Teardrop Trailers
Last edited May 30, 2007
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IKEA | home | Summer | Summer furniture | Lounge furniture | DYNING Hammock
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Campmor: Reliance Best Power Peg Plastic Stakes-9 inch
www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductD...
Reliance Best Power Peg Plastic Stakes-9 inch
Item Number: 21776


Wt. 1.5oz., Qty. per Pack: 6

Super-tough injection molded ABS plastic. Power pegs are impervious to temperature extremes and can not rust. Bright color makes them easy to find.

Campmor: Sand Hog 12 in. Heavy Steel Stake
www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductD...
Sand Hog 12 in. Heavy Steel Stake
Item Number: 21232


This stake is heavy duty piece of rebar with a triangular wing welded to it. It is rugged, very, very hard to bend and the large surface area makes it ideal for sand or loosely packed soil. It has a hook to make removal easier. Wt. 11oz.

My design notes

Foam Furniture - Tri-Fold Foam Mats - Trifold Hide-A-Mat Black
www.futons.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdI...
Before designing my Teardrop, I'lll need to understand all the uses, actors and goals -- these are software design techniques that should help make a really sweet trailer.

Use:  Shelter and entertainment on a rainy day
Solution:  Custom futon like solution that runs along the side wall (opposite the door).  When the futon is closed, you climb into the trailer and sit with back to the side wall.

Use:  Entertainment
Solution:  Mac laptop with remote and isight.  I'll be able to connect to wifi services to download programs for later viewing (video.google.com, itunes, youtube etc.)  I'll be able to connect to the internet at times perhaps with a cell carrier at some point.  I'll have my complete music collection with me at all times.  This is a very lightweight, small and power friendly all in one solution.  Simple and cheap speakers and a place to charge the laptop are all that are needed to make for a great small space experience.

Use:  Carry a small boat
Solution -- I'll need to design a strong and safe 'roof rack' for this trailer.  The roof rack on my car will be hauling the kayaks and I'll need a place for the rowboat.

Use:  Reading Room and changing rooom.
I'll  need some smarts lighting to facilitate reading, changing and finding things at night.  Should consider the possibility of playing cards or poker as well.  Think LED lighting.

Use:  Seeing who is at the door.
There needs to be a little light outside the door to make it easy to see who is outside.  Also, a little light will make the trailer seem more inviting.  Concern -- inviting bugs to flock around the light.  The light shouldn't be too close to the door.
This list of design goals is outstanding.  A great way to start planning a project.  Please check out the rest of Anozira's musings to get the full story.
Teardrop Trailer - Design Goals Created 01/21/03 Anozira
Updated 03/15/03
http://members.1stconnect.com/anozir
 General Design Goals

While I don't expect it to replace a pack mule, I would like to take it off-road. As far and as rough as possible.

  • It should match or exceed the Jeep in:
    • Road clearance
    • Departure angle (wheel to bumper)
    • Be no higher or wider than the Jeep.
  • Follow in the same wheel tracks.
  • Share a spare tire and wheel with the Jeep. Donate a 2nd & 3rd spare to the Jeep.
  • Painted in the same colors as the Jeep - green and tan.
  • Easy towing
    • No larger than needed
      • Store in a normal garage bay
    • As light as reasonable for strength
    • Low wind drag
  • Good ventilation in the summer
    • Power roof vents
    • Circulating fan
    • Door on each side
      • Big doors give better ventillation and easier cargo loading
    • Awning style opening windows with screens on each door
    • Possibly provide evaportive cooling (I'm in the American desert southwest)
    • One old design had adjustable air intakes low on the side
  • Well insulated in the winter
    • Allow for skirt to sheild underside from wind
  • Well sealed against drafts and road dust
  • Energy self-sufficient
    • Enough propane tank capacity for a months heating and cooking
    • Solar panel & Deep Cycle battery
      • 150 Watt panel appears suitable in size and weight.
        • $600 to $850
        • 30 pounds
        • 1,200 Watt-Hours in an 8 hour day.
      • Easy to remove or another way to prevent theft during storage
      • Protected from road hazards when traveling
        • Fold against roof
        • Store inside
    • Inverter to produce 120 VAC (if needed)
    • Battery Charger (if needed)
    • Fluorescent lights, 12 VDC
    • Communications, AM, FM, SW, Scanner, TV, Ham
    • Entertainment and Computer
    • Heat as last resort
    • Generous 12V outlets
  • Kitchen/Galley
    • Propane stove
    • Icebox/Cooler
    • Water Carrier/Underfloor Tank
    • Hand Pump
    • Sink
    • Possibly a "gray water" tank under the floor
    • Overhead light on door
    • Cutting board
    • Pass-through to sleeping area
  • Storage
    • Provision for roof rack
    • Underfloor box
    • Tongue box
    • Attachments inside for cargo net/elastic cords
    • The "foot area" is an obvious place to stash cargo when moving. The height should be carefully thought out for likely cargo.
    • Being over the axle, it is also the first choice for heavy items. Provide some means to tie down heavy cargo.
  • Convenience
  • Misc
    • Stainless steel/rust-proof hardware
    • Street legal lights/licence plate
    • Fire Extinguisher (required by law for commercial trailers)

Points to Remember

Things like door and counter heights must be chosen carefully so they will be comfortable with various wheel sizes.

The trailer will be designed as modules - floor, walls, rear partitions, roof. This has two purposes. First I will be building it alone, so no part can be over say 100 pounds. Second, I may be dissatisfied with my starter chassis, so I'm designing things so they can be moved to another chassis with minimum modification and rebuilding.

Clippings from the Net

What is it?

The 10' Comet is a re-make of the 1947 Trailer for Two from Mechanix Illustrated.  It is a  fully-appointed teardrop  with all the amenities that you'd expect from an upper-tier trailer.  Fully insulated walls, floor and ceiling, Two doors with operable windows, roof fan and vent, off road suspension, complete lighting system, a galley that includes a built-in icebox, electric water system with 12-gallon tank, roll-out stove, a

space for a 4-seater picnic table and benches (with umbrella), plenty of food and utensil storage, all enclosed in heirloom-quality cabinets that put the ones in your kitchen to shame.  To top it off, a hatch in the floor lifts up to fit an electric chemical toilet for handy "pit stops" while traveling.  No more trying to find a gas station!

Q. How much does it cost to build the Comet as shown?

A. That depends on you.  We spent between $3000 to $3500 on the Comet prototype.  The Cubby is around $2000.  You can get by with less, but it won't be as nice.  From what we've seen at Hot Rod shows, we know some of you motorheads can easily spend way more than that customizing it with fat fenders, drop axles, nice paint jobs, etc.  But one thing is for sure: a good set of plans will save you money, and help you build it right the first time.

Q. How long does it take to build a Teardrop Trailer?

A. This also depends on you.  It is like asking "how long does it take to build a room addition?"  Someone who works on it all day will obviously finish sooner than someone who only works evenings and weekends.  And there are some of you handymen out there who will stretch the project out for months (you know who you are).  Again, the best way to save time is to have a great set of plans, which will minimize time, expense and misery.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?ite...
1800 LB. CAPACITY SUPER HEAVY DUTY 48" x 96" UTILITY TRAILER WITH 5 LUG 12" WHEELS AND TIRES

1800 LB. LOAD CAPACITY

Forced-Air WoodBurning BBQ's -- WoodFlameUSA Online Store
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www.extremeled.com/zled.aspx
www.extremeled.com/zled.aspx
Low Profile LED Shelf Lighting
Add nearly hidden lighting to shelves, cabinets and desk cubbies. It's great for hard to see areas, accent lighting and places where power outlets are not available.
posted by sockmaster on Mar 26, 2006
comments (3)
I was tired of looking for things in the nightsand in the dark and didn't want turn on the lamp on the nightstand.
The Museum of Useful Things
www.themut.com/zoomprod.php?pid=49

Red Clock Timer
Red Clock Timer Made In Taiwan

Now know exactly what time the cookies went in the oven and when to take them out. Our clock/timer is wall mountable and requires one AA battery. Size 6"w x 2"d x 3.75"h Price $24.00

Price:24.00

Teardrop Trailer Project
Introduction

New!
A Teardrop Builder's Shop Manual!
www.extremeled.com/zled.aspx
www.extremeled.com/zled.aspx
LIVING : Upholstery : Make a Fleece Futon Cover : DIY Network
www.diynetwork.com/diy/ln_upholstery/article/0,204...


A futon cover made with laced-together fleece blankets provides cozy, casual warmth and is easy and inexpensive to make.
Lil' Bear Tag-Alongs: Parts (530) 275-6728
www.teardrops.net/LilBear/parts.html

NEW! (... and finally available!)
9" Mod/Cub-style fiberglass fenders
These are original width 'glass versions of the aluminum fenders found on Modernistic/Modernaire/Marvel-Dwyer, Cub, Ken-Skill, Wesley Slumbercoach, and some other original vintage teardrops.
Introductory price: $320.00 plus S&H ($100.00 base S&H West Coast US, additional for points east and foreign/overseas. Must be shipped in two [2] packages)

Lil' Bear Tag-Alongs: Parts (530) 275-6728
www.teardrops.net/LilBear/parts.html

Li'l Bear Teardrop Hinge

NEW and IMPROVED!!! "Better-Than-Hurricane"
Leakproof Galley Lid Hinge

  • Still 2-piece Extruded Aluminum - mill finish!
  • Lower Profile Crown
  • Tighter "Nesting Pocket" Within the Crown (less slop/play)
  • NO Lid-to-Roof Offset!
  • Same Great Price

Cost: $45.00 for 4' ...
add $16.00 for each additional foot up to
8' maximum length
price includes S & H.

Popular Mechanics - Reader Project: Teardrop Trailer
www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/home_own...
MATERIALS LIST--TEARDROP TRAILER
Qty. Material Price Where I Bought It
1 4' x 8' trailer frame (with spare 13" tire and free shipping) $220 Harborfreight.com
Maple hardwood with both heart and sapwood $700 Local hardwood supplier
2 1/2" 4' x 8' CDX plywood sheets $49 Home Depot
2 1/4" 4' x 8' Masonite sheets $40 Home Depot
7 2" x 4" x 8' $35 Home Depot
10 12" x 12" floor tiles $10 Home Depot
15 L-shaped Simpson-Strong-Tie framing brackets $10 Home Depot
1 10' x 50' plastic sheeting for vapor barrier $20 Home Depot
5 4' x 8' sheets foam insulation $65 Home Depot
10 1/4" sheets of finish maple plywood $245 Lowe's
10 tubes of GE Silicone II $50 Home Depot
Adhesives (Titebond II, DAP contact cement, Gorilla Glue, Liquid Nails) $65 Home Depot
1 4' x 8' x 1/2" sheet of exterior plywood for base $50 Home Depot
1.5 gallons oil based Spar Urethane by Rustoleum $80 Home Depot
Door latches, catches, windows, vent, galley hinge $250 www.teardrops.net/LilBear
Food for Thought: How to Wash Up in the Wilderness, Science News Online, Aug. 26, 2006
www.sciencenews.org/articles/20060826/food.asp

Three bowls

To clean eating implements adequately, Hargreaves proposes a rigorous approach to washing in which backpackers would first fill each of three large bowls or buckets with about 5 liters (1 1/3 gallons) of clean water. Next, add 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of detergent to the first container and 10 ml (2 tsp) of 4-percent chlorine bleach (a common commercial preparation) to the second.

To wash dishes and utensils, remove most food residues in the first bowl and, in the second, scrub the items until they are visibly clean. A quick rinse in the third bowl removes the odor of the cleaning chemicals.

Thinline Series Glass Block - DECORA® Pattern
www.pittsburghcorning.com/includes/loosegb/popup.a...
Thinline Series Glass Block - DECORA® Pattern
DECORA® Pattern Available Sizes Description
4" x 8" x 3"
6" x 6" x 3"
6" x 8" x 3"
8" x 8" x 3"
With its trademark wavy undulations, this pattern provides maximum light transmission with subtle visual distortion. The nondirectional faces make installation quick.
kyouei-ltd.co.jp/balloon.html
kyouei-ltd.co.jp/balloon.html
Material: Rubber. Polypropylene.

They are a lamp which is made with a balloon and LED.The LED has no generation off power like other lights, such as incandescent lamps. And it has high illumination, long lifetime and is energy-saving. And it is also possible to use it continuously over 100 hours by using the 2lithium-coin batteries.
The flap hinge is a must have for the construction of drop-front panels and anywhere a flush mount hinge is needed to stop at 180 degrees so surfaces are flush with each other. Closed position is 90 degrees.
uhaul loc: Silver Spring, MD - Google Maps
maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=uhaul&near=Silver+S...
6889 New Hampshire Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912 - (301) 270-6400
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