Canada - SK - Initially optimistic!

[Munchbard]

Hello hello!

Peter here from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Interest peaked when I saw a variation of the teardrop at a camping site. I started looking at them, then more and more, became obsessed with thinking to myself, I can do that. I'm a 3d engineering draftsperson by trade and work in a shop that deals with a lot of aluminum and steel. I'm also part of the local hackerspace that has access to a number of unique tools. Due to weakness of the Canadian dollar vs the USD, I'm hoping that I'll be able to fabricate a number of the parts from my work. We have an aluminum CNC table router (good for wood as well), welders, 12 ft brake (for bending material), and a 10 ft CNC shear. Plus $30k laser cutter.

My interest lies with the features I hope to incorporate into the final design. The main goals I wish to accomplish are the inclusion of a 100 watt solar panel, a complete CAD model of the finished product to share, and a better hands-on approach to projects.

Other minor goals.
- Custom laser cut lexan/plexiglass windows
- Propane setup
- Onboard H2O. (optimistic...)
- Complete LED lighting.

The more and more I read in the forum, the more I want to try out and build.

I've got the time, space, and money. Lets do it!

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Peter, welcome to the forum. There is a very experienced metal teardropper right up there in Canada. Unfortunately, he is traveling right now, but may read this post and give you a heads-up on parts and supplies available up north of the border. He even has teardrop gatherings right there on his farm property. Come on, Brian, chime in here, oh, and enjoy your vacation..........:-)
Roly, the li'l ol' So Calif woody TD builder and user.

[dales133]

Hurry up brian your slacking btw welcome munchbard

[Wobbly Wheels]

Welcome Peter - your story is pretty much how I got into this mess as well

I'm in Canada as well and hear you loud and clear on the dollar. I'm a boatbuilder so I get marine hardware at less than I'd pay for RV stuff.
PM me if you need something, though shipping from BC to Saskabush might undo that margin. Otherwise, eBay is great and there are some parts vendors on this board as well.

There's a ton of great info here and, when you get your design nailed down (more or less), we'd love to see it.

A lot of people start off simple for the first one and incorporate the 'other stuff' into a second, more ambitious build (oh yes, you will build another...just like the potato chips...)

[inthewoods]

Hi Peter. Welcome to the forum. I'm a couple hours south of you near Moose Jaw and I've been working on finishing a teardrop for the past year now. My wife, children and I will take it out for the first time this spring and summer. You are right parts are a bit harder to find. I'm likely going to make a trip south of the border to pickup some parts.

[Munchbard]

I've been finding that amazon.ca has a number of decently priced accessories listed on their website. The big trick is to search for the correct search term. An Amazon Prime account is wonderful.

Princess Auto is a gem and am very glad I work 5 minutes away.

I've purchased a 100w Renogy Solar Kit, 72" 3500 lbs axle, trailer tires and assorted hardware this week. Hopefully going to build the frame this weekend. (Oh crap, Valentines Day....)

[brettstoon]

Peter! A fellow Saskatoonian!

Like you, my interest (maybe obsession) started from seeing my first teardrop at Waskesui lake!

I've made very good friends with Ebay and Amazon, also a few odds and ends places around town.

I'm interested in trying to bulk buy anything if you are. I'm planning on buying pre manufactured doors, mill finish aluminium skin, and baltic birch plywood.

My deadline is Canada day! Hope to see you and your tear around!

Brett