fireaunt Newbie here

[fireaunt]

Hi,
I just bought a homebuilt teardrop. I am in the process of finishing it, it is bare bones. The luan cracked above the hatch when it was installed so I bought another piece to install over the top. The TD has TX license plates, painted and has an AC but not much else. So it is useable. Today I sanded and will do some waterproofing and more paint. I want to add some electrical outlets and battery but I don't have a clue how it's done.

[2bits]

There is ALOT of info right here that will help you. I have never done much electrical, but I feel pretty confident now. Just remember nothing can shock you if it's not plugged in, and read everything over and over until you know it by heart (that's how I do it anyway) Download the generic Benroy plans and you can take what you need from that too!

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/GenericBenroyPlans.pdf

[fireaunt]

Thomas,
Thanks for the link. I will study it before I buy anything.

FYI here is the link to photos of my TD by the previous owner/builder.

http://www.rockport-etc.com/camper24.htm

I'm open to any observations or suggestions.

Marilyn

[2bits]

Wow, that is a man sized A/C unit! No worries getting hot in there. I like how he put the deflector, I was wondering about that with your head right at the top you would freeze your brain haha, but that should work good. Looks like he didn't do much interior finishing work, that can be good because you can do whatever you like to it. I bet some stain would really make the wood stand out nice. Looks like you have an open canvas there!

[fireaunt]

Yes, major air. Previous owner said in NM he had to turn it off during the night. With TX humidity we will see. It is a work in progress. It isn't insulated and the walls are pretty thin. I was looking at insulation. Having previously owned a pop-up, I wonder if it is going to be that noisy during a heavy rain.

MT

[Coca Cola Teardrop]

Welcome again fireaunt,
Get busy on that thing and join us at Beavers Bend State park outside of Broken Bow Ok in April 2008.
Be sure to keep us up to date with pics.
Sorry I can't be of any help on electrical. We are a bit spoiled as that is the one thing someone else did on our teardrops.

Linda and Charles

[Miriam C.]

to the playground fireaunt. The electric forum has stickies that are a must read for beginning electric. You will find lot of information and if that doesn't do it just ask.

Oh and da pics??????? Keeps the bubble oil level.

[oklahomajewel]

Welcome Marilyn.... come camping with us !!!

I followed what Hap and some others have done... the Keep It Simple Sister method for the electrical..

I use an extension cord and just run it to a hole onthe drivers side of the Jewel Box , that hole is covered with an exterior electrical cover thingie (what? about $5)

Then run the extension cord just inside and have hanging on the galley wall a good power strip with a built in breaker ... so there you have it ! Five plugs for coffee pot, microwave, radio, etc.. then there is another hole from the galley wall thru to the cabin side and on the cabin side is another power strip (see? plug the cabin one into the galley one) so inside I can plug in hair dryer, laptop, radio, fan , etc.

Easy and not costly at all !!! Under $20
okay here's a pic... sorry , not good I will try to take another this weekend.
you see the white of the extension cord coming out fromthe silver elec cover there on the side... and to the left of the galley, my paper towel holder... I have the power strip hanging on the wall about the paper towels.

[fireaunt]

You are on the same page as the guy who made my TD- on the front by the ac he has a plug sticking out - I guess I need to find a way to cover it. So what you are saying is I don't need to add too much to be functional. I did buy some solar xmas lights - 70% off and coupon at Linens and things - got 2 strings of 50 for $10. So I may be good to go!

I'd still like to understand the electrical wiring. Even the power at a campsite. I guess you can just get "plain" 120v(and how many watt is this) or 30w or 50w from the electric pole at a campsite. I may have known this but it's been 15yrs since we had our popup

Marilyn

[ARKPAT]

Welcome Marilyn !

Looks like you have your trailer now for some personalizing and CAMPING!


The same here about the electrical. Keep It Simple ! It is a lot less problems if it is kept simple. A power strip is a great way to do just that.




Pat

[2bits]

I might end up ding the same electrical if time runs out on me, but what is nice, is that you've got a standard A/C outdoor cover there anyway, so that would leave it open for future modification. I am trying to think ahead as much as possible in this vain, if I can't do it now, at least set it up so I can do it later!

[Bill Fernandez]

looks like you are doing alright now with your tear send more pictures wen you can

[Mike C.]

Hi Marilyn,


Welcome to the forum. Keep working at it and you will be campable, to where it is your trailer, shortly. Glad to have another woman TD owner/builder on the site.


See you around.