Ducmonsta's Build Thread-very pic heavy!

[Ducmonsta]

And the skinning begins! My wife and I went back and forth with the color options. I just wanted the durability while she was more concerned with the "tone". We opted for power coated aluminum skin in a "copper vein texture". We love how it turned out.











You guys know me and lighting!

 

[Ducmonsta]

One of the major factors in this build was the height limit. It was absolutely imperative that we can fit the TD into our 7' garage. After a lot of deliberation and brainstorming of how we were going to fabricate a low profile roof rack, we decided to mount it directly to the roof. We determined this prior to the beginning of the build so that they could reinforce the roof with additional sparring to support the weight of the RTT and its occupants. It is through bolted in 9 different places. I knew I had no intention of ever using the RTT on top of my truck anymore. As convenient as it is to have it, it was just too tall to get in and out of the tent. With this configuration, I have less than 1/4" gap between the door frame of my garage and the knobs that stick up from the ladder when the tent isn't deployed. Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

 

[Ducmonsta]

Delivery day! (L to R)
Jeff (the electrical guru) is one talented and detail oriented individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting. If only I had the patience to explain the details of the electrical system on this TD.

Ben, the GM, who had just as much enthusiasm as I did during the entire build. He's always wanted to build a custom off road TD and I'm glad to have been part of that journey with him.

Me and my daughter, DUH.

Bill, owner of TeardropsNW. An absolute gem of a gentleman and business owner.

I could not be more satisfied with the outcome of this build and the service TeardropsNW provided for their first and newly dubbed "RECON" TD. I would encourage those in the market for a teardrop to give these guys a call. I guarantee a memorable experience to help achieve more memorable experiences with your family.



Our first outing! We spent time with the "Leave No Trace" Subaru sponsored group along with some of my wife's colleagues to clean up dispersed sites in the Gifford Pinchot Nat'l Forest.




Yes, that is a complete outhouse some people decided they wanted to build and leave for years in their "hunting" site. At the end of the day, we filled an entire F450 dump bed, 2 F350 LB, and some random filler in other trucks full of trash.



Setting up for our first night out in "Recon 1"

 

[Ducmonsta]

Random travel pictures...










Please excuse the laziness. I didn't put the guy lines out yet.


Pretty nice place to wake up to.

 

[Ducmonsta]

And the main reason I wanted a teardrop for the fam.... enjoying the outdoors with these goofballs!

 

[Ducmonsta]

My wife and kids were a part of a video the USDA put together with the Forest Service to inform the public the importance of getting outside. It is truly inspiring to see my kids so involved with a great message. Stay till the end for a little laugh.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JyL-l4szz7Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[marshal]

looks like the ass end of your truck could use some stiffer springs

 

[Ducmonsta]

looks like the ass end of your truck could use some stiffer springs

I actually have air bags. I haven't taken the time to really dial it in yet. We've been working out the tongue weight and what we'll be keeping on the expanded steel portion of the tongue. The pic in front of their shop makes it look like I'm sagging but the driveway had a bit of an incline and depression.

 

[Titanpat57]

Amazing Bobby!!

I'm very happy for you guys....excellent choice by the looks of it...thanks for sharing

 

[momo.75]

That is awesome Bobby!

 

[KVA]

Awesome!

 

[Orlyg1521]

Bobby you were 4 min from my house!!!

 

[Ducmonsta]

Bobby you were 4 min from my house!!!

??? Salem ???

 

[Orlyg1521]

??? Salem ???

Wasnt one of the pics at the Ponzi winery? Beaverton

 

[Ducmonsta]

Wasnt one of the pics at the Ponzi winery? Beaverton

Oh yeah! Bocce ball! We hit seven wineries that weekend. I stopped trying to remember what their names were after I met my wife. She keeps track of that info.

 

[Antman]

Bobby how cool is that with your kids in that video? Incredible!

We really missed you at the Cove (again) but damn if you aren't having some incredible adventures with incredible people out there.

I really miss seeing you buddy, you and your family are good peeps.:nod:


PS- Wicked cool trailer!

 

[spencenasty]

Parenting done right.

 

[LawnDart]

So when are we organizing another Portland T4R meet up?

 

[Ducmonsta]

So when are we organizing another Portland T4R meet up?

I'm actually going to start a new thread on this matter.

TeardropsNW will be having and "launch" party for their first ever built "Recon" teardrop. It will be held at their sales facility in Salem, OR. Tentatively, they'll be offering free food and drink during the party. I'm still working out the details of what they'll provide but it'll be a great time to meet these builders and some of the fellow PNW 4R guys and gals. Probably looking at the 2pm timeframe. Once I have better details, I'll share them on a specific meet and greet thread. So clear your calendars boys!

 

[weeeee]

How are you liking the 34x10.5? I'm debating that size since I don't really want to try the E-rated KO2. My second AT choice would be Duratracs but I hear they wear very quickly.

What suspension are you currently running? Any issues with rubbing?