The custom teardrop trailer–few mobile sleeping accommodations are as personal as this one. With a limited amount of space, the person who builds and uses one has to make tough decisions regarding what to include and what to omit.
The basic design of a Teardrop trailer includes an interior sleeping space and a galley kitchen accessible from the back. These small trailers are aerodynamic and light-weight, and can be easily pulled with a car, making them ecologically and economically friendly. They are also relatively easy to build for a minimal investment.
Handy man and Teardrop enthusiast, Ryan decided to build his very own trailer. The entire process took about seven months to complete. He documented the build on his website, Teardrop Builder.com
Take a look at the process he went through to turn his plans into reality. Who knows, maybe you will be inspired to build your own teardrop!
To start, Ryan assembled the 5 x 8-foot trailer that would become the foundation of the trailer.
The tail lights will be added after the body is complete.
The floor is built from poplar and birch plywood planks.
Holes were created to allow for wiring, as well as to reduce the overall weight.
The walls are attached using a tongue and groove method, as well as glue.
He installed inner and outer walls to the sides.
Then, he cut a hole for the door.
The cabinets for the kitchen were built separately from the rest of the custom teardrop trailer, and then installed.
When installing the cabinets, he added wiring. The parts were attached to each other with deck screws. They were then glued and clamped together while the glue set.
Here, you see what the parts looked like during a fit test.
Roof spars gave Ryan the necessary room to install insulation on the top of the trailer.
The outer layer provides a smooth surface for a nice finish.
Ryan chose to use an aniline dye for a base color on the trailer’s exterior.
Next a few layers of epoxy are added to the finish. He allowed sufficient time to cure between coats.
The cabinet doors were added and the hatch door for the galley was built and installed.
The interior features cabinets and shelving in the front of the trailer.
Another set of cabinets reside on the back side of the galley providing ample interior storage space.
Here is the galley after it was finished with the cabinet doors and hatch.
With the epoxy cured, the trailer has a lovely finish.
It is ready for the road.
By copying his process, you could build your own custom teardrop trailer. Imagine traveling in style and sleeping in the comfort of your construction. Rather than spending money on a motel room, or pitching and tearing down a tent, you would have your own private quarters.
To see more photos, and learn more about Ryan’s building process head over to his every informative website, Teardrop Builder.
Please share this with any friends or family members who have a love for adventure and a penchant for DIY. This will likely inspire them to build their own or to renovate whatever residence—on wheels or off—that they have.
