First TD Build

[Wevo]

Here is my first TD design and build. I completed this in 6 months due to a family reunion. I wanted to make a 10 day camping trip out of it so I had to get it road worthy. Blood sweat and tears Lol.

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[retep]

Very nice build. 6 months is very quick. Nicely done


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[Wevo]

I will be posting pictures of my build process. Thank you for the comments!

Im located in central California if any one wants to TD get together









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[Wevo]

Infamous harbor freight 4x8 folding trailer. I converted it to 2000lb trailer with new axle and 15" rims. ETrailer
I welded the frame together.
I installed a new softer ride spring kit because I wasn't happy with the factory one. I plan on a spring over and bigger tires in the future for off-road trails so hopefully it will help.
I installed the axle towards the end of the build.
When I ordered the axle I made a mistake and didn't order the 46" spring seat on center. I ordered the 48" on center . Minor setback. I went to tractor supply locally and purchased spring seats, cut and welded them on.
I didn't know until later I could not put 15" rims on the original axle. This was another reason I swapped out the axle. I am glad I did. Better bearings, bigger Load, and tows like a champ. 85+mph with no issues. Don't even know it's there. So If I lose her I won't even know.

Future build different do's
I would do most hole drilling for wiring, water, and accessories before welding trailer. Easier to use a drill press.
Order and install axle during framing work.







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[Spotman]

WOW....that is Awesome.

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[Az Pete]

Nice!


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[Wevo]

I welded on extra bracing for extending jacks. The jacks work fine but tend to wobble a bit. I will add some tension bolts to them to take the play out when being used. They are easy to extend but need a descent flat area. Non micro adjustments like a corkscrew type.

I coated the 1/4" bottom layer of the deck with Henrys roof tar. I wanted to make the bottom as waterproof as I could.

I framed and added 1" insulation to the deck.
I extended the front and back with a 4" overhang. I did this to intersect the curve so the inside and kitchen floors didn't have a gap.

This gives a taller person like myself more room to sleep without reducing the kitchen space.










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[Wevo]

I designed my TD in sketch up to make it easier and faster when building. I looked at many builds and took what I liked from them adding my own touch.

I would like to thank all the builders out there posting and showing their amazing builds.

I spliced 2 sheets of 3/4 pine ply to get the length I needed. If 4x10' isn't available locally its expensive to ship. I decided to lap join 2 pieces and have the seam near the kitchen.

I used locktite construction adhesive and titebond3 wood glue. I used TB3 for surfaces that were touching (cabinet's ) and LT adhesive for anything else with a gap ( roof spars, 1/8" skinning ply).






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[Wevo]

3k mile maiden voyage. She worked great!
A few changes for the next build.
-Softer glow exterior door lights.

I used bright white LEDs. Very bright and even light up the neighbors camp site. Good for forest and woods camping though.

-Add running lights along roof edge near roof rack. ( or build wider teardrop)
I could not see the roof racks or teardrop at night when driving. It pulls so smooth and easy I kept thinking I lost it. I would swerve the trailer to see the running lights on the bottom. It worked and I haven't been pulled over yet .

-I need a big sticker That says "Dun Built it!" Or "BIY"
Everybody that came up to chat asked where I bought it or "I saw it online for sale".

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[Kyuzo]

Very nice! Well done!

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[tony.latham]

Dang, she's a fine-looking 'drop. Well done.

(all three of my thumbs...)

One little suggestion. Your gas struts will last longer if you flip them around. The seals will dry out otherwise.

Tony

[Wevo]

Zion Utah was pretty warm and we were able to test out our climateRight 2500. It worked like a champ!
Have not tested the heating as of yet with this unit.
I took the factory ports off and self tapped abs sewer connections on. I wanted to use the colored hoses to match along with more durability.



Here is my kitchen in the stop cooking and drink a beer mode. Turn on the tunes with BT wireless receiver. 4 ohm system Slim 8" SUB (4) 4x6 RF"s (2) RF tweeters, marine 1500W amp with crossovers. The kitchen LED's are synced to the music.

I know..........a little over kill . I was afraid I wasn't going to have good enough sound.
Now I'm cursed with staying under Vol level 3 in campgrounds.




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[Wevo]

Dang, she's a fine-looking 'drop. Well done.

(all three of my thumbs...)

One little suggestion. Your gas struts will last longer if you flip them around. The seals will dry out otherwise.

Tony

yes! I know I actually changed them around after realizing I put them that way. I finished building 2 days before my trip and had a list of (DOH!) to fix when I got back home Lol. I was supposed to relax but was combing through my TD looking for misses the whole time.

It's a very good tip! Thanks for seeing that.


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[retep]

Wow !!! That is one very nice build! You have a lot of great ideas. Really like the power panel on rails, that is very slick. A job well done. And only 6 months. Incredible. Very very well done.

Peter

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[Wevo]

Wow !!! That is one very nice build! You have a lot of great ideas. Really like the power panel on rails, that is very slick. A job well done. And only 6 months. Incredible. Very very well done.

Peter

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Thank you Peter!!
It was a fun experience! I love tear drops even more now.


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