G'day

Can anyone steer me onto a set of Australian Teardrop Van plans I can purchase please.  I wouldn't mind having a crack at a 10 to 12 footer, maybe.  Geared up for single bunk and for carting black iron around with me (The Boss is not real keen on my very remote and isolated style of camping).  Something I could take on as a 12 month building project.

I've had a look at a some Australian websites but don't seem to be able to find any plans for sale.

Cheers

Seamus 

Seems to be a lot of them on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=teardrop+plans&LH_PrefLoc=2&_arm=1&_armm=63&_ruu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3Dteardrop%2Bplans%26_arr%3D1 but they all seem to be from the UK or the US so you would have to be mindful of Australian Standards to get it registered.

Another UK one http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear50.htm

Yes Derek, I'm being super conscious of our State transport laws.  Everything seems to need a 'manufacturer's plate' rivetted onto the chassis these days.  I built a heavy duty steel 7x5 box trailer in Victoria in 1980 when I was retiring from the Navy and motor transport went over it very thoroughly indeed.

Seamus

I'm in touch with a chap in Victoria who has two very detailed sets of plans for a 10 and a 12 footer.  Both sets of plans run to about 90 A4 pages each and really comprehensively detailed.
Designed to meet Australian standards.

Pretty much do your own internal fit out. 

Cost is $155 for the plans on a CD.

Seamus

That seems a reasonable price mate.

I would love an off-road one for quick weekend getaways to places we can't take a caravan.  ::)

G'day Seamus, have you looked at the website My Swag theres a few guys building teardrop style vans.

Cheers Shane

We have been thinking about a teardrop for easy getaways.

If you are up for it Seamus, knock up two and I'll pay you for the materials  :)

Try this Forum........I know Lance and shaggy made their own

http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=106&t=45001

You have probably googled  this Seamus, but I will still add it here for others who may be interested.

http://www.aussieteardrops.com

Thanks fellas.  Saw my cardiologist yesterday and he's not real keen on the idea so it's all on hold for a bit.

Seamus  :(

Ok, I've had the heart attack (2010).  I still travel very much side roads.   My experience includes getting on 'the road of no return'.

So, I'd like  to open the discussion up.  Or I long ago decided not to tow.  I have the smallest truck camper I could find over here.  You might also look at a campervan.  & go 4wd to keep SWMBO happy.  Me, I have two dogs, Chessies.

I also make sure to have an active cell phone (mobile phone, I think you say) connected to a good carrier for where I am and a good collection of print maps.  Camps Australia Wide I used when there. 

In trying to fish out what's needed in parts of N.Am. I don't especially know, I've just started  a 'security gear' discussion on a N. Am. forum.   I gave an example of where a senior couple in a campervan let their GPS take them down a side road in early N. Am. spring and they found it became unplowed (snow) and got stuck .  The wife survived the husband didn't.  They were lacking the cell phone and I suspect the print maps.

Thus, emergency support gear becomes a part of this discussion.

Also, re. lifting the black gear, after my heart attack, my rib cage was cracked for by pass surgery and I was not allowed to lift more than 12 lbs (6 kg) for 6 months.  Thus, may I suggest you can do one heck of a lot with very small ovens, including the smallest Billmans or a 8" Lodge/20 cm asian made co.   Thus, I also say, you aren't the only one to lift in your rig.

Have you thought of these things?

:-/