“I really don't know how I got the itch to do a teardrop, but I have been consumed with it the last few months. We love to camp and have a nice travel trailer already, so I guess I just wanted a fun challenge. I've never built anything on this scale (however small it may be to some), but I wanted to try. After reading hundreds of articles and pages about teardrops, somehow I came to the conclusion that while the 4x8 build is nice, it just isn't very wide. This thinking kind of steered me towards pop-up frames. I purchased an 80s model Coleman pop-up fairly cheap yesterday, so now I'm ready to disassemble and get started. The dimensions are approx 6'4" wide by like 7'4" long for the frame. I wanted something a little wide, which I'm glad I got, and something around the 8 foot length. I think my plans are to go with an all wood build, including the skin. I think that route will be cheaper, but maybe I'm wrong. I know I'm going to be challenged on the electrical side of things. I would love to be able to hook up to electric like I do in my travel trailer, but don't know the feasability of that. I also want regular electrical outlets and possibly be able to incorporate an AC unit (though I'm not %100 on that yet). By biggest and probably first challenge I'll run into is the frame itself. I've read that the axles need to be moved back for better towing and stability. If that is indeed the case, I may be doomed already. I can't weld and I don't have a ton of money to throw into that. Anyway, I'm going to get started on the demo of the pop up and try to get my 12 year old son to join me on this project as a cool Father - Son learning experience. I'll be scouring these pages for info. Any good suggestions are greatly appreciated! - Jon”
Well, I have worked off and on with this project since May 2017. I’ve really had more time to put into it since the whole pandemic thing, and I’m happy to report that I’m much closer to completion. I’ve used Mr. Frederick’s guide to do most of my build. I’m hoping to take it out this fall when the weather cools. I’ve really gotten a kick out of the interest it’s drawn while working on it in my garage and driveway. Many folks have stopped to take a look. It’s been a great adventure! I appreciate this forum and all the advice which helped me get started.
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