The New Guy

[draksig]

Hello there. My name is Wayne and I have just registered. I have been looking into building a teardrop camper for several months now and think this board is one of the best sourses of information and ideas I have seen to date.

A little background, I am a Manufacturing Engineer with an IT degree and will probably do my design work on ProE or pen and paper if I get too frustrated with the computer. I am also a master carpender with 30 years woodworking experiance.

My concerns when designing or building a teardrop are:
Weight (will be towing with a 6 cylinder van).
A/C (I live in the DEEP south).
I want to have the option of attaching a tent to the TD for privacy and extra sleeping room (I have 4 kids).

I plan to use fiberglass cloth and resin to strenthen the joints and coat the entire exterior with resin.

[SamR]

Welcome! you came to the right forum.

[Miriam C.]

Draksig. By the time you are finished with your teardrop you will be more comfortable with computers also. An amazing source of information.

We do have a little thing about pictures. As you go through the forums you will begin to understand they keep the bubble oil level. One of your best tools is a digital camera. Even a cheapy from Wally World.

Enjoy

[draksig]

I'm comfortable with computers, just loose patience with ProE, sometimes it is easyer to draw it by hand when it is simple.

I own two digital cameras, a canon S3IS being the better of the two.

[Miriam C.]

I'm comfortable with computers, just loose patience with ProE, sometimes it is easyer to draw it by hand when it is simple.

I own two digital cameras, a canon S3IS being the better of the two.

All right---more bubble oil. I find it easier to draw by hand too.

[draksig]

Bubble oil? Is that anything like plumb bob fluid or a stud stretcher?

[Gerald_G]

You might want to check out the "Puffin" build for ideas on saving weight and using epoxy for joints.

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

Welcome to the board.

[JunkMan]

Bubble oil? Is that anything like plumb bob fluid or a stud stretcher?

You got it!

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome, Wayne. I have an 8 ft woody with an AC unit in the tongue box. I have towed it all the way to Wisconsin and back from California with my 4 banger Toyota Camry, with no problems. I think your hauler will work just fine if you don't go overboard on width, length and overall weight. Good luck on your build, and take lots of pics and post 'em.

Roly

[The Teardrop Nanny]

Welcome, Draksig!
Hi ya, Wayne.
Sounds like the woodworking background will be very useful for TDing.
Also, you'll definitely want a way to add on more room if you have 4 kids and go camping with a TD!! The innovative things I've seen to add on extra space have been amazing. We have some pretty creative and imaginative individuals on this forum...the awnings, privacy pavillions, add-on room made from recycled materials. Ez-ups are another great extension of your Teardrop living quarters. Keep us posted on your journey through life, but just remember, you're on Teardrop time now.

The Teardrop Nanny
Joanie