New Guy from Marionville Missouri

[Constrictor]

Ok i saw one of these teardrop trailers at a dealer nearby and was shocked to see the price was $12,000 and ive been thinking about building one ever since.
I want to start with a 5x8 trailer, i do not plan on making the rear hatch because of simlicity and weatherability, i want the bed to go all the way to the rear, with cabinets up front inside. I want AC, Heater, Fridge and stereo. I am a cabinet maker by trade, so i wont have a problem with construction. I do NOT want this to look cheesy, so im wondering about a aluminum skin, or some kind of fabric, has anyone made one with vinyl like a top on an old car? I'm wondering if its possible to contact cement a one piece vinyl on the roof, and one pcs on the sides. I need to find a source for a quality aluminum framed door, a heater, a stove/oven any help i can get is much appretiated.

Steve

[neal b]

WELCOME ABOARD!!!!!!!! Enjoy your build
neal b

[tk]

Hi Steve. Welcome!
Where's Marionville? I used to work for Spacecraft, Mfg. in Concordia--about 60 miles east of KC right on I-70. They can supply doors, heaters, exterior trim, etc. Also filon and fiberglass panels if you're interested. Good luck.

Best,
Tom

[RAYVILLIAN]

Hi Seve Welcome to the forum. We,re a ways North of you but there is a few Teardropers down your way. Hope to meet up with youall somewhere down the road.
Gary and Trudy

[lovntears]

All Missourians are chiming in..

WELCOME.

Steve

[Sparksalot]

Ok i saw one of these teardrop trailers at a dealer nearby and was shocked to see the price was $12,000 and ive been thinking about building one ever since.
I want to start with a 5x8 trailer, i do not plan on making the rear hatch because of simlicity and weatherability, i want the bed to go all the way to the rear, with cabinets up front inside. I want AC, Heater, Fridge and stereo. I am a cabinet maker by trade, so i wont have a problem with construction. I do NOT want this to look cheesy, so im wondering about a aluminum skin, or some kind of fabric, has anyone made one with vinyl like a top on an old car? I'm wondering if its possible to contact cement a one piece vinyl on the roof, and one pcs on the sides. I need to find a source for a quality aluminum framed door, a heater, a stove/oven any help i can get is much appretiated.

Steve

Check out this thread by Warpony. He has a vinyl "diamond plate" roof covering.

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... highlight=



http://tnttt.com/album_ ... ser_id=295

[Constrictor]

Marionville is 20 miles west of Springfield on Hyway 60. Home of the white squirrell. The past 3 days i have done absolutely nothing but search the net and look at teardrop info. Im hooked!

Hi Steve. Welcome!
Where's Marionville? I used to work for Spacecraft, Mfg. in Concordia--about 60 miles east of KC right on I-70. They can supply doors, heaters, exterior trim, etc. Also filon and fiberglass panels if you're interested. Good luck.

Best,
Tom

[mikeschn]

Hey Steve,

Welcome to the forum.

Check Grant's website for a door.
http://www.lilbear.teardrops.net/parts.html

And check out Ducktek for the heater and the stove.
http://www.ducktec.com/itm00030.htm

And don't forget to take pictures...

Mike...

[Roly Nelson]

Aw, come on Steve, being a cabinetmaker, you just gotta build a woody. I really do believe if you consider a hatchlid and a galley, you will be happier with your final product. Half of the fun is cooking out in the open, sharing your one-of-a-kind woodworking skills with others. You may even have to beat them off with a stick. It's been know to happen, just wait and see. Remember, most tears are just a few structual floor members, a hunk of plywood for the floor and sides, hatch and roof and there you are, a complete useable teardrop trailer. I may have left out a few steps, but I am sure you get the picture. Good luck on your build.
Roly, PS, welcome to the forum, you have come to the right place.

[Constrictor]

Actually, ive already decided im going to do a galley hatch after all. And id love to do a woodie, it just doesnt seem like they would hold up to the weather to me. If i can figure out how to make the wood procted well, i will do a woodie.

[Roly Nelson]

My woody is built of the cheapest pine lumber and 1/4 inch plywood that Lowes sells. A coat of varnish every year and so far it has lasted for over 5 years with nothing but some road rash from thrown up gravel. Just keep it out of the severe weather when parked and you should have no problem. Also if it is smooth on the exterior, you can always clad it with aluminum if you choose to do so later. Good luck on your build.
Roly

[Miriam C.]

Actually, ive already decided im going to do a galley hatch after all. And id love to do a woodie, it just doesnt seem like they would hold up to the weather to me. If i can figure out how to make the wood procted well, i will do a woodie.

Got another one Roly. to the playground Steve.

What you want to be careful of is not using what passes for Birch plywood if it is a thin veneer layer over some white stuff. It will definitely not stand up to the weather but bends really well. Of course you can cover it in epoxy and then varnish and it might do better.

And if you find a source of real nice 1/8" stuff please let me know.

I am sure you will do wonderfully and await the pictures. Oh yeah we are a few miles from you where 66, 71. and 44 all try to run into each other.

If Mike and Chell make it down we will all try to converge on Springfield.

[Constrictor]

Is that how its done? cover the wood in epoxy before varnish?