Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
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Step 5: Stick this to that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 6: More about the floor: tar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Step 7: More about the floor: insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Step 8: Spray Painting the Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Step 9: Attaching floor to frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Step 10: Dealing w Harbor Freight Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Step 11: Dealing w Harbor Freight Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Step 12: Envision your Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Step 13: Add the tongue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Step 14: Adding jack stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Step 15: Working on Profile, Walls I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Step 16: Working on Profile, Walls II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Step 17: Cut the door. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Step 18: Cut & Lay out the spars, attach spars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Step 19: Quirky Profile - The discussion and the solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Step 20: Insulate the walls - Discuss the LIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Step 21: Finish the Sandwich: the inside surface of the walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Step 22: Paint the floor. Attach the walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Step 23: Overhead Cabinet, Velvet, Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Step 24: LED lights I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Step 25: Starting Main & Galley Cabinetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Step 26: Electric Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Step 27: Main Cabinet, LED II, Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Step 28: Tripled Spar for Hurricane Hinge; Battery Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Step 29: Porch Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Step 30: Install Headliner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Step 31: Insulate the roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
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Step 32: Blocking for Light, Vent; Notes on VENT FAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Step 33: Finishing Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Step 34: Book Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Step 35: Attach exterior layer of roof. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Step 36: Attach roof side of hurricane hinge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Step 37: Hatch Part 1 - Hurricane Hinge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Step 38: Hatch Part 2 - Build the Hatch Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Step 39: Hatch Part 3 - Skin the Hatch; Lights and Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Step 40: Hatch Part 4 - CPES, spray paint & hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Step 41: Hatch Part 5 - attach hatch side of hinge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Step 42: Wire the brake, marker, turn lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Step 43: Epoxy everything! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Step 44: Build the Doors - Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Step 45: Build the Doors - Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Step 46: Build the Doors - Part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Step 47: PAINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Step 48: Build the doors - Part 4: the return of the windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Step 49: Vent Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Step 50: Road worthy - more or less!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Step 51: Trimming out the hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Step 52: Bedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104 Step 53: Fenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Step 54: Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Step 55: Bookshelves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Step 56: Diamond plate gravel shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
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Image Notes 1. This is the only licensing required in Kansas for trailers under 2000 lbs.
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Image Notes 1. this is the extra spar i made from a 2x4 2. axle
Image Notes 1. these are the brackets that hold the leaf springs/axle. the trailer typically slings the axle UNDER the leaf springs. the cubbie plans sling the axle OVER the leaf springs. so you have to cut a notch.
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Image Notes 1. all assembled. i later moved this bracket farther back. 2. i removed this sticker w WD-40 and a razor blade
Image Notes 1. you can kind of see the shallow holes i drilled to accommodate the bolt heads
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Image Notes 1. i used a 2x6 here at the tail end because I knew I'd be installing jack stands later (Step 14)
Image Notes 1. blocking for the hatch 2. testing the spacing for the spare tire bracket
Image Notes 1. long bolts will fit through these holes to hang tire from 2. this is a piece of oak I got from a cargo pallet. it is hard as iron. 3. holes to mate with trailer frame 4. hard to see, but there is a hole here to mate deck with trailer 5. holes to mate with trailer frame
Image Notes 1. this pic is from later in the process, but it shows the overall layout. construction adhesive ready for plywood sheet
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Image Notes 1. i was using the 2x3 as a fence for my circ saw. but the arms of my clamp were too short, so i had to add all this extra bracing. the nice thing was the clamp also wound up catching the strip so it wouldnt tear out at the end of the cut
Image Notes 1. FIRST made two cuts along opposite sides, then screwed slat in the middle 2. screws through slat into hatch lid
Image Notes 1. when i made second two cuts, the piece was supported and didn't tear away.
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Image Notes 1. the cargo compartment will fit in this space here
Image Notes 1. Motor Oil. I was at ACE hardware looking for cutting fluid. I told the guy what I was doing and he said to save a few bucks, just use motor oil. worked well.
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Image Notes 1. angle brackets from the deck department at box hardware store
Image Notes 1. trailer is upside down in this picture. brackets to hold bottom of cargo compartment
Image Notes 1. sheet of plywood installed. caulk around the edges. i had painted the frame black in the meantime.
Image Notes 1. angle on underside of panel, supporting the weight 2. lots of caulk to seal it from the road
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Image Notes 1. this pic is from later in the process, but it shows the overall layout. construction adhesive ready for plywood sheet
Image Notes 1. holes to mate with trailer frame 2. holes to mate with trailer frame 3. holes to mate with trailer frame 4. holes to mate with trailer frame
Image Notes 1. holes to mate with trailer frame 2. holes to mate with trailer frame
Image Notes 1. holes to mate with trailer frame 2. Clear case of overkill here. this is the tail end of the trailer, drilling into that 2x6. 3. carefully drilling into the 1x1 frame
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Image Notes 1. I drilled a rediculous number of screws into the spare tire bracket because I knew it would carry a lot of weight.
Image Notes 1. driled at angle to catch the 1x1 blocking. 2. this lip will accept and support that hatch lid I cut out earlier.
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Image Notes 1. this is a close-up of one of those holes where I will bolt deck to trailer. it's countersunk so the bolt head doesnt stick up past surface of deck.
Image Notes 1. it's so sticky that light can't escape. like a black hole!
Image Notes
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1. holes to mate with trailer frame 2. holes to mate with trailer frame 3. AFTER 4. I later came back and coated this outside edge too.
Image Notes 1. i later came back and coated this outside edge too
Image Notes 1. cutting pieces to approximate size 2. i wrote my calcs right on the piece
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Image Notes 1. i used a straightedge and utility knife to cut the pieces. it doesnt need to be super exact.
Image Notes 1. i didnt have a sureform, but a wire brush worked well to help me shave down the peices. it makes a friggen mess tho.
Image Notes 1. it was hard to get the material to compress with the larger fender washers. i wound up mostly using a smaller size.
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Image Notes 1. the stock utility trailer uses pins here. i used bolts.
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Image Notes 1. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 2. a particularly nasty mix of construction adhesive and tar! 3. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 4. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 5. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 6. bolts for jack stands 7. retractable jack stands from RV store
Image Notes 1. crappy flimsy seals that came with hub. i destroyed them when i removed them
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Image Notes 1. new vastly better seals from Red Trailer. buy extras!!
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Image Notes 1. first attempt to dry-fit the axle. its hard to tell, but its 'tipping' off the nubbin. the stock design is to hang the axle on the _underside_ of the leaf spring.
Image Notes 1. there is the problem. the bolt is protruding too much for the axle to seat properly 2. i wrapped plastic bag and tape to protect threads on axle
Image Notes 1. this little bracket lines up with the bolt, but it is shallow.
Image Notes 1. here is the nubbin that matches that shallow bracket on the axle.
Image Notes 1. bolt sticks out even farther now, but on underside of spring
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Image Notes 1. vice grips and pliers and the nut came right off.
Image Notes 1. flipping bolt around so nubbin is on topside instead of the bottom 2. smallest leaf spring removed
Image Notes 1. in place with nubbin now on top 2. piss poor paint job!!
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Image Notes 1. hub attached. no pics bc hands were greasy. google and watch videos on how to assemble a trailer hub.
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Image Notes 1. the stock utility trailer uses pins here. i used bolts.
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Image Notes 1. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 2. a particularly nasty mix of construction adhesive and tar! 3. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 4. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 5. carriage bolts mating deck to frame 6. bolts for jack stands 7. retractable jack stands from RV store
Image Notes 1. nails tacked in to indicate my curve 2. my plans and notes. i printed up the plans then took them to kinkos and had it bound into a book.
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Image Notes 1. real life profile. my mark so I could tell the orientation of the board.
Image Notes 1. screw holding two sheet together 2. screw holding two sheet together 3. screw holding two sheet together
Image Notes 1. i used the plans standard measurements to do the tail end cuts 2. I need another NINE inches to finish taper
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Image Notes 1. This clamp holds a piece of spar underneath the door so it won't fall to the floor and tear out the cut.
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Step 18: Cut & Lay out the spars, attach spars
The walls on my trailer are insulated as well. To create that space, and to strengthen the walls I used 1x3 spars. This is also important to block out around the door as well. Once the spars were all cut to size, I glued and screwed to the sidewall. The registration holes I drilled were an enormous help so I was sure the spars were exactly where I wanted them AND matching on each wall. Now is the time to make sure you'll have blocking in place to support any cabinetry, lighting or fixtures you plan to have inside the sleeping compartment. For the curved door top, I used a 1x6. I'll use a router to remove the extra material.
Image Notes 1. Spars now glued and screwed to wall. 2. Special blocking to support cabinetry later.
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Image Notes 1. I left these long then exactly to fit w circ saw. 2. The jig shown in the next few pics cuts a line to show me exactly where to cut.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. The space between the two outer pieces is the thickness of the spar material plus the thickness of the skin material. 2. This is the skin material sticking out.
Image Notes 1. Utility knife blade held in place by lath screw and a nail. 2. The business edge of that blade that does the scoring sticks out right here.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
2. Adhesive still drying from stretching the plywood. It's covered w wax paper.
Step 21: Finish the Sandwich: the inside surface of the walls
I decided to use 5MM plywood as the inside layer of the wall sandwich (1/2 ply, 1x3 spars & insulation, 5MM ply). Again I screwed the two pieces together. I proceed to trim down the piece so it matched up with the main plywood walls. This is just a first step, as the inner walls now match the exterior wall size. We'll still need to cut it down one more time. NEXT I used that same razor blade jig to score a line where the edge of the inner lip should be. Carefully cut these off next. It'll be about a two inch difference that accomodate teh thickness of the roof & insulation. See the pics. Ultimately the interior wall matches up with spars and insulation. This creates a lip for the headliner to rest on. NEXT I traced where the door opening should be. And cut that out. Again, if you are careful you should be able to use this material for your door. Set this aside in a safe & dry place. I used a polyurethane mixed with stain, two coats on the inside of the inner walls AND all around the outside cuts. I wanted to impregnate the ends of the walls so they won't absorb moisture.
Image Notes 1. These screws in the corner, and a couple other spots keep the two sheets in alignment.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. After initial cut, walls match exterior wall size. Need one more pass.
Image Notes 1. The line cut by the jig. 2. Aspen keeping an eye on things.
Image Notes 1. Now interior wall matches up with spars and insulation. This creates a lip for the headliner to rest on.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. These are temp braces to hold the walls steady.
Image Notes 1. I'll eventually cut out this framing to get a doorway with a curved top. 2. I'll eventually cut out this framing to get a doorway with a curved top. 3. Inside walls have been painted 2x with polyurathane in color I liked.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. I shot some spray foam into the 'sandwich', It ended up spreading the walls apart. I carved some back out and it was fine. 2. This is looking directly onto the lip that will support the headliner.
Image Notes 1. I'll eventually cut out this framing to get a doorway with a curved top. 2. I'll eventually cut out this framing to get a doorway with a curved top. 3. Blocking for the cabintry 4. Spars temporarily attached. The tiny holes I drilled through BOTH sheets of ply while they were still sandwiched were a HUGE help here to get things lined up.
Image Notes 1. I'll eventually cut out this framing to get a doorway with a curved top. 2. I'll eventually cut out this framing to get a doorway with a curved top. 3. Blocking for the cabintry 4. Spars temporarily attached. The tiny holes I drilled through BOTH sheets of ply while they were still sandwiched were a HUGE help here to get things lined up.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. This is some scrap velvet to line the shelf. Applied with hot glue gun.
Image Notes 1. This feeds through into outer wall sandwich. Ultimately into the roof.
Image Notes 1. This will ultimately be strung through the roof and back to electrical box in galley.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Partition is just wedged in. It will still be removable when trailer is finished.
Image Notes 1. Rocker switch for my LED mood lighting. See step 24.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. You can see top of grey conduit sticking up behind wall. 2. 12 volt electrical panel. Designed for a boat, from Bass Pro Shops. 3. Another piece of conduit that will run wires down to 12 volt battery which will go in box on the floor. 4. Shallow shelf.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Circuit Breaker. Critically important. From auto parts store.
Image Notes 1. Extra plug/socket connection for trailer lights. I do not have to cut the wires to remove the hatch. 2. Extra set of electrical connections. I do not have to cut the wires to remove the hatch.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. You can just see the shadow from the 12 volt outlets I put on underside of cabinet. 2. Switch for the exterior light. 3. Switch for exterior light. Wiring sticking out the top.
Image Notes 1. vertical piece of plywood forms back of closet. glued up against spars. 2. Bird's eye view of the triple spar
Image Notes 1. Pair of 12 volt outlets. I'll work up some type of cover.
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Image Notes 1. three spars sistered up to create base for hurricane hinge
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Wire from fixture runs up inside the wall out out the top.
Image Notes 1. You can just see the shadow from the 12 volt outlets I put on underside of cabinet. 2. Switch for the exterior light. 3. Switch for exterior light. Wiring sticking out the top.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Notch where headliner will slip into place. Once in there, I'll tighten down on the screws (there on the left) and lock it into place.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Headliner pinched into position. It's not going anywhere!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Holes in headliner to accept wiring from 12 volt outlets and porch lights.
Image Notes 1. Adding spars. Screwing through sidewall. Appying TB II along spar to glue headliner to spar.
Image Notes 1. The first glimpse of what the inside will look like.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. What the heck is this? It's a brick on top of a fender on top of 3 clamps. This spar was slightly warped and I needed the weight to hold it in place until the glue dried. 2. This is a rigged up brace holding the spar while glue dries.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. fitting headliner piece into place around the conduit chase. 2. wires from LED strip
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. I used 1x1 spars here bc I'm not sure exactly where the exterior skin seam will hit...
Image Notes 1. the piece sagged so I braced while the glue dried
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. once i drilled pilot hole in each corner I knew where to put my tape.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. i drilled a hole in each corner 2. traced the fan molding, with spacing around it for strips of 5mm ply 3. blocking of 1x6. this will hold the overhead light in the cabin.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. 5mm ply up against the 1x6 blocking. little holes for wiring. 2. 5mm ply fit btw the molding and spar
Image Notes 1. blocking for the vent fan switch 2. two layers of 5mm ply glued in place
Image Notes 1. more 5mm ply to build out the fan channel 2. door for wiring compartment
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Image Notes 1. i made up my own wiring harness with two plugs, to run two computer fans. if they ever crap out I can swap them out.
Image Notes 1. switch wired up. this is the original location. tested and working. after I attached the exterior roof, this switch started working. disaster averted as I was able to tap into the light fixture.
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Image Notes 1. driled hole for switch. tape was to minimize chipping.
Image Notes 1. splitter wire harness to run two fans 2. two pc fans. i simplified wiring, getting rid of yellow control wire.
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http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. another view of the 3 spars. 2. all the wiring from the front of trailer and ceiling routed through conduit down into electric box
Image Notes 1. fitting headliner piece into place around the conduit chase. 2. wires from LED strip
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. 30 amp circuit breaker from auto parts store 2. Mechanical cutoff switch. 3. Power box with a true circuit breaker in it. It plugs into shore power outlet in outerwall of trailer.
This approach is different than most plans. Most plans do NOT have you screw through the walls. I figured it was a hell of a lot easier. I can bondo and smooth and still sheathe in aluminum, paint, etc.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. this channel is only about a foot long. i put one at each end of the shelf
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Image Notes 1. next I countersunk the holes so the screwheads. 2. shore power inlet
Image Notes 1. finally got around to cutting out the curve of the door. 2. many screwheads that will need to be bondo'd eventually.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Anchor for straps. I actually used a racheting system to draw it tight. Not pictured here.
Image Notes 1. I used some pencil registration marks to make sure things were square.
Image Notes 1. You'll need lots of clamps and blocking for the roof.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. The seam between the two sheets of ply that made of the roof is under this 2x4, curing.
Image Notes 1. Tiny nails - interspersed with pilot holes for the hurricane hinge.
Image Notes 1. Roof is looking slick. It's been treated with CPES in this pic. 2. Homemade mallet.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. another view of the 3 spars. 2. all the wiring from the front of trailer and ceiling routed through conduit down into electric box Image Notes 1. three spars sistered up to create base for hurricane hinge
Image Notes 1. vertical piece of plywood forms back of closet. glued up against spars. 2. Bird's eye view of the triple spar
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. i used my pattern to cut this piece from a sheet of ply. i matched it up to curve and cleaned it up. at this point i decided to ditch the cardboard template and use this piece of ply as my template!!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. now isnt that pretty. time to make 10 more. 2. slats cut from the tops of my side doors
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Step 39: Hatch Part 3 - Skin the Hatch; Lights and Electric
So I have my framework ready. Now I attach the skin. I'm using the same 5mm plywood from Lowes. Made in USA. I measured the distance I'll need and cut to fit. I did NOT enclose the frame because I thought it looked cool. Once I'm finish sealing the whole thing w CPES I'll paint the underside white. I plan to use a minimum number of fasteners to attach the sheet to the frame. I used construction adhesive and glue and lots of clamps. See pics. One element to address is the overlap of the side lips over the side walls. I had a 1 inch overlap on the two side edges of the hatch. Next I used rattle can of primer to paint the inside white. It wasn't enough, so I ultimately used a paint brush and some Kilz to get better coverage.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. These screw holes will be patched with the epoxy filler. 2. The CPES dries clear, but leaves a shiny surface.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Extra plug/socket connection for trailer lights. I do not have to cut the wires to remove the hatch.
Image Notes 1. Screw heads concealed under epoxy filler, then sanded smooth. 2. Trailer lights mounted to exterior of hatch.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
2. Extra set of electrical connections. I do not have to cut the wires to remove the hatch.
Image Notes 1. Roof is looking slick. It's been treated with CPES in this pic. 2. Homemade mallet.
Image Notes 1. These screw holes will be patched with the epoxy filler. 2. The CPES dries clear, but leaves a shiny surface.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. Screw heads concealed under epoxy filler, then sanded smooth. 2. Trailer lights mounted to exterior of hatch.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Step 48: Build the doors - Part 4: the return of the windows
Now that we are all painted and reassembled, we can do some final attachment. I used some standard windows I ordered online. They sandwich together into a hole that I pre-cut in the door. My door was just a hair thicker than the trim piece, so I had to use some slightly longer machine screws than what were supplied. I also drilled some pilot holes just to make things go quicker. Check it!
Image Notes 1. I don't have better pic of this step. This is when I was dry fitting things together earlier.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Image Notes 1. This is the only licensing required in Kansas for trailers under 2000 lbs.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
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http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
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http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Related Instructables
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 65 comments
Jul 28, 2011. 2:46 PM REPLY
StuNutt says:
A terrific 'ible. I'll never build one myself, but enjoyed just reading it all through and the pics of your great woodworking skills. But why TWO doors? Surely just one door woud hve been enough, and the extra inside surface would have been useful? And can you really get two "bunks" in there as well as a galley? Love to see how it all fits in when you get it finished! BTW - in UK, a "Ford Focus" is an Estate car http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/2001_Ford_Focus_ZX3_front_--_06-09-2010.jpg/250px-2001_Ford_Focus_ZX3_front_--_06-092010.jpg (I thnk you call them "caravans" in US). Ours is 1800ccc and could probably pull the weght but my wife had terrible experiences with "trailers" as a kid on holidays with her folks andsadly wouldn't even think of it now!
jwilliams37 says:
Jul 28, 2011. 2:38 PM REPLY This is an awesome build. If you add a solar panel or two to charge your battery during the day then you wouldn't need to worry about over loading your cars alternator. -Just a thought Jul 28, 2011. 12:59 PM REPLY
com-2d says:
Wow, I really want to build one of these now. Very nice instructable! Also, M=1,000 in roman numerals.
bryan3141 says:
I'm not sure I understand. Why did you want the axle above rather than below the leaf springs?
Shiseiji says:
Ron
Jul 28, 2011. 12:24 PM REPLY Just great! My family had a '47 teardrop covered in aluminum scrap from the aircraft industry. I still mourn the loss of it. Very inspiring.
Rob O says:
Oh wow. That was the real deal. Maybe you can restore an old one (they are out there) or even build a reproduction Check out these vintage plans: http://www.mikenchell.com/VintagePlans/vintageplans.html.
totszwai says:
Jul 28, 2011. 12:22 PM REPLY Could you post a video on the whole thing overall? Such as opening the door, getting inside, what it looks like once you are in there... head room, leg room, etc. Cool project.
Rob O says:
Heck yeah. I'll do that tonight. I didn't realize I could post video!!
fzxdf5 says:
Hope you used Stainless Screws...deck screws will rust out on you...
Rob O says:
Jul 28, 2011. 12:16 PM REPLY WHAT!! Rust!? I've never heard of rust!! What is this 'rust' you speak of!! Perhaps you have revealed one of the ancient mysteries of the universe. You mean certain metals may deteriorate when exposed to water!! Someone call NASA!! Call the Academy of Sciences!! Call Al Gore and Ralph Nader!! We must spread the word before it is too late!! I used deck screws. It'll be fine.
fzxdf5 says:
Two questions... What type if ply wood did you use?
What type of tar? I've been using driveway sealer lately for the bottom and exterier walls of my deer blinds, it is easier to apply and does a great job at preserving the wood...and you can get colored sealer too.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
Rob O says:
Jul 28, 2011. 12:09 PM REPLY I used 1/2 inch ply for the decking and sidewalls. Then 3/8 inch ply for countertop and horizontal bulkhead walls between sleeping compartment and galley. I used AMERICAN-made 5mm ply for the inside walls and vertical bulkhead walls. As far as tar, I used 'fencepost' tar from a box store. It's a low-tech solution. I think plain ol roofing tar would work the same. Some folks have had their bottoms sprayed with undercoating or truckbed sealer. They seemed like overkill for my purposes.
weeniewawa says:
how does your 12 volt system charge? have you seen the solar panels from Harbor Freight? it would keep your system charged until you plug it in to your vehicle nice work on this
Rob O says:
Jul 28, 2011. 12:04 PM REPLY I have a battery tender/charger that I use. This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-022-0157-1-Waterproof-Charger/dp/B002DU3S9A/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1311879751&sr=8-10 Some folks have their 12 volt connected to their vehicle, so they can charge while traveling. I plan to have minimal electrical needs, and to use LED lighting where possible. So I opted for a less complex system. Again, this is one of those places where you can customize your trailer to what suits how you plan to use it.
Krytenthesmug says:
Here is the lazy man's way out... http://www.clevercamper.co.uk/
Rob O says:
Wow that is a beautiful trailer. Beautiful workmanship.
Handiest1 says:
Jul 28, 2011. 10:46 AM REPLY I haven't read all the way through yet, but before you skin the inside of the hatch are you going to insulate? Everything else is, and I'm thinking you are gonna have some cold feet.
Rob O says:
Jul 28, 2011. 11:59 AM REPLY Good question - I'm not insulating the hatch. But I did insulate the wall between the sleeping compartment and the galley. So the sleeping compartment is fully insulated. Well, except for the very back of the cubbies.
krodami says:
Jul 28, 2011. 11:31 AM REPLY Ever since I first heard of this type of trailer and how (relatively) non-difficult (I won't even dare say "easy"!!) they are to build, I've been fascinated by the versatility and customizable nature of them - not to mention how helpful and inciteful the communities of users/builders are! ... Now if I only lived in a house with a garage instead of in an apartment. (Heck, they technically won't even let you change your oil or add transmission fluid in the parking lot, let alone have a year-long building project, lol!) You did a GREAT job designing, modifying and building the trailer, and describing how you did it too - looks beautiful! Do you plan on adding to the instructable as you continue with steps 53+? (Just wondering. I'm sure most of use would be able to figure out how to do it, I'm just curious how it'll look when those steps are done too.)
Rob O says:
Yeah I plan to continue adding steps as I finish it out.
You ought to check out this guy. He built a beautiful trailer - in a parking garage... nuts I cannot get the forum to load. I'll add a link in a sec.
Dianamite says:
I haven't read through the whole instructable (nice work!) but I'm wondering if you know the final weight?
Rob O says:
I haven't weighed it yet. But I will and I'll post the actual weight. My wild guess is around 700-800 pounds.
paulbsa says:
Jul 28, 2011. 11:39 AM REPLY Fantastic, ambitious project. I've been thinking about one of these for a while, this might just have inspired me to give up the tent camping.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
dejure says:
Jul 28, 2011. 11:34 AM REPLY For those who want to crank up the life of plywood and such, treat it and all wood surfaces before you apply any other protectant. You can make your own treatment using cheap poly and a hardening oil, like tung oil or boiled linseed oil. Adding hardening oil to your poly reduces its hardness, but gives it more flex (that's how they crank up the expensive exterior finishes, by making them "long oil" (more oil) finishes. Adding about 25% hardening oil to your poly will reduce its tendency to separate from your wood. To start treating wood, start by thinning your treatment 50% with mineral spirits, turpentine or naphtha. As long as the wood keeps soaking it in, keep adding it. I'll often leave a bucket by the wood and do other thing throughout the day and add more each time I walk by. Give the first treatment a few days to harden (the solvent will evaporate off and the poly-oil mix will harden). Then you can drop back to a 25% mix and do the same thing. Doing this wherever leaks might appear or where the wood would be subjected to water (e.g., around vents, doors and windows, or the underside) can greatly increase the life of your investment. Even if the siding, tar or whatever fails, it will come up against your polymerized wood, which will be protected, I do this to particle board, such as around sink installations, and it stops it from swelling and falling apart.
jblessf says:
This is wonderful!! Just what I need. Your instuctions are great. Thank you for sharing.
joelmck says:
Shouldn't it read under 2K or 2 Kilo = 2000 I think 2M is 2 mega = 2,000,000?
This is simply the best Instructable ever! My family used to have one of these trailers and it was extremely usable. I have really enjoyed following this.
krodami says:
(I just looked this up because I was curious about it, and then saw your question, so I figured I'd put my 2 cents in...)
In Kansas, if your trailer is under 2000 pounds, you don't need a license plate for it, but they recommend a generic "Kansas under 2m" tag so you don't run into trouble if you go to another state. I have yet to find what the "M" stands for, though. (I know that the French word for "thousand" is "mille"... But I seriously doubt that's what it actually stands for.) But you are correct in that M = mega = 1 million. Since the measurement is 2000lb, I wonder why they just didn't put "under 1 ton" or "under 1t"... Oh well. Great instructable! Now I wish I had a garage to do something like this in (since a teardrop trailer would be just about the only thing my Ford Focus could tow, hehe... Great mileage, but not the best vacation car on the planet.)
Handiest1 says:
With that hatch thickness, too bad yo couldn't flush mount the lights.
pbergeronronronron says:
great instructables to here (havent finished reading yet) figgure is the proper way to say
dr.knowitall says:
actually, it is "figure." just sayin'.
dr.knowitall says:
Jul 28, 2011. 10:27 AM REPLY lol, yeah actually, I'm a journeyman machinist and that is a trick I learned a long time ago (using motor oil). believe it or not, I've even used vegetable oil as a last resort for aluminum pieces and it works surprisingly well.
doodle961 says:
this is so amazing! we already have a trailer we got from a neighbors yard sale and have been wondering what to do with it :)
fbenson says:
Jul 28, 2011. 8:53 AM REPLY I have very fond memories of teardrop trailers as we had one in the sixties. Maximize the storage all you can inside and in the kitchen. Enjoy!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
oldhondarider says:
Totally Awesome.
mpintovsj says:
Impresionante, no s si tengo la fuerza para hacer algo asi. Fantastico !! Congratulations!!
rowerwet says:
Jul 28, 2011. 3:17 AM REPLY nice TD, glad to see someone make an i'ble out of a build, I didn't have the time to take pics during my build, just pics at the end of the day http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.206659206023371.51405.100000378802082&l=0101d83097&type=1 pics of my build Jul 26, 2011. 3:07 PM REPLY Before I start coming across like a buzzkill, I first want to say that this is an amazing project and you did an amazing job! Nicely done and nice instructable. If you wanted to improve upon it you might put a parts list, cost, and sources to buy up front. But that is beside my other point... There is a reason why cars (and boats for that matter) are no longer made of wood. Wood is normally joined together with steel fasteners. When wood absorbs moisture, the steel fasteners are right there in prolonged, direct contact. The screws will rust, shrink, and fall out. Some of the modern deck screws are coated to prevent rusting. From my experience they work very well. I have had occasion to disassemble some old projects and the coated screws were actually reusable. So I would caution people to use excellent hardware when trying to make a vehicle like this out of wood. Another issue is that wood shrinks and expands with moisture and temperature. The joints you thought were tight could loosen without doing anything. With that in mind I would strongly suggest a full coat of good glue on both sides of every joint. Leave no room in the bond for moisture to enter the joint. Wipe the excess after screwing it together. Regarding your glue, Tightbond II: it is a glorified Elmer's white glue. For a project that I wanted to keep, I would use regular Gorilla Glue. Gorilla Glue is 100% water proof, not just water resistant. Gorilla Glue also foams and expands to fill wood grain as it sets. Gorilla Glue joints in wood are stronger than the wood itself. When I was in college we built a wooden airplane using the glue that is now called Gorilla Glue. It was the only glue approved for making wooden airplanes. It is very good stuff. Gorilla glued joints will not loosen with moisture or temperature. Again, very well done project. Thanks for posting.
dchall8 says:
Rob O says:
Gee thanks for the half-hearted praise. Read steps 43 & 47.
dchall8 says:
Jul 27, 2011. 8:29 AM REPLY Half-hearted? You got two "amazings" and a 2 1/2 unsolicited hints for you to use next time or for people coming along after you to take advantage of. You have done ALL the heavy lifting on this "amazing" project. I would discourage you from skinning it with aluminum. The aluminum would become a dew trap and guarantee the wood inside would rot. The epoxy outer covering is probably good. I'm not sure if wood lasts longer being allowed to breathe or being fully enclosed in plastic. Years ago I used a polyurethane covering on another wooden project, but eventually it delaminated to allow moisture in. Hopefully they have advanced the technology with the epoxy. Here is a link to the National Woodie Club . There is a lot to know about wooden vehicle construction. If someone wants to learn more, the link is a good place to start. Maybe someone will do an Instructable on building a wooden car from scratch.
Rob O says:
You are remarkable.
CatTrampoline says:
Jul 27, 2011. 8:48 AM REPLY I am in awe! If I start now, I may get one of these finished in time to take hypothetical future grandkids camping in style and comfort.
abadfart says:
very nice i've been looking for something like this but with bigger tires so i could pull it behind a jeep
Rob O says:
Jul 27, 2011. 6:49 AM REPLY Check out the builder's forum. There are a lot of folks who make versions that are designed for serious off-roading. Bigger tires, steel frames, etc.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/
ilpug says:
pretty amazing. wish i had the space, time, and money to do this. how much did it cost in total?
rimar2000 says:
Very good work!!
alanuevo says:
i've been wanting to make one of these for a long time. fantastic job. maybe one day i'll get to building mine.
pbergeronronronron says:
Jul 26, 2011. 11:43 AM REPLY just make shure your wife doesnt plug in her hair dryer with the heat option on! it will blow your breakers if anything else is on it
devonrumrill says:
This is rad. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hvysteel says:
Jul 26, 2011. 9:59 AM REPLY Very nice! Someday I hope to build one. If you don't mind, here's a link to a forum that has a lot of info to look at for anyone who wants to build a teardrop. http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Teardrop-Travel-Trailer/