Building the Good Life teardrop in PA

[Burbs]

I have made a bunch of progress even before this first post. Frame is 2” square tube 5x8 ft with storage underneath for the spare tire, jack, etc. Tongue is 2x3” 3/16” tube. Axle is a 3500# Dexter with 4” drop and electric brakes. I also added square tube sockets to accept the stabilizer jacks so the do not have to remain attached on the road. I am wiring the trailer’s lights now before I begin attaching the walls.

[TimC]

Welcome! Anxious to see how your build develops.

[Burbs]

Here is the finished floor with 2 coats of thinned polyurethane and 2 coats regular floor polyurethane. The wall template is temporary but it showed me that I had planned for the door to be too close to the wheel so it would have interfered with fender positioning - dodged a bullet there!

Next: trailer light wiring then securing the floor to the frame with carriage bolts

Cheers!
Dwayne

[Burbs]

As I was finishing running the the trailer light wires, I noticed that the trailer’s electric brake wires were facing forward. Odd I thought since that would enable water to enter the axle. Had a “V8 moment” when I realized I had installed the axle backwards! Thankfully the stabilizer jacks let me lift the trailer enough to unbolt and reverse the axle in under an hour. Dodged another bullet!

[MickinOz]

How heavy do you expect the finished trailer to be? Asking because you say it is a 3500# axle. Are the actual springs rated for 3500#? Its a pretty stiff suspension.

[Burbs]

The axle is rated at 3500# but I used leaf springs rated at 1000# each. This combination should work well for the final weight (around 1300-1400#] of the trailer withou being overly stiff/bouncy.

[MickinOz]

Way to go. Similar to what I did. The axle is 1000kg/2200lbs. The springs are 600kg per pair. 1320 lbs.
The trailer weighs about 520kg/1144 lbs ready to camp. Can't remember the actual weighbridge number but it was around that.
So the axle is bigger than needed, the springs are just big enough. Took it on a longish trip the other day and it rode very well on a variety of surfaces, nice smooth ride.

[Burbs]

Making the most of my spring break by completing the walls then mounting them including the rear bulkheads. After marking the design using the template, I used a jigsaw to rough out the curves and remove the door. The wall template was worth its weight in gold when I used the flush trim bit to make the identical final/smooth shape on both walls.

Next will be framing the roof cross beams (including the opening for the Maxxair fan) and then the DC and AC electric systems wire runs.

Still hoping to be complete by the end of the school year for summer road trips!
Dwayne

[Burbs]

I completed the roof spars and interior skin along with the forward storage shelf with its electrical distribution panel. Next will be the rear interior storage cupboards (also with electrical outlets) before I begin insulation.

Happy with how it is progressing!
Dwayne

[Burbs]

Made good progress over the last week by completing and testing all electrical circuits the installing the insulation and sheathing. I also framed in the interior cupboards. Galley hatch is next!

[Burbs]

I made good progress on the Good Life build over the last couple days

I completed the ribs and stringers for the galley hatch! Definitely over-built it with each rib being double layers of 1” Baltic Birch plywood. After rough cutting out 8 pieces on the bandsaw, I used a 1/2” thick template and a flush trim router bit to make the all identical. Boy did that process take some time and lots of dust! After gluing them together in pairs, I used a plunge router bit to form dadoes to accept (very snug fit) the stringers. Assembled with TB2 and decking screws for a strong structure.

Going to run wiring and add the locking mechanism this morning then add the outer skin this afternoon.

Cheers,
Dwayne

[JasenC]

Coming along nicely.

[Burbs]

Thanks Jasen - summer vacation gives me time to focus on this project.

I see you are in Snohomish County. I lived on Whitney Island and attended UW for my undergraduate studies. Miss the fishing in the PNW!

Best,
Dwayne

[JasenC]

Thanks Jasen - summer vacation gives me time to focus on this project.

I see you are in Snohomish County. I lived on Whitney Island and attended UW for my undergraduate studies. Miss the fishing in the PNW!

Best,
Dwayne

Born and raised in Seattle, I used to go to the UW too, out running campus police on a skate board counts right? I lived in the U district in my early teens.

[Burbs]

The interior is mostly complete now as I finished the rear storage cabinet and mounted the TV swing arm. The drawer is set up with a hinged 9x12 inch mirror that tilts up for access to makeup, brushes, etc.

Aluminum arrives tomorrow so it’s time to make the Good Life Teardrop pretty and watertight!
Dwayne