Dreaming of Teardrops

[Corwin C]

I've been quietly reading parts of this forum for quite some time now. The work (and play) that is going on here is incredible (a veritable plethora of ideas.) I would really like to start building my own soon. It's going to be quite a challenge, as I have no place out of the weather to build it and $$$ are limited. I also have to convince the better half that it won't be claustrophobic inside. I will be mocking up the sleeping space w/ cardboard & duct tape soon. Unfortunately, I am known for getting "too many irons in the fire" as well. As a result it will most likely be built in "fits & starts" with many, many planning and designing days in the near future.

My dream ...

5' x 10' frame
"Cub" profile (super size)
15" tires (for those off road excursions) on torsion axle w/ electric brakes
DEFINITELY woodie sides (I have built and helped others build cedar strip canoes)
Considering Al top (May do top woodie too - decisions <--> decisions)
Insulated - top, bottom, & sides
Queen size REAL mattress (12v. Select Comfort? I am dreaming ... remember)
2 burner Camp Chef (to keep the DO's hot) For all you entrepreneurs out there - time to invest in super, ultra, mega, heavy duty drawer slide company
Ultra technical gravity feed water delivery system (big square blue jug) w/ stainless steel sink (big mixing bowl ... can heat water directly on the camp chef)
95% - 12v. w/ solar (portable panel so I can park in the shade)
5% - 120v. (battery charger and 1 outlet inside and 1 outlet in galley)
LED lighting
Porta Pottie storage on the tongue (I just can't make myself put THAT in the galley)
Canoe/luggage rack on top (not dead set on this yet)
Build it light and simple
Smaller 4' x 8' cub w/no galley (future utility trailer) for the kids (did I just turn this into TWO builds?!?)

Most of our current camping adventures are extended weekends with family and relatively close to home (I live in south-central Utah - why travel far?) Boondocking is not unusual for us.

Some things that this group may find helpful/interesting ...

I'm comfortable w/ metal work and wood work (although not an expert at either)

Composites can be your friend ...

Electricity can be understood ...

I enjoy creative problem solving and like to contemplate "impossible" issues. (both real and imagined)

I've designed a truly portable (stacks flat), durable (3/4 ply), & comfortable (seats 8 "ample" adults w/ elbow room and anyone can get up or sit down without disturbing their neighbor) picnic table. Unfortunately, it's sized for the larger trailer & RV crowd. This forum has inspired me to start working on a teardrop sized version that will seat 4 and stack flat under (or on) a full sized mattress. (I am planning on posting when the design and prototype are complete if there is interest)

Until later ...

Corwin

[Downunder Dave]

Welcome Corwin to the teardrop neighborhood. It looks like you have given this project a lot of thought. Careful not to over think it!!
My wife was a little concerned about ours being a little claustrophobic during the building process but now loves it.

Keep it simple, keep it lite and take lot of pics, we love those pics.

Cheers Dave

[GregB]

Welcome Corwin,

I did the cardboard mock up as well, worked great.

Don't worry about slides, they make some that support 600-1,000 lbs. Check Rockler for up to 600 lb. slides. At one time I considered having my whole kitchen on slides. Gave it up as more complicated than it was worth.

Enjoy the process!

Greg

[Steve_Cox]

Corwin,

Welcome to the forum

You have done your research on the forum well

[caffeine]

Welcome Corwin,

I did the cardboard mock up as well, worked great.

Greg

That's almost campable! And it looks more waterproof than my actual trailer will be.

[rebapuck]

Welcome Corwin,

I did the cardboard mock up as well, worked great.

Greg

That's almost campable! And it looks more waterproof than my actual trailer will be.

And those folds will buff right out.

[Corwin C]

Excellent cardboard sculpture GregB Throw on some CPES, a little grease in the bearings, and maybe caffeine will give you an offer.

I wasn't going to get even close to that level of detail, just a "box" to show the size of the cabin.

Here's my first attempt at posting a picture:



Too large for teardrop use smaller version in process...
(Agathis ply, Minwax honey oak, water based poly)

Later

Corwin

[BillandMarijo]

Love the picnic table.
Marijo and Bill
Oh yea welcome.

[mikeschn]

Welcome to the forum. You got some good ideas there. I'll be watching your build.

Nice looking table too!

Mike...

[Ageless]

Greetings from WA (wet and wonderful). I've been down in Utah 3 of the last 4 years (rockhound) and each time in awe of the senery and geology.

Saw that Agathis at HD the other day, so had to read up on it. Looks like a good substitute for the Birch, a bit softer but still high quality stuff.

[Corwin C]

Ageless,

I love how the agathis looks. The pictures don't do it justice. It has a grain pattern that "flames" like curly maple, but the veneer on the ply that I bought was paper thin. I had a real difficult time finishing it. I would gladly work with agathis again, but the veneer would have to be much thicker.

Corwin

[Juneaudave]

Welcome Corwin!!! Can't wait to see your build!!! Sounds like you been doing alot of reading and making a list! Have fun!

[bc toys]

Love that table. Anyone that can make a table look that good, I can't wait to see his (her) trailer. Rember lots of pics