Forum Discussion

RVcircus's avatar
RVcircus
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2016

Introduction to our new trailer project

After months of searching for a new project we found one right up our alley. And our alley is free. We ended up with a 1993 Jayco Eagle 10 pop-up. There's not much besides the frame, axle and wheels we'll be re-using, but it came with a title and I plan to re-purpose some of the trailer for different projects.

We don't have our plans set at this point, but our goal is to build a small "date night" RV for mom and dad outings. Thinking large tear drop at this point.

Here's a quick intro video for this project with a walk around of our new dream RV.

https://youtu.be/Ft6YpITQ2ek


Stay tuned for updates over the next few weeks as we tear into the trailer and decide on the direction we're going with it. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or comments let me know since we're still planning.
  • SpeakEasy's avatar
    SpeakEasy
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2016
    Off to a great start, eh?

    Last July I was camped at a park in Virginia, and on a Sunday morning I was watching as a nearby neighbor was attempting to pack up his popup. He was having some trouble getting the roof to go down. I have some popup knowledge and a few tools, so I wandered over to see if I could be of some help. This fellow was getting nowhere, and he was growing increasingly frustrated. He didn't really want any help. He ended up CUTTING cables just to try to get the roof down. He abandoned it, leaving it in the park. Not sure how he got away with that.

    All of that to say - you may have gotten your hands on that exact popup!

    Nice going!

    -Speak
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2016
    I have two tent campers, here. One was converted into a stake side utility trailer and the other is destined for that too.

    I could put a conestoga type canvas top on them for camping but the TT is where I'd rather be. If I was rehabbing one for a long term camping project, I'd build it out with a metal roof, much like a cargo trailer.
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2016
    SpeakEasy wrote:
    doned it, leaving it in the park. Not sure how he got away with that.

    All of that to say - you may have gotten your hands on that exact popup!

    Nice going!

    -Speak


    Ha, there's a good chance.
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2016
    westend wrote:
    I have two tent campers, here. One was converted into a stake side utility trailer and the other is destined for that too.

    I could put a conestoga type canvas top on them for camping but the TT is where I'd rather be. If I was rehabbing one for a long term camping project, I'd build it out with a metal roof, much like a cargo trailer.


    That's what I was thinking when I picked it up. For free, the worst case was it became a utility trailer.

    I'm planning either all aluminum or fiberglass for the shell. The shape and size are still up in the air, but it'll be small. I'm a close sleeper so this should be great for me;)
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2016
    RVcircus wrote:
    westend wrote:
    I have two tent campers, here. One was converted into a stake side utility trailer and the other is destined for that too.

    I could put a conestoga type canvas top on them for camping but the TT is where I'd rather be. If I was rehabbing one for a long term camping project, I'd build it out with a metal roof, much like a cargo trailer.


    That's what I was thinking when I picked it up. For free, the worst case was it became a utility trailer.

    I'm planning either all aluminum or fiberglass for the shell. The shape and size are still up in the air, but it'll be small. I'm a close sleeper so this should be great for me;)

    The popups make great utility trailers because they have fairly good suspension, a good frame for the deck, and are outfitted with a decent wheel size. I can't tell you how many tons I've hauled in mine.

    Yeah, an aluminum teardrop shell wouldn't be that difficult to construct and you'd end up with a larger teardrop than the typical layout. Kind of a "Honeymoon Suite", lol.

    Good luck with it, I'll be following along if you post the fabrication videos.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2016
    Great Video! I will say my mouth dropped open when you slammed the backed end!

    But... how about this idea?

    Gut the camper out. Box in the bottom. Put doors and drawers on the bottom for outside access. Create an outside sliding kitchen. Put a flat top on it for a roof. Then you can pitch a tent on top or get one of those pop-up type tents people install on the tops of their cars and trucks. Sleeping bags, and presto!

    The end result would be (something) like this: Click here.
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2016
    westend wrote:

    Yeah, an aluminum teardrop shell wouldn't be that difficult to construct and you'd end up with a larger teardrop than the typical layout. Kind of a "Honeymoon Suite", lol.


    That's what I'm thinking. We'll be using it for the few trips we take sans kids and I'm still not sure we'll use it enough to be worth it. That's the reason I'm going to keep it low budget. I plan to include the minimum amenities my wife will allow for and leave space to add on later.

    I literally have my ideas sketched out on a napkin at this point. Considering everything else I do this puts me at the final stages of planning;)
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2016
    DutchmenSport wrote:
    Great Video! I will say my mouth dropped open when you slammed the backed end!

    But... how about this idea?

    Gut the camper out. Box in the bottom. Put doors and drawers on the bottom for outside access. Create an outside sliding kitchen. Put a flat top on it for a roof. Then you can pitch a tent on top or get one of those pop-up type tents people install on the tops of their cars and trucks. Sleeping bags, and presto!

    The end result would be (something) like this: Click here.


    I'd LOVE to go that route, but my wife won't go for anything with soft sides. I'm pretty sure she thinks a bears going to get her, but then again she's OK with sleeping beside me. I don't get it:)

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025