Interesting web site

[les45]

I previously posted a Facebook link that contained a story with another link to a very unique teardrop for sale in Georgia. That original link was so busy that the original story disappeared very quickly so I'm re-posting with the direct link to the teardrop maker. I have not seen anything like this on this forum. A totally different concept for skinning. Hoping it would generate some discussion.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 480&type=1

[les45]

bump with updated info (check out the changes in the original post)

[Wolfgang92025]

Les,

Interesting concept for making an open roof. Just wondering, how watertight it would be when you are going down the highway at 60+ in a rain or snow storm. Not to sure if snaps around the perimeter is enough to do the trick....
Luckily for us, most of the real bad weather has been on the way home.

[parnold]

Les:

Actually there is a member here, and he is also a member on tearjerkers.net that has built two "convertible" teardrops, as he calls them. Both have screen roofs with heavy vinyl that snaps down for inclement weather. His however fold over the edges a little further.

Wolfgang, Zach has traveled all over with his, and as far as I know has not had any issues. He absolutely loves his.

Les: if you're interested here is Zach's build thread for the second one.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=46135&hilit=xii

P.S. During off months for building, there are a lot more off topic comments. Pay no attention to anything that doesn't interest you.

[PKCSPT]

If I had the patience to develop the skill to build my own teardrop I would do a convertible. I think they are great.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Les:

Actually there is a member here, and he is also a member on tearjerkers.net that has built two "convertible" teardrops, as he calls them. Both have screen roofs with heavy vinyl that snaps down for inclement weather. His however fold over the edges a little further.

Wolfgang, Zach has traveled all over with his, and as far as I know has not had any issues. He absolutely loves his.

Les: if you're interested here is Zach's build thread for the second one.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=46135&hilit=xii

P.S. During off months for building, there are a lot more off topic comments. Pay no attention to anything that doesn't interest you.

Yup... LOVE my convertibles! Never had any issues with driving in the rain, or windy thunderstorms. And mine has actually been stored outside most of the winter. Here's a picture I just took of it this morning. Brrrrrr. COME ON SPRING!!!!

[Wimperdink]

I'm very tempted to build onto of these after seeing the simplicity of it. By simplicity I don't mean the level of difficulty to build, rather the lack of gadgets and gizmos that I would otherwise be tempted to include. I already have the hf trailer being used as a utility. An affordable, detachable, adorable, convertible, teardrop would be a reasonable project for me.

[Oldragbaggers]

I love the convertible idea. I had the pleasure of seeing Zach's first convertible in person and it was a very nice trailer. I'm really looking forward to seeing the X-II.

I think the ability to open it up and really enjoy the fresh air and the view of the trees and sky overhead would lend something to the camping experience also. I have been seeing plans for a trailer that looks just like that one on eBay for quite awhile, although I can't imagine why you would need plans if you understand the basics of how a teardrop goes together. Doing a convertible would have saved me a ton of misery on getting my hatch to fit also. Darn......

This is an idea worth looking at and would seem to be especially attractive to someone who wants to build a larger trailer but still wants to keep it lightweight. What could be lighter weight than screen and vinyl. Oh no.......now you've got me thinkin' again.


Thanks for sharing the link. I "liked" his page.

[starleen2]

Greeting fellow thread followers - Admins have edited this thread to contain ONLY the relevant information about the topic discussed. Please direct and post comments about convertable teardrops to this thread. Unnecessary comments will be edited.

[JuneBug]

Looks like it attaches the same way that a tonneau cover does.

[Wimperdink]

I've wondered if short bungees would be more advantageous to keeping the top stretched tight. To anyone that's done this, have you noticed slack in the cover from temp changes?

[Oldragbaggers]

I would think that if you got a nice snug fit when the fabric is warm (when it will be its most relaxed) you shouldn't have a problem.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I would think that if you got a nice snug fit when the fabric is warm (when it will be its most relaxed) you shouldn't have a problem.

You got it!

The material I use is marine grade vinyl (UV protecected, cold-crack resistant), and it really doesn't stretch a whole lot. The vinyl is certainly more flexible in the heat of the summer sun compared to how stiff it is sitting under 6" of snow, but once its pulled tight it doesn't relax much. When I make the tops, I install a few snaps at a time, alternating sides, pulling tight the entire time.