Serenity TearDrop Build

[western traveler]

Yep, but I never once opened the lid while doing it.

You're not alone. That's why mine sits a bit proud of the slider:



I mentioned this issue in the book. Well, sorta:

Part of the challenge with this installation was the stove’s placement on the platform. If I mounted it flush with the counter, the windscreen wouldn’t clear the galley wall. If I mounted it too far out, the hatch gusset would hit it. The distance I settled on was 1-1/4” from the edge of the countertop.

I should edit, windscreen to stove lid. Like I said, I sorta addressed it. Using the right word would help...


Tony

Tony, you are totally off the hook with this, LOL.
Like I said I checked it at least a dozen times. I just didn’t account for the extra two inches the lid takes up when open

Garth, So true, There is a lot in this tiny space! I am very happy with it so far. Next is figuring out how to mount these latches like Tony’s tomorrow.

[western traveler]

The galley looks nice. Everything looks to have come together nicely.

Thanks Joe! I was composing my message as you were posting. I wouldn’t push my bulkhead forward at all. I might have moved my vertical wall two inches to the right though

[western traveler]

A couple nights ago I was trying to tighten things up finishing out the galley. I had ripped a few pieces from the left over oak I had from laminating the hatch spar and capped the edges with it. I sanded things out and felt the oak was pretty boring. I noticed a jar of Trans Tint I had mixed while deciding what shade of brown I wanted on the exterior so I stained it with the medium brown I hadn’t chosen. Stepped back and thought, this looks very familiar!
I varnished everything and knocked off for the night.

Went out to the garage yesterday at 5AM and wound up green padding and adding the second coat of varnish. Not wanting to create dust I made a trip to the city and purchased the stainless for the counter top and installed it last night.

As long as we don’t end up parked next to each other with our hatches up I feel okay about it Tony. Besides yours looks much better.

[tony.latham]

Besides yours looks much better.

Not under a moonless sky.



I took that last night. It was a fine evening.





Tony

[western traveler]

Besides yours looks much better.

Not under a moonless sky.
It was a fine evening.





Tony

Okay I’m trying to just put one foot in front of the other and scenes/moments like that are not making it any easier…

Soon I hope. Soon.

[western traveler]

Spent a couple of days dry fitting and finally hard mounting the taillights and fenders. Waiting on black caulking from Dicor to finish it out. Also waiting on my trim wood to be returned. My first views of things coming together in the daylight. I still need to mount the 3rd brake light but decided to go with no handle on the hatch. I like the clean look of it.
Hope to start wiring the trailer lights today. I had to choose help from my friend from out of town to raise the walls or wire way back when.

[JoeGrz]

As I have said, I love the way those fenders look and the turquoise color adds to the retro look. It is a great looking teardrop. I too opted not to put the handle on it. I am so use to reaching under the bottom of the hatch to open it that I did not see the point. Of course one day I'm sure I will reach down and stick my hand in some mud. I may reconsider then.

[western traveler]

Thanks Joe,
Also I am sure the bottom will get plenty of dirt and occasionally muddy but I figure I will be cleaning it off to keep it out of the galley anyway. I did purchase the handle if it bothers me too much.

[saywhatthat]

I like that idea of no handles on the hatch and even if you decide to move it just put an inside release like on your car trunk. That seems like it would add a lot of security

[cjlangellier]

I really love the combo of the white walls, hubcaps, fenders and turquoise against the wood walls. It looks fantastic! Super cool retro trailer. Looks like you’ll be camping before too long.

[western traveler]

Cody,
Thanks for the kind words.
It seems everything is taking longer to complete lately though. I would like to make Glacier Park this month even for a two night shakedown but it would be in an unfinished Tear I’m sure.

@saywhattthat, I have to admit I haven’t given much thought as to how to lock the hatch if needed.

[Capebuild]

Cody,
Thanks for the kind words.
It seems everything is taking longer to complete lately though.

Comparing that you and I started our builds around the same time, seems to me your build is moving very fast (much quicker than mine ).
Your trailer looks great!

John

[western traveler]

Cody,
Thanks for the kind words.
It seems everything is taking longer to complete lately though.

Comparing that you and I started our builds around the same time, seems to me your build is moving very fast (much quicker than mine ).
Your trailer looks great!

John

Thanks John but there is no comparison between the two builds other than they are home built. Your attention to detail is impressive! I love your solution for the fridge tray!

[western traveler]

I wish I could get my Crystal ball back from repair. I’ve been distracted a bit with a few trips to the city for simple things like the correct length screws etc.

I did get the overhead lights taken care of. I think they produce 4 different colors and come with a remote (will I ever use it?). Also a timer to turn themselves off.

After trying to figure out a way to mount the curtains to these Challenger doors I decided Tom and Shelly viewtopic.php?f=50&t=70278&start=675#p1278835 had the best answer and I secured them with Velcro. Also by adding a few tabs in different locations they can be adjusted for different configurations.

Working on the gauge and switch mounting in the galley right now. I would like to get it at least roughed in before I need to leave for a week. I wish it was going with me…

[western traveler]

I managed to get a bit of the wiring in the galley “panel” done yesterday but suddenly reconsidered how I was going to bring 110 into the space. I had planned on drilling through the wall and mounting a NOCO AC port plug but suddenly my heart wasn’t into it. I just don’t want any more holes in the outer shell. Going to think about it more. I am considering just bringing an extension cord up through the bottom of the hatch into the space to connect with the GFI cord I purchased. I think there might be enough space between the hatch and floor that the cord would just be pressed into the rubber gasket.

Today I cleaned up the trailer wiring and pigtail and mounted the junction box. I wanted to be able to access it easily if needed and this is where it ended up. I then mounted the Buyers Products tongue box. I vacillated over a polished Diamond plate one or this and decided to do the stainless galley counter top and save here. I cut out a wooden floor for it as well. I was thinking how in the heck am I going to follow the multiple curves when suddenly “Dawn broke over Marblehead!” I placed it down on the ply and marked the outside. Gawd sometimes I am slowwww…