Newbie: Introducing myself

[gcollins]

New to this whole teardrop thing. Actually been dreaming about it for about a year or so. Just got home with my HF frame and haven't put it together yet. I have some plans bought on ebay for a really simple tear with a snap-down fabric top. Starting to chicken out on the rag top, and have also decided I don't really like the profile. If any of you have seen this picture on ebay, it is kinda flat in the middle or something. I have the picture on my computer, but can't figure out how to post it. Anyhow, I have been lurking for several days, learning about fastening the walls, building doors, etc. I am just about ready to dive in, just building up my courage.

I have tons of questions. So many I wouldn't spring them on you guys all at once. I am not wanting anything fancy, just something that works well and has a little style to make camping a little easier on mom and dad (wife and I) while the kids enjoy the whole tent thing. Also, trying to keep cost down as much as possible and still make something that will last several years.

Gregg

[mikeschn]

Hey Gregg,

Welcome to the forum.

For a crash course, read the Generic benroy plans, up there in the menu.

I've not seen the ebay pic you are talking about (I don't think). Can you post a pic of it. Oh yea, for help posting pics, check this out... http://www.mikenchell.com/pichelp.html

Mike...

[gcollins]

Here's the picture of the convertible teardrop. Thanks for the help getting it posted.

Not sure what it is that I don't like. Maybe its because the axle is too close to center, or maybe the wheels are too small. Maybe the whole profile is just not right? [/img]

[Roly Nelson]

Those 12 inch wheels are big enough, and perhaps the axle is a bit too close to the center. However, I don't think it can be considered a true teardrop unless that fabric-covered back end lifts up to expose a galley. Check out the build info, you may decide to go with a solid top.
Roly

[gcollins]

I put more pictures of the convertible on my album on this site. The hatch does lift up, but looks like you have to undo about 2 dozen snaps first.

My main question about having the top come off is, "Why?"

I can't think of any time when I would want the top off, other than unsnapping a little of the front for ventillation.

Now I'm starting to research materials for a solid top. I'm a little intimidated by the skill level required as well as the cost. I need to find a simple way to cover the thing that will work well in my climate. I don't have a carport or garage to store this tear in.

[bobhenry]

I built "Chubby in my driveway. A large tarp and 4 concrete blocks can be your best friend. I laid out the center line of my spars 12" on center starting at the hatch and going forward. I cut a notch in the side panel and a notch in the spar so I had a tongue in grove kinda fit. Actually a rabet joint. Pics in my album I really wish I had found these earlier I would have used them for a much stronger connection ..........



If ya get in trouble holler there are 7,000 + of us now someone has been there before no matter what the problem. Just go for it and Good Luck

Bob

[tinksdad]

As Mike says..... "The quality will be remembered long after the cost is forgotten..."

All I can add is "Go for it!! You won't be sorry."

A garage or carport is nice, but not necessary. Check my album for the pic titled "Workshop". I'm building under a $20 throw away awning. I say throw away because I'll be extremely happy if it lasts for the duration of the build. If it don't make it, at the end of the season, I'll buy another one.

[Jim T]

Gregg,
The only reason I can see for the removable top is that it is a way for the builder to save some money. Although I have am on my first trailer, I don't see how the top could last. Between the wind at traveling speeds, sun, and rain; I would be suspicious.
Don't worry about the build. Just follow the instructions and if you have any questions, just ask for help. You will have it in minutes. There are also probably other teardrop owners close to you, so you can go take a look.
Just go for it! Jim

[gcollins]

Well, I got out the EZ-UP and started assembling the frame today. I'm to the part where I have to spline the front and rear together using the center two crossmembers.

Read a post on another thread where somebody is extending the chassis to 9' using the crossmembers this way. I'm seriously thinking about that, when the wife and I measured off a 4x8 space in the LR floor and tried it for size. The verdict is: too narrow! We are not small people, and to think of getting in and out, rolling over, etc., we will need a 5' width.

So all of a sudden, I'm thinking of making this project much more complicated by changing the dimensions. Now I have to measure for the axle location closer to the rear, and work out a plan for floor framing. I'm hoping to clear the fenders, or at least come out flush with the top of them, so I don't have to build a huge fender well inside.


Also, made a drawing of a 5x9 floor plan. Looks like the drawers I salvaged from an old steel sink will need about 2' of cabinet to slide back into. This will give me 6" of floor space right on the tailgate for lawnchairs, groceries, etc., as well as about 6.5' for the cabin.

Gregg

[b.bodemer]

The profile for that rag top td is so no water sits on the roof.............so after the front radius it's all down hill. I'm helping a kayak friend of mine finish hers and we used those ebay plans. She's excited to sew a custom top for it and is looking forward to those nice nights where she has the screen on top and roll the cover back.

But hey.....that profile and design plan is not for everybody. Go for what you like and build it the way you want it.

Just go for it.

Barb