First Trip in the nearly completed lil vardo

[Deryk the Pirate]

Well, even though she isnt finished, I took her on her first road trip. Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania about 150 some miles each way. Yeah took a hit on the gas mileage because the shape is far from aerodynamic, but not complaining. Probably would have got better mileage if I wasnt drivin 70+ mph lol, but the weather was nice and I couldnt resist.

I stopped for gas and got lots of compliments from people, still have all the trim to do but was happy that the weather this last weekend was so beautifal, upper 70's during the day, 50's at night.

I drove about 4 miles on dirt roads going up a real steep incline goin up a mountain. The trailer handled it fine, and was so nice it took me like 5 minutes to set up camp!

[Tabazooron]

Great job!
Love it!

[droid_ca]

Looks really good
must of been a blast

[Ratkity]

Fabulous!!! I was wondering how it was coming along. Love the purple decor!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[Mojave Bob]

Recently on this forum I have seen several designs that feature a front door over the tongue, which has some real advantages from a space usage perspective. I am curious as to how people are sealing these doors to prevent water infiltration. If pulling the camper at highway speeds in a driving rainstorm, I would be afraid of getting wet inside. How are you addressing that?

[Wolffarmer]

I just had a thought ( insert joke here ). To help with the aerodynamics and door seal. Build a curved section out over the tongue, sort of matching the roof lines, that is hinged so it goes down for travel. Somebody has probably all ready done it. Wouldn't have to cover the whole front of the vardo when down, Maybe just the upper 2/3s would be plenty.

Randy

[Deryk the Pirate]

Thanks, it was a seriously great drunken weekend lol. Perfect weather and company.

Im going to be adding on the inside of the cabin, a moulding and gasket material that the door will close against. Im hopeing that will do it, if not I might add hooks along the underside of the roof and sides and get a piece of canvas to deflect most of the water... or look into a premade door... hoping it wont come to that.