Newbi in Canada, More Questions

[Derek]

This is the week of the maiden voyage, I have put on the finishing touches and built a neat storage box for the tongue that matches the trailer. We leave Thursday AM for Timmins, Ontario approx a 8 hr drive for us. We found a nice 12ft X 12ft dining tent brand new for $50.00 and just acquired a nice old Coleman campstove in perfect working condition for free! I have towed our TD for a complete day just running errands to make sure everyting works OK.
I can hardly wait to use it!

Derek
Ontario, Canada

[darockrider]

Hey Derek,

The trailer look good and very quick build! I wonder though looking at your posted photos the windows look awefully wide for those plywood doors, not a whole lot of wood there. You might find your doors will break at this point if stressed at all and if they don't break they will certainly flex alot which will make attaining a good waterproof seal very difficult. I have at least 3 inchs of plywood either side of the window and the ply is 3/4". Even that has enough of a flex to it that I have latches top and bottom to keep it flat and sealed whilst travelling. My doors are approx 30 by 36

Maybe I am wrong and I hope so but I think careful usage of the doors as built is in order!

gerald in Winnipeg

[Derek]

Thanks, as for the windows yes there is not a lot of plywood between them and the edge. It was difficult to fabricate a door large enough to accomodate them and not have interference problems at the fender. To make up for the small amount of material at the window edge the doors actually have aluminum frames around them made of 1/16th 3/4" welded aluminum angle to allow for a door seal. Getting a good seal was an issue and may have to be dealt with again down the road. I may just pull the plywood doors off and fabricate all aluminum ones similar to what we do on firetrucks.

Derek

[darockrider]

Derek,

You could also have used the windows as vertical slides as opposed to horizontal as you have used them. I have vertical slide in both my teardrops. Is nice cause when you sleep the open window is right at face level. Most sliders can be used either way but you might need to drill some drain holes in the outside edge if they are not already there.

just a thought
gerald

[campadk]

This is the week of the maiden voyage, I have put on the finishing touches and built a neat storage box for the tongue that matches the trailer. We leave Thursday AM for Timmins, Ontario approx a 8 hr drive for us.

Woha! Wow heading up to Timmins! Thats a haul for sure. Probably the most north a Tear will have ever been in Ontario too (I'm original from Kapuskasing by the way).

Where part of Ontario are you in Derek?

Congrats too!

[Derek]

Dave,
We are from the Kitchener/Waterloo area in a little town just west called St Clements. Can hardly wait to get on our way to Timmins. It would be great to meet other people with the same interests, this unit is perfect for us as it is just my wife and I now. We are going to do weekend trips to get used to it this year and maybe longer vacations with it next summer.

Derek

[huche]

Derek,
First Off, Amazing job on the BedBug!!!!! I love the color and the happyfaces. I live in Ottawa and I plan on making my FIRST Tear SOOON (I Doubt my fabrication skills well lead me to the same caliber of finished product) Anyways. Wondering whether you plan on using it in the winter and if so how are you gonna insulate? I ask this cause I want to use mine for a portable Ski Chalet for my Snowboard trips. Anyone else with experience with Tears in serious cold weather, your coments would be appreciated. Anyways, great work!
Mike

[cleave]

[quote="huche"]Wondering whether you plan on using it in the winter and if so how are you gonna insulate? I ask this cause I want to use mine for a portable Ski Chalet for my Snowboard trips. Anyone else with experience with Tears in serious cold weather, your coments would be appreciated. Anyways, great work!
Mike[/quote]

Mike,

I just finished mine (mostly, except for int. cabinets) and insulated it for cold weather use. Not sure about mid-winter temperatures but I'm going to try it this winter. I have 1 1/2" insulation in the sidewalls and floor, 1" in the roof and 1 - 1 1/2" in the hatch lid. i have a small ceramic 12V heater that I bought to heat up the cabin. it's not a large space so that plus body heat should keep it warm.

I live in Pembroke, so not too far from Ottawa. If you are ever this way up the Valley, drop me a line.

later

[huche]

Cleave, Thanks for the info, I'll look out for you next time i'm up there (Girlfriend has a cottage near Eganville). Also keep me posted when the temperature starts droping. I'll be interested in your experience.

Cheers,
Mike