First build. 4'x8' HF Teardrop (Lots of photos)

[citylights]

I'm a little worried about your galley hatch. Usually I see those with at least three and usually four spars running from the hinge to the bottom. This adds strength to resist spring back from the bent plywood on the back. You have two deep side ones and that may be enough. You might add blocking in the corners to add strength. It seems square and nicely fitting now.

Anyway, here is a picture of mine.

[Swank1975]

I appreciate the feedback. The hatch has been built and skinned for about a month now. When i put it on Saturday with the hinge it lined up great. Hopefully it stays that way. If it doesn't I will build a new hatch.

[Swank1975]

Time for an update. I have to order a couple more pieces of trim which sucks for shipping reasons. I ordered 2 sticks too few. SIGH. Door handle set is on the way. The up to Brighton, CO for my sheet aluminum once all of my rough ins are tested and done.

Roof vent rough in. Wires were already ran and hole was framed. Just used router with trim bit to clear it out. Cutting the inside ceiling out was super messy with sawdust. Man......


Inside of the fan rough in.


Inside LED reading lights.


Door rough trimmed


Crank out window rough in.

[Swank1975]

Updated photos of the galley. Cabinets are built and mounted. The drawers are done also.

[StockCube]

Galley is looking sweet - nice work.

[citylights]

It's coming together nicely! I have those same windows. Be careful with the plastic knobs, they are easy to break. Lowes has pot metal replacement knobs.

[Swank1975]

It's coming together nicely! I have those same windows. Be careful with the plastic knobs, they are easy to break. Lowes has pot metal replacement knobs.

Thanks for the tip. I have been more worried about limiting the door to open so an open window doesn't crash against the side of the camper.

[Lucky53s]

You make it look so effortless. Where are all of the screw ups? All of the re-dos? You are really putting the pressure on all the rest of the potential first-time builders.

Looks great though. I'll be following this one as I keep planning mine.

[Swank1975]

LOL Screw ups.

1) My tail slope is too steep which cut into my upper cabinet space
2) When I cut my first door out and took it to the other side I had it off 90 degrees and backwards and cut the door out wrong (not fixing it because it's not too bad to live with)
3) Somehow the kitchen cabinetry isn't really square in the back of the trailer so the passenger side drawer and counter push the limits of the space while the driver's side is set in about an inch.
4) My headliner cracked during install/bending and is hidden by interior above where our heads will be
5) Hatch cover wood cracked and has a seam that I am going to have to use duraglass body filler on to get it smooth enough to hopefully not look crappy through the aluminum skin.


Off hand I think that's it for now.

[Swank1975]

The wife got the foam for the bed in today. She is doing it in two sections. She is sewing the covers herself. They are all ready for the zippers she still needs to go buy. Tomorrow after work I'm going to pick up the aluminum for the skin and then the final push begins.

[Swank1975]

Coming along. Today I started skinning it. I hope to be done skinning and trimming by Sunday. I purchased 3 4'x10' sheets and 1 4'x10' sheet of .040" clear anodized aluminum in Thornton, CO I'm caulking the edges and caulking my trim down before I put screws in it. The middle sections of the aluminum will float for expansion. It will likely oil can from time to time when hot but should relax back into place when it cools. Exhaust fan is also in and wired. Pushing for 2 weeks to get it on the road.

[Nate.petty]

Where did you get your trim from?
Was the trim you used for the door pre-bent? or did you bend after you received it?

[Swank1975]

Trim came from Teardrop Fixit Shop and it all comes shipped straight in a piece of PVC pipe. The aluminum is very soft and be worked by hand. I did use a wood block and rubber mallot in places to make it follow the curve better. All it all it works well.

[Swank1975]

Skinning and trimming update.

[Swank1975]

Road tested it in my neighborhood tonight. I've got some trailer light issues to resolve yet but I'll get it. I have to fix the aftermarket RV plug module that is under the back bumper. It sits well and I cannot feel it behind the rover. Also got my new tongue jack tonight and kept working on the hatch trim and seal.