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Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 12:40 pm
by OHfam
Is this even possible?I assume it's going to be more expensive.Just entertaining the idea,not even sure it's doable...Just trying to think of different options.Sorry if this is a silly question..I'm new here :?

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 12:51 pm
by Socal Tom
I see Teardrops in general as "green". You will find several builds on here from recycled trailers, especially from old tent trailers. Many folks have incorporated solar panels. What else would you be looking for?
Tom

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 5:10 pm
by OHfam
solar is something I'd be interested in.

Also,as far as materials go.Are there less toxic versions of say,sealant?and different things that you have to use? :oops:

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 10:04 pm
by atahoekid
There are less toxic glues, there is even a water based epoxy. You're right about the cost, but it can be done. You just have to be willing to re-purpose stuff, source "greener" materials and pay the price. Good Luck in your endeavor :beer:

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 10:43 pm
by citylights
OHfam wrote:Is this even possible?I assume it's going to be more expensive.Just entertaining the idea,not even sure it's doable...Just trying to think of different options.Sorry if this is a silly question..I'm new here :?


What is your goal in making a green teardrop? There are all kinds of green and it depends on how you define it.

I would define green as recycled materials and renewable resources, which is pretty easy for a teardrop. Wrecked pop up tent trailers are a dime a dozen on craigs list. Get one and strip it down to the frame, saving any usable fixtures to reinstall in the tear. Lights, sink, stove, cabinet hardware, shore power plug, converter, breaker box, and/or battery if it has one. That satisfies the recycle requirement.

Select your lumber from sustainably harvested timber. Check online for lumber companies profile, most go out of their way to describe how green their practices are. Nobody clear cuts anymore, most replant, and rotate. Some concentrate on beetle kill timber. All sustainable and green as long as the trees get to regrow.

For any additional fixtures or tools you need, visit the flea market, junk yard, and yard sales. Repurposed things are your friend.

I don't have any recommendations for glues and paints. Maybe someone else knows of some, but I personally would go for the best you can find. Titebond II and III are highly recommended and the last thing you want is a green glue failure!

Good luck and I hope to read about your ideas!

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 4:46 am
by Jack55
Slow......I like the way you think ! :thumbsup:

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 3:52 pm
by ElectronGuru
Green usually has three steps:

Putting it together (materials)
Use (energy)
Disposal (recycling)

You're already saving tow and use energy by going small, so that leaves 1 and 3. The best materials that are hard to take apart at the end of life will get tossed into a landfill. Things that cost less that don't take these things into account dont actually cost less, but the final costs tend to get externalized - paid for by someone else at a later point in time.

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:26 pm
by working on it
You are all correct: green is recycling, repurposing, scaling down energy use (not a giant RV ), using renewable products (plywood, blood, sweat, and tears), and also Slow's green paints. But you all left out the one that starts many of us on the road to TnTTT 's, being green with envy. And there's also Coleman green....

Re: Anyone do a sort of 'green' build?

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 7:11 pm
by bonnie
slowcowboy wrote:I have seen serval teardrops in several shades of green. from pine green to floresant green you name it. to army green theres lots of green teardrops out there!

slow

:thumbsup: :applause: :lol: