New Here!

[ncw]

Hi everyone,

I’m based in Ottawa, Ontario and looking to get started on a build for next summer. I’ve come across wander tears and some plans here but the biggest barrier thus far has been sourcing an appropriate 5x8 trailer. I have no experience welding so i feel a DIY is out of the question here. I have a small amount of wood working experience so we’ll see how far it gets me.

The builds and instructions i see look intimidating but im hoping to find a trailer and get started.

ncw

 

[Tony Latham]

The builds and instructions i see look intimidating

Tony

Well... someone once wrote this for a book about building teardrops:

Keep this in mind: I don’t think anyone has all the skills needed to build a teardrop until they’ve done it. Don’t be intimidated. There are two things you need to possess to undertake this project: persistence and a willingness to learn. The skills you need are the ones you learn as you build. Teardrops are built in steps. Just take each one a step at a time, and you’ll get it done.

Do you know anyone who can weld? You can pick up a flux-core welder for $150 U.S. and, with a mentor, be on your way. The learning curve isn't steep.

Tony

 

[ncw]

Tony

Well... someone once wrote this for a book about building teardrops:

Keep this in mind: I don’t think anyone has all the skills needed to build a teardrop until they’ve done it. Don’t be intimidated. There are two things you need to possess to undertake this project: persistence and a willingness to learn. The skills you need are the ones you learn as you build. Teardrops are built in steps. Just take each one a step at a time, and you’ll get it done.

Do you know anyone who can weld? You can pick up a flux-core welder for $150 U.S. and, with a mentor, be on your way. The learning curve isn't steep.

Tony

Hey Tony,

I appreciate the reply, while I don’t know a welder personally, it may not be as hard as i thought. I’ll get a quote on the metal and see what I can do.

I’ll also order a copy of said book today, those plans are quite clear.

ncw

 

[Tony Latham]

while I don’t know a welder personally, it may not be as hard as i thought.

There are a ton of great videos on YouTube.

You know a welder, he just hasn't revealed himself.

Tony

 

[ncw]

There are a ton of great videos on YouTube.

You know a welder, he just hasn't revealed himself.

Tony

Hey Tony,

I think i’ve sourced an appropriate trailer, and i’ve picked up a copy of your book. I notice you build on a 5x10, do you think your plans are easily adjusted to a smaller frame?

Thanks,

ncw

 

[Tony Latham]

I notice you build on a 5x10, do you think your plans are easily adjusted to a smaller frame?

It would be easy enough to chop a foot or more off, but a foot is a mile in a teardrop.

You'd have to lose the gold headboard, and probably lose the option to install the battery and a heater in the galley. That's a ton.

Tony

 

[ncw]

It would be easy enough to chop a foot or more off, but a foot is a mile in a teardrop.

You'd have to lose the gold headboard, and probably lose the option to install the battery and a heater in the galley. That's a ton.

Tony

I’ve sourced a 5 x 8 at a solid price, i can try and play with the dimensions a bit. I see what you’re saying, would it be worth passing this up and sticking to 5 x 10?

ncw

 

[Tony Latham]

I see what you’re saying, would it be worth passing this up and sticking to 5 x 10?

Yes.

Tony

 

[ncw]

Yes.

Tony

I’ve realized that used trailers at all would require some work to utilize your plans because of the way you attach it.

I can source the metal to weld here but finding an appropriate axle is more difficult, i’d like to find one before committing to welding though.

Thank you as always for the help

ncw

 

[Tony Latham]

I can source the metal to weld here but finding an appropriate axle is more difficult

Where do you live?

I order Dexter torsion axles from a dealer three hours north of here over a 7,000' pass. It takes about two months for Dexter to crank out a custom Torflex.

Tony