New 10th Anniversary Teardrop design!

[mikeschn]

With our 10 year anniversary coming up next spring, I'm thinking it's time to come up with a new teardrop design that I can put up there in design resources, next to the Generic Benroy.

So what would you guys like to see?

Mike...

[citylights]

The one I want to see, that I want to build, but it has problems I haven't worked out yet...

Standard benroy back, but in the front, the doors open up to a drop footwell about 30 inches wide, one side of the footwell leads to the back and the bed, the other side of the footwell leads to the front, a built in dinet for two, two chairs facing the back of the tear, small table between the chairs. Enhancement is a potty in one of the chairs. Footwell is large enough for short people to stand and dress, tall people to slouch and dress while trying not to hit their head on anything. Overall design needs to be low enough to be teardrop profile for good towing and fit into garage. Can it fit in a 10 or 12 foot length?

Problems I have not solved... Entry into the tear is at the footwell rather than mid bed. From the footwell entry into the bed is awkward, head at the rear of the teardrop in a 5 foot wide, or sideways with partner climb over in a 6 foot wide. With all the features mentioned interior storage is small with, cabin cabinets over the bed another cramped problem.

[Wolffarmer]

I would like to see something that can be towed with a vehicle with about a 2500cc motor. A size I feel is quickly becoming a common "bigger" vehicle. For me I don't something that I need a full size pickup to drag it down the Interstate at 65 mph. 65 is the speed I drive. Yes I know I have probably just bent the nose of a bunch of people but one of the things about teardroping is not needing a big vehicle.
A 5 wide is popular and what I am building. More or less. Pop ups, slide outs, tilt ends are all nice but I would not like it if I had to do some configuration changes if I just wanted to climb in the trailer for a nap.
Probably should be built on a commercial trailer. I can build my trailer but most can't.
For me must be insulated. Many people need an AC. I would not put a water system in. To much trouble for me. Good ventilation. I would like a bit of head room but not a standy. Something I can set in during bad weather. I have configured my 4x8 so I can set in it but it is to crowed for more than me, it has a deep foot well that I really like. And a trap door in the bottom of that so I can stand up in it. I have found that to be very useful in a small trailer. My joints do not move like they use to.
Just some rambles
Randy

[mikeschn]

At first blush I am thinking a classic design, with modern amenities. So it would probably be small enough to be towed with a car. It would probably have nice curves. It might even be finished in aluminum.

I'm thinking, here's what we don't want to build...



So what do we want to build?

I hear over and over again, "if I was building it again I would do things differently".

So tell me, what would you do differently?

Mike...

[GPW]

QUOTE: “ So tell me, what would you do differently ? “ .....
We would make it out of Foam !!!!!

[Wolffarmer]

I would make it lighter. Give it ground clearance for rough roads, a little lower than what I have, not much. Better looking curves. 5 wide. 2 doors

What I will keep, my rear opening doors in lower galley and pop up tables. deep foot well, insulation,

I will stay away from aluminum siding. Hard for me to work myself and hard to get in the fly over places

[KennethW]

If you want more people to build a teardrop you have to keep it simple. Start with a very simple plan than is very easy to build that options can be added. For starters 4x8 Harbor Freight trailers are low cost(a twin size bed fits with small side pillows for you arms). Make the hatch and doors part of the main shell to be cut out when the shell is done. That makes it less intimating to the first time builder. No water or cabinets, but made so that they can be added if needed.( A water jug and plastic containers will work) If building a insulated wall use 1/4 on the inside (Adds little to the weight) and you can mount thing later without planing for them. Lay the ceiling over the walls and screw down with the ceiling supports followed by the insulation and roof.The outside of the wall runs wild and is cut off to match the roof. No need to push the ceiling up on the inside and makes the ceiling more a structural member. Run surface wiring, no planing needed and less intimating. (some lights and a power strip). Put all the heavy thing in the tonge box (battery,water,food) so you don't have to move the wheels.
Stay away from trim and thing one has to order. (strap hinges and a folded aluminum strip(_/\_ turnover in the crack) works for the hatch). Vinyl utility windows will work(they work on ice castle fish-houses) polyurethane caulk is a lot better as a seam sealer then silicon caulk for the wall roof seam.
The options could be.
Tube in the ceiling for a pullout shower,changing room bar.
roof fan
tubs under the floor for storage
drop-able floor with cloth sides(on the second trailer bay)for sitting down.
Hinged hatch supports the fold up across the inside of the hatch and down over pegs on the side to setup.
Fold down kitchen counter work space.(open hatch fold down)
Fold out rain cover (shade) on the inside of hatch.(vinyl covered roll down window shade with support rods?)
Just my thoughts. PS remember to KISS.

[High Desert]

As it's one of the biggest topics here, maybe it should be designed as a 5' wide that could be reduced to a 4' wide if the builder wants to. That, a simple efficient type of build, and of course some great lines.

This will be fun to watch.

[working on it]

At first blush I am thinking a classic design, with modern amenities. So it would probably be small enough to be towed with a car. It would probably have nice curves. It might even be finished in aluminum.

I'm thinking, here's what we don't want to build...



So what do we want to build?

I hear over and over again, "if I was building it again I would do things differently".

So tell me, what would you do differently?

Mike...

OK, let's set the parameters. (a) Form: Teardrop, or TTT (any historically seen profile)- or cargo or foamie (not really classic-yet)***side note: standies , canned hams, and similar are "classic", but in another category than TDs & TTT's, (b) Size: 4x8 minimum 6x12 maximum (actually, I've got an informal average size of plywood trailers, from about 100 samples of the most prevalent types: 5x9 and 1050lbs), (c) Internal features: (depending on size and profile limitations) must have some galley or storage for "cooking gear", water, and minimal "potty" equipt., sleeping arrangements for a couple or +kids, venting/windows/fans/insulation for Mid-American climates (everyone needs air, whether its hot or cold) temp range 10F- 95F (about 40 degrees +/- from average national temperatures). Here's a factoid: State-wide averages of annual temperatures range from a high of 70.7 degrees Fahrenheit (21.5 degrees Celsius) in Florida to a low of 26.6 °F (-3.0 °C) in Alaska. For the entire United States, excluding Hawaii and Alaska, the year averages 52.7 °F (11.5 °C).The temperatures are based on data collected by weather stations throughout each state during the years 1971 to 2000 and made available by the NOAA National Climatic Data Center of the United States. Taken from http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-annual-state-temperatures.php. It looks like A/C and heat are the new normal equipment for us now, "classic" or not. And insulation is also feasible now, though not traditionally "classic". and (d) Covering/skinning/painting: "classic" almost dictates aluminum, but that was what they had available during the golden age of teardrops. Now we have many choices, unavailable before, or better than back in the day. Still, the aluminum skin is the "classic" approach. If you really want a different "classic" TD or TTT to celebrate with, why not design a moderately-sized 5x9 (or thereabouts), aluminum-skinned (or appearing) adaptation along the lines of a Bowlus

Bowlus Road Chief.jpg (62.38 KiB) Viewed 899 times

or as a Dymaxion look-alike

Dymaxion.jpg (48.24 KiB) Viewed 899 times

Of course, to do so, the foamie techniques of curving and canvassing might be utilized. Whoops, crossing lines here! I guess that means you're free to create a new "classic" standard!

[KennethW]

Are we looking at putting a dreamy teardrop or a basic build under design resource. As a first time builder I was looking for a design that was very easy to build that could be upgraded that would get my out camping. The Benroy design is a good design, but might put the less skilled running away. I guess if I was to vote I would vote for a starter teardrop that almost anyone could build with only a few tool(a few wrenches, a saber-saw,drill. caulk-gun and and screwdriver). No skill in a parking lot ,in a couple of weekends. A new sportsman? Yes, if you want both it would be great. A bronze and a platinum.

[jdarkoregon]

I haven't noticed the Weekender on the forum lately. Simple, cheap and you wouldn't have to recreate the wheel. Maybe an "off-road" version and a "freeway" version.

John

[mezmo]

How about a Solid Wall "Tent-On-Wheels". Flat panels basically.
Could be done as TD or TTT, depending on chosen dimensions. Also
it could be done as 'permanent' mount or demountable. Easy structure
for a shell stage, then finish out as wanted/needed. Mini-SIPs could
be used if wanted.

[Click for larger view.]



Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[Junkboy999]

Needs a back end entry and hatch like a wild goose. Have a pop-up in the top like Max Headroom. After you pop it up a slide out on both sides for Kids beds, and a slide out up front for master bed room. Should not be that hard.

Get to it Chop Chop.

[mikeschn]

Question for you guys... since I hearing some of you say, keep it simple...

Should this 10th Anniversary design have a built in Air Conditioner? And if so, where should it be?

Mike...

[GPW]

How about just a Hole (cutout) for an AC , so you can pop one in , if needed... they’re little ! ... Just a small but relevant commitment towards Air Conditioning... now or later