DogStar's "Convertible Teardrop" long build road.

[DogStar]

Hello all, this is the absolute introductory post of my future Teardrop build. I will give log the dates along the way because this is going to be built in at least 3, maybe more phases.

Photography is hobby so I really look forward to recording the entire process.

To begin!

So my first boxes arrive tomorrow, Friday 12/3/2010, basically the trailer steel frame members. Redtrailer: Model SJ-8531. We are doing a special upgrade on the axle which is being built for me next week. It is a 3500# with 10 inch electric brakes which necessitates wider fenders. In addition a breakaway switch.

I am starting with 5 bolt, 13inch wheel/tires but may very well upgrade to larger tires at a future date. And by the time I build the Teardrop unit I imagine I will also redo the fenders (but maybe not).

I will first assemble it as a straight flatbed to get registered, make it road legal and then use to pick up additional materials.

Then I will make up the side stake panels for more utility usage as well as set-up to carry motorbikes, (my own current ride is Honda Phantom),

and then come Spring and Summer 2011 we will build the Teardrop removable unit.

I look forward to this whole process and to the tears and joy that will no doubt come. I also look forward to getting ideas, corrections, modifications and all forms of input from everyone here.

As always with sincere appreciation for this forum and ALL it's resources.

Eric

[aggie79]

Very cool!

[S. Heisley]

You've made a wise decision. Red Trailers are very sturdy. Adding brakes before you start building is another wise decision that many trailer builders lament (including me).

The one thing that I would do when you get your trailer is clean and inspect the bearings very carefully; then, re-grease them with fresh bearing grease. When you buy a Red Trailer kit, the assembly instructions tell you that if you don't do this, you may void the warranty. American bearings are usually inspected before you get them. Chinese bearings are usually not inspected by the factory. I believe Red Trailer is still getting their trailers from China.

[DogStar]

Thank you Sharon for the tips!

My 3500# axle finally arrived to day and I took out all the parts to inventory them. The spare tire came with the original shipment but for some reason the other 2 did not.

They are now on route.

I almost have one bay of the garage all set up, just need to put up more ceiling sheetrock and I have hung a plastic sheeting barrier to the other half of the garage, so as to make heating my 1 bay much more efficient. I bought a kerosene portable heater.

Works well.

Soon as I begin assembly, likely in another 5-7 days, I will document with pix.

Hope everyone is well and having a Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year too!

Your friend in trailers,
Eric

P.S. Buying from Redtrailers, while not difficult, has not been entirely smooth. Once I have all parts and the build is underway I should describe that a little as well.

[S. Heisley]

You'll be glad for the plastic sheeting as saw and epoxy dust seems to get into everything. While not impossible, I found that only having one bay to build in made it somewhat difficult, especially near the end (now). Things just seem to collect. I found myself wishing the ceiling did not have the mixed blessing of sheetrock/insulation on it because I would have been able to store things on the rafters. I still have a couple things stored in the guest bedroom.

[DogStar]

Moving my build thread back into reality.
With the hard winter and not getting my garage heated enough I put on the brakes.

Now Spring is here and the build starts for real from the ground up. First pics of trailer frame to come very soon.

So good to be back, reviewing the site like mad.

Sincerely,
Eric (The dog guy)

[Deryk the Pirate]

Good to hear Eric! The winter here in Jersey was pretty rough too. Ive been making lots of trips to my friends house when we get a few decent days of weather. I have to get some sanding and painting of trim and the door before the rain comes... bleh lol

But spring is coming!

Best of Luck!
deryk

[DogStar]

Well call me the turtle....

Unforeseen circumstances put my Teardrop build on hold.
But it has FINALLY begun.
Winter has been unusually warm in the Northeast and I have begun the trailer assembly and possible minor modifications. My plans are essentially the same, build the flatbed trailer, then build a Teardrop that is in some manner removable for multi-use of the trailer.

I have even come up with one idea that will allow some multi-use even with Teardrop installed. So being that proverbial tortoise had some benefit!

Details will follow in future updates.

I hope everyone is well, I have lots of posts to get through to get some new ideas and inspirations and I TRULY, TRULY, hope to see some of you all on the road come early Fall 2012!

A fan of everyone of you,
Eric
(Yeah it is that dog trainer guy, back again...)

[parnold]

Glad you're getting back to it!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

HE'S BAAAAAAAACK!

[IndyTom]

Hey, no worries at all taking your time. I just looked back at me earliest pictures in my album. I brought home my first load of steel for my frame 03Mar2006. So I think I may been working on mine for longer than any of the active members. I am starting up again, and there are a couple of guys here that are going to kick my butt if I don't finish it this time.

Tom

[S. Heisley]

WooHoo!!! Welcome back!

...Glad you didn't give up....Looking forward to some beautiful progress.

[DogStar]

Love you all!

[DogStar]

This picture should hopefully show the flat mounting plate and the nipple used to locate the position previously talked about in my question about left and right side for an axle with brakes. And yes I was able to discover the toe-in with your help!

Let's get this party started.
800x600 pic I might downsize pics after this test.

[DogStar]

Don't worry I won't take a picture of each bolt and screw as I put them in. Just learning the ropes here on how to do all this posting of pics etc!

So here the axle is in position and ready to be bolted down and tweaked a little. Once this takes place I can mount on the tires and open up the folded trailer and then square up the trailer and re-tighten, with Loctite, each bolt, then on to the decking materials!

This weekend I will take a picture of my new truck (and tow vehicle) and post that as well.

The little Red Colorado was traded in.....