First build - Family of 4

[doubleams99a]

Hello everyone, after snooping around this site for several months, I've finally committed to attempting my very first teardrop. It's actually more of a Benroy style but based on the Campster12 idea. I've got a wife and two kids so needed something a little larger. My design size is about 6'6" x 10'6". I've been working up the plans in SketchUp and, while I'm not yet complete with them, I'll try and upload what I have so far so I can get some feed back. The first huge step I took towards the build was acquiring my father-in-law's old truck camper (the same one my wife grew up camping in!). We took a weekend and salvaged as much of it as we could. I got a sink with water pump and tank, several windows, three burner stove, and several other bits, including a fair amount of wood. The prize was a three way fridge that still works! Thus begins the journey!

[doubleams99a]

Here's the first major purchase - an old pop-up camper trailer frame.

With a $25 angle grinder a couple of wire wheels and a Labor-day weekend, I was able to get the bulk of the rust off and had it prepped for paint!

Off and running!

[KCStudly]

Welcome. Looks like a great starting point and well suited to your plans.

I'm looking forward to following along.

[Johnysteam]

Nice.
The fun starts now.

My pop up camper trailer was perfect for my build. Very light but plenty of supports.

[doubleams99a]

Slowly working on this build. Wish I could go faster but too much time at work and not enough free time are slowing me down. Oh well.

So, here are some more updates. First, a quick snapshot of the planned exterior (modeled in Google Sketch-up):


And here's the interior:


These aren't necessarily the final designs but what I'm working for now. Overall design will remain. I've used the Campster 12 ideas to create a table bed and bunk bed couch. Shifted the design from the teardrop to more of a Benroy (less curves and work better with the trailer).

Here a picture of the framed in floor.


And two of me gluing down the plywood on the front half of the floor along with the drop floor and drop storage areas.



I'm in the process of finishing up the plywood skin on the bottom of the floor and just bought the asphalt paint which I'm hoping to have the family help me apply in the next week or two (if I can catch a warm enough day!).

Already plumbed the propane line (bottle will be on the tongue and I need it for the fridge and the stove).

[Martiangod]

Jumpin right in, awesome, sounds like you have all the tough to aquire parts.
Did you get the vents for the fridge also?
And what about the entry door, even is they are in rough shapre they are fairly easy to tear down and rebuild..
Build On!!!

[Gunguy05]

I will be following along. We are family of 4 as well. Have been eyeing this basic design as one of my options. Looks like you are off to a good start.

[dano]

looking forward to seeing this one go up.

[doubleams99a]

Martiangod - I did get a lot of great parts from my father-in-law. He gave me his old truck-bed camper. Got a fridge, three burner stove, the door, three windows, three lights, sink, 10 gallon water tank, and a bunch of other stuff. I'm still working through how to vent the fridge. I think I'm at the point of building a mock up of the space the fridge will be in and test to see how hot it gets. I'll be sure to post my test and result.

Gunguy05 - I completely understand. There are a lot of great builds on this site but not too many that can handle 4 people. My intention was to build one that would be able to work for our family and/or four adult (i.e. if me and a few buddies go hunting... ). If you're interested, I can send you my Google sketch up file so you can see my design in more detail and modify it to work for you. Send me a PM if you're interested.

[Eric_kc0ahk]

I have a similar idea floating in my head for my (remaining) family of 4....(rest have grown and are out of the house...)