Re: My (Utah teardrop)- Hatch rebuild

[Modstock]

I was going to build a genieric benroy from scratch but found this in the local classifieds. Since im trying to limit the amount of projects right now (instead of making more) this fit the bill. It was built by a couple in provo in 2009 . I could tell they hated to let it go, so I hope I do em' proud and take it to the next stage.
Here's pics when I brought it home.






The inside has a small bunk-bed for a small child to sleep on but my bulldog should like it and it has a little door for an A/C unit .(one day)

[Modstock]

Here's the rear hatch (kitchen) . It still needs to be finished but I put all my camping gear in just to get an idea of what I want to do in there.

[Modstock]

FIRST MOD'S ::::::::
Since I do upholstery the first mod had to be a bed . I picked up 2 inch--41 HR foam from work then (getting ready for its 1st trip) I got a bit antsy waiting for foam to get ordered so I picked up a 4 inch memory foam matress from wall-mrt . 6 inches of foam is great and I dont bottom out with my elbows.

I also installed a tongue-jack but didnt like how it leaned , so I put it inside the frame but had to move the spare over.
No more lean and it folds up nicely in the frame.

[Modstock]

First trip
Late winter .
The trailer towed great but I could use more than 4 cylinders (hills, wind, ect)
I put a set of sheets on the bed and put my neg 5* sleeping bag inside and I was plenty warm at night.
This bed is better than what i got at home. Sleeps great . That morning I cooked myself some eggs and bacon in the hatch.
The liquid eggs turned out great but i killed the bacon. (next trip I need better pans and learn how to cook. he, he)
I took it extra slow on the dirt road but when I opened up the door my stuff was scattered about. I may install some shocks in the future. If it helps.

[synaps3]

So I saw "build" in the title, what're you planning on doing to it?

You'll definitely want bigger tires and suspension if you're planning on offroading with it. The stock leaf springs on the HF trailers are bouncy to say the least.

[parnold]

You'll find if you let a little air out of the tires it will be less bouncy. With that little weight back there, you don't need the tires rock hard!

[Robbie]

That looks like a promising little tear! What part of Utah do you live in? I'm in the north end of West Valley and almost done with my benroy build. What other places have you taken it camping?

[Modstock]

I plan on finishing it . The kitchen and wiring need to be finished then when thats done I was gonna redo the trim and hatch . I should be able to get it done this winter. For now I have a hotrod im working on to pull it.

I'll try airing down a bit next time when off-road . I dont plan on major offroading just a few dirt roads but I would like to improve the (tt) ride.
Didnt get a chance to finish my posting last night.
Took it on one more trip to Miller Motorsports Park for a off road meet.


Latest mods : I painted the frame and wheels black and fenders silver . I also added some vinyl stickers from moab .
Here's how it sits now.

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[High Desert]

Looks like you're having fun and that's really what it's all about

Another thing that will tighten up the HF trailers a bit is to replace the pins where the front cross-member attaches to the tongue with bolts (could see them in one of your pics). They can get a bit of movement there. The springs can also be de-rated by removing a lower leaf. Good luck on the rest of the mods, we look forward to seeing them, and the hot rod too.

[Modstock]

Thanks for the tips . Ive been meaning to replace those with bolts just keep forgetting. I did take it on another trip and added one more mod. Pics will come soon.

Robbie : I dont live that for from ya in salt lake . Thats a nice tear ya got there , cant wait to see it done.

[Modstock]

I finnaly got the GF to go camping in the tear and we went to Payson lakes for a weekend (great place). Good thing too since there was a ton of smoke from a fire in Herriman . It was hot but inside the tear wasnt bad. We checked out the Nebo loop while we were there , didnt get any fishing in cuz I waited till saturday and the lake was packed full . We cooked a killer breakfast and some bugers that night. Im kinda getting an idea of how the galley should be finished then she says I want a sink. I'll have to redesign the plans I had in my head.
When we got back I had this nearly new a/c unit sitting around in the garage so I enlarged the previous hole and put it in.
I'll have to use a ext cord for now but it works great.


Inside view (i'll trim that wood later)


Had it on for a 1/2 hr and it took it down to 55* .

[Forrest747]

Looking good. Was going to mention the bolt as well. Sinks are fun. Did the AC unit come with it.

[Modstock]

Looking good. Was going to mention the bolt as well. Sinks are fun. Did the AC unit come with it.

No i had it from my previous wvc home. I knew i'd use it one day.

[Modstock]

Here's our latest trip to Payson lakes.
Morning.



The lake .


Ended up chillin in camp most of the day. The dog kept us up most of the night and lack of sleep was kicking in.
After a good nap we cooked a killer lunch/dinner.


Seem's like every trip we take our cooking set-up gets better and better.
We ate like kings that day.

[Modstock]

Hmmm, 3 of those pics got cut off on the right side ????
Continued.
The next day we went for a drive up Nebo loop .
Here's the Utah lake overlook , but ya can barely see the city from a fire burning near utah lake . Good time to be outta town.


This is Devils Kitchen geological area . Awesome views .


This huge guy was crossing the trail in front of us.


Went back to camp just in time to get a good campfire going.
Even the dog is chillin. (in my chair)


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