luk4mud
Explorer
As you may know from my other thread asking for recommendations, I have decided to have a teardrop built for me rather than buy something already available. The 3 main reasons are:
1. Customization. I can design and have built exactly what I want with a local builder. While the other builder provide some flexibility, anything not on their menu tends to add to the cost substantially.
2. Cost. The custom build will (hopefully) be about the cost of a mass produced trailer like the LG Rough Rider.
3. Quality. The teardrop specific builders make very nice stuff. I would love to have one, but is beyond my budget. However the local builder can come pretty close from a quality standpoint, in fact some might argue that his cabinetry work is equal to or better.
So, here is the outline of the build based upon alot of your input and personal tastes:
Frame: AT 5x10. I want a tried and true frame. Met with Mario yesterday in Claremont and put down a deposit. he had a flatbed frame in his garage, very well built and thought through. The suspension is the key to the thing and their design is fantastic.
Cabin: Matt Lingeman of Sierra Madre Teardrops is building the rest. Besides being a heck of a nice guy, Matt is a cabinet builder and part time teardrop builder. His work is very good. Met with Matt yesterday to talk through some concepts and details (mostly wanted the wife to meet him and "by in").
Features: The list and details keep bouncing around a bit. Here is the main stuff as it stands now.
Interior: Queen bed, led lighting, birch wood, 2 cabinets at the feet with a center open area (laptop, heater spot), bulkhead shelf, led lighting, 12 volt plugs.
Galley: Cooler sliding drawer (no fridge), built in 2 burner rv style cooktop with 1 oversized burner (I like to cook on a wok), 10 gallon gravity based water tank (Frontrunner- thanks for the deal this week Steve!) on a slide under the cooktop. Lots of shelves, cubbies etc finished in birchwood and stainless steel. 12 volt plugs, no shore power needed. 10lb propane tank mounted to the outside drivers area in the rear. Side table in H track.
Tongue/ Front: AT box (likely), 100Ah+ battery in box, slots for water and gas cans, max coupler
Roof: Yakima bars, my existing ARB awning.
Misc: Portable 100w solar charger system, F&R stabilizer jacks
1. Customization. I can design and have built exactly what I want with a local builder. While the other builder provide some flexibility, anything not on their menu tends to add to the cost substantially.
2. Cost. The custom build will (hopefully) be about the cost of a mass produced trailer like the LG Rough Rider.
3. Quality. The teardrop specific builders make very nice stuff. I would love to have one, but is beyond my budget. However the local builder can come pretty close from a quality standpoint, in fact some might argue that his cabinetry work is equal to or better.
So, here is the outline of the build based upon alot of your input and personal tastes:
Frame: AT 5x10. I want a tried and true frame. Met with Mario yesterday in Claremont and put down a deposit. he had a flatbed frame in his garage, very well built and thought through. The suspension is the key to the thing and their design is fantastic.
Cabin: Matt Lingeman of Sierra Madre Teardrops is building the rest. Besides being a heck of a nice guy, Matt is a cabinet builder and part time teardrop builder. His work is very good. Met with Matt yesterday to talk through some concepts and details (mostly wanted the wife to meet him and "by in").
Features: The list and details keep bouncing around a bit. Here is the main stuff as it stands now.
Interior: Queen bed, led lighting, birch wood, 2 cabinets at the feet with a center open area (laptop, heater spot), bulkhead shelf, led lighting, 12 volt plugs.
Galley: Cooler sliding drawer (no fridge), built in 2 burner rv style cooktop with 1 oversized burner (I like to cook on a wok), 10 gallon gravity based water tank (Frontrunner- thanks for the deal this week Steve!) on a slide under the cooktop. Lots of shelves, cubbies etc finished in birchwood and stainless steel. 12 volt plugs, no shore power needed. 10lb propane tank mounted to the outside drivers area in the rear. Side table in H track.
Tongue/ Front: AT box (likely), 100Ah+ battery in box, slots for water and gas cans, max coupler
Roof: Yakima bars, my existing ARB awning.
Misc: Portable 100w solar charger system, F&R stabilizer jacks
). I would recommend spending a few more dollars to put a 12 volt receptacle in behind the cooler, and plan for a common size electric cooler. I think that would give you some flexibility for a future upgrade.
