Metzican's Dream off-road Teardrop Trailer

[metzican]

Looks great

Thank You.

This thing is really great. A huge project that took a lot of time and I can't even imagine the amount of research.

The research was not bad, with my current job I get quite a bit of time sometimes to do research. I'm still thinking I might of bit off more then I can chew on this one trying to get it all done before the trip. I might be sewing curtain by hand on the trip. And doing a few other things as I go!

 

[TheFauxFox]

Shower curtains.

 

[metzican]

No shower curtains needed. Curtains for the windows and door window. Where I'm going is going to be 24hr a day sunlight.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Thats what I mean. If you can't scrap something together, there are some halfway decent cloth shower curtains available. Just cut one up to cover 3 or so windows.

 

[metzican]

Ahh I get you now. I might end up doing that. and just sew the sides and bottoms where I cut it. That is a brilliant idea.

 

[Prime]

From an electrical standpoint, looks like you've got it all worked out. Cept for this:

What is that wire feeding and why is it run on the surface like that? Can't you bring it out right below the box that it goes into?

Whole thing looks completely badass, btw.

 

[metzican]

From an electrical standpoint, looks like you've got it all worked out. Cept for this:

What is that wire feeding and why is it run on the surface like that? Can't you bring it out right below the box that it goes into?

Whole thing looks completely badass, btw.

That wire/box is to turn on the inverter. It is a wireless switch. I know I need to remove the panel and put a hole right there so the wire does not show then I can install another backup switch to cover up the whole. Just takes time and frankly I'm running out of it to fast. I have to remove the panel anyways and wire up the galley hatch lights and also the fridge/freezer still. Ohh won't the work ever end.

 

[metzican]

Well yesterday I got all my Insain fab goodies!!

UPS freight decided to destroy the box that they came in.

But no worries. THere was about 15 layers of shrink wrap, 2 moving blankets and 5 layers of cardboard below this so everything was just fine.

The nice roof rack that was custom made.

Some of the nice self advertising.

Well today I went and borrowed a trailer to pick up the aluminum for the roof. Do to the selection I got thicker stuff then what I wanted. But all this means is it is more robust.

Then I sand and applied another layer of epoxy. I think this is number 4. I think I'm going to do one more before the varnish.

 

[Timrich]

Love that rack!

 

[metzican]

I mounted up my roof basket mounts.

Due to my stupidity I forgot when designing the roof rack about the roof top fan. So I had to cut a hole in the center of it...

I also used a spacer to raise the basket some.

I also sanded the outside of the trailer again and applied the first layer of Varnish to the outside.

I forgot to take a picture but hatch received another coat of epoxy on the inside along with a coat of varnish

 

[drbandkgb]

The end is near man

 

[metzican]

I put the final two coats of varnish on the outside today.

I also put two more coats the inside of the hatch.

I also received this surprise gift from P&P for the steps they built me.

Someone stole my custom license plate.

 

[Timrich]

Man its really looking good!

 

[metzican]

So today I made progress in something I have been avoiding.

Sorry for the crappy photo's shinny things and my phones camera don't get along.

The aluminum I went with is about 2-3 times thicker then what the standard teardrop uses. I did this due to I had to to get the right size. Also it will make it stronger.

I laid the aluminium over and then clamped it center and into the right spot. I was amazed at home well it worked out.

I put one drill hole and screw into it. This way I could center one side and then work it all the way down. since it was thick enough it did not want to mold to the teardrop shape.

Once everything was centered. I fastened the trailing end with the hurricane hinge.

Then I worked down each side drilling holes and installing the molding to hold everything in place. Those are aluminum nails with a rubber washer to seal. Along with that there is a strip of butyl tape under the molding to seal everything.

I worked it all the way to the front.

 

[metzican]

I got the ceiling fan in today. PITA cutting the aluminum and wiring it up.

Mounted my P&P steps. Still have to put the tread plates on them.

I also installed the window. I ran out of goop tape... So the door did not get touched.

I remounted the roof rack. I can't put the basket on until the tear drop is out of the storage unit. It is too tall...

I also did some work on the hatch. But it was pissing me off so no pics of that...

 

[Timrich]

Dude the light is shining at the end of the tunnel!

 

[metzican]

Dude the light is shining at the end of the tunnel!

I know I can't wait. Only if this thing did not have a hatch. That door will be the death of me. It is so horrible to get it to fit and work nice.

 

[Timrich]

It will be worth it in the end. You can step back and say yep i made that...

 

[metzican]

So today I fitted the aluminum to the rear hatch. I have to wait on parts and people before I mount that ****er up. I don't thing I can lift it and slide it into the spot by myself. Maybe Tuesday...

Since I'm running out of major things to do. I need to start doing some of the small stuff. Well here is the hot water heater all mounted up.

The 10lb propane bottle mount all installed.

Here are my very nice porch lights installed. Also great backup lights.

Then I bought this waterproof amp and speakers to install in the hatch. But after some consideration I did not want to use the space for it. So I built this little speaker box. It will just plug into the 12 volt inlet and you can hook up your phone and listen.

I have yet to decide what I'm going to work on tomorrow. Maybe redue my whole compartment in the back of my X or maybe do the tongue box electrical.

 

[GPD605X]

Very nice! I can't wait till this thing is finished!

 

[Timrich]

How much was that little amp? I need something like that for my jon boat. I put some speakers in but don't want to use a regular radio since I'll be using my phone for music.

 

[metzican]

How much was that little amp? I need something like that for my jon boat. I put some speakers in but don't want to use a regular radio since I'll be using my phone for music.

This is where I bought it. Mine was the 2 channel 200watt option. There is a 2 channel 4000watt option, 4 channel 200watt, 4 channel 400watt. It comes with a nice waterproof bag too.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GSLDUO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Timrich]

Nice! Ill check that out. I dont need much for my boat. Probably the little one you got would be plenty. Thanks!

 

[metzican]

So today I woke up late and it started raining early so I barley got any work done.

I just put a layer of epoxy on the stuff I built yesterday.

 

[metzican]

Today I got a ton done. But Tonight a friend will help with attaching the rear hatch. Hopefully it goes well. It is much heavier then designed...


So working on the trim around the rear hatch today. It is a T molding around the 3 sides and the hurricane hinge on top.

Installed the fenders. Still need to bolt them down but they still fit after 6 months!

Mounted and sealed the water inlet and outlet.

Mounted the door. Everything is turning out perfect.

Mounted the plates. There was a mix up with the name plate. But since I did not pay for it and it was a "special" addition" I will fix it. Just a small spacing issue I did not feel like fixing today.

Of course there plate fitted perfectly. (just teasing you Mac since I know your upset about it)

 

[metzican]

I just got back from picking up a friend at the airport and putting him to work. After a hour of hammering and swearing it is on and it closes! I can ****ing smell the end of this project!

 

[Timrich]

So shiney! Nice work sir!

 

[TheFauxFox]

I've never been so excited for a trailer.

 

[J Everett]

That thing looks fantastic, Metz. Now let's see some side shots of it hooked up to your X!

 

[Macland]

I've never been so excited for a trailer.

He said it perfectly.

 

[metzican]

Thanks all, I have some stuff to finish up before I hook it up and test everything. Mainly sealing the rear hatch. Hooking up and testing the water system. Doing the hole battery tongue storage box.

So I picked up some more hardware this morning and bolted down the fenders.

I then mounted the Insain spare tire cradle. This thing fits up to a 35" tire.

I then threw a coat of epoxy on the backside of the remaining panels.

Along with the speaker box I created.

Doing a little trim work on the rear hatch so I can make sure it will be water tight. I still need to figure out how i'm going to hold up the rear hatch and or assist lifting it up. I also did the bottom end but had to quickly pick up do to a rain storm so no pictures of that yet.

 

[metzican]

Here is the bottom trim member I did not take a picture of yesterday.

This bar will go across the door for a more long term lock.

Some seal action. I decided to go with a double seal. On on the door one on the body to ensure the gap would be filled. <=that's what he said.

Put a rivet in to ensure the door does not slide on my.

Had to get creative for clamping the door shut. It does not look the best but it works. A clamp just pulling down was not good enough.

The outside table with the attachment bracket on it.

Where said table will mount.

Propane tank installed.

Tomorrow I have to go to a notary to get some paper work finalized. Then the state troopers to get the trailer inspect for a vin number. Then to the DMV to get it registered. Hopefully I won't receive my License plate by mail... So in another words I will be standing/sitting all day waiting on stupid people.

 

[metzican]

So my morning started off with me going to pick up my camper with a trip around town.

I first went to the Notary to get a forum signed that said it was a home built trailer. I noticed while I was there they were DMV certified. So I asked once I get my trailer inspected could they register it for me. The answer was YES!! Yeah I don't have to stand in line for 3 hrs at the DMV.

I then went to the State Police office to get my trailer inspected and a VIN number assigned. After a good 1.5hrs a million questions for 3 different people they finally understood that I built the frame and everything and did not buy a pre-built trailer frame. Got the paper work!

Next headed to the Notary again and they were able to register my trailer and hand me the plates right there! This means I don't have to deal with them being mailed! Since I'm leaving in ~2weeks this was a worry. They also noted the stated value of it on the paperwork and no taxes were needed due to all the parks were already taxed.

After this I went to my insurance agent to deal with a few things. First they up my converge for this trip. Then I asked about a Canada insurance card. The lady that was previously there was started making follow up phone calls. And found out an Canadian insurance agent has to issue it.

I also talked to another agent. With no issues at all they insured my home built camper! For the stated value to the state above! So many people have issues with this part.

I pulled it up to 70mph today and everything went smooth. I need a bigger drop hitch another 2" will help out. Won't be perfect.

Here are some photo's before I took off on this journey today.

I then made up the cooking table on the outside to ensure it would work once I was done with paperwork for the day.

I then created this bracket to seal the front of the aluminum to the frame.

Here is the spare tire cradle being put to use.

 

[Muadeeb]

This is so fricken awesome dude. Have a blast with that thing

 

[Macland]

A freaking mazing.

 

[Fromfrontier2Xterra]

Absolutely awesome.

Sent via my walkie talkie

 

[Timrich]

Looks so dang awesome! Good job!!!

 

[C3po]

One of the coolest builds Ive seen out of the X community in a long time, kudos man!

 

[evilmonkey]

good job, it looks awesome

 

[GPD605X]

I can't wait to see this thing at WENT! Looks awesome man!