I've been a lurker here for several months, checking out the various build journals and ideas floating around on this great forum.
First, an introduction - the Marlowes:
and here is my very out of date blog:
http://joshandbethanne.wordpress.com/
And a little about me: I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, a father, and a pastor. I am also a pilot, a windsurfer, and general beach-lover. I have worked in construction, am a hobby woodworker, and love building things - so I have a bunch of tools and I know how to use them. I'm also an experienced "scrounger."
My wife and I both grew up camping, and I was introduced to the luxury of pop-up camping with A/C when I met my wife and her family. We generally camp in Myrtle Beach, local state parks, Hershey PA, and sometimes Knobles.
I was given an old run down Columbia pop-up. I had ambitions to fix it up, but had problems getting a title for it. I was also just given a pop-up frame in great shape. The frame came with a title. So I have (optimistically speaking of course) a pretty good start already to a teardrop. The frame was stripped, powdercoated, and new bearings/tires installed a few years ago by someone who restored the pop up. Sadly, he put the roof on wrong, and after the first winter, it was ruined with mildew and water damage. He stripped it down and threw everything away except the frame. And now I have it to use.
Some newb questions:
1. What is a realistic budget for a simple teardrop?
2. Would it be more practical to buy a used pop-up?
3. I've looked through quite a few of the build journals, if you could point me towards some that have used old pop-up frames I would appreciate it
I'm intrigued by the lift up option like these, although I'm quick to admit they are not likely something I want to try on my first budget build. I'm 6'4" and headroom is important. A trolley top or some version of a raised roof will likely be in my design.
and this one:
http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear36.htm
these look nice (and a little out of my budget):
Scrap I have to work with:
Free Coleman Columbia (with not title)
and my free frame:
I also have access to several old motor homes and campers for parts - a friend of mine inherited a storage business which has several old campers and motor homes in various states of neglect that I can scrounge from. I could put an Onan diesel generator in my teardrop, but I just don't think it will fit.
Thanks for all you who contribute and help make this such a great forum!
