would be to enjoy the build. Don't try to buy all your parts
at one time because plans and ideas will change. Buy the best parts you
can afford — you won't miss the money at the finish line.
I think the pirate chest toolbox and the portholes are my favorite parts. But once the pirate theme took hold I was receiving pirate stuff from a lot of friends, so the pirate theme includes many gifts from many friends.
What do you like best about teardrop camping? What do you like the least?
I think what I like best is about teardrops is that in NO time you will meet everybody in the campground. You can sit back and have a cold beer and meet all your neighbors. I can't think of anything I don't like...well maybe getting up to pee in the middle of the night but that's an old guy thing, not a teardrop thing.
Where are your favorite places to camp?
I'm a huge fan of the national parks. Some years ago, before I built the teardrop, my dog and I went on the road for two months and traveled across the country stopping at national parks and state parks all the way there and back. I haven't been able to do that with La Tortuga because of obligations at home but I am truly looking forward to the chance to get back on the road. I want to see Gettysburg.
Photos by Reddiver, Christina Nellemann and the The Flirty Blog
Featured Teardrop: Silver Tears
While surfing the web, I'm sure you've run into what is being billed at the "world's most expensive teardrop trailer". The Bulleit Bourbon Tailgater was inspired by the bourbon culture of the southern United States. The wood-paneled outer shell of this hand crafted trailer is made from reclaimed oak bourbon casks and the leather seats will age over time — just like a bottle of the amber liquor.
Davis Design and his company, Silver Tears, created two of these teardrops to be sold as limited editions by Neiman Marcus for $150,000 each. Each of the trailers also include glassware, a flat-screen TV, Blu-ray Disc™ player, and a state-of-the-art sound system, plus a one-year supply of Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye.
For the more down-to-earth teardrop shopper, Silver Tears designs and sells smaller teardrops without the high class pull-out bar. Their custom 6x11 foot Woody teardrop trailer is being sold by Orvis for $29,995 and is made from sapele and mahogany trimmed with ash. It has a custom three-piece foam mattress that converts to a sofa, Awning windows and a roof fan. The rear galley features a curly-maple counter top, a stainless-steel cooler and cabinets for storage. A freshwater tank and faucet with an electric pump are powered by a three-stage marine charger with a 110V plug.
For someone on a beer budget, Silver Tears is now producing a line of aluminum campers that will have a queen bed, galley and storage for between $10,500 and $12,500. The SilverTear will be available as a 4x8 or a 5x10 foot platform and will weigh between 700 to 1,500 lbs. It will include LED lighting, a hidden hatch under the bed for storage, to secure a port-a-potty and to contain upright seating. It will also have a Fantastic Fan, a stainless steel countertop in the galley, aluminum wing tables with supports, a stainless propane stove and a privy tent. Each SilverTear can be customized to the owner's specifications.
Photos by SilverTears
Davis Design and his company, Silver Tears, created two of these teardrops to be sold as limited editions by Neiman Marcus for $150,000 each. Each of the trailers also include glassware, a flat-screen TV, Blu-ray Disc™ player, and a state-of-the-art sound system, plus a one-year supply of Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye.
For the more down-to-earth teardrop shopper, Silver Tears designs and sells smaller teardrops without the high class pull-out bar. Their custom 6x11 foot Woody teardrop trailer is being sold by Orvis for $29,995 and is made from sapele and mahogany trimmed with ash. It has a custom three-piece foam mattress that converts to a sofa, Awning windows and a roof fan. The rear galley features a curly-maple counter top, a stainless-steel cooler and cabinets for storage. A freshwater tank and faucet with an electric pump are powered by a three-stage marine charger with a 110V plug.
Photos by SilverTears
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