Off-road Teardrop Design/Build

[tony.latham]

Your doors DO look great. If I ever build another 'drop, and I quit being lazy, I'll forgo the factory built option.

Ton

[kokomoto]

The trim finally arrived. Installed two 8' roof edge trim pieces first. Installed the fantastic fan and wired the cabin light. Should be getting to the hatch later today. One window has been installed.

While cutting the hole in the ceiling out of the aluminum for the fan, I forgot about the wires for the fan, and cut right through them with the jigsaw! I was fortunately able to pull an inch or two out and splice into the remaining wire. Here's a picture of the carnage.

Carnage

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Port side with window

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Fantastic Fan is

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[kokomoto]

Cabin fan

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Cabin light

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Cabin slider

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[kokomoto]

Seitz window

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Window screen

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[kokomoto]

Hatch work - got the hinge installed to test the fit after finishing the top run of roof edge trim.

Hinge side

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Hatch side

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[KCStudly]

While cutting the hole in the ceiling out of the aluminum for the fan, I forgot about the wires for the fan, and cut right through them with the jigsaw! I was fortunately able to pull an inch or two out and splice into the remaining wire.

Close call! That could have been a lot more difficult to remedy.

On the other hand, if that is your worst "oops" during the build, you are doing pretty well!

[Dirtclod]

The mattress was delivered today. Testing it out at home for the holiday weekend. It's a Milliard Tri-Fold, just shy of queen size.

Trailer is looking GREAT.

I was re-reading your post and wanted to know your impression of the mattress that you have shown on page 1. Its also on my short list but wife is concerned that we will feel the gaps where they are sewn together. Is that the 4 inch version ? How does it sleep?

[kokomoto]

The mattress was delivered today. Testing it out at home for the holiday weekend. It's a Milliard Tri-Fold, just shy of queen size.

Trailer is looking GREAT.

I was re-reading your post and wanted to know your impression of the mattress that you have shown on page 1. Its also on my short list but wife is concerned that we will feel the gaps where they are sewn together. Is that the 4 inch version ? How does it sleep?

Thanks!

I haven't slept on it yet, but overnight guests have with no complaints so far. I should be trying it out myself soon! I figure that we can add a 2" memory foam topper to it, if needed. The ability to fold it up into a seat if need be was a plus for us.

[kokomoto]

I installed the T molding on the starboard door, and installed the window. It fits pretty good. Still need to order the weatherstripping for the doors.

Starboard door

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Door installed 1

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Side with door

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[kokomoto]

Decided to put Formica on the galley countertop. I found some retro 50s stuff (seemed fitting for Formica) at HD. In any case, it's inexpensive, durable, and cleans up easily. I had never installed this stuff before, but followed some instructions I found on the interwebs, and it was easier than I thought it would be.

Galley countertop

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[kokomoto]

Putting the finishing touches on the hatch with trim and epoxy varnish, and also attached the countertop.

Hatch trim 1

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Hatch trim 2

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Hatch trim 3

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[Dirtclod]

Thanks for the pics of the hatch trim. I am getting close to this stage myself and could use all the pics that you can post.

[kokomoto]

Thanks for the pics of the hatch trim. I am getting close to this stage myself and could use all the pics that you can post.

No guarantees, this is my first attempt!

[kokomoto]

Hatch installed!

The hottest day of the year so far. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Must......install.......the hatch.

Two Lagunitas to celebrate.

Also got those slick stainless steel draw latches on the hatch that Tony recommended on after sundown.

[tony.latham]

Your hatch looks superb. Six-bits says it's dust free.

Tony