This is our Tiny Trailer.  

The design is original and was built around a 4’x 6’ utility trailer purchased from Tractor Supply Company. We wanted something that would fit on the trailer and not hang off the end, sleep the three of us, able to be removed from the trailer if needed, and built on a budget. We hope this design will inspire others.

The exterior is skinned with ½ rough plywood, sanded, primer sealed, then painted with two coats exterior white enamel paint. (The hinged door on the side opens to allow the AC to mount in the opening)

Construction and framing concept

(Click on thumbnail for larger view)

The floor bottom that mates to the trailer is covered with galvanized metal sheet flashing to protect the wood floor from road debris and water spray

Loaded and ready to go!

 The interior is completely insulated with ¾ closed cell foam insulation and covered with 1/8 in plywood, sealed and painted. The flooring is peel-stick-vinyl sheeting. For safety we installed a CO₂ / smoke detector and fire extinguisher.

The interior is large enough to accommodate a queen size foam mattress and sleeps the three of us.  When it come time to set up, planks are laid across the well area to make queen sized bed! The well area then becomes a storage space for clothing, food, etc. – neat huh! We move the microwave and fridge out into the enclosure.

All electrical components and wiring were purchased from Home Depot to facilitate a 120 volt 30 amp hook up (sorry no 12 volt system). I did all the wiring myself (plenty of electrical experience). We carry a small household AC unit, 13” color TV, satellite receiver, microwave and small refrigerator – who said “roughing it” had to be so uncomfortable! 

                                                  Yes, that is our satellite dish out front!

To extend the capabilities of our Tiny Trailer, we added a 10’ x 10’ screened shelter with wind curtains for added privacy. When fully enclosed and tarps for the bottom, the small AC unit will actually cool both the trailer and the enclosure to some degree during a hot Texas summer day! I got the idea from a fellow who was showing us his new pop up camper that he just bought. His camper had canvas sides and sleeping areas and was larger than our trailer and shelter.  I figured that if his unit could cool all that much space, then certainly so could ours.  It worked. However, during the warm summer nights, we prefer to shut the door and just cool the sleeping quarters. 

  Our  '06 tow Jeep ("Ole Yeller")            The Girls (mom's in white!)           Time to take down and go home!

Total construction cost, not including trailer (which I had) or shelter – $ 700.00 (lumber, paint, electrical, screws, adhesives, microwave, refrigerator, etc) The shelter (brand name: First Up 10X10)was bought new at Wal-mart for $156.00. 

Teardrops and Tiny travel Trailers Forum, with good advice and free downloadable plans: www.mikenchell.com/forums