Hello! First Post...

[goteeguy]

A big hello to everyone from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. My decision to build a Teardrop came to me recently, with dreams of camping this summer without use of a tent. I'm familiar with a handful of power tools and am no stranger to working with wood, but there are certainly many more skilled that myself.

I've already decided to make my build based on the Generic Benroy designs I found online (which ultimately led me here). I've already purchased a used 1967 pop-up soft top camper to strip to the frame. Its frame (2" steel tube, 5.5ft x 8ft), axel, suspension, wheels (including 2 spares), and wiring were all replaced 5yrs ago and bearings repacked annually. Current weight is approx. 700lbs -- much less when it's stripped. (I thought this to be a good find.)

I plan to pull the Teardrop behind my 2007 Kia Rondo. Not the best vehicle for towing, but I'm hoping it'll work OK. It's being fitted with a Class 1 hitch this week at U-Haul.

My build will really be sticking to the basics, in hopes of finishing this on a tight budget. (I'm hoping it will come in under $1000.00 -- including hitch installation.) I am considering foregoing any insullation, except perhaps the floor, in order to keep weight & cost down. I will also be screening the roof and adding a full size removable tarp. Doors will be homemade. No DC wiring, as I only plan on using it on campground AC (even this will be kept to only 2-3 outlets). Remaining lights will be LED fixtures with replacable 9v batteries. Interior will be sealed with poly, floor covered in lino, and exterior painted. Simple 2 tier galley (no propane or plumbing). No fancy trim.

I've got 3months to complete my build -- wish me luck.

Cheers,
Ken

[JSadler]

Welcome & Good luck!

[Shadow Catcher]

Welcome from South of the border. We love camping in Canada and will extensively.
I would reconsider insulation. The floor will be taken care of by the mattress and walls sweat if you don't. You are building an airplane and you can have 1/8 inside walls and something like Filon exterior walls also about 1/8", it is about making a stress panel.

[goteeguy]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. My only concern with the construction is that I have not been able to find 1/8" ply. Thinnest has been 1/4" and it's very firm. I may be able to use it on the walls, but no way I could convince that to bend for the ceiling. I've also not been able to locate a vendor for Filon. My initial thought was to simply screen and tarp the roof, but would like a solid ceiling if I can find the materials.

[Thenewguy16]

You should call around the local trailer/hitch shops and install the hitch yourself. I bought the class 1 hitch for my 2008 kia spectra for $150 and installed it in less than 30 mins.. Was only 4 or 5 bolts.. Super easy

[goteeguy]

You should call around the local trailer/hitch shops and install the hitch yourself. I bought the class 1 hitch for my 2008 kia spectra for $150 and installed it in less than 30 mins.. Was only 4 or 5 bolts.. Super easy

I considered that, but unfortunately don't really have a way to work under the vehicle with any ease.

[canned o minimum]

WELCOME, Ken ! You won't hafta wait too long to git ALL the info ya need to build yer teardrop ! It's a wonderful group and we're all jus FULL of it ! Information, that is!

[Vedette]

Hi Ken
Welcome to the Forum from a fellow canuck.
How about an Aluminium skin for the curved part??
I am not a wood worker myself. So my teardrop project (currently in progress) has absolutely "NO WOOD".
Really enjoying the build and this Forum.
Can't wait for Canadian camping season to begin in May.
Good Luck with your build.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[goteeguy]

Hi Brian! Thanks for the welcome. I think, in order to keep things simple for my first build, I'm going to add a "screen & canvas" roof. Should be easier for me than bending 1/4" ply and allows for great star gazing from the comfort of my bed!

[mikeschn]

For a fast affordable build check out the weekender...

http://www.mikenchell.com/weekender

Mike...

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome aboard, Ken. I have found that the 4 inch mattress is enough insulation on the floor, and a painted plywood floor is easy to keep clean and no one will ever see it since it is covered entirely with the mattress. Do take a look at the Week-Ender, as Mike suggested, it's a pretty simple build with no round corners. Good luck on your build, and when finished, swing on by So Calif and we'll talk teardrops. The coffee is always on.
Roly, the Woody guy.

[canned o minimum]

Welcome Ken ! That Roly guy has sum real good coffee....take him up on it !

[Vedette]

Had my last cup of coffee in 1971!
But I do look forward to meeting Roly on our tip this summer.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[canned o minimum]

Be sure to ask fer sum toast...

[goteeguy]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone!