The Blue Rock - Campable

[Rock]

The Blue Rock - campable (barely)



Currently sitting right at 400 lbs, fully insulated and covered with fiberglass and epoxy.

Did someone say "Git 'er Done" days? When I got home from work at 5:30 Friday I still had to:

- Cut excess steel off the spring brackets
- Drill mounting holes in the brackets
- Remove 2 leaf springs/side
- Drill holes in camper floor
- Re-pack wheel bearings
- Assemble axle/wheel assembly
- Mount to camper

- Straighten out a little twist in tongue assembly
- Drill mounting holes on steel tabs on tongue assy
- Adhere some rubber pads to tabs for cushion
- Drill holes in camper and mount tongue
- Assemble hitch/safety chains

- Mount hardware on hatch
- Mount hatch to tear
- Cut a slot in the counter top for latch engagement

- Fabricate rear lamp mounting brackets
- Mount front and rear lamps
- Wire lamps
- Fix corroded 4-flat on the Tacoma

- Install 2 windows

- Drill screw holes in piano hinge
- Hang door
- Install door hardware

- Go to DMV and get tags
- Go grocery shopping
- Pack

All by 3:30 PM Saturday.

Pulled it out of the barn for the first time ever and proceeded on a 150 mile trip. Even with 45 pounds tongue weight it was straight and steady up past 70 mph. In fact, I think this is an ideal candidate for the "Sports Car Tear" in the other thread. I was in the Tacoma, but I tend to throw it around pretty hard. On the hilly twisty 2 laners in south east Ohio (in particular OH 586 from Mt. Vernon to Zanesville - Awesome) I was taking curves well above the advised speed, and the truck and trailer combo carved a perfect line every time.

It was amazing that not only did my woodwork not fall apart, my welds didn't fall apart!

Lots of work to go - mostly finishing. Can't wait to get the epoxy sanded down and varnish on. Then I can trim it out proper.

I want to thank all here that contribute, and in particular Mike and Andrew for the design.

Eric

[Uncle Chan]

Very cool! Well done!

[caseydog]

Very nice. What is you wood skin? I like it, a lot.

CD

[aggie79]

Stunning!

[Rock]

Thanks for the comments.

The exterior is Sapele plywood. I think it's meant as in interior material, mostly for wall paneling. I was very fragile and dry, and the veneer is paper thin. I wasn't going to fiberglass it, but I dinged it enough just building it that I thought better. Plus I could see a rock kicked up by a tire going right through the front of it.

Eric

[Mightydog]

The cup on the tire is the signature of a man hard at work. We're still finding half-drunk cups of coffee around our shop from our build.

[Rock]

Keen eye. Also note that it's titanium to keep the weight down in keeping with the Ultralight theme

Eric

[Miriam C.]

I love the wood grain on that. You did an excellent job!

[cks-1]

hi, where did you go camping?i didnt realize somebody so close to me had a teardrop,I'm in sandusky.The teardrop looks great,i really like the color of the wood/grain.I'd like to get some of the northern ohio teardrops together sometime.again very nice teardrop.

[kirkman]

COOOOOOL

[2bits]

Wow this is the second post tonight with the word campable and a "list" of stuff! That is so funny! I think when you get right down to the wire, you've made your plans and by St Joe nothin is gonna sway ya and you make that list because this is crunch time and you need to know exactly where you're at! I love it! I can feel the pressure ans release once you know you got it done and you're where you want to be!

Very cool!

[kennyrayandersen]

yeah, oyu can get a lot done... if you don't need sleep

Nice job, and way to gut it out near the end1

[JenniferandPups]

Very nice! I love the skin. Quite unusual and one of a kind!

[Rock]

Thanks again. What I got done near the end was pretty incredible. Almost caused me to lose my mind, however. I work 75-80 hours a week and am a single dad. But they say it's good to have goals!

More pics in the album by the way.....

Eric

[2bits]

Thanks again. What I got done near the end was pretty incredible. Almost caused me to lose my mind, however. I work 75-80 hours a week and am a single dad. But they say it's good to have goals!

More pics in the album by the way.....

Eric

HOLY CRAP! Where do ya find the time at all! Good man!