Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hi Folks,
I'm new to teardrop construction. I started 5 weeks ago with building my trailer, and i'm just about ready to skin the unit.
The unit is a 10ft long cubby / modernaire, much like Michael Westhoff's unit.
I am using 038 semi trailer roof skin since it is readily available to me and I won't have any seams. My tear is 57 1/2" inches wide. I would really appreciate a little advice on the best approach to matching the profile and cutting the skin. I have electric shears, jigsaw, tinsnips, aviation snips as well as a cutting TORCH. So i'm fairly certain I can cut, but what is the best way of doing it correctly the first time?

PS: A lot of my construction techniques have come right off this sight, you all have unknowingly contributed to my project a good deal.

Mr.Bill
(noob)

Man you're fast. It took me almost 18months before I skinned mine.

I used the same material, I cut it with a set of El Cheapo Harbor Freight electric shears. First I made a line down the entire length of the aluminum to establish the width. After I had the roll the width I needed, I cut the individual pieces off. I just layed the sheet on the grass and cut it in the yard. I was afraid that walking on the sheet might damage it. I had no other option so I did, it didn't hurt it a bit.

For the sides, I used 4X10 sheets. I just put a 2X4 on the bottom of the side and held it up with a jack. I put the sheet on the side and set it on the 2X4 then taped it in place. After I had it where I wanted, I marked the profile with a sharpie. I put it on top of the trailer and cut it out. I put it back on and fine tuned it with snips.

I wasn't too concerned with the cuts because they were going to be hidden by the trim. The hard part was cutting the doors since I wanted to use the part that was cut out. I used a combination of Dremel and jigsaw.

Check this thread:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=8834

I did it simular to Rocky. I mounted the bottom aluminum angle that was going to be used anyway. I mounted it loose enough to slide the sheet in, then traced the profile with a sharpie. Then just leaned it back and used sheers. After I glued it in place I went over the edges with a rotozip to take the sharp edges off and rout it to the profile. I cut the doors with a rotozip. Remember to put painters tape on if you are useing power tools or else the shavings will get between the tool base and amuminum and scratch it.
I used these it cut the aluminum like paper.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... lpage=none

OH NO Mr Bill
Just realzed your a newbie. Welcome to the forum. Since we've helped you so much you know the price is pic's.

Where's SLUGGO?????

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to watch out for the scrathing. i already have the electric shears, so I think I'm in good shape. Just need to get some good weather to do the job. Seems to rain a lot around here, have you ever heard that before?
BTW, I did post a few pics in my album tonight. Feel free to comment, good or bad, it is my first rodeo on one of these, and probably not my last.
I ordered two of the 7.5 gal water tanks from teardrop fixit, and they fit between the back of those drawers and the interior bulkhead. I thought that was kinda neat. (thats just the noob talkin tho)

You've done all that in 5 weeks You'll have to give Chris some lessons As a matter of fact, you'll probably have to give us all lessons Welcome aboard. Looks good, by the way

Cheers
Paul

PS Who the H--L is Sluggo?

You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.

We know that the Block-Heads are all here.

mrbill wrote:I ordered two of the 7.5 gal water tanks from teardrop fixit, and they fit between the back of those drawers and the interior bulkhead. I thought that was kinda neat. (thats just the noob talkin tho)

Noob Talking? Thats good planning. I got a 10 gallon water tank and a AC on one side and a dual battery compartment on the other side in the same space.
Your trailer looks good. 5 weeks huh? Now the tedious work begins. The details took alot longer than the build. I started mine the day after x-mas and am finally working on the short list.

mrbill wrote:You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.

Mr. B, What is Saturday Night Live? And who the H is Sluggo? And did you notice where I'm from?

Cheers Mate
Paul

I got to looking at your album. Nice profile!

Are you building using solid plywood walls? I'd be interested to see what yours weighs compared to mine (also a 5X10). I'd like to see what the weights differences are with 2 different construction methods.

Keep up the good work! And don't forget the pics.

PaulC wrote:

mrbill wrote:You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.

Mr. B, What is Saturday Night Live? And who the H is Sluggo? And did you notice where I'm from?

Cheers Mate
Paul

Here you go Paul. The Mr Bill site.
http://www.mrbill.com/

Thanks for that Steve, Everything is now as clear as mud Now I understand

Cheers
Paul

PaulC wrote:Thanks for that Steve, Everything is now as clear as mud Now I understand

Cheers
Paul

Satuday night Live was a live TV comedy show every Saturday night in the 70's. Alot of actor's-comedians got their start there. IE: Chevy Chase
Mr Bill was a regular skit.