225's teardrop

[225]

I am definitely tired of building TD's. Some people take great joy in building them. Not me. I'd rather be camping in it than working on it. However, through trial and error, I've learned a few things. I've learned what I want and don't want. And what works for me and what doesn't. So after much planning and figuring, I promise this will be my last one.

So onto the history:

#1. Didn't even finish it. Why? Divorce.



#2. Fully built. There were few flaws I didn't like.

- Trailer sat too low to the ground. Lots of rubbing when I when over something. I used torsion axles. Next I'll be going to springs.
- I didn't box in the ends of the frame. It was just ugly.
- Better A/C placement. Still working on this one.
- Stereo took up too much space. So did the A/C.
- Liner on the roof (in the cabin) was a pain. And could have turned out better.
- Doors. I only had one. Needed two. And I should have placed them as low as I could, they hurt my butt when getting in and out.

Here she is, sold to a nice couple in Texas.



Not sure if I'm going with bed liner again. Wish I could find a good aluminum supplier in Louisiana. And I'm keeping the same trailer dimensions, but maybe a different profile. Not sure yet.

But probably another Benroy. I love the profile so much and, but would love more galley space.

Anywho, I already ordered everything I need to start building the trailer.

More pics coming soon.

[jgrote]

I'm just starting the camper part of my first build, and hopefully only build. I get where you're coming from with the camping rather than building it. I love building things, but just can't find the time to dedicate to it. I started with a HF trailer, but modified it so much I might as well have just started from scratch. I plan on AC too, but am still not too sure where it's going. Do you have any plans for that yet?

[225]

I'm just starting the camper part of my first build, and hopefully only build. I get where you're coming from with the camping rather than building it. I love building things, but just can't find the time to dedicate to it. I started with a HF trailer, but modified it so much I might as well have just started from scratch. I plan on AC too, but am still not too sure where it's going. Do you have any plans for that yet?

I had the A/C in the galley. I'm thinking about getting the climate right a/c.

[225]

I sent off the files to a friend who has a wood CNC. Profile and hatch ribs are being cut to save me loads of time.

[ps477]

I sent off the files to a friend who has a wood CNC. Profile and hatch ribs are being cut to save me loads of time, seen here.

How long do you anticipate this entire project taking you?

[225]

I sent off the files to a friend who has a wood CNC. Profile and hatch ribs are being cut to save me loads of time.

How long do you anticipate this entire project taking you?

With my job, I have two weeks off at a time. I can probably get most of it done in 4 weeks off time. 6 max.

[225]

In between work and doing some traveling this winter, haven't had time to start on the trailer yet. Hopefully next time off, I'll get the trailer frame at least built. Another reason I haven't started is because I didn't have my mind made up on which design I wanted. I'm pretty sure I am going with a Grasshopper clone.

Like this:



Here is my design:



I've already ordered 95% of everything I need besides wood and aluminum. I will be picking up the aluminum in Atlanta when I go on a motorcycle trip in a couple of weeks.

[mallymal]

That's a very elegant redesign of the classic grasshopper shape. Not as slopey on the front which should give more inside space.

[pohukai]

Maybe I read your 1st post a bit too literal? Didn't you want 2 doors?

I do like the grasshopper design, though.

[Shadow Catcher]

This is ours.

[225]

A while back I bought a TD template on eBay. I forgot I even bought it. So after digging through stuff I bought online when I got in from offshore, I remembered..LOL.

Since then, I never started my build because of my home brewery build and motorcycle stuff. After looking at the pics over and over, I think I'm going to use the template.

Here is the eBay link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/RV-TEARDROP-TRA ... 0738165041

And the trailer:






I'm going to try to make it as much as these as possible, but with my touch. Well, here goes nothing.

[aggie79]

James,
You can't go wrong with either design. Both look fantastic. I'm assuming a/c is going to be installed in the galley area?
Tom

[Tommy2tone_1999]

Hey I think I just found an aluminum supplier in Zachary, LA

http://www.denversignsupply.com/ Click "Aluminum"

[225]

James,
You can't go wrong with either design. Both look fantastic. I'm assuming a/c is going to be installed in the galley area?
Tom

Yes Tom. I'm going with the A/C in the galley like this:



Thanks Tommy. I will use them next week.

I finally ordered everything to build the frame. Hopefully next week when I get off, I can start on it.

And after much thinking, and mind changing, and more mind changing, I am going with the Grumman 2. I think my biggest obstacle will be doing the door instead of buying a pre-fab door. The pre-fab doors take away from the look of the Grumman. So hopefully, I can get it right.

Next week,I promise more pics.

[anon1]

Hi 225,

Can you please explain more about your trailer #2 rubbing on things?

Like, what part(s) rubbed the ground and how high off of the ground that part was normally sitting? Was it just at incline/decline places where the tow vehicle might be going up into a parking lot and the back of the camper dragged? Was it at speed bumps/tables/etc?

Any details and real world info you can provide is appreciated.
Thanks.

[add] Do you know what the distance was from the axle to the rear of your camper and the height off the road to the underside of the rear part that might have drug? Thanks.