Tim B. - Handyman in NC

[treebeau]

Hi all,

By day I work with computers, and off hours I enjoy building and fixing things. Always dabbling at something or other. Now I would like to build a teardrop camper. I really like the idea of an all wood look. When I first got to this site there was one in the pictures that was all wood strips, including the roof. Not sure how to find more detail on that one, but if anyone does, please reply with a link.

I have a very decent woodworking shop full of tools but no experience with building canoes or kayaks. So if the curves and other details aren't too complicated, that may be right up my alley. Also, I intend to buy a ready made trailer, about 5x10 I think, and just build on it.

Thanks! Looking forward to chatting with folks.
Tim B.

[bobhenry]

There are several very nice strippers on the forum could this be the one you saw.



This one is prohandymans fron Greenwood IN

Dan has in the last few years become a full time builder (and Rebuilder) of some beautiful tiny trailers.

P.S. Welcome to the insanity of tiny trailers

[treebeau]

Bobhenry:
No, that wasn't the one, but OMG is that beautiful!! That looks just about exactly like something I must have!! Wonder if it is doable or too complex for me.

Thanks!!

[halfdome, Danny]

What comes to mind for a very nice stripper teardrop is Juno Dave's version.


More at the link below at the side menu. Danny
http://sites.google.com/site/slumbermax/Home

[treebeau]

Wow, thanks! Another beauty. I don't know which I like better.

Regards,
Tim B.

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Tim, welcome aboard. If you don't want to go to the trouble of dead accurate layout, cutting, milling, gluing, filling, sanding, fiberglassing and clear coating, you might consider a quality plywood for the exterior. It sure would be quicker, but probably not prettier. Good luck on your build. I am pleased to know that you also think "wood is good". It works for me, even after 9 years and 30,000 miles.
Roly, the So Calif woody guy.

[treebeau]

Thank you Roly!

I must say you do impressive work. I had looked at your pictures already.
Since I am still researching, I really don't know what to do just yet. Should I use an exterior plywood like T-111 and have it painted in some custom way, or go all out and do the artistic fiberglass way...don't yet know. Never done fiberglass work, so that could be a way to learn something new.

Thanks again and
Regards,
Tim B.

[Roly Nelson]

Caution Tim, T-111 is an exterior siding material that is best installed with the grooves in the vertical position. Personally, I would never consider using it, simply because the deeply cut grooves expose numerous layers of edge-grained plywood that will delaminate under severe moisture conditions. Heavy coats of paint seem to provide enough moisture protection for house exteriors, but as a finished product on a teardrop trailer, I think it would be a problem just waiting to happen. As far as fiberglass goes, it's expensive, and I hate working with it, it makes my skin itch, the sanding dust goes everywhere and wearing a dust mask while doing something that is supposed to be fun, ain't fun. Just my 2 cents, for what it's worth. Cudos to all of the fiberglassers out there, that build absolutely stunning trailers. If you haven't checked out the hundreds of TDs and TTTs in the Hall of Fame, do so, they're great.
Roly ~~

[bobhenry]

Damn it Roly now ya tell me !





I have a minibarn in the back yard I built in 98. I sprayed it with clear deck sealer as soon as it was up and that is all the attention it has seen. It is holding up well !

T-111 is an exterior use product and therefore different glues and binders are used that all but eliminate the delamination problems.

[hull je]

you could alsway buy a good sander with a vacume connector,use your shop vac,elimanate most of the dust.

[Kathy53]

Check out Hall of Fame. Then look for Wayne's teardrop. He no longer owns it, but he certainly did an outstanding job.

[treebeau]

Bobhenry: That is pretty cool. So it is mounted permanently on a trailer and used as a camper?

Kathy: Thanks! I did what you said about Wayne's teardrop, but what came up didn't seem related. But I do like that teardrop very much!

I can't remember offhand the name of the lady who is building a teardrop with her husband. She is keeping a blog that I read top to bottom and enjoyed. She has a picture of herself holding one of the completed sides and there are a lot of cutouts on it. If "you" read this, just want to say great job, and you are overdue for some more blog updates!

Regards to all,
Tim B.

[treebeau]

Well, here we GO !!

I feel more comfortable with a welded trailer and 15inch wheels, so I have ordered one built for me. Thanks to some reading, I believe the axle should be 3 feet from back of the 5x8 trailer, so that is what I asked for. Trailer should arrive next weekend at which time I can start building the floor.

Questions:
1. I see that some people build storage compartments into the TD floor. How handy is that, given that a mattress will be laying on that floor, pretty much full time?
2. How big a storage compartment and what are they typically used for? (Assuming that the mattress will be made up of multiple cushions, where a cushion can be moved to expose the storage cover)
3. If one will be going to campgrounds with AC outlets, why the batteries and battery box on the trailer tongue?
4. Should one make td sides that fully rest on the steel trailer frame, or extend the sides a little over the sides of the steel frame? Looking for pros and cons, really.
5. I know people install fan/vents at the top. Even seen a nice installation of an AC (Little Swiss). Anyone ever done a small heat pump? (for heating and cooling)

A million questions to follow. Also, for you seasoned veterans, if I should put this in a different forum, let me know, and forgive me this time.

Thanks and regards,
Tim B.