Newbie Building for a big trip

[Kokomoslow]

Hi all,
We are going on a trip around the US. Starting in Ohio and going over the top down the west coast and along the bottom and up the east coast and all points in between. I'm kokomoslow and the adventure begins.

[Oldragbaggers]

Welcome Kokomo,
That's an adventurous undertaking. What kind of trailer are you planning on doing it in??

[Kokomoslow]

Hi there,
Thanks for the reply. Were thinking about a 5x8 or 5x9 true teardrop. were both in our sixty's and need the comfort of a queen bed.

[bobhenry]

Spent the weekend in Kokomo Indiana in my barn trailer.

Are you a Hoosier ?

Are you aware of a gathering in 3 weeks in Spencer In ?

Probably the only place you will see 150 +/- tiny trailers in one park

Sounds like you are heading to Little Guy's headquarters for a new trailer. ???

Please please think about The summer international gathering you will leave with a million ideas and two new addictions,
Castironitis and remodeleritis. We all have it but it's OK it's a good kind of contagious addiction.

Here is a link ........http://cra2013.weebly.com/

[Kokomoslow]

Yes I am, born and raised in Kokomo. A wildcat from 67. You said that you left a link but I didn't see it. Now I'm in Ohio. Hope to learn alot here. Thanks Kokomoslow

[bobhenry]

You said that you left a link but I didn't see it.

That is the hazzards of playing at work when the boss breezes by ya gotta get busy.

It's there now.

[Kokomoslow]

Becky ,
After looking at all your build pictures, I may want to change my profile. What a great job you and Lance did. I have been a carpenter for 40 yrs, and hope to do that good. Thanks KOKOMO

[Oldragbaggers]

I take that as high praise, Kokomo. Thank you very much. With all your years experience you will no doubt produce something very beautiful, and I'll bet in a heck of a lot less time than it took me!!

The Benroy profile will give you the most headroom in a rounded profile. There are definitely sexier looking designs out there (the Grumman or Modernistic comes to mind), but we are very happy with it and really appreciate the extra height at the head of the bed. We started with the Generic Benroy plans which are free here in the forum Design Resources section. From that we got the radii for the profile and the basic how-to on how it goes together. We combined that with reading a lot of other build journals until we had an idea of our methods and what specific design elements we wanted (bear in mind that because our build took so long there was lots of time for those ideas to morph and change, which they did) then just made it our own, and I think that was the most fun part of the whole project. I would accomplish one stage and then research a lot before starting the next stage. Some things (like the electrical plan) changed just based on my comfort level with the task at hand. I think that the shorter time frame you have for your build the more worked out and concrete your plan will need to be in the beginning.

I have no doubt that your trip will be that much more enjoyable because you will take refuge every night in a home that is your own unique creation and is a true reflection of your personality. How special is that!!!

Now, don't forget that we need lots of pictures. That's what makes this forum so much fun. If there are no pictures it's like it didn't really happen.

[ksmack01]

Welcome aboard. Lots of great folks on this site to borrow ideas from. I would recommend looking at a million or so rigs before making a choice on one. Ive rebuilt mine 4 times and fixin to start on a galley remodel......all because of this forum. Thanks folks. ps I attached a pic of my tear. I built it for me and it turned out perfecto.

[Kokomoslow]

What is FRP

[Junkboy999]

Fiberglass reinforced panels

Usually the type you get a lowe's or Home Depot for shower walls. has a slightly bumpy texture. about 25$ a sheet white high gloss. I got some I’m gonna use for the inside of my TD build cleans up nicely if you swat a mosquito in it.

People use it for outside as well. Truck manufacturers use it in big rolls to line the insides of refrigerators trailer, and RV use this alot on their doors and hatches.

[Kokomoslow]

Thanks, I thought it meant Fire Retardant Plywood and I did understand why it was being used in a td

[bobhenry]

FRP is great.......

[Roly Nelson]

Kokomoslow, welcome to the forum. All new teardroppers who plan to visit the west coast, MUST stop by my place in So Calif and camp a night or two in my driveway. The coffee is always on, directions to local attractions are free and I'm always anxious to share teardrop stories with new friends. Good luck on your build, have a wonderful trip, and I'll be looking for you. Keep in touch.
Roly, the li'l ol' So Calif woody TD guy.

[asianflava]

Fiberglass reinforced panels

It's actually Fiber Reinforced Plastic