Family Size Teardrop - Build or Buy

[grant whipp]

O.K., Gang!

I've had this design for a Family Size Teardrop (two adults, two children) on the drawing board for over 4 years. The body measures 12' long, 7' wide (wheels/tires inside the body), and 5.5' high (just under 5' floor-to-ceiling, almost 5.5' standing headroom with dropped footwell). Mom & Pop's bed makes into a dinette that comfortably seats 4, and in true "teardrop fashion", the galley is outside under the rear hatch lid, almost 7' wide. Needless to say, there are many ways to configure the basic layout (including the ability to provide for potty space) and many features that could be included (like full stove/oven, refridgerator, complete water system, and even A/C).

The real question is, "Is there a REAL interest in a teardrop this size?" and if so, would you rather Built It or Buy It?

I know that the greater majority of regular "posters" tend to be the built-it-yourself types, so I'm hoping this survey will bring out some of the lurkers. And, the results of this survey MAY prompt a couple of other related polls.

And, no - I'm not prepared to share the design visuals with anyone ... yet! Let's see how this poll shakes out, first, O.K.?

Thanks for participating! In the meantime ...

CHEERS!

Grant

[Juneaudave]

Having owned both a tent trailer, a 24ft travel trailer and a 24 ft enclosed Bayliner in the past, something in between might be nice. I'm moving forward with the Teardrop build, but do have reservations that I'm not doing a TT. Guess I'll see how I like it...Juneaudave

[madjack]

Grant. I voted "build" since that would be my inclination...however in doing market research while trying to decide if we wanted to go commercial or not, I found a lotta interest in some form of "2+2"...alotta folks with younger kids, wanted something the whole family could sleep in and something with a potty inside...those with older kids (approaching teens) weren't as worried about that. They figured the kids could sleep inna tent with the "old" folks offa the ground and the "potty" deal wasn't as big a concern
madjack

[beverlyt]

Hi Grant,
The only problem I would have with this trailer is it sounds so BIG.

12'L by 7' wide....

Our Shasta is 10'L by 6'6" wide. You can fit two adults easily with two kids in the top canvas bunk. It even has a closet for a porta-potti.

Other than being "short", which would be a really nice perk... it sounds a little bigger and heavier than it needs to be. Course.. I suppose when one gives up the height, you have to "squash" the trailer longer?
Also, this is just me... if I had a trailer that big... I truly think I'd rather have the cooking gear inside for both cold/warm weather camping. (like the Shasta)
(Oh... and I voted I'd rather buy it than build it)

Bev

[Wright]

I don't know about anybody else but....

If you buy it,your stuck with what somebody else designed, and their 'bright' ideas might not be what you want. Plus buying from a Manufacturer (No offense intended) your paying for employees, health benefits, Comp. insurance, the building, the electric, the 'profit', and a whole lot more...

If you build it, if your 'bright idea' doesn't work out, it's your own fault, but! you know how it was put together and how it can be taken apart(easier).
Also if you are your own manufacturer, all you pay for is what you need and use on "your trailer." Plus any profit gained comes right back to you! or in my case my wife...

personally I voted and am opting for Build it myself, this way I get what I want. Not the closest to what I want, chosen from a selection of someone elses designs.

I hope this makes sense...

[grant whipp]

Let me clear some things up, here, Folks (before this thread goes off track):

First of all, the key word is "TEARDROP" ... and to paraphrase a well known saying, "It's a Teardrop Thing - if I gotta explain, ya wouldn't understand!"

For those of you who don't already know, I'm a hardcore dyed-in-the-wool Teardropper, and while I think Tiny Travel Trailers are cool enough, (and no offense is intended, here) they're just not MY "bag of tea". Please don't confuse my Family Size Teardrop design/idea with a wannabe TTT.

Second is the size thing ... it's smaller than a T@B Clamshell and only slightly larger than the KampMaster/Wild Goose, with comparable estimated weight.

Two of these were actually started a year-and-a-half ago, and they got to the finished chassis' and completed walls stage (complete with doors & windows) before the tenuous "partnership" disolved (they've sat gathering dust in a dark corner of one of the partner's shop for over a year, with little hope of them ever being completed). I happened by one day for a consultation and, just for grins, they mocked one up behind my Saturn sedan ... didn't look any more out of proportion than a Jetta pulling a T@B, and really pretty darn cool!

Just as a teaser, I have to admit that I am seriously considering building one of these things for myself, although fairly modified (same basic dimensions, though) and ultralight (think strip-built canoe or kayak!). I have four grandkids of my own, four step-grandkids, and two step-great-grandkids that I would dearly love to introduce to camping and the Teardrop Lifestyle - I can't think of a better way to do it! But then, that's just me ... hardcore and dyed-in-the-wool!

Thanks again for participating in the Poll! 'Til later ...

CHEERS!

Grant

[beverlyt]

Grant...

Ok... a bonified teardrop then.... so definitely a hatch.

I'm picturing something along the lines of a cabin car? Those are very cool.

[mikeschn]

Grant,

Yes, I have an interest in a teardrop that size. My first reaction of course is to build it.

But if I can go and look at the actual teardrop, i.e. built on spec., I would definitely consider buying it.

Mike...

[Arne]

Grant, the poll here will be skewed.. most are here because they want build information. Also, it depends on money, skills, etc.

Though I do have a microwave and a/c, I draw the line at toilet/shower. The first two add weight, but not space.... the second 2 definitely add space. And for me, personally (no kids to take), I don't want something wider than my van, so 62.5 inches wide is max. Length up to about 11 feet, no big deal.

I suspect, you might get more interest if you build one and show what it looks like.... also, hit other forums where people are in the market for a 2+2..... the Cabin Car certainly has got some thinking wider.

My new one's length will be determined by queen-size mattress, dog bed, galley length... and galley will be determined by longest of microwave or a/c. So, I think I'm coming in just under 11 feet, but the front curve will probably bring it up to about 12'... that will be max, I'll go no longer, something will have to give...

[goldcoop]

Grant-

I think everyone that has built a 4'x8' TD wishes they had built a 5' x 9'!

When I built my C'tear it was built with my family in mind @ 6'w x 10'l x 5' h, (check out pics in my gallery).

When you look at family demographics, the current state of affairs and based on the comments I have recieved from fellow TD's about how nice it is to have the extra room and versatility that a small dinette/sofa offers, I think you are right on the mark!

Cheers,

Coop

[len19070]

I think a family sized Tear is a great Idea. Through the years some of the biggest reasons people DIDN'T buy Teardrops is because they had Kids, and they all wouldn't fit, or if I have to still pitch a tent to sleep in, why do I need a trailer? And the RV industry is just not responding to these "Tweeners" our guess is that the industry thinks that Pop-ups cover these people and thats that. When your ready to buy a 30 footer, come see us.

There is a nitch for them. And I think "Buy" will win out. Maybe not here on a Builders Forum, but overall.

I didn't vote because I'm a manufacturer and I'm not your target audience. But building a larger trailer is a lot more involved than a lot of people think.

Being in the RV industry I'm seeing a lot more "Campers" as opposed to "RVers". Smaller is in demand. Smaller and Cool! Well now ya got a winner.

Happy Trails

Len

[Denny Unfried]

I think everyone that has built a 4'x8' TD wishes they had built a 5' x 9'!

Cheers,

Coop

Not quite everyone. I love my 4 X 8 and it's perfect for my kind of camping adventure's.

Denny

[goldcoop]

I think everyone that has built a 4'x8' TD wishes they had built a 5' x 9'!

Cheers,

Coop

Not quite everyone. I love my 4 X 8 and it's perfect for my kind of camping adventure's.

Denny

Denny-

Are you going solo?

OR with someone?

Isn't 4' too tight for two?

Not knocking anyone's TD, I just think the vast majority of COUPLES would rather have a 5' !

A few TD companies have stopped making 4' in lieu of 5' for this reason....

Cheers,

Coop

[Denny Unfried]

Denny-

Are you going solo?

OR with someone?

Isn't 4' too tight for two?

Not knocking anyone's TD, I just think the vast majority of COUPLES would rather have a 5' !

A few TD companies have stopped making 4' in lieu of 5' for this reason....

Cheers,

Coop

Most of my trips are solo. I'm an average size guy under 6' and so is my girl friend. One thing about a 4 footer is if you aren't friends when you go to bed you will be in the morning.

Denny

[Steve_Cox]

One thing about a 4 footer is if you aren't friends when you go to bed you will be in the morning.
Denny

Note to self..... next TD will be a 4 footer. Thanks Uncle Denny

No wait... If I was single the next one would be a 4 footer.. Since I'm not, and my wife takes her half out of the middle 7 feet wide might be just right.

Steve