First teardrop and build.

[Dorado]

Hi folks I'm looking to upgrade from tent camping to something a little more comfortable. I was hoping I could pick your brains a bit before I get started. I've been wanting to build me a teardrop for a while now, and I now have the time to do it. I've been in the construction industry for most my working life and so I know my way around a hammer.
I'm a bit overwhelmed at both the amount of designs and the amount of detail in them. I know the detail will come towards the end of the build. I've been looking at building something similar to the "Weekender". Is that a good design to start with or should I go with something more "traditional"?

[S. Heisley]

In my personal opinion, the Weekender is a very good choice for a first teardrop. With your skills and abilities, you would probably be out on your maiden trip with it in very little time.

[Wimperdink]

IMHO A benefit to the more rounded designs are the seams between the roof plys are easier to seal as they will be relatively flat instead of on corners.

The squared off versions are easier to cut than curves.

Its all really in what appeals to you the most. I don't think one would be any harder than the other in the long run, given your history with a hammer.

[Dorado]

I picked it for the angles. I've got a WWII jeep that I'm restoring that the angles would complement very well. That and I'm not too worried about the seams leaking. I'm going to glass the crap out of it. But a couple of questions I have are:
1) What do I do about power?
Where I travel it tends to get very hot and not have "shore" power. I'd like to be able to have A/C if possible.
2) Where do I get the hardware for it?
I can find almost anything except for the vents, handles, and the like.

[Wimperdink]

I picked it for the angles. I've got a WWII jeep that I'm restoring that the angles would complement very well. That and I'm not too worried about the seams leaking. I'm going to glass the crap out of it. But a couple of questions I have are:
1) What do I do about power?
Where I travel it tends to get very hot and not have "shore" power. I'd like to be able to have A/C if possible.
2) Where do I get the hardware for it?
I can find almost anything except for the vents, handles, and the like.

Then yep the weekender sounds good. A simple 12v marine battery is great for lights and a roof vent fan but an AC is going to use a lot more power than batteries will handle. You might want to look into an inverter style genny to keep it quietish. There are a huge # of places to order rv vents and door handles and such online if thats what you were referring to. Hit google and pick one. There's also a link up top that will lead you in the right direction for a lot of stuff.... sdtripper2's index

I've always thought a tank style teardrop with a working telescope turret on top would look great behind an old green army jeep.

[Dorado]

I've always thought a tank style teardrop with a working telescope turret on top would look great behind an old green army jeep.

That'd look great next to the howitzer.
Good night.