getting started on my first build

[Clifford Loose]

I have been coming to this great web site for a while. Been reading all the great information that that every one is putting on the site. It motivated me to build a camper that we can enjoy now and into the future. I am trying to keep the cost down by finding items around the recycling center and local thrift stores. I have managed to find the frame and the windows for the camper. Found the plywood at a local cabinet shop for a great deal. I have decided on a 5ft by 5ft by 10ft tear drop. I decided on a more square back
so I will have more cabinet space. Will have more head room in back at the galley. The added height gives me room to put a air conditioner under cabinets at the foot area. Will have a microwave and a convection oven in the galley. Building my cabinets frame less for ease and cost. will make half and full overlay panel doors for the cabinets. Will make a table out of the foot well cover. planing on making the bed cushions 20in wide to make up the 80in to make a couch to seat at when raining. I have to credit this build on the great people on this site that take there time and energy to inspire the rest of us. I would not have had the confidence to build this tear with out all the information on this site. Keep me motivated so I can finish this tear drop. I have posted some pictures of the build.[url][/url]

[John T. Hodgen]

Welcome Clifford,
I have just about finished mine after 4 months total working time-4 months inactivity during the winter. I have about $1600.00 total in it, all new materials and tools that I needed.
For inspiration go to: http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc145/panheadjohn60/ OR http://www.gearztv.com/index.php?conten ... c=12_14178 .
Sounds like you have it going on with a great start, welcome to the forum and I'll be looking forward to your build!
Til later by the fire--John T. Ps- how far is Otto from Glendale Springs? There is a Tearjerker's Spring Fling at Racoon Holler in the later days of May. Come join us if you can!!!

[Clifford Loose]

congratulations on your tear drop. I do not know if I could build a tear that fast. I will try to step it up a notch. I am probably 4 hrs from the camp ground. Would like to come and meet everyone. That is a nice area to tour around and sight see. going out to the shop and get some more done. take care. Cliff

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Cliff. Looks like you have a great start on your TD. Wonderful framing!

Thanks for the pictures too.

[Clifford Loose]

I'm new to this forum and am impressed with your computer skills. I am a novice in the computer department. How do you do all that animation I will go to your build page and check out your tear drop. Thanks for the support.

[Miriam C.]

When you click on the smiley you get it on your post. Mine are collected from all over the web and most are in my Photobucket. They can be used by anyone from there. They can be harvested from any post by right clicking on them and saving the image. Will be on your puter then.

[Clifford Loose]

Great job on your camper. I really like what you did with your tear drop. how does it pull on the road? Do you know how much your tear drop weighs? Your camper looks very close in size to the one I am building. I will be pulling mine with a chevy 1500 pickup truck.
take care

[Roly Nelson]

Clifford, welcome to the forum. Making the foot-well cover into a table, is a great idea, and I have been using it for 5 years. All you have to do is design a table, large enough to satisfy the four adults inside when it is raining. I works for me, and if you need more info, PM me anytime.
Roly

[Clifford Loose]

I went to your site and was blown away at your tear drop. You are a master wood worker. My tear will be very simple in design compared to yours. My table measures 27.5in by 46in. To speed up the process I am thinking of spraying lacquar on the inside walls and cabinets before I install them on the tear. Take care.

[Miriam C.]

:thumbsup: Great job on your camper. I really like what you did with your tear drop. how does it pull on the road? Do you know how much your tear drop weighs? Your camper looks very close in size to the one I am building. I will be pulling mine with a chevy 1500 pickup truck.
take care

Cliff I have not weighed my TD. I am guessing it around 1400 pounds. All I know for sure is I have about 900 pounds of wood, glue and screws + trailer and air conditioner and junk. We love it until the wind blows 50mph at the side. Then it wants to move some. The small wheels probably contribute to that. If I ever do it over I will lower it and put bigger wheels on.

btw---you td is looking great.

[John T. Hodgen]

Hey Clifford,
I see in ur album that you came to Wv. on a motorcycle. What kind do you ride? I've been a full-time rider(NO Vehicle) for years.(I borrow a truck to pull my T/D). I have a 2000 Kawasaki Nomad at the present. My last bike was a 1960 Panhead(REGRET getting rid of it now). I went to Sturgis in 1992 on an old 1980 Ironhead Sportster from south Louisiana. A short list of bikes I've had--67 bsa chopper-650cc, 94 kawa police special-1000cc, 2 Sportsters-1000cc, 76 Kawa kz650, 94 honda 650 nighthawk and a few others as a kid growing up in the 60's.
I worked at the Ironhorse Saloon in Ormond Beach for Bike week/Biketoberfest for 7 yrs. Almost lost my life on my Police Special in 2000 Biketoberfest when a 16yr girl ran a redlight on me-I t/boned her and did 2 flips over her car and walked away.
Til later by the fire--John T.

[Clifford Loose]

I ride a suzuki 1200 bandit. I came up the blue ridge parkway and toured around Virginia and west virginia for a week in september. The trip was fantastic. I tent camped the whole trip and cooked most of my meals.
I met some very interesting people along the way. Motorcycles are a big thing in my life also. I am planning on putting a front hitch on my truck so I can carry my motorcycle with me on our camping trips. I will have a tooper on the truck to haul generator and canopies and portapotie for premative camping. I am building the camper for a trip out west so we can
camp and motorcycle around the best scenic areas. This is my dream that I am working toward making happen. Wish me luck