Albuquerque teardrop

[ChasCABQ]

I had to perform some detailed calculations to install the gas strut brackets and braces on the hatch today.

I weighed and measured the hatch. According to online sources, a strut should be about half the length of the hatch. Using statics, I calculated two 20 inch long, 50 to 60 pound struts would be needed. I bought two 20 inch, 60 pound struts and brackets from Albuquerque's Central Trailer Supply.

After observing my Subaru wagon's struts, I used Sketchup Make to check strut layouts and locate best mounting points. The diagram shows how I determined the best mounting points.

My struts were 20" long extended, and 11-3/4" compressed all the way.
Point A was almost 20" from hinge point and three inches inside hatch skin.
With hatch up, I measured an arc with 20" radius from point A.
With hatch down, I measured a second arc from point A with 12-1/4" radius so strut was almost but not fully compressed.
Where the two arcs intersected is where to locate point B, second strut point.

On each side of the hatch, I installed strut brackets and 1x2 poplar braces for extra strength. Next, my wife held up the hatch and I struck the first arc, closed the hatch and struck the second arc. Point B was where the two arcs met. I installed a second set of braces and brackets on the side wall interiors.

I will install gas struts after the hatch hinge is installed.

Next skin the hatch!

[ChasCABQ]

Quick update
I finished the hatch: installed 1/8" birch plywood skin, drilled holes for tee handle and hinge, etc. Now I'm preparing for paint by patching holes and sanding.

[rebapuck]

How fast does paint dry in NM in August?

[ChasCABQ]

"Remember, the goal is not the teardrop. The goal is camping!"
- Captain Bob, USN Retired, local teardrop builder and forum member

With that in mind I've started patching holes and sanding. I tried two patching materials: DAP wood filler and Bondo spot repair. I prefer the wood filler as it is easier to squeeze into larger spaces than Bondo. Also, I don't like the red dust from sanding Bondo. Bondo sure stands out though...

I road-tested the trailer over some nearby speed humps and took it on the highway. Looked it over on return and it looked fine. I began sanding a wall with coarse sandpaper on a belt sander to knock down the roof edge overlap, filler and high spots. I followed up with progressively finer paper on my orbital sander for a smooth, paintable surface. Got one side done today before the heat drove me inside. Answer to rebapuck: quickly.

[ChasCABQ]

I finished two coats of exterior latex primer. Teardrop is sanded and ready for color now. Then I'll do the interior with zero VOC paint. I keep reminding myself "it's only painted plywood".

[dales133]

Looking good chas.final assemblys looking closer

[Sheddie]

Good progress, you will be camping soon

[ChasCABQ]

Okay, after some delays I did the top coat (third coat of paint so far). After waiting a bit I went back around and touched up areas as needed. I used high gloss exterior enamel paint applied with a 4" wide mohair roller. Next I'll paint the inside surfaces: galley and hatch will get the exterior paint and the sleeper with interior zero VOC paint. Ignoring the flaws in the marine plywood sides it looks pretty good... at 20 feet

[ChasCABQ]

FINALLY I got her done after many moons of procrastination! Last year I was wondering how I would be able to go camping and perform dialysis in the field. No longer an issue as I received a kidney transplant in January. So I finished up and installed doors, fenders, and put on highway rated wheels. I have some cleanup, screw tightening and touch up paint but those are all minor things.

One thing: my strut calculations were off somehow. The 60# is fine but length or placement is off. I have headroom standing next to galley but far end is low and will be a head knocker I'm afraid. I'll review it and maybe make a change after my first camping trip week of July 11, 2016.

Many thanks to all who've given advice and encouragement along the way! I'll post some camping pics next.

[cubbyboy57]

Glad to hear you can enjoy your trailer! I am jealous as I am still on the painting and probably won't get to camp until the fall. Post pictures of your camp if you can.

james

[S. Heisley]

Congratulations on your teardrop. It looks very nice. It'll look even better in a camp setting!

[KCStudly]

+1

[greygoos]

Congratulations on your teardrop and your transplant. You are an inspiration. Good luck and keep rolling

[dales133]

Well done and congrads on both accounts

[ChasCABQ]

So I had driven my trailer around town with no issues. A month later I'm readying it for first camping trip, air up the tires, and head down the road. SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK! Right wheel's sidewall is rubbing on the frame! I return home, put tent camping gear into my Subaru and head out with my son-in-law. We had a great trip to East Fork Campground in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado.

After returning, I check things out. I had put larger, highway rated wheels on the trailer and they have very little clearance. I will check the axle alignment and wheel (it could be out of true) and switch it out with my spare (same size).

I may have to install spacers to move the wheels out 1/4 inch or so. Worst case, buy a new, longer axle.