Hi from South Aussie

[Jdstrat]

Hi All,

Thought I'd drop a line and introduce myself as a newbie to the teardrop scene. I am still in early research stages at this point of time into developing my own TD within the next couple of years, but from what I have seen from this group so far I don't believe I need search much further for all the info I need.

I am living in a town called Port Augusta in South Australia where I have been for a year and a half now. Grew up 3 and a half hours south from here in Adelaide. As for my occupational skills they involve being a former carpenter, billiard table manufacturer, and now a Motel manager (quite a turnaround in occupations I know) so I hope I may have some helpful information in this noggin to help someone seeking assistance with something down the road.

My idea for a trailer would be somewhere around the 8' x 4' as that's the standard size in sheeting available, and I don't want to complicate things too much the first time around. I am looking to build the trailer frame and all from scratch, but to ensure I comply with Australian standards, I have actually ordered a copy of the Australian Design Rules which should outlay everything I need to ensure it is registrable. I don't know if it's an unnecessary overkill, but as I mentioned earlier, I am still in early stages of research.

Once I have enough to go on, I reckon I will start a thread showing how it's all going.

Hope to chat to you all through the threads and happy tearjerking!

[dales133]

Gday from geelong victoria.
Im halfwayish through mine currently and its alot of fun even if a little frustrating at times.
If your e er up this way feel free to take a look.

[Jdstrat]

Hi dales,

I bet it would have it's moments. lol
Have you got a thread up showing your progress so far?

[dales133]

Sure have.
Look up "ok here we go" in build threads

[Junkboy999]

All right! !

A TD with a never ending supply for clean towels and covered in green felt with 6 pickets for balls. Cant wait to see it.

Welcome to the forums. GL with your build

[Jdstrat]

Thanks Junkboy, that would be a strange, albeit interesting combination!
You know, that could work! A black English cloth interior with brass fittings, and the ply exterior finished in a dark jarrah stain!

So long as the bed height is around 840mm high it could work....

dales133, I've been checking out your thread bit by bit, and I've got to say NICE WORK! keen to see the end result!

[dales133]

Thanks JD got a decent amount done this weekend but ive been busier than a one armed paper hanger so ill upload pics later

[pete49]

OOPs I don't know how I missed your post. I'm in the same town and have a fibreglass TD. As to design rules don't get too worried as there are plenty of easy ways to get started and the rules only apply to the actual trailer build rather than the body of the TD. Even easier if you go with 12v systems rather than 240v as then there is no need for electrical inspection. Give me a call if you want to have a look.
Pete

[Shadow Catcher]

Welcome from a good bit further north. We have a 6X10 Grass hopper design.
From some years on the forum many wish they had built a 5 wide and few that have one. wish it were 4 wide.

[art wanderlust]

Welcome, it is nice to see more members from down under.
Do not limit your self to 8x4 if you like to go bigger there are cladding material suppliers in Oz that can supply large sizes. 2700 x 1200 is a common size.

Cheers

[dales133]

Welcome, it is nice to see more members from down under.
Do not limit your self to 8x4 if you like to go bigger there are cladding material suppliers in Oz that can supply large sizes. 2700 x 1200 is a common size.

Cheers

Getting any thing over 1200 wide sucks though.
Ask me how i know?...mines 1600 wide.
Even to wide for the rare 1500 bits and pieces.
But now the ceilings enclosed and its all done inside im glad i went with the full size queen.
having said that im contemplating making a 1200 wide when its done to sell.
Just because its way easier and cheaper and ill be bored

[art wanderlust]

Welcome, it is nice to see more members from down under.
Do not limit your self to 8x4 if you like to go bigger there are cladding material suppliers in Oz that can supply large sizes. 2700 x 1200 is a common size.

Cheers

Getting any thing over 1200 wide sucks though.
Ask me how i know?...mines 1600 wide.
Even to wide for the rare 1500 bits and pieces.
But now the ceilings enclosed and its all done inside im glad i went with the full size queen.
having said that im contemplating making a 1200 wide when its done to sell.
Just because its way easier and cheaper and ill be bored

I know how hard is to get wide panels and because I am on the early stages of design I even contemplate the option of using aluminium composite panel for the cladding.
It comes in width up to 1570mm .
Cheers

[dales133]

I did to and only didnt because i wanted the ww1 biplane doped canvas look ok the sides.
I hope i achieve it.
Im cladding a steel framed one in 1500 composite sheet next week.
You still need a structure u der it though witch width is still an issue with.
Seriously though it hasnt been that hard its more about thinking economicly