Building The Atma Travelear Teardrop

[aggie79]

I used the "white" 3/4" insulation. It runs truer to width than the "pink" or "blue" and also compresses easier. This is important when you're trying to fit 3/4" material into the actual 23/32" width of 3/4" plywood walls. The white type is more messy, though.

As an aside, most glues will not readily bond to the plastic vapor barrier, so I peeled it off both sides before gluing. Also, the foil radiant barrier is usually between the insulation foam and the vapor barrier and unfortunately it comes off when you peel off the plastic.

[nevadatear]

so Dave, when you gonna start? yea, when you gonna start, when you gonna start. Hey, Dave when you gonna start?

[DMcCam]

I am so grateful for all the help. Thank you all for giving me the benefit of your experience guys.

I think this is the final general framing plan based on your input. I"ll be using the best match for the wall thickness when I get down to purchasing the insulation. Since I"m using Tom's skeletonized plywood framing I"ll have to match the insulation to the actual plywood I get for the build.



Download large jpeg image here:
http://www.vulcaniavolunteers.com/TEARDROP/TFPLN_IPEBIG.jpg

Hey Randy, I have started! Well at least in my little mind. Being the planning type (really?). I will end up with a complete set of plans for every phase my build before I start construction; from the patterns to the wiring and finishing. Because I want to make just one TD, I don't want to make any mistakes. I consider making finished plans the crucial beginning of building my trailer. By the time I'm actually making sawdust I"ll know exactly how everything will go together...mostly.

Here's a link to my other thread on planning my trailer frame/chassis. http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=35097&start=30

Thanks again, Dave

[down under tech]

Hi Dave: You can only put off the build for so long. I want to see pics of sparks flying. No, not Sparks, but glowing metal embers coming off a grinder. For those of you out there that are not familiar with the Reno area we have an adjoining city that is called Sparks and we have a joke here to describe where Reno is located. It goes like this. "Reno is so close to Hell that you can see Sparks from here"!

I want to see and smell that saw dust here in Sun Valley, Mister. If you need some help, PM me or email me.

You are doing a good job of designing your tear, so far. "Build it and they will come".

[nevadatear]

Hey Dave, are you guys still gonna make it out to Austin for a day trip next weekend? It will be a small group this year, but still worth the trip.

Downunder Tech, Dave needs to see Sparks, In-STEAD!! ha ha another Reno joke! So maybe he is not actually in Stead, but he should soon be seeing Sparks.

[DMcCam]

Hi Debbie and Randy, It's a no go for Austin this year darn it. We really wanted to see you two and all the TD's. We have had a bunch of things pile up on that weekend that were not planned.

Downunder, We'll be making sparks soon enough, well maybe Lemons...inStead of Sparks. Lemon Valley that is! That's where my brother's shop is. I'll let ya know when the trailer chassis is ready and thanks for the offer!

Cheers, Dave

[DMcCam]

Our new TV was delivered late Thursday night, a 2004 Honda Element!!! Wahooo!!!



Now we just need the tow package and licensing (see how I think). Now on to the trailer chassis build.

Dave

[Cliffmeister2000]

Nice! 1,500 lbs tow capacity, 150 lbs tongue weight! Build light, and have a blast!

[S. Heisley]

I'm envious!

Congratulations on your new TV!

[wgwood]

Our new TV was delivered late Thursday night, a 2004 Honda Element!!! Wahooo!!!



Now we just need the tow package and licensing (see how I think). Now on to the trailer chassis build.

Dave

If you haven't done so already, be sure to visit http://www.elementownersclub.com Many members of the forum there have teardrops and are also on here. Lots of great advice and tips about your Element.

Regards,
Greg

[synaps3]

HondaSUV is a great resource too:

http://www.hondasuv.com/members/forumdisplay.php?f=4

[DMcCam]

Hi Cliff, When my wife first said she liked the Element, I figured I'd make sure about the tow rating. 1,500 lbs seemed just right for a TD. The Travelear is projected to be around 900 lbs unloaded...

Thanks for congrats S. My girl and I have bought all our vehicles using a system that has worked well for us. We buy used cars that are less than 10 years old, have low mileage and cost no more that $10,000. We were very fortunate to get an Element that fit this equation.

That Element Owners Club site was a great tip Greg, thanks a lot! Man there's a ton of info there.

Now on to, wiring the harness, electric brake controller and the tow package.

Cheers, Dave

[DMcCam]

I've been wondering what everyone did with the overlapping wood area that covers the 2" steel trailer frame? Of course you would have to seal it very well but what else? Do you attach it in anyway to the trailer frame?

Thanks, Dave

[aggie79]

I've been wondering what everyone did with the overlapping wood area that covers the 2" steel trailer frame? Of course you would have to seal it very well but what else? Do you attach it in anyway to the trailer frame?

Thanks, Dave

Dave,

I left a 1/8" gap between the frame rail and the interior side of the sidewall extension on both sides. I figured that 1/4" tolerance would account for any slight deviations in the trailer frame construction. The sidewall extension (and floor) are sealed with 1 coat of CPES, 1 coat of epoxy, and a light coat of automotive undercoating. I plan to leave the "gap" open.

Tom

[grizz]

Never seen one of those Honda's.

Great and almost Retro looking , should look nice with the trailer.