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[October King]

Well I'm brand new, I just registered with the forum the other day and thought I'd say hello. I caught the Tear Drop fever about 2 years ago while surfing the web, but I always managed to allow something to get in the way of getting the project kicked off. That is until last week. I built a 4' x 8' trailer out of 2" x 2" x 1/8" wall square pipe, I'm in the process of painting it now. I'm trying to keep the camper as light as possible because I plan on towing it with my Scion Xb; you know the box on wheels. That said; I'd like to keep the shape of my Tear Drop (Bread Box) as square as possible. At the front of the Tear I plan on having a 16" Radius and at the rear having a 16" Radius 2" lower than the front giving it a 2" fall over the length. So what are my concerns? Is a 16" radius to tight to roll the luan and aluminum skin? I'd like to have even less of a radius at the rear to mimic the shape of my Xb. Also the hatch! I'm having sleepless nights wondering how keep it from leaking. I suppose I could go on and on but I'll leave it this for now. Any input from all you folk would be much appreciated. Also I’d like to thank the fine people responsible for this forum. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and gleamed some great ideas.


Regards,

October King

[mikeschn]

Hi Oct King,

Welcome to the forum.

So your tow vehicle is an xB eh? Why not make your TTT shaped like the Xb also so that they seem to be a matched set? You could use the same construction techniques as a grasshopper or weekender.

Or just use the box shape and use the construction techniques of a generic Benroy.

Sealing the hatch is really not hard. Weatherstripping is the key.

Mike...

[IraRat]

Hey, King. Welcome!

I'm having a hard time understanding you, but I don't think the aluminim will be a problem. Some guys here go heavy on the alumium, .060, but a lot go with a light .032. I think either will do what you want.

As far as the luan goes, which I assume you want to use under the aluminum, you don't have to use luan. There are different makes of bendy plywood that will follow basically ANY radius.

[bledsoe3]

Hey King, I too just finished my frame (no axle). You should look at this site and specifically the Simple. It's almost a complete box, much like your car. http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear00.htm

This might be what you're looking for. Well I tested the link after I posted it and it does not work. You can find the plans I'm talking about by going to memberlist above and finding "angib". On the right column click his website. It is very good. I told Madjack before, I suck at computers.

[angib]

You've got an extra period after 'htm'. Click here or on the 'www' button below this message.

Andrew (= angib)

[asianflava]

I was going to say to check out Steve W's cowper. He built it extra light (no galley) and extra fast. His tow vehicle at the time was an xA. I just clicked on his link and it was dead.

[mikeschn]

You've got an extra period after 'htm'. Click here or on the 'www' button below this message.

Andrew (= angib)

I cleaned it up!

Mike...

[bledsoe3]

Thank you all for your help. I'm still figuring this computer stuff out. I think I used a . to end a sentence. Buy the time I finish my TD I should be a computer wiz . Maybe not.

[October King]

I'd like to thank y'all for all the help and pointing me in the direction of some good resources, not the least of which is right here in this fourm. Alright; where can I find the aluminum extruded molding, latches, lights, etc? Again thanks for all the help.

Regards,

October K.

[madjack]

I'd like to thank y'all for all the help and pointing me in the direction of some good resources, not the least of which is right here in this fourm. Alright; where can I find the aluminum extruded molding, latches, lights, etc? Again thanks for all the help.

Regards,

October K.

...try the links section at the top of this page...it is all there. Personally I like Austin Hdw and redneck trailer supply for most items
madjack

p.s. whereabouts are ya in La.

[October King]

Ok............yeah why didn't I think to look in the "links"? I'm still learning my way around in here. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. As far as our whereabouts we are in Livingston Parish just west of Hammond.

Regards,

October king