how do i build one?

[ki4eit]

ive been wonted to build one for quite some time once ive learned how much they cost. i just need to get the deminsions for the length of the trialer, indside for the bed, kitchen in the back, and so on thank you for any help that you can give me.
im also thinking about putting a queen size bed in it, im a big man, would the bed be to big? or 2 twin beds that might work up think?

[Bigwoods]

ki4eit

Welcome to the list. You will find all the answers you need here. A lot of folks are building on 4X 8 chassis and some of us are a bit larger in stature and need to go 5 X 9. There is a wide range of cost and I'm sure you will get some terrific ideas. Others will stop by and expand on plans and cost. BTW, one of the best part of this forum is learning by others mistakes. Great buch of guys and gals here.

[mikeschn]

Hi ki4eit

Welcome to the forum. The best thing you can do is look at other teardrops. Start with the hall of fame. Also check out my build journal, here http://www.mikenchell.com/live/index-frame.html

Then go and visit Andrew and look at some of his plans. That'll give you lots of dimensions to chomp on... http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear00.htm

Then come back and tell us what you want to build!!!

Mike...

[ALAN GEDDES]

Welcome. Pour some coffee and go back and start reading. Look at peoples build journels and their sites. Enough info here you can draw up your own plans to suit. After that then jump in and ask for help. No magic to building a tear. It's just a plywood box with a curve to put it in it's simplest term. Have fun.

[Ron Dickey]

im also thinking about putting a queen size bed in it, im a big man, would the bed be to big? or 2 twin beds that might work up think?

Two twin beds XL side by side make a California King bed.

Most use a full size
you could order an odd size mattress which would have to be installed before you put in the galley or roof.
this site should give you an idea of bed sizes.
http://www.originalmattress.com/products/p_oddsizes.asp
this is are sites of mat. co.'s what can make odd sizes maybe one is in your state. not cheep
http://www.originalmattress.com/products/p_oddsizes.asp
this site show what they put in theirs so you might beable to make your own. Starting with a 2x4 frame with wood slats across inplace of a box spring. and get stiff styraphome from a upolstry supplydealer.
http://www.flobeds.com/latex.lasso?id=goto
air mattress factories.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=& ... tnG=Search

Ron D.

[norm perkiss]

ki4eit,

If you are an average to large person, the 5' wide or whatever the mattress you have at home is a good place to start. Building a custom frame will let you have any size. My wife and I are "average" heigth and we choose to go with a 5' wide and 9' long. We have about 6.5 feet from headboard to the galley wall. Plenty of leg room and the width is perfect for us. You can adjust to suit your preference.

As for the profile, whatever shape you can fit on a 4'x8', 4x9, 4x10 or 5x? sheet of ply will work. I think I remember a link or thread posted on how to draw elipse. The traditiional Teardrop shape is built of elipse curves. Here is a link to a page that shows how to make elipses.
http://www.benchnotes.com/Laying%20out% ... n_oval.htm
Norm

[ki4eit]

ty guys i think im going to go witht the 5x9 i got together with a couple of buddies of mine to day and i told them that i was planin' on building one and i got my friend jordan interseted and now after he helps me build mine i going to help him build one of his own

[Denny Unfried]

Hey Norm (digital magician),

I realize it's off topic but your animated teardrop time .gif is terrific. Kudos!!!


Denny

[norm perkiss]

Uncle Denny,
Thanks for the kudo on the avitar! Pixel push'n is one of my diversions, besides building the Teardrop. Nice job on your Teardrop. Your pics were an inspiration when I was researching for my build.
Norm

[toypusher]

Norm,

Do you have the plans for the tear in your avatar? Sure has a neat profile.


Kerry

[norm perkiss]

Kerry,
No, it was just a free hand redering. The one I'm building is pretty close though.
You are welcome to use the shape, if I build a second real live Teardrop, I will try for the exact shape.
Norm