Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I announced my plans to my friends and family.
They were less than enthusiastic. How about yours?

Well, I don't know about friends because I don't ask for their opinion on any of my builds. But when I told my wife that beings how I can't find my parents old teardrop, I was going to build one. She thought I was crazy. And some of my friends couldn't believe I was building it with just hand tools. So I clicked on 'C'.

Teardrops and TTT's can be a real little Red Hen Story...lots of people will poo-poo the idea, but eventually will warm up to it as you go along. Just blow off the naysayers and stay focused on what your goal is. Some may be so bold as to ask if they can use it once finished....I remind them that they must be kidding.

I have loaned finished tears out however, to people that I trust and know that they will take wonderful care of it knowing just how hard I worked to complete my project. Those that I have done that with have purchased it. Doug

My wife thought I was nuts. She, with good reason, thought I would never finish it. By the time it was done she had her sister over showing it off and gives "tours" on every trip. She pouts when I mention selling it.

I built my first Tear back in the early 80's. And at that time there was really nobody around to comment on my build.

As far as all my friends & family it was just Lenny making some kind of "Crazy contraption" out in the garage.

And with good reason, up until then I had built all sorts of "Crazy Contraptions" out in my garage.

Boats, Ice Boats, a Hot tub, the first Truck Cap that I'd ever seen, an Airplane and yes even a Submarine, (The Sub was short lived, my brother and I almost died in that one).

And then I moved into Volkswagen's.
Well there just isn't enough time to go into VW's.

I do remember somebody saying to me after I told them it was a Camping Trailer....

Don't you usually BUY them?

Happy Trails

Len

Most of my friends are off-center as I am (birds of a feather) so anything off-the wall is SOP

I went with other.
My friends think I'm kinda "off my rocker" anyway. They'd think nothing of it if I was wearing a gas mask sitting on the back deck reading a book. The usual reaction that I got was "What are you building now?", or "OK, what is it, a mobile bomb shelter or something?". They'd usually just shake their head and grab a beer while I explained it to them.

The lady friend and I went camping on the scooter this weekend and I took my little hiking tent.
Waking to a storm with blowing rain and sleeping on the ground this weekend with one pole collapsed, she declared... "After sleeping in that Stumble Inn "contraption" of yours, WE'RE going to have to build one for the motorcycle."

Needless to say, I think the next one will get a "can I help?".

I had to choose "other," because most folks thought it was a neat idea -- as in, "Sounds like fun," but without the offer to help.

My friends and family already thought I was nuts long before I started to build a teardrop.

CD

Most people responded with, "COOL!"
It was a wonderful way to ease into retirement.
No one makes anything any more, they just borrow the money and buy what they want. Too bad, they're missing out on a lot of fun.

Steve

We haven't officially started yet - waiting until we go up Saturday to check out everyone's build and get some more photos. We have shown the plans around, however, and have gotten one 'why not buy' and one 'build a what' but most know us well and expect ANYTHING from us - thus voted 'other'.

Wife thought I was a little nuts cause I tend to start projects and never finish and she wasn't a big camper. I say wasn't cause now she's ready to go and loves the camper. Mind you it's still not finished after 4 years but I'm about to have the galley cabinet dorrs done

Hi Scott,

Sounds as if you and I have things in common. Our TD is nicely done for camping, but I still have things I want to do top make it even better. I don't think it'll ever be done, done, but we still can enjoy our trips and be comfortable camping. Sorta like a home-you can live there but there's always something you'd like to do to it if you have the time and the money.
As an example, I want to get my ham radio gear to the point I can take it with us to some wild places.

Steve

I went with other. Most don't know what it is, and buy everything, never thinking about building. In their defense, they usually do not have the skills, tools, or time. Or inclination.

If you go to a rally, about 65% will be homebuilts... crazy people tend to stick together.. and share ideas... for the next one.

More fun to build