The radius of the Benroy rear hatch is shown on page 6 and page 17 of the Generic Benroy plans
http://www.mikenchell.com/images/GenericBenroyPlans.pdf. The main radius is
48". That alone oversimplifies it leaving out two other details to make it look better and easier to construct.
The hatch has three different (I'll call them) "surfaces." The first surface is the
flat rear end of the hatch which is straight up and down about 18.25" tall (this could vary with your plan). The second surface is a
19" radius (again this could vary). The third surface is a
48" radius started 41-9/16" forward from the end/rear. The second 19" radius
smooths and softens (what could be an abrupt transition without it) the transition from the flat area blending it into the larger 48" radius. It's easier to understand by looking at the plans.
To experiment with something else you can use a water
hose to mock up alternatives. Lay the hose down on your mockup design for the hatch and roof line. It is easy to change around. Or use colored
painters tape for your mockup. Painters tape is especially good for visualizing things like counter tops, bulkheads, shelves, doors, etc. Once you have a curve you like you may then use pvc pipe to lay it out more accurately if the curve is not an exact circumference.
I really like the look of the
front 24" radius of Becky's beautiful teardrop. I've come to appreciate that the Benroy is a
simpler teardrop plan to build and It provides good interior space.
Becky's Benroy teardrop proves it can be a simply elegant design when done as skillfully as hers.Three more reasons I like the Benroy teardrop plan: 1. It can be
stretched easily from 8' to 10' long or whatever length best fits your needs/budget.
2. It's longer
flat roof may be an easy one to mount a
solar collector onto, like U-L Solars
http://www.ul-solar.com/ 12 volt panels. With solar you can boondock more easily, and possibly use a 12 volt/120AC powered
fridge/freezer like a
TruckFridge http://www.truckfridge.com/tf31.html for you "soda pop" or whatever.
3. The
flat front area makes adding a
tongue box for more storage easy, blending well into its front shape and maybe becoming more
aerodynamic.4. Extra Bonus Points for an Easier Design to Build.