New from PA! (now my design idea thread!)

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Hey everyone! Name is Zach and I'm looking at starting a build in about a month. I looked into building a teardrop 2 years ago, but had no place to do it... but now my girlfriend and I will be moving into an apartment with a garage at the end of February!

My budget is limited, so it will be pretty basic to start off - probably no galley (other than a shelf) or electric. My base will be a Harbor Freight non-folding 4x8 w/ 5.30-12" wheels (the 1720lb model), and I am looking at doing a soft-top.

I'll be coming up with ideas and plans in AutoCAD over the next month, and I'm sure I'll have questions!

[goldcoop]

Welcome Zach!

This coming Sunday we'll have a couple of TD's on display @ RB Winter SP "SnowFest"



You're welcome to join us!

Cheers,

Coop

[toypusher]

Hey Zach!

I live in Manchester! Welcome to the board! PM me it you want to get together or see my build or have questions, etc.

[BillandMarijo]

Zach,
Welcome to the forum. Youve got some expert builders down your way. Check em out. Good luck on the planning and your build.
Enjoy,
Bill and Marijo

[Sam I am]

Welcome from another Pennsylvanian, Zach. I'm in Centre County, and I'm an AutoCAD user, too. I have some drawings of my teardrop if you need them.
Sam

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! In the past 24hrs I've already found a TON of great info on this site!

This coming Sunday we'll have a couple of TD's on display @ RB Winter SP "SnowFest"

Unfortunately I'll be stuck in the office this weekend... deadlines uggghhh!!! Maybe next time!

I live in Manchester! Welcome to the board! PM me it you want to get together or see my build or have questions, etc.

Thanks!

Yeah I'd definitely be interested in checking it out! Once I get the basic structure figured out, the doors/seals are the issues that I'm going to need some direction with! Do you have pictures or a thread for your TD?

Zach,
Welcome to the forum. Youve got some expert builders down your way. Check em out. Good luck on the planning and your build.

It definitely seems that way! I cannot wait to get moved and get started!

Welcome from another Pennsylvanian, Zach. I'm in Centre County, and I'm an AutoCAD user, too. I have some drawings of my teardrop if you need them.
Sam

I may have to check some of them out! Would you happen to have section cuts through typical door seal styles? I havent decided on whether or not I want to spend $200 on a prefab door, or save the cash for now and just rig it myself. I'm leaning towards making the door myself just because of the cost.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Oh, and I've picked a set of plans to base my design from.... convertible style!!



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=150408635231&Category=102362&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2[/url]

[Sam I am]

Zach, the drawing I made of my teardrop has a section view of the door, frame, and wall in it. I can send you the drawing if you like. It's in AutoCAD 2000 format.
Sam

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Zach, the drawing I made of my teardrop has a section view of the door, frame, and wall in it. I can send you the drawing if you like. It's in AutoCAD 2000 format.
Sam

Yeah that would be great! PM'd you.

[rxc463]

Welcome aboard Zach. Always good to see another member on the Pa. list. Good luck with your build!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Welcome aboard Zach. Always good to see another member on the Pa. list. Good luck with your build!

Thanks!






Sam - Got your drawing file... looks great! Looks like that was a 5x8 Harbor freight trailer.... If I were to get the 4x8 trailer with the 12" wheels, do you know of any other difference, other than the width? Is the ride height and wheel location similar?

[Sam I am]

Zach, I used a Red Trailers 5'x8' trailer. I think their 4'x8' is the same, just narrower. I think that HF's trailers are the same. I picked the Red Trailers unit because I like the tongue design with the center spine, rather than just an A-frame like the HF models. I'm sure it's stronger. Red Trailers is in PA, too, at Quakertown. I drove there and picked mine up and saved some shipping cost.
Sam

[teardrop_focus]

Hey Zach! Welcome.

Kerry/toypusher said you stopped by to check his tear and that you're super pumped now.



Looking forward to seeing more pics.

Git R done!

[Kens]

Hellow from Valencia Pa. I am sure we will meet some where. Welcome.

[paperdoor]

Hey Zach , your choice , but look into the trailers at Tractor Supply , for under a buck more they have a 4x8 , pre build solid frame, no- bolt together - the HF I have , I spend alot of time welding up the joints, not a very sturdy trailer just bolted together - and plus you can just drive away with the TractorSupply, and go strait to the DMV for tags and then the lumber yard of your choice.