Best books/plans to guide a "do it yourselfer" ??

[Dave M]

I'm planning to build a 5'x8'6" teardrop to my own design but need some good refernce books or plans to use as a guide for handeling all the details that are common to most designs (wall construction, wiring, insulation, doors & windows etc).

Any reccomendations? I've been told that Kuffel Creek plans are very good. Do you think they would serve as a good general how-to refernce even if I am creating my own (but similar) shape? Any others.

Thanks all

Dave

[steve wolverton]

My greatest help was this site. I found another site that has some good information, but I guess I'm not smart enough to figure out their site navigation so I stuck to this one. I read, read, and then read some more. Then I quit for a little while. But I came back and read some more. And read. Then I read a little more until I got tired of reading, then I'd rest, then I'd read, and read...I soaked it all up like a sponge. Like a big 'ol sloppy leaky sponge that can't remember most of what I read. D'oh.

Seriously though, I thought the best help was online - free advice from everyone, and more importantly (well to me anyway) was all the building and construction pictures. Also, the people I've emailed have been very friendly by supplying pictures and experiences. Once I saw how it was done, I then created my own teardrop. My own cow drop. I'm gonna go read now...

[Gage]

Dave, the Kuffel Creek plans are good. You might also take a look at this web site http://www.outbackteardrop.com/ . Larry is pretty detailed in the construction of his Teardrop. Also don't forget to ask questions on the two teardrop boards. You'll get some good answers, and then again you'll get some way out answers. That's where common sense will have to come in and select the answer that best fits your needs and direction.

Have a safe Holiday,
Gage
P.S. I built the Scotsman without any plans. Just asked questions as needed. Teardropers are very helpfull when it comes to helping other teardropers.

[asianflava]

My greatest help was this site. I found another site that has some good information, but I guess I'm not smart enough to figure out their site navigation so I stuck to this one. I read, read, and then read some more. Then I quit for a little while. But I came back and read some more. And read. Then I read a little more until I got tired of reading, then I'd rest, then I'd read, and read...I soaked it all up like a sponge. Like a big 'ol sloppy leaky sponge that can't remember most of what I read. D'oh.

Seriously though, I thought the best help was online - free advice from everyone, and more importantly (well to me anyway) was all the building and construction pictures. Also, the people I've emailed have been very friendly by supplying pictures and experiences. Once I saw how it was done, I then created my own teardrop. My own cow drop. I'm gonna go read now...

And after you get tired of reading, you can post a question pretaining to your particular situation. I am not really using plans. Just the pics posted on Andrew's site and a full size profile pattern. Well, I had to convert the printouts to actual measurments so, I guess you coud say they are plans. I wanted the measurements to be correct, I really didn't know how much room you needed here and how much room you needed there. The rest is being thought up as I go along. The method of construction, the materials, width, etc.

[josephhanson]

I purchased a set of plans and felt cheated. Most of the Information to build my trailer I got online. Look at build sites and ask questions. of others, I don't think plans are necessary.

[Chip]

Dave,,, Alot depends on your level of construction abilities and the amount of time you want to do on research,,If I had it to do over I would buy a set of the Kuffle Creek plans,,they dont give ya all the answers or every way to skin the proverbial cat,,it does give you; in one place a ready reference on how a situation could be attacked,,My trailer is not to the plans of Kuffle creek but after looking at a set after the fact, they would have answered a lot of questions during the process,,

just my 3cents (inflatation)

chip

[Joanne]

I'm planning to build a 5'x8'6" teardrop to my own design but need some good refernce books or plans to use as a guide for handeling all the details that are common to most designs (wall construction, wiring, insulation, doors & windows etc).

Any reccomendations? I've been told that Kuffel Creek plans are very good. Do you think they would serve as a good general how-to refernce even if I am creating my own (but similar) shape? Any others.

Thanks all

Dave

Hi Dave,

I have to agree with most of what's been written so far. There is a wealth of information in past postings on this forum and other TD forums. Although I'm building a GrassHopper, I bought the Kuffel Creek plans and am glad to have the reference guide.

One resource that I think that the teardrop building community has overlooked is books on sailboat and powerboat building. There are lots of books that discuss efficient use of space, electrical systems, efficient galley design, heating & air conditioning, and woodwork for built-in cabinetry. People who take longer voyages in their sailboats face many of the same issues we do in our teardrops. Storage space, cooking, battery usage, and many other topics relate to us as well as them.

If you get a chance, look at a book titled "This Old Boat". It talks about all facets of refurbishing an older sail boat including much that would relate to building a tear.

Joanne

[Dave M]

Thanks to you all.

Chip, what you said about having a ready refernce is exactly how I see using the plans or book. I have a decent amount of construction and wood working experience (lots of misc. projects over the years plus two canoes). I just need something to augment my own research and work.

I agree the online community is a great reasource for most questions but sometimes you need to have a step by step guide right there with you to help keep you on track. That being said I just checked the prices of the Kuffle Creek plans again and I think I can at least get started without them.

Joanne, coming from a boat building background (sort of) I could't agree more. The small camp crusier guys have been working on this stuff for decades. They must have lots of good ideas that will translate.

Thanks.

[mexican tear]

I forgot to add the dimensions to the outside to compensate for the 5 ft wide bed. Now I have to us a double with a little left over. If you are going to use a queen size, make sure you make you inside 5 ft wide.

my 2 cents worth

kai

[Ranger Rod]

I agree that the Kuffel Creek plans seem to be the best, I was looking for as much info as I could get. I bought both of the plans from Kevin because in looking at his website both the Cubby and the Comet had features I liked. I plan on going 5' wide though. There are lots of good building tips and overall good info in Kevin's plans. I went all out and bought a CD from Don that had quite a bit of good info on it and was fairly reasonable. I did buy the other guy's plans and felt that it was a total rip off. There was nothing there that I couldn't have picked out for free. Haven't started my TD yet, but I'm working out just what I want to do with it. Again, I think Kevin's plans are first rate, between the info I have and the forum I have a lot more ideas than I can use!