The LT... Thomas' Luxury Tent

[2bits]

wow not only a great how too. but great pictures also.
i'm new here and i love everyones build that i've read. yours is over the top and filled with great info for a newbie.
i have a question what was your final cost or close to it.
second question what did the camper weigh after it was finished.
i have a new harbor freight trailor 3 years old never used just sitting in the garage and im thinking of building something on it. probblem is i think its only rated at 950 lbs. and is 4 x 8 fold up. not sure if this would work for one of these tear drops.
thanks for any info you can give me..lee

Hey Lee,

Thank you so much for the compliments or the build and the build thread! I am obsessive about documenting progress. I just like that sense of accomplishment. I got into that habit when doing my car builds. I also learend so much from this board here from everyone elses build threads, that I really wanted to give back to the community as much as a could! I am glad it is being helpful!

Don't be too intimidated though, I had ZERO wood working experience and a year before I built the Teardrop, I learned everything I knew working full time for just one year as a deck builder/carpenter. I got pretty good, but I learned probably that same amount DURING my build from self discovery and from the constant input from the guys (and gals) right here.

When I was somehwat finished, I ran through my reciepts and did a tally and rounded up slightly for all the little the screws and specialty items I did not keep reciepts for, and I came out somewhere around $4k over a year and a half.

I haven't taken it to an official wheigh station, but I used the method presnted here of placing a scale under one wheel of the loaded trailer, raising the height of the other wheel to be level for equal weight distribution, then taking the one wheel amount and doubling it, then weighing the tongue weight and adding that number and I came out to between 750 and rounded up to 800 for perishable camping supplies that don't stay permanently stocked in the camper, (i.e. Ice, beer, and more ice, and food).

I think many people have used the same frame that you are using and if you don't over build, you will be just fine! Mine has a 2x2 custom square tube frame, which in itself is 120lbs, and a Torsion axle and automotive wheels and tires that is heavier than the HF versions as well.

I hope that helps, and HAVE FUN!!!

[gunn]

thanks for the info 2bits. the trailor sits in my woodworking shop me and my dad built just before he passed away. i use to do alot of wood work but do to my bad back i got away from it. i also do hand carving. and i collect 1/64th scale diecast which i customize and build 1/64th scale buildings out of styrene and i make campers also out of styrene and gas stations.
here is a camper im making 1/64th scale

and here is a gas station im doing

i like a challange lol. and i have a pretty good supply of wood working tools.
i love camping and so does my wife and this would make a great project for both of us.
i have more questions comming so i hope you don't go anywhere soon. and thanks for the quick reply. later lee

[Woodstramp]

2bits, that is one beaut of a camper you built there.

[2bits]

I love this build. I love the color that you chose, that gunstock stain looks really nice.

I admit that I didn't read every word of all 53 pages so please excuse me for asking something that may have already been brought out. Where did you get your moon roof? If you had to do it again would you still put it in?

Thanks
Keith

Hey Keith, I got the moonroof off ebay and it is a surplus RV window. they seller was real nice when I messaged him about one similar and I asked if he had one the same size as one I was looking for but with NO tint. Thus being a moonroof, not sunroof because the idea was to lay back in bed and comfortably look at the stars and meteor showers.

I would absolutely do it again, and no matter what camper I build again the moonroof will be a must have item. It is my favorite feature on my teardrop... Just get one non-tinted, make a curtain for it and one that doesn't open and close. Mine never had any leak issues whatsoever.

Thanks!

[2bits]

Gunn, Those small scale models look good! I think you will have no problems building! If you ever have a general question, make sure to post it as it's own thread in the category of your own choice, I just say this because I am not the master or expert by any means, and I got most of my teardrop knowledge from all the others on this board!!!


Woodstramp, thank you so much for the compliment!!! There is alot of "me" in the LT!

[2bits]

Well the deal has been done on all fronts, and I watched the LT Drive off into the night last night. I know it is for a greater good so I don't feel bad about it, not to mention it is going to a great owner in Oregon.

I just focus on the future it will bring to my life moving forward. I am using the money to buy a down payment on 3 1/2 ac of woods with a small clearing and utilities. I will be moving my "Big" trailer on the land as soon as possible, and this will be my new home.. trading my camper for living in the woods full time, that's a damn good trade. Not to mention I will be 100% mortgage free in 5 years.

Say good bye to the LT, it was around for almost two seasons. Good times Good times!

[LDK]

Hey Thomas

Do you already have your plans drawed out for your A frame house? I was wondering how big it's gonna be.

[kinto]

dude, that is AWESOME!

i'd LOVE to have some acreage someday & build my own place... (and NO MORTGAGE!!!)

BIG props to you!




kent

[campmaster-k]

You guys can have the acres. Sounds like slavery to me.

[2bits]

Hi Larry, The A-Frame is on the back burner for now. I really like what I have done with my new trailer so the plan for now is to put a carport over it for protection and build a deck around it and live for a few years and I will reassess once it is paid for in a few years, but if I do, it will be just like this 20 x 32 one.

What an inspiring story this is too...

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=9259



Thanks Kent, I just thought about where I wanted to end up and how can I make it happen right now!

Hi Kirk, I am interested in how it would seem like slavery to you. If you were thinking of a big mortgage I totally agree, but since this will be paid off in 5 years, that can't be it. If you mean like mowing and yard work, I totally agree too, that's why I left my house in the suburbs. I do not want a lawn and shrubs and all that stuff, that is slavery to me.

Below is a photo of the land, this is not some big empty field that has to be mowed, this is wild undisturbed woods to be left wild except for a few dirt bike trails cut through it! That's all I can think of and whether agree or disagree, I like to understand so I am honestly wondering what you might mean because it feels like freedom to me!

[LDK]

Hey Thomas

I had a peek at that 20x32 A-frame from the link you provided. They're from central Ky, not too far from me. I have to admit it does has a certain appeal. I was wondering why you decided on the A-frame. Is it because of the looks or is it just really structurally sound? I always wanted to do something like what you're doing now but I thought about just building a small cabin and having solar for power. Someday I might go that route too, if I can sell the wife on it, which wouldn't be easy.

[Oldragbaggers]

Well the deal has been done on all fronts, and I watched the LT Drive off into the night last night. I know it is for a greater good so I don't feel bad about it, not to mention it is going to a great owner in Oregon.

I just focus on the future it will bring to my life moving forward. I am using the money to buy a down payment on 3 1/2 ac of woods with a small clearing and utilities. I will be moving my "Big" trailer on the land as soon as possible, and this will be my new home.. trading my camper for living in the woods full time, that's a damn good trade. Not to mention I will be 100% mortgage free in 5 years.

Say good bye to the LT, it was around for almost two seasons. Good times Good times!

I know how you feel Thomas. It's hard to see something that you have poured so much love, care and work into drive off (or sail off) with someone else. We have rebuilt a couple of old boats that I felt that way about. But it sounds like the payoff for you is well worth it, and now that you have the knowledge and experience you can build another one any time you wish!!

Good luck on your new homestead. I admire what you are doing. My husband and I have always dreamed of building our own house, and we are also fond of the A-frame. It's a very efficient design to build because you get walls and roof in one fell swoop and adding the second floor couldn't be easier. You do lose some floor space to the angle of the walls, but you just figure that into the size you choose. It's easy to build in storage areas in those places where there is no headroom. No better design if you're in snow country.

I think your plan is a sensible one and I agree, the lawn in the burbs (and the mortgage, and dependence on the grid) is slavery. Your way is freedom.

Becky

[mezmo]

Hi 2bits/Thomas,

Congrats on the sale. It's good to know the new owners will enjoy it
as much as you did. Another page, another chapter...

I hope your plans for the land pan out without any hitches. Will you
be doing the set-up once your Mobile home is moved out there or will
you hire that out? --- When I was in the military back in the 70s-80s I
had a 12x60 MH that I moved 5 times and I did all the set-up & tear-down
myself ['don't know if I'd be up to it now though] for each move. One
thing I did for blocking it up was to use double cement blocks for the piers.
I'd put one set just ahead and one set just behind the axles and the rest I
spaced out at 8-10 ft intervals - or less if it worked out that way.The
front and rear piers were placed so that they were close to the ends,
close enough though so that they can help support skirting. I also would
put an extra pier under the main entrance door - that helps keep the
door frame square. To double the piers, I'd clear out the top soil layer
and level and place two 4x8x16 solid cement blocks side by side,
centered under the steel chassis beam. Then I'd stack additional regular
8x8x16 concrete blocks, voids in the vertical position, with each layer
criss-crossing the blocks below them. At the top near/under the beam
I again would use a 4x8x16 solid block centered and criss-crossed on the
layer below. Hardwood shims work the best for final leveling. This takes
more time and is more expensive due to the doubled amount of concrete
blocks compared to single width block piers but is much more stable and
distributes the weight better. Of course, it's even better to pour concrete
footings for under the blocking piers, especially for a more 'permanent'
set up. I presume you don't have to worry about a frost-line down there. I
never had to tie the MH down back then, but I'd leave that to
those who do that professionally.

The pic of your land looks very inviting. Since you're in the woods there,
don't forget a fire prevention and/or evacuation plan. The current fire
problem over there in TX really brings that home.

Here's hoping for an easy and smooth transition for you.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[2bits]

Thanks for the input Norm,

I've never owned or set up a trailer before, but I will take your experience and apply it to evaluate and nag the mover haha Mine will definitely be tied down down, and the main road is about an acre away so tat is my evacuation plan, if that is somehow engulfed in flames heading to the creek is next, if the flames are there, then heading in the opposite direction of fire would seem appropriate at the time LOL There is really just the one road in and out so as long as I can get out, it will be a matter of how fast you can run. Luckily all those massive fire in Texas are waaay west of here. My trailer has a front and back door, and future expansions will involve french doors and a two separate rooms, so there will be plenty of ways to exit if there is a problem.

I am also going to dig out the area under the wraparound deck to take advantage of that space for a tornado shelter. I figure 4 feet deep and 2 feet above ground is pretty standard and the deck is going to be 3-4 feet off the ground. The deck and deck posts will also add additional protection, and being right under the deck, it will be super accessible on short notice.

[2bits]

Hey Thomas

I had a peek at that 20x32 A-frame from the link you provided. They're from central Ky, not too far from me. I have to admit it does has a certain appeal. I was wondering why you decided on the A-frame. Is it because of the looks or is it just really structurally sound? I always wanted to do something like what you're doing now but I thought about just building a small cabin and having solar for power. Someday I might go that route too, if I can sell the wife on it, which wouldn't be easy.

Larry, I chose the A-frame design for reasons that suited my personality and also my needs. My personality likes it because it is cool looking and fits very well in this setting. My needs dictate a simple design, simple construction, quick construction, and low material cost (Comparatively). Not to mention I could build it myself. to cut too the chase, I wanted an artistic design that didn't involve a great deal of engineering

Still not sure if it will get built, but I will do this if I do. I plan on a wife someday (maybe) but not having a bunch of kids so I will never need alot of space.