Newbie from So Cal

[Squareback]

Hi everyone!

My name is Levi and I live and work in Camarillo, CA. I own a cabinet business and love woodworking almost as much as I love heading out in my Jeep.
I finally decided to build a tear drop and after lots of research I am basing my design on the Moby 1. I purchased my trailer from MCT in Ventura, CA. They are a really great bunch of guys and will build whatever you want in the configuration you want it in. The trailer will be approximately 13 feet long and have a 5 x 9 foot tear drop on it. I had the trailer built with electric brakes and recessed lighting built into the frame. It also has leaf springs as my budget does not have enough for custom suspension. I've allowed a budget of between 5 - 6 thousand to build the tear drop. It will have a 12v system only as I typically do remote camping only. I plan on a 95 watt solar assist charging system to keep the two deep cycle batteries charged. There will also be an insta hot shower system attached and other than some led lighting and 12v outlets that's about as far as the luxuries go. There will be a fantasticfan in the ceiling too. I plan on using a blow up mattress so the cabin can be utilized during inclement weather. I have a CNC that's capable of cutting 4 x 10 sheet goods so the majority of the cutting, with exception of the deck, will be done here. I am really excited about this project and am having a ton of fun doing this. Any advise or comments are greatly appreciated!

[Rhino Ray]

Looks like you got a great plan. I got most of my ideas here when I did my build. Keep checking in and let us know your progress! Have fun!

[bc toys]

Welcome Levi sounds like you got a good jump on things. Remember we love pics of the builds that people do because thats how we learn to build ours better and it sounds like you are going to have a nice trailer.

[Squareback]

Thanks guys,

I'm certainly not the brightest light in the shed when it comes to electrical. I really appreciate this site and those who share their knowledge , makes it a lot easier on me to figure out what to do. The discussion on skin types is a huge benefit too. The knowledge here is just incredible and I am really soaking it up! Really looking forward to sharing what little I know and helping any way I can.

[mezmo]

Welcome to the forum Levi,

I'd just recommend to find a foam mattress that you
can roll up or fold up into one end of the cabin. I've
never had any good luck with inflatable mattresses -
ever. One thing you need when camping, especially
out in the boonies, is a good night's rest. That's more
apt to happen with a more regular type of mattress.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[Vedette]

Hi Levi
Saying that comes so easy as my oldest son's name is Levi.
You sound like you have a leg up on your project.
And yes there is a great electrical section here on the Forum that is well worth the read.
Also, suggestions on the best electrical components to use. They can all be purchased on Ebay at a much lesser cost than thru RV dealers.
Big savings if you are trying to stay on budget.
My only suggestion would be to not go to the trouble and expense of a sink in your galley. They are just not worth the loss of space and all the other requirements for installation and use. Simple wash tub that doubles as your storage for your plates, dish cloths, soap, etc.
And I do agree with Mezmo on the bed.
The idea of a TD is for a comfortable sleep while camping with no set up!
Good Luck with your build.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi
And WELCOME to the Forum!

[Squareback]

[quote="
My only suggestion would be to not go to the trouble and expense of a sink in your galley. They are just not worth the loss of space and all the other requirements for installation and use. Simple wash tub that doubles as your storage for your plates, dish cloths, soap, etc.
And I do agree with Mezmo on the bed.
[/quote]

Yeah, I agree, using a large stainless steel salad bowl with a hole in the bottom for a sink that will be mounted in a hole cutout in a fold down table top.

Also agree with the bed, I field tested the blow up mattress and it was not what I expected. Stuffing a real bed into the cabin.

Thank you for your suggestions.

[miniaturepeddler]

I have been following the teardrop trailer movement for a while. Ever since we tried a cross country trip using a pop pungent trailer. The experience was educational . But having to taken an hour to set up when arriving each nite, then an hour to tear down the next morning turned me off from investing more in that direction.
I finally got the go headstrong the partner when she gave me permission to buy a trailer and let me do what unwanted with it.

Sorry to track on but having trouble starting a new thread.

Also from Sunny Socal, so it is good to see others from the area.

So we picked up a harbor freight 4x8 at thanksgiving and began the basic assembly today.

I shall begin a build journal tomorrow once I have taken photos tomorrow.

I look forward to showing the progress, and yes, since we live close to the desert and snow mountains, this will be insulated and have AC (via a land line).

Robyn from Orange County.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Levi... Welcome aboard...

I saw a thread on this site some time back where someone built a TD and used two folding van bench seats for converta-beds with storage underneath (doubled as foot room when the beds were folded up)... I'll keep looking and there are several different converta-beds available for trailers, vans, autos (like the suburban), etc. I'll keep looking and see if I can find the article... It is just an idea, mind you, but less trouble than a blow-up mattress and probably more comfortable...

Something like this:
http://shop4seats.com/van-seats/sofas-a ... ncess.html

You can find futons on sale, but not sure on the sizes and I thought the one I mentioned was from a Chevy Suburban, but can't remember...

Anyway... good luck on your build and keep the pics coming...