Notes From the Shop and the Trail.
Gear we trust, tools we reach for, tips from the build floor, and places worth towing to — everything here comes from actually building and using teardrop campers in East Tennessee. New posts go up as we've got something worth saying.
Insulating a Box This Small
Roof only on this one, and the floor is storage instead. Why the galley hatch is outside the envelope on purpose, and why condensation — not cold — is the thing worth designing around.
Read More →
How Many Amp-Hours Do You Actually Need?
Battery sizing isn't a matter of taste — there's a number. Start from the fridge, add the small loads, and match usable amp-hours rather than the label.
Read More →
Dometic CFX3 35 After a Few Seasons
A long-term look at the 12V compressor fridge in our galley — the biggest power draw in the whole build. What it does well, what annoys us, why the CFX3 line is gone, and how the CFX5, ICECO, BougeRV, and rotomolded ice coolers compare.
Read More →
Our Teardrop Electrical System, Component by Component
Every part in the power bay and the job it does — 12V DC and 120V AC, MPPT solar, a shore power inverter/charger, lithium storage, bus bars and fuse sizing, and what a weekend actually costs in amp-hours.
Read More →
Water vs Oil-Based Polyurethane
Water-based for quick-drying interior panels, oil-based for galley tops and exterior tables that see moisture — plus how to make your own wipe-on poly.
Read More →
Elkmont Campground
The largest campground in the Smokies — historic district walks, Little River access, and what to know about camping fully self-contained with no hookups.
Read More →
Wheel Spacers for Teardrop Towing
Hub-centric spacers keep your tires off the side wall and widen your tow stance — material, bolt pattern, torque specs, and sizing to get right.
Read More →
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Router Review
Why this cordless compact router earns its keep in the build toolbox — side walls, doors, wiring channels, round-overs, and cutouts.
Read More →Want the Next Post?
Follow along on Instagram and YouTube for build updates, or reach out if there's a topic you'd like to see covered.
Get in Touch