Starting offroad teardrop build

[old_man]

I am starting my offroad teardrop build over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. I got all the steel together for the frame and suspension, I got my axle, and the stuff to make my hitch. The tires are 31's.

I am building the suspension using a single RE Superjoint and a panhard bar system. I have the airbags for the suspension and adjustable shocks. The outside of the frame is 2x2 thin wall with cross supports being 1x2 thin wall. The tongue is 2x2 11 gauge. I am fabbing up a Treg hitch knockoff. I am making the mold for the neoprene vibration dampener and will pour them myself. I have been pouring neoprene parts for 20 years so this is no big deal.

I have been tossing around the idea of making a half dozen hitches while I was at it since I have the material. Anybody interested?

Once I get the frame made I will add the metal scaffolding for the top. Unlike most folks I like the frame to be steel rather than wood. I can probably do it stronger and lighter that way. I am modifying a set of dies for the roller to handle the 1x1 box for the upper body. That way I can get nice smooth arcs.

The outside will be skinned with Filon and backed with luan. Filon is what all the motorhomes use for skin. It handles hail and abuse without dents. It will be insulated with 1" styrofoam sheets. The interior will most likely be covered with foamed ABS panels. They are lightweight and strong, as well as cheap.

The galley will have a stove top and a pull out BBQ grill as well as a sink and 12v blender for my margs.

I already snared a 12v propane forced air furnace that uses a thermostat.

There is a front expanded metal shelf that will hold a 20lb propane tank and 4 NATO style jerry cans.

I hope to start posting pix this weekend.