If you were to build it all over again ...

[Frank]

Wider, longer, a galley, more creativity, and better workmanship. It is nice from a distance and has served well, for the knowledge I had at the time am proud of it. But now feel like a lot better is possible.

Frank

[Dave Nathanson]

Due to my practice with cardboard I knew we wanted a 5 foot wide teardrop. That has worked out really well. A few things I would do, or consider doing differently:
* Insulation. Yeah even in So Calif it gets cold at night & in the mountains. We have tried to retro-fit insulation, but it hasn't worked out.
* stronger tongue (done!)
* stronger frame where it counts. (done!) Like over the leaf springs (frame tore there in Saline Valley).
* Sturdier rear bumper; it's already all tweaked.
* Rethink galley altogether, starting with different galley cabinet doors. They look really nice, but the 2 sliding doors are always in each others way. I'm thinking 3 roll top desk type doors would be about perfect!
* Built in stove
* More efficient galley design. So it doesn't take so much set-up and put away.
* Consider a non-wooden kitchen counter top. Maybe nice sheet metal.
* build in 12v light dimmer for the galley light (done!)
* Sliding windows, not the cool retro crank outs that are always at risk of hitting the outside & breaking something.
* raise the cabin shelf/drawer slightly so I never whack my knees on it.
* Reading lights should be mounted at the headboard center, so they each aim towards the outside wall (away from your spouse).
* Reading lights should have dimmers.
* Figure out the storage better. I hate digging though my duffel bag to find stuff.
* Skip the roof vent. We haven't needed it so far, and it lets all the warm air out in the winter. IF we were going to do a roof vent again I'd look for a quiet fan with big blades that can turn slowly. It is really nice having the light come in though. We're both happy with the front window!
* Screen doors - Louise used some plastic magnetic strips to make removable screen doors that worked out pretty well.
* Not use piano hinge for doors. It leaks badly while driving in the rain. Or cover it.
* Get the axle with a manual parking brake and electric brakes.
* have a dedicated storage place under the TD for jack, spare leaf spring, tools for those jobs and a set of big safety reflectors.
* Bigger front wheel, so it would be way easier to roll on dirt when hooking up.
* Design the trailer so repairs are possible. An interesting puzzle.

I guess that's about it really. We're really happy with our teardrop.

[Dennis T]

I would like to have it a woody that is longer and taller. Also a inside space for my Pride Victory XL-4. Making a galley that is more useable and putting drop wells in the floor. I have plans running through my head and have put a couple on paper but as I read on and get ideas, i know it will take a while. At least I have the Little Guy to keep us camping and continuing to meet and make new friends.
Dennis T

[campadk]

My 'dream' tear will be as follows (combo design elements of Hunter HU-3 and the Camp-Inn). Would be more of a Hunter than the Camp-Inn I think.

4.5" wide by 10 ft. (6 inches wider than currently for a bit more elbow room).

Highest grade aluminum available for that aircraft mirror look. Aluminum skin top and sides. Would consider a partial woodie panel on the sides if it looked good.

Shape would incorporate more of the curved profile of the Camp-Inn vs the Hunter's sharper corners.

Same Galley we have customized in our Hunter but we get an extra 6" more width to play with. Camp-Inn galley doesn't have the same functionality we look for. Maybe add a swing out table.

Power assist galley hatch.

Camp-Inn forward duo teardrop windows... definately.

Small porthole window on the side... if it doesn't look silly. Ok I think we have enough windows now with the forward teardrops!

Slightly larger door windows than the Hunter/Camp-Inn. Windows that allow a bit more view out, as well as provide more cross breeze.

Sky light for night time star gazing (moon room).

Under bunk storage as in the Hunter but with power raise assist.

Fiberglass fenders for that retro look (Camp-Inn fenders are too modern, Hunters too plain). Probably painted a deep Adirondack red.

Retro style S-t-o-p lights.

Cabin inside would be more like the Hunter than the Camp-Inn. Front sliders for access too forward clothes. Rear shelves might be cupboards with sliders but area designed for the stereo/home theatre.

Front tongue aluminum box as per what we have for folding chairs, propane, axe etc.

Cost: to be negotiated

[mikeschn]

Cost: to be negotiated

I take it this was directed at Steve???

Mike...

[campadk]

Cost: to be negotiated

I take it this was directed at Steve???

Mike...

Yah but Steve would cover all my shiney aluminum with purty wood!

[Steve Frederick]

Yah but Steve would cover all my shiney aluminum with purty wood!

Not necessarily!! Classic is cool to!

[Ken]

When you pick up a piece of wood, no matter the temperature, the wood is warmer than the air around it, usually the same temperature as your hand. Try that with a piece of steel, plastic, aluminum. No offence please, just like wood better.

[mikeschn]

Dave,

You've got some mighty fine ideas for a next teardrop. You should definitely consider letting Steve paint that in wood for you! You can't go wrong the way you like camping...

Mike...

[Gage]

I've watch this thread sense it started and today finially voted 'OTHER'. The reason being I ended up with every thing I wanted. This was because durning the build, which took 2 1/2 years (I was on teardrop time) I would look at the full size mock-ups that I would make and wonder what I would or would not change when finished before actually building that item. Sometimes the mock-up would be in place two or three days.

The only thing that I would do different if I was to build another would be to move the main body back about 6" on the frame and then move the doors forward about 4" (because of the fenders). The main reason for that change would to shift some of the tongue weight back. Right now it's sitting at about 165# when loaded. I'd like to have it about 135#.

Remember, when building your teardrop, build it with pride and take your time. Just because someone builds thiers in 3 months doesn't mean you also have to. Think things out and be happy with the end results.

Have a good day,
Gage

[Steve Frederick]

Remember, when building your teardrop, build it with pride and take your time. Just because someone builds thiers in 3 months doesn't mean you also have to. Think things out and be happy with the end results.

Have a good day,
Gage

Amen Gage!! That theory shows up in the quality of your work. Your layout and some of the "tricks" employed, show that you put a lot of thought into things. Love your work!

[Ron Dickey]

This poll has helped those of us who are about to imbark.

Thank you all for your imput. Please don't stop here add your 2 cents

even if you bought yours what would you change?

there is a chance that those who build teardrops for profit might see what should be in next years model.

Ron D.

[len19070]

Y'all are going to think I'm on drugs or something.... and 30 years ago I would have said you were right. But now, my dream project would be to buy a Limo..No a Streach Limo and build about a 20' streach TearDrop! An absolute oppulant Tear with Gizmos that nobody needs while normal Camping. A hot tub ( I built a trailer with a Hot Tub once) A conversation Pit (like you couldn't go outside and talk). A drop floor with a Sauna (hah just camp in Florida in the summer). I look at projects like this as if I'm really "NUTS". Now if I can only get hooked up with another "NUT" with more money than me.....I'm set.

Happy Trails

Len

[ssrjim]

For fun!

[McTeardrops]

Haven't finished my first yet, but still have fantasies about the second. One day I'm going to get back into racing. I have a vision of lifting the hatch in the pits at a dirt track and rolling out a dwarf. Or at an airport autocross, rolling out a Lotus Seven. The spirit is weak, but the frame is ready.