Johns TearDrop for 5

[J.Heyboer]

Hey Guys,

I started work on the first bench for the dinette this weekend.

Started with a pile of 1x4s...



Ended with the curb side bench fully framed.



Doesn't look like much but it took a while. One more to go...

John

[Wolffarmer]

Hey John

I just found your build thread tonight. Great looking project, kid 1, kid 2 kid 3 and the trailer.

You will be camping in style.

I like how you put the roof panel and spars on. I had not seen that method before, not sure if I will use it but who knows.

Randy

[Facemeltingly Epic]

I like how you put the roof panel and spars on. I had not seen that method before, not sure if I will use it but who knows.

I used a variation of this method for mounting the roof spars on my trailer. Mine doesn't have a headliner, so what I did was I took a couple pieces of scrap wood and clamped them to the spars so they would hang in place as I drilled holes for the screws.

[J.Heyboer]

Thanks Randy and Scott,

I copied this technique from someone else on the forum (NorthernMN). It definitly made the roof install a lot more straight forward.

However bending the plywood around the radius was not easy (my 1/4" ply probably didn't help). I think the moral to the story is that bending 1/4" is a pain in the butt no matter what technique you use.

John

[J.Heyboer]

Well, its Sunday night at 9:00 pm, so must be time to update my build journal....................

Started out by completing the 2nd bench frame and then installing both. Prior to installing them I glued a sheet of 1/4" birch ply to the front of each. Shown in the 2nd picture.





I then cut lids out of some 1/2" oak plywood I had left over from a different project (not premium). I will glue a layer o 1/4" ply to the top of the lids before I finish the interior. Kid 1-3 were kind enough to test them out for me.



Using a jigsaw and a flushcut router bit I cut out the square between the two benches.



I can't overstate how happy I am with how this area turned out. I was quite worried it wouldn't look right.

Thanks for looking,

John

[joebobsqrpants]

You should be very happy! That looks amazing!

[tsmiley23]

It does tie together very well, I'm anxious to see your progress.

Thanks for sharing

[Wolffarmer]

Wow, you got a whole crew of teardrop inspectors. I don't see frowns on their faces so it must have passed.

Randy

[aggie79]

John,

The dinette looks great...and professionally built. It is even better with the kiddoes in the picture!

I've shown your build to my wife. She asked me when we are going to get one of those?

Keep the updates coming.

Take care,
Tom

[J.Heyboer]

Hey Guys/Gals

Its been a while since my last update. Made some progress, enjoy...

I began by framing out the rear bulkhead out of pine 1x4s.



I then test fit it in place behind the dinette.



Satisfied with its fit, I pulled it back out and then skinned it with 1/4" birch plywood. Then installed it back in place.



Since most of the structure in the rear is completed, I decieded to move on to complete the rest of the roof. This will allow me to work on the bunks up front.

Below shows the completed 3rd section of the roof. Remember, I already installed two sections.



Here it is installed.



Next I partially installed the fourth section.





Then I bent it around the curve and secured in place with screws through the sidewalls.



View from the inside.



One more section to go and I will have this thing totally enclosed.

Thanks,

John

[J.Heyboer]

Its been a while since I updated. Heres what Ive been working on....


First I finished up the roof by bending the last piece of 1/4" birch and glueing it in place.



Next I framed out the bench up front using 3/4" birch ply.



I then cut a top for the bench out 3/4" ply.



Next I glued and screw 1x2 oak trim on the face of the dinette benches. The dinette table top will rest on top of the trim when it is down for sleeping.



Table top cut from edge glued pine board.



Heres a pic of me installing more oak trim on the side walls.



I finished up by installing the trim on all of the roof seams.



Next up is a good sanding, and many, many, coats of spar varnish.

Thanks for looking!

John

[Wolffarmer]

Looking good



Randy

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thats going to be a great camper when you're done! Nice work!

[droid_ca]

your doing an excellent job on your trailer thanks for sharing

[aggie79]

Looks fantastic John! I'm glad to see you working on your teardrop again. I need to do the same.

Take care,
Tom