The First Build

[ddc612]

This journal is actually starting in the middle of my build. I will post pics and the details to go with.

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Some how the pics got out of order and I don't want to start over. My son was helping with the floor, we set it in the frame after the pics were taken.

 

[ddc612]

 

[Woodbutcher-TNT]

Lookin Good! Great profile....keep posting the pictures we love to follow along.

 

[Junkboy999]

Nice tongue mod. I love the center monted stands.

 

[ddc612]

Now for some details on the build, I seemed to have the posting of pics down so heres the details; The 5'x8' floor is 1"x2"s, foam insulation between, 1/4"plytanium on the bottom with 3/8" on the top. All set into the angle iron frame. The 4'x10' walls are 1/4" plytanium with 1"x3" parimeter, radius cut, with the ends biscuit joined, 5mm hardwood ply on the inside, with foam insulation all glued in the voids. I realized how much I over built once the walls were closed up. It got a little stiffer each time I glued a layer together. Used 1"x3" to frame the doors, and as a reinforcement for the galley and the front storeage compartment. Trying to stick to under 1000lbs finished, think it'll be close. I want to use aluminum for the exterior. Going to start the doors after the galley and front storeage is done. The wife is a little worried about the size, I told her all we need it for is sleeping, the pop-up we sold a couple months ago was used for the same thing, we were never in it except to sleep, and eat if it rained, so this won't be a whole lot different. Our son is almost 17, he's ok with a tent when he goes with, the daughter is in college and has little interest. She does think its cute though!! The tough part is going to be the rear hatch, I'm worried about leakage. I see some of yous have trimmed the sidewalls for the hatch((3/8"?)) , is there something I don't see in the plans from the project library? If anyone has any advice or suggestions I'd appreciate it. Dave

 

[capnTelescope]

You're off to a great start. I love the profile, and I see some design features that I am planning when I start my build in the next few months.

I'm particularly interested in how you make the transition from floor to the roof. I haven't puzzled this out to my satisfaction, yet.

Keep the journal going. You have an interested audience.

Brad

 

[thisoldcamper]

That sandwich construction really is strong, isn’t it? I used 1x2 with 1/8th inch luan inside and 1/8th inch structural sheeting on the outside – glued and stapled then covered in aluminum. Mine weighed in at 900 pounds, so I think you’re on track at 1000. The galley hatch gave me a little trouble at first. I didn’t do a cutout on the sidewall to fit the hatch, I fit the hatch flush and trimmed an overhang that is weatherstripped and should be weather-tight. This was my first ‘drop, so hopefully others will chime in with their hatch experiences.

 

[ddc612]

Irmo, that looks great! Yes the sandwich does make a strong wall. I was amazed at how adding a layer made the first much stronger, by the time I had the walls gkued up I realized I over built, couldn't turn back then.
As far as the transition from floor to roof, I figure a small 3/4"x3/4 nailer on the floor to attach the skin??? Already put a 1x3 with a taper for the roof skin sarting point at the front bottom. Try and get a picture today. Dave

 

[thisoldcamper]

Another idea that I got off of the forum was to put a water diverter where the roof and wall meet at the galley hinge. That way, water that runs down to the hinge gets kicked out away from the wall and doesn't creep under the hatch. Is your hatch going to go to the floor, or are you going to build up a rear wall? By the way, that's a great profile... it looks fast, just sitting still.

 

[ddc612]

Now that the holidays are over its back to work, took more pictures. I did find one of the wall build up minus the inner skin. It was taken when both walls were screwed together for radiusing with the belt sander. After this I seperated them and glued the inner skin on each. That is the point I realized how much I over built everything.

The last couple weeks I did manage to get the front storeage compartment framed in and panels cut. Still have to make the doors.

Last weekend on Craigslist someone had 4 x 10 foot sheets of aluminum for $55 each. My son and I grabbed 6 sheets, its .063 and white. A little thick, but it won't wave in the heat, right? I haven't researched that yet.

 

[Martiangod]

Looking great, Having a shop to build in is a nice luxery

Build on....

 

[ddc612]

I've been busy off and on. I got the roof skins, both inner and outer in place, trimmed and son. Getting that luan to bend around the front was a slow and tedious process. I used 1/8" luan for the inside skin. Put 2 layers of 3/4 insulation in between. Also took care of the wiring befor closing it up. Glad thats over with. Still haven't finished the galley and storeage compartments, seems one thing depends on another. Bought some more lumber for the doors today, I'm debating on only 1 door and closing up the road side and installing a bigger window. Cleaned the garage up today since the heat wave of 35degrees will be short lived. Has anybody used a computer power supply for running 12vdc for led lights and a fantastic fan? The output rating is well above what my draw will be, so it should be alright. I think a regular RV power supply is overkill for what I need. I found the camera that AWAL since Christmas, it was riding in the wifes trunk the whole time! So heres a couple pics, to show the progress.

 

[Ron Dickey]

you have very nice skill and have done a GREAT job.

The hard part is yet to come but on my first build it took some time to do the doors and hatch. I think you will have little to know trouble. You will be camping before you know it.

 

[ddc612]

Hi everybody, I've been busy and lazy all at the same time the past year. I've been able to get the cabinets done. They're done, found the right hinges. Wiring is done except for the hatch, its not on yet. In the process of finishing the hatch to fit the Tee extrusions. All exterior lighting is purchased. Picked up the exterior corner edging pieces today. Still need the Tees and hinge for the rear hatch. I was able to source the aluminum sheeting locally. At least I know where to go for stuff now and it wasn't badly priced. About $68 for 4x10. I'm still up in the air over the one door. My opening is one inch too big both ways for the Frank Bear doors, I did glue up some wood to make the opening smaller in case I can afford the door. Can always open it back up that little bit. I like the idea of a decent door to keep out the water. It's so close to being done, just within reach! Went out in the cold to take a few pics so here's where it sits. The exterior hasn't changed any, the rear hatch cabinet doors are on, not much to do there either!

 

[ddc612]

Alot has happened since my last. Computer died, and we now use smartphones in our house. That's good and bad! Pics are on the phone now, so here goes! I'm mostly done, just the final finish touches. It's registered and been road tested! Bought a 6" Memory foam mattress from Wally world. Seems comfy so far. Test camp in a week if all works out.

 

[KCStudly]

Looks nice.

 

[ddc612]

I went and weighed the TD. Came in at 1060lbs! That's with everything. Spare tire, empty cooler, small Coleman stove, TV, 2 sleeping bags. Satisfied with it. Used it a weekend a while back. All went well.

 

[ddc612]

We've been using this teardrop for 10 years! It's been working great! Purchased a memory foam mattress in a box from Walmart. Its worked fine for 10 years. Thinking the mattress is about due for replacement. The TD gets a lot of use visiting the relatives in Northern Minn. We've been as far west as Devils Tower/Rapid City and numerous times to the UP of Michigan and Wisconsin's Door County. Started building a square drop as a replacement! Going to be hard to part with when, or if that day comes!