If you were to build it all over again ...

[Ron Dickey]

Each day new idea come in, new designs, old tears reappear, someone does it different and you like it even more. Also there are a certain number of people who are in the 2nd teardrop club, for a reason...

If you started over, or if you would start over what would your main reason be?

 

[mikeschn]

If I hadn't built such a heavy one the second time around, my answer would have been, I wanted it wider!!!

Mike...

 

[Chip-TNT]

After almost finishing my first tear I there are a number of things I would do completely different,,A number of thes changes would make the construction process run smoother and the end result a lot nicer,,ya got to build one or maybe even two before it really all starts to click together..

I am overall happy with my first build but #2 would (will) be different than the first.

chip

 

[tdthinker]

I really want a woddie although I will most likely paint, I have a large tear design so most likely I would want it lighter. Prob is if it is lighter it is usally smaller.

 

[shil]

I made a few mistakes I'd like to correct; I voted for 'Better Quality'.

It's only the first time once.

 

[Anonymous]

"Other"
Because I sold it, or someone stole it.

 

[beverlyt]

I would want it wider.

And I would have done that from the start, had I found this forum right away and had there been plans available.

To date, noone sells step-by-step plans for a 5' wide teardrop.

Bev

 

[BufordT-TNT]

I really wanted better quality
I really wanted it lighter
I really wanted a more modern looking one

I started out building a grasshopper. Was much too big for a first attempt.
I ended up with a mini-hopper. Close to what Mike's weekender looks like.

My next one will be either a weekender or a more traditional design with modern style.

But either way there will be a third one down the road.

Bufordt

 

[pdart70]

I think I would make it ( will make the next one) wider. Weight not really a problem.

 

[Arne-TNT]

With having gained more knowledge, I would do the following:

- use a h/f trailer, widened to 5 ft, lengthened to 10 ft (the current 104" is just adequate).

- I would not make it as tall (56"), I would stay with 48"

- I would put in a footwell (to still have headroom for a table)

- replace stock spring/axle with torsion axle

- not build it in one month. this was done out of necessity. If I build another, I won't have to rush it. It does take a toll....

re the above, I can still put in the footwell and replace the axle. I am not at all unhappy with the way my first tear is turning out, with more time and planning, it just could have been tweaked a bit to make it 'more better'.....

 

[SteveH-TNT]

I LIKE this thread. Didn't vote, because I've not built a Teardrop, but it gives me a "heads up" on what NOT to do. Would love to see more input here.

Steve

 

[Joseph-TNT]

I'd have used a wooden frame w/bolt-on axle like the original rather than an HF frame. I'd have also built the hatch first and built the walls to fit rather than trying to fit the hatch to the walls.

Joseph

 

[campadk-TNT]

I couldn't vote either... We're pretty happy with what we have, although a bit more vintage look is on the wish list (replacing fenders next spring).

Was surprised to see that 'I really wanted it wider' is 29% of the vote. Wider for the cabin? or galley or both?? True 4ft is a bit cozy. I think the ideal width is 54 inches. I would have thought more would vote for 'I really wanted it longer' which I found was more of an issue then width.

 

[Rondacker-FRF]

Bigger, Lighter construction methods, creative opportunity! I'll fix things that I did wrong...and make some new mistakes,,,so,,,I'll build the next one smaller,,lighter,,more creative opportunity,,,Could go on and on and on.. I'll probably just keep building something. It's just what I enjoy! Maybe I'll build for someone else? Anyone? I'm looking forward to retirement, in 8-10 years. I am very cranky without something to work on. OR...A fleet for any mood! Loaners for friends. ..I'll need more money...Oh Boy!!!

 

[Woody-TNT]

Even though it is not an option on the poll. Beyond making it wider, I would have thought thru my electrical system better on the layout and access for maintenance (removable access panels) and adding additional circuits easily without having to reinvent the wheel. I thought that I had it covered by adding extra wires in the original design and still have a clean install. Extra 120 vac outlets and expansion of the 12 vdc system to accomodate future upgrades. I can still do it but now it is more difficult

 

[Frank-TNT]

Wider, longer, a galley, more creativity, and better workmanship. It is nice from a distance and has served well, for the knowledge I had at the time am proud of it. But now feel like a lot better is possible.

Frank

 

[Dave Nathanson]

Due to my practice with cardboard I knew we wanted a 5 foot wide teardrop. That has worked out really well. A few things I would do, or consider doing differently:
* Insulation. Yeah even in So Calif it gets cold at night & in the mountains. We have tried to retro-fit insulation, but it hasn't worked out.
* stronger tongue (done!)
* stronger frame where it counts. (done!) Like over the leaf springs (frame tore there in Saline Valley).
* Sturdier rear bumper; it's already all tweaked.
* Rethink galley altogether, starting with different galley cabinet doors. They look really nice, but the 2 sliding doors are always in each others way. I'm thinking 3 roll top desk type doors would be about perfect!
* Built in stove
* More efficient galley design. So it doesn't take so much set-up and put away.
* Consider a non-wooden kitchen counter top. Maybe nice sheet metal.
* build in 12v light dimmer for the galley light (done!)
* Sliding windows, not the cool retro crank outs that are always at risk of hitting the outside & breaking something.
* raise the cabin shelf/drawer slightly so I never whack my knees on it.
* Reading lights should be mounted at the headboard center, so they each aim towards the outside wall (away from your spouse).
* Reading lights should have dimmers.
* Figure out the storage better. I hate digging though my duffel bag to find stuff.
* Skip the roof vent. We haven't needed it so far, and it lets all the warm air out in the winter. IF we were going to do a roof vent again I'd look for a quiet fan with big blades that can turn slowly. It is really nice having the light come in though. We're both happy with the front window!
* Screen doors - Louise used some plastic magnetic strips to make removable screen doors that worked out pretty well.
* Not use piano hinge for doors. It leaks badly while driving in the rain. Or cover it.
* Get the axle with a manual parking brake and electric brakes.
* have a dedicated storage place under the TD for jack, spare leaf spring, tools for those jobs and a set of big safety reflectors.
* Bigger front wheel, so it would be way easier to roll on dirt when hooking up.
* Design the trailer so repairs are possible. An interesting puzzle.

I guess that's about it really. We're really happy with our teardrop.

 

[Dennis T]

I would like to have it a woody that is longer and taller. Also a inside space for my Pride Victory XL-4. Making a galley that is more useable and putting drop wells in the floor. I have plans running through my head and have put a couple on paper but as I read on and get ideas, i know it will take a while. At least I have the Little Guy to keep us camping and continuing to meet and make new friends.
Dennis T

 

[campadk-TNT]

My 'dream' tear will be as follows (combo design elements of Hunter HU-3 and the Camp-Inn). Would be more of a Hunter than the Camp-Inn I think.

4.5" wide by 10 ft. (6 inches wider than currently for a bit more elbow room).

Highest grade aluminum available for that aircraft mirror look. Aluminum skin top and sides. Would consider a partial woodie panel on the sides if it looked good.

Shape would incorporate more of the curved profile of the Camp-Inn vs the Hunter's sharper corners.

Same Galley we have customized in our Hunter but we get an extra 6" more width to play with. Camp-Inn galley doesn't have the same functionality we look for. Maybe add a swing out table.

Power assist galley hatch.

Camp-Inn forward duo teardrop windows... definately.

Small porthole window on the side... if it doesn't look silly. Ok I think we have enough windows now with the forward teardrops!

Slightly larger door windows than the Hunter/Camp-Inn. Windows that allow a bit more view out, as well as provide more cross breeze.

Sky light for night time star gazing (moon room).

Under bunk storage as in the Hunter but with power raise assist.

Fiberglass fenders for that retro look (Camp-Inn fenders are too modern, Hunters too plain). Probably painted a deep Adirondack red.

Retro style S-t-o-p lights.

Cabin inside would be more like the Hunter than the Camp-Inn. Front sliders for access too forward clothes. Rear shelves might be cupboards with sliders but area designed for the stereo/home theatre.

Front tongue aluminum box as per what we have for folding chairs, propane, axe etc.

Cost: to be negotiated

 

[mikeschn]

Cost: to be negotiated

I take it this was directed at Steve???

Mike...