Appalachian Teardrop - My 1st build!

[eddiegrey]

Hello!

I guess I should start off with an introduction. My in laws purchased a large travel trailer 2 years ago and we've really enjoyed camping with them. We have been tent camping along side them when they go. Somehow I came across the youtube video review of a Camp-inn trailer by user doggorunning. I was so blown away by his camper I was hooked. I started researching and found this site. I'm no woodworker, I've done some light construction work and home improvement projects. I have a decent understanding of how things work. I've put together a lot of IKEA furniture. So I figure how hard could it be to build one of my own!!??? I looked around at all the styles I like and found Ty-Dean Customs LLC and ordered their plans on ebay. Should be here tomorrow.

About the trailer and my plan:
Want to build on 5x8 trailer from Northern Tool. Eventhough the plans I've bought are based on 4x8 harbor freight. My first challenge Reverse engineering.

I want to do the electrical so that I can plug in at the campground and run a 5000btu ac (placement will be another challenge). I want to be able to charge the battery while plugged in and operate all DC components (lights fan TV? etc). No air conditioning while off the grid...but still want to run all DC components. Would like to have the ability to add solar charging system down the road. (if there are any suggestions for books, blogs, posts to help me here I'd appreciate it)

Deadline May 31st 2014 (My son's 2nd birthday) we had his first birthday party at a local campground so I'd love to have this done for his party!

With lack of knowledge, skill, tools, and a real good place to do this. I jump in regardless. So here we go. Pics to come!

[AlgoDan]

Hello and welcome aboard, its great you have a plan. Post pics as you build and good luck.,,,

[eddiegrey]

I love making wish lists. So I've started one on Amazon and have been adding little things I feel like I may NEED and a lot I just want. Feel free to check it out. http://amzn.com/w/EYPIWEAGNWCO

[eddiegrey]

First pic!!!!

[eddiegrey]

Hello and welcome aboard, its great you have a plan. Post pics as you build and good luck.,,,

thanks!! Will do

[eddiegrey]

Waiting for christmas money to roll in and order the 4x8 HBF trailer. I've decided for my first build I better stick to these plans pretty strict and may be able to build a bigger one in the future.

I have an idea for windows, I found these frames on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5RHTG4/ref ... V59IBQBBP6 for $9. I can have plexiglass cut at my local lowes. Seems like a very inexpensive way to get my windows. Just wouldn't be able to open them but not a big deal to me really. I think I am just gonna order one since they are so cheap and give it a shot. Will let ya know how it turns out.

[KCStudly]

Opening windows or some other form of adequate ventilation (in and out) is mandatory for safety reasons.

In a small TD it does not make sense to me to have fixed windows, unless you are doing a star gazing window in the ceiling and have opening windows in the doors, in addition to a roof vent.

[rand_98201]

Very cool I have been looking for what I want to build as well.I also found that same site you ordered plans from.I didnt order them but considered it.One thing you may want to consider is these guys that sell the teardrop trailer kits that are designed to be built on the northern tool trailer.It would help you time wise as well since you want to get yours done pretty quickly.....http://www.theteardroppers.com/ just another idea I figured you might want to consider if you havent already.Good luck though.

[eddiegrey]

Very cool I have been looking for what I want to build as well.I also found that same site you ordered plans from.I didnt order them but considered it.One thing you may want to consider is these guys that sell the teardrop trailer kits that are designed to be built on the northern tool trailer.It would help you time wise as well since you want to get yours done pretty quickly.....http://www.theteardroppers.com/ just another idea I figured you might want to consider if you havent already.Good luck though.

Thanks for that resource. I will definitely check it out!

[eddiegrey]

Opening windows or some other form of adequate ventilation (in and out) is mandatory for safety reasons.

In a small TD it does not make sense to me to have fixed windows, unless you are doing a star gazing window in the ceiling and have opening windows in the doors, in addition to a roof vent.

You're very right. Turns out the frames above are one side...either exterior or interior. I did however find this link last night and I believe this is the best price online. What do you think of these size wise and price???

http://www.nueratrailerparts.com/p-5664 ... -x-14.aspx

[rick e]

Opening windows or some other form of adequate ventilation (in and out) is mandatory for safety reasons.

In a small TD it does not make sense to me to have fixed windows, unless you are doing a star gazing window in the ceiling and have opening windows in the doors, in addition to a roof vent.

You're very right. Turns out the frames above are one side...either exterior or interior. I did however find this link last night and I believe this is the best price online. What do you think of these size wise and price???

http://www.nueratrailerparts.com/p-5664 ... -x-14.aspx

Hello Eddie,
I wish I had found that site before I bought my windows from ebay. Mine are about the same size, same kind for a little less $ (not much). Only thing is I didn't get the clamp ring so I will have to improvise there. Even with an A/C I consider ventilation very important. I am getting the good Fantastic Fan to help with that.
So I would say the window on nueratrailerparts is a good find.
I also like those plans you bought, I considered them. The ones I bought are not much help considering all the same info and more is online free. (mine not yours) But it doesn't matter because I mostly just use them as a general guide, not precise plans.
Enjoy the build, I know I am.

[KCStudly]

Oh heck. I had been typing a huge diatribe on "using the best materials" and "heck, if you can read the forums here then you can design with the best of us", etc., etc., when I broke from my stupor to realize that those sliders might work out just fine for you.

I will tell you what I tell everyone who I'm impressed with enough, that I feel has the "right stuff" to see it thru and build their own, (...that sounds kind of arrogant, but I am a self proclaimed type-A personality and feel that my credentials here are at least semi-valid), study this forum more before you commit. Plan your build in detail. Decide what type of camping you intend to do and emulate the builds that best describe what you intend to do.

There are so many here that have gone before us that it would be ridiculous for any of us to strike out on our own and pretend to be able to do a better job than the collective.

I spent over a year lurking here and designing before striking out on my build, and have committed so much $$$ into my dream to complete my build in the way that I have envisioned (maybe not typical, maybe crazy, but maybe not far from reality).

Like anything else, if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

(I apologize for blathering. )

[eddiegrey]

Oh heck. I had been typing a huge diatribe on "using the best materials" and "heck, if you can read the forums here then you can design with the best of us", etc., etc., when I broke from my stupor to realize that those sliders might work out just fine for you.

I will tell you what I tell everyone who I'm impressed with enough, that I feel has the "right stuff" to see it thru and build their own, (...that sounds kind of arrogant, but I am a self proclaimed type-A personality and feel that my credentials here are at least semi-valid), study this forum more before you commit. Plan your build in detail. Decide what type of camping you intend to do and emulate the builds that best describe what you intend to do.

There are so many here that have gone before us that it would be ridiculous for any of us to strike out on our own and pretend to be able to do a better job than the collective.

I spent over a year lurking here and designing before striking out on my build, and have committed so much $$$ into my dream to complete my build in the way that I have envisioned (maybe not typical, maybe crazy, but maybe not far from reality).

Like anything else, if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

(I apologize for blathering. )

Thanks for the advice. I think its a matter of planning. I won't even get started until January and am researching and discussing my build with you folks so I don't make a major slip up prior to getting started.

More on my plan:
The doors I really want from vintek are a little out of my price range for this build so I'm going with the wooden doors from the plans with the windows I've found. Also keep a check on my amazon list above I've added some cool finds to it.

[Junkboy999]

Welcome Eddie.


That Fake Jerry can / tool box is neat. would look great on a 4X4 style Td.


I found and seen on the forums, the most expensive way to build a TD is just the buy the stuff when you need it. I know that sounds strange. That is how it is done right? Some of the builders took a bit of time to build their TD and started to scrounge up parts and used stuff for a while before the dust started to fly. I know, I rushed in to it, bought a trailer and some wood. The trailer was not usable because how it was made to dump ( tilting trailer ) and I don’t have any welding skills to build one so I waited. I glad I did. I learned so much just reading a few build log each night and one day a used TD showed up on craigslist. Now I can still camp and slowly work out my designs and start collection parts as I can get things cheaper on sale or free even if you keep looking.


You said you might build a nicer one later. You can repurpose the stuff off the first TD again and again. Dont forget to check out Mikes weekender, the Rockhoppers and the Sunhopper. More of a squared off design, but assembly is a bit easier without the rounded parts. Some people have built this style in a weekend ( just the shell ).

What ever you do is going to be fine. Just enjoy it and make it your own.

[paul.luna]

Hello!

I guess I should start off with an introduction. My in laws purchased a large travel trailer 2 years ago and we've really enjoyed camping with them. We have been tent camping along side them when they go. Somehow I came across the youtube video review of a Camp-inn trailer by user doggorunning. I was so blown away by his camper I was hooked. I started researching and found this site. I'm no woodworker, I've done some light construction work and home improvement projects. I have a decent understanding of how things work. I've put together a lot of IKEA furniture. So I figure how hard could it be to build one of my own!!??? I looked around at all the styles I like and found Ty-Dean Customs LLC and ordered their plans on ebay. Should be here tomorrow.

About the trailer and my plan:
Want to build on 5x8 trailer from Northern Tool. Eventhough the plans I've bought are based on 4x8 harbor freight. My first challenge Reverse engineering.

I want to do the electrical so that I can plug in at the campground and run a 5000btu ac (placement will be another challenge). I want to be able to charge the battery while plugged in and operate all DC components (lights fan TV? etc). No air conditioning while off the grid...but still want to run all DC components. Would like to have the ability to add solar charging system down the road. (if there are any suggestions for books, blogs, posts to help me here I'd appreciate it)

Deadline May 31st 2014 (My son's 2nd birthday) we had his first birthday party at a local campground so I'd love to have this done for his party!

With lack of knowledge, skill, tools, and a real good place to do this. I jump in regardless. So here we go. Pics to come!

Eddie,

Welcome and thanks for the input on my build, feel free to PM me I'll give you some of my thoughts on those plans since I am using them as a reference for my build.
We purchased a lot of stuff from Frank at http://www.teardroptrailerparts.com he has given me a lot of great advice on trim, vent fan and doors. I think his prices are reasonable as well. My brother wanted the cool doors for his build, I am going to try building my doors and just getting the windows from Frank. I was thinking the RV Teardrop Trailer Window (1) 14" x 21" black frame http://teardroptrailerparts.com/Windows___Doors.html
Good luck if you feel something isn't right just give a shout some one here has most likely ran into it and can give you some assistance.

-Paul