Newbie: Basic Questions

[BobandLaura]

Hi everyone, and thanks for all the information you've already given us. We are thinking about building, and have a couple of questions:

We live in coastal Southern California. Our temperature never gets very hot or cold. We get lots of sun, and a very little rain. But we get lots of damp salt air. Barbeques and anything metal left outside rusts very quickly. We are thinking of properly varnished wood for our siding, and maybe vinyl over the top. Would those be good choices? Any other special building considerations?

Secondly, I'm thinking we'd like to build kind of bare bones first, and do some camping before deciding on where to place shelves and cabinets, and how to build out the galley. How difficult would it be to add those things after the fact.

Thanks, Laura (and Bob who is off working so we have enough $ to build or buy a teardrop)

[Ira]

The vinyl is going to be trouble because of UV exposure. Think of vinyl roofs on cars, which you seldom see any more.

As far as your galley and deciding where to put cabinets and such, herein lies the rub and where planning does matter:

I don't know if you've inspected any actual TD plans yet, but your galley bulkhead walls (I have two) are structurally very integral to the whole TD. So depending on where you place them affects the positions and dimensions of your countertop and other galley elements.

It's not like you can "change" them later.

And the position of those galley bulkhead walls also affects the rear cabinets and/or shelves in the CABIN.

[BobandLaura]

Thank you. We've looked at several plans, but are still undecided. But we would definitely put the bulkhead wall in place. I like the idea of removable shelves in the galley. We may do that. Laura

[doug hodder]

Bob and Laura...another option is with an aluminum skin on the top and woody sides...I coat them both out with automotive clear...it's a more advanced technique, but gives great results. No stain from salty air on aluminum and if properly sealed, wood holds up well. You might also want to check into some of the newer vinyls used for tonneau covers...and find out what the UV specs are on it...Doug

[Sonetpro]

Bob and Laura, I use mine to go to the beach alot. The same conditions you are talking about. I used clear anodized alum sheet, With all stainless hardware. The salt spray doesn't affect it.

[Ira]

Man, I LOVE that TD.

[GPW]

B&L... Depending on the style of the TD you're making , you have a few alternatives as far as the Galley is concerned...
On the traditional TD , you almost have to consider the Galley first and during construction , just because it's so hard to get to later...and those parts are permanently affixed to the sides ... usually ... On a more Boxy Td you have more access to add things later ...
The one thing that's important is the Galley wall , you can always add shelves and things later , but that wall has to be a major part of the structure , from the get-go...and as used in conjunction with the traditional rear hatch is an important structural member...on the boxy TD's (actually not TD) the wall can be eliminated entirely and galley incorporated into the living area ... (sorta' like an efficiency apt. on the beach ) Torsional stiffness can be enhanced by a simple arch , which is a great place to hang a privacy curtain for the ladies...
Plan ahead , keep it simple .... if you don't like it , you can always change it , or do like we do and build another ... (Building TD's is a very satisfying pursuit and worth repeating ...)

[surveytech]

Here is an option......lots of flexability...
galley in........


and galley out.........


could make the whole thing shelves until (and if) you decide you want cabinets.

Hey.......just an idea.

Walter

[BobandLaura]

Thanks for the replies.

GPW: After more thought, we are leaning toward a boxy rear end. Bob is playing around with designs on the CAD system. We would still have the bulkhead wall, for stiffness, for extra insulation, and as a useful surface wall inside the sleeping area. By keeping the back end square, we can put more workable area within Bob's reach. BTW, we LOVE your avatar.

Walter: Your galley is beautiful, and the removable idea is very good. We'd have to keep things light enough for me to load and remove, but it has potential. Bob is also playing around with ideas for slide out work surfaces that he could roll under.

We'll probably be in the planning phase for quite a while, but will post some potential designs when we firm them up a little. There is so much to read and learn here! Thank you (all) for your invaluable advise. Laura

[BobandLaura]

Yikes! I just noticed that somehow I went from a "teardrop dreamer" to a "teardrop builder"! I guess you guys have committed us, even though we were not yet fully committed. So if you think we should be committed (as many people who know us have suggested), then who are we to argue. It's a sign from the teardrop gods.

The only decision we've made so far is 5'x8', so I guess it's safe to order the trailer. Thank you all for your advice, encouragement, and gentle nudging. Laura and Bob