Newbie...new build with a design twist

[Troy]

Greetings all,

Newbie here...since I've used the forum for many references, I thought I would join/contribute. Having trouble sizing photos so I have uploaded a slide show on You tube to show the build progress.

[youtube] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hohblaKm ... e=youtu.be[/youtube]

With limited technological ability, I hope that works. I guess if not you can copy and paste the following address. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hohblaKm ... e=youtu.be[/b]

So brief description/history. I am a whitewater kayaker, climber, mt. biker, hiker, hunter and pretty much anything else you can do outside. Inspired to build, I found the teardrop a perfect alternative to the tent with the exception of gear hauling options. The other factor is when traveling with a bunch of dirtbag climber/kayakers they have a tendency to drink to much and end up...well, where they end up. With that in mind I have designed my teardrop with aerodynamic racking ability and a huge bed.

I started by acquiring a Ez loader boat trailer which I got for free if I took the 16' trashed fiberglass boat. After cutting the boat up and tossing it, I stripped the frame down to basically two rolling rails. I then fabricated a sub-frame to mount on to the trailer. As you might be able to tell from the photos, rather than putting the galley in the rear I integrated the kitchen into a mobile drawer that when the galley hatch is closed with be within the trailer and when open can be pulled out creating a working countertop with hatches for kitchen storage. The second drawer is for storing climbing gear, canopies, paddling gear, etc. The side walls are 3/4" marine grade as is the main deck. The roof system is tapered from 1.5" (in the front) to three inches at the top and every other top rib is hardwood for snow load. I'm in Washington state and I was worried a little about the increased span (84") combined with weight on top from snow or ice build up. Admittedly, I am not a fine finish guy so I was not into creating fancy cabinets with inlays, etc but I did use domino joints at each attachment point. The headliner is felt over Masonite. I found a guy on Craigslist who was parting out a 2007 Lance camper and was able to get a door, window, ac/dc converter, shore power cord, interior lights, tail lights and a truck load of other stuff for dirt cheap. Roof skin will be .040 aluminum and I got the exterior trim package from teardroptrailerparts.com. I have integrated a receiver in the back for a Northshore rack to carry 4 downhill bikes. In front of the teardrop, there is around three feet of trailer extending forward where I will have a telescoping rack projecting up from the trailer rails. This will be where I rack 4 kayaks perpendicular to the direction of travel.

I am currently complete on the interior and ready to attach the roof skin and exterior trim. Galley hatch fabrication to follow will be next. I will add to the slide show as I near completion. Any pit falls/suggestions would be graciously accepted.
Troy

[pchast]

Hi,

Construction looks good. I only see one opening window. What are you doing for ventilation.
I think you probably need some kind of rooftop exhaust?

[bc toys]

Welcome to this great site nice job on trailer well hope you can enjoy it

[Troy]

Thanks for the input. I debated on the roof ventilation for quite a while. I concluded that the AC unit and operating window combined with (not seen in the photos) a full length screen door would suffice. I also have the option of removing the AC unit and putting a screen over the opening where it sat. It will give approximately 100 square inches of passive ventilation a couple of inches from apex of the arc at the headliner. I'm hoping this will be enough.