Johns TearDrop for 5

[J.Heyboer]

Hello Everyone,

After months of reading, I finally wiped the drool off my face and started a build of my own.

I am starting with a 1986 viking pop-up camper, it measures 12' x 6'. I gotta fit me, my wife, kid1, kid2 and kid3. Hence the bigger trailer. I went with a 6ft trailer so my wife and I could fit in a bed crosswise in the trailer and not take up as much length. (Were short, im 5'6" and my wife is around 5') Possibly doing bunks or fold down couch for the kids. Also, the wife has requested a table/eating area.



Part way through teardown.



I am currently down to the bare frame. It has a fair amount of surface rust but nothing structural. I have alot of sanding to do.......talk to you in a couple weeks.

John

[J.Heyboer]

Any suggestions on a good rust preventative primer and paint?

John

[Rigsby]

I dont know how high you are planning the build, but while wandering round a local caravan (travel trailer ) retailer i noticed in one of the caravans, bunk beds, three high. The bottom one is on the floor matress and then the framework above it held another two bunks. This saved a lot of room not having to haveroom for a pull out or fold down bed
There was also a double bed at the other end of the caravan, which converted from a seating and eating area
steve

[CliffinGA]

Don't have that problem on mine but I used to play around with a bunch of old cars and always got stuff from Eastwood products on my frames. Just my 2 cents worth.

Cliff

[parnold]

Any suggestions on a good rust preventative primer and paint?

POR15
Chassis Saver http://www.magnetpaints.com
SEM Rust Shield http://www.semproducts.com

Sorry I don't know the link for POR15, I don't sell that stuff, but it is good.

[grizz]

That is a seriously sturdy looking chassis.

Good luck with the layout and build.

Oh, and remember we like photos.

[ERV]

John
Looks like you have a nice starting point. Have you picked out a profile yet? Biggest thing is trying to keep the weight down. What will you be pulling with?

Wish I would have named the boys that way, Would have saved a lot of confusion.

Erv

[Shadow Catcher]

I have used Zero-rust http://www.zero-rust.com with success.

[Jst83]

[quote="J


Any suggestions on a good rust preventative primer and paint?

John[/quote]

Wow that frame looks familiar




You'll have plenty of space to build what you want, just plan well.

I just went with Rustolem primer and paint in a can and have had no troubles, just sand well first.

[Rigsby]

You could have a look at european caravans,for ideas how they manage to fit everything in to a small space, then adapt to your own profile
Personaly i would go for a double bunk at the front that converts into a seating and eating area. A tripple stacked set of bunks ar the rear, kitchen area over the wheels at one side and door and storage at the other
steve

[J.Heyboer]

Thanks for the links and suggestions on paint and primer!

ERV - I have been thinking about going with a Benroy or Rimple profile, modified to 6 feet high. I am leaning this direction because these profiles have a few less curves while still looking like a teardrop. (easier to build, still looks cool) 6ft tall to allow the family to sleep comfortably and not be too big to pull easily. I am planning on pulling this with the family Minivan, V6. (I won't reveal that gem until later)

JST83 - I think our trailers were seperated at birth

John

[J.Heyboer]

Here is the profile I have been considering. I couch/bench against the front wall that folds down to sleep 2. Bench and table at the back with a table that drops down into a bed to sleep another 2 more. Then I will place a bunk somewhere in there for 1 more. (That adds up to 5 right?) The bunk will most likely go above the fold out couch.

John

[J.Heyboer]

Picked up the trailer from sandblasting today. Looks like new and worth every penny! Even more so now that I don't have to worry about whether or not I got all the rust off. I can now sleep in peace.

Primer goes on tomorrow.

John

[Miriam C.]

You got a great sandblasting. I wish I had done that....

Here is a similar TD already done. The Campster designed by Grant of lil bear....

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear56.htm

[J.Heyboer]

Put last coat of Implement Paint from Tractor Supply on the frame today.