Are there any 12 or 14 foot teardrops??

[IamJerryP]

Due to a couple of large dogs, I think something in the line of 12-14 foot long tar drop might be a better choice for me.
Anybody seen any teardrops that long??
is there a reason 10ft, or less is the norm???
It seems they would still be easy to pull, aerodynamically, or weight wise.

[wincrasher]

A T@B would fall in that category, I guess.

[kudzu]

If building a traditional style teardrop (I've not built yet) I would be restricted enough on tow weight that I would probably limit my trailer length to 10 ft. With lighter methods I think 12-14 ft is not only perfectly doable but far preferable, because I have 3 large dogs. Looking at what the basic teardrop is designed for, you need room for a bed and a kitchen. So 8 ft is okay for many and 10 ft is a really nice length with a generous amount of room. Would imagine that if you go too long there is the inconvenience of needing to crawl a little distance to get into bed rather than just sitting in the doorway & swinging your legs around. In the age of premade trailer frames, the simple fact that the most affordable are 4x6 or 4x8 probably helps continue the tradition. Going a foot or two longer without increasing width or adding more cabinetry wouldn't had too much weight, I would think.

If you want to build longer & have the towing capacity for a heavier trailer, you might consider using a pop-up tent trailer frame from a trashed, derelict or "hunter special" pop up trailer. Some have managed to get theirs free from someone wanting it haul off. Baring that you might try Craigslist. In our area there's usually at least one or two "needs TLC" pop-ups going for $300-400. I believe the "Road Foamie" is in the length range you want and is built on a pop-up frame. Here is the thread: viewtopic.php?t=45698 There are likely others on TNTTT. (Can picture a couple but can't remember the names to search for.)

Edit: Just a note. If you build a raindrop or bow front style you could build out onto the V-area of the trailer tongue which adds usable dog sleeping space without increasing the overall length of the trailer.

[noseoil]

I think the basic design evolved from a single sheet of plywood, hence the 8'-10' length as a normal build. There's no reason a longer version couldn't be made. It would tow better as far as the wind drag, but would act more like sail in heavy cross winds. A good design & a solid tow vehicle would make things right, why not? You could also try for the "world's fastest tow" at Bonneville during speed week, a trailer stream-liner on an 8 mile course would be great to watch!

[grant whipp]

The original KampMasters from the late '40s & early '50s are 6'6" x 11' or so ... and my Campster12 design (in Andrew's Design Library, above) is 7' x 12' ... and we're about to pick-up-and-get-started-again on our personal TugDrop (a serious variation of the Campster12) that is 7' x 14' ... and I'm sure there are many others (like Dan Lott's), so yeah, they're out there! Sketch up something that fits your needs and get to building ... ...!

CHEERS!

[DrCrash]

Grant would love to see a picture of the " Tugdrop " I almost did the campster and still toss around making on

[Greg Barrick]

I built my 2nd teardrop 6-1/2 x 12 x 5-1/2 tall. (got an old pop-up camper frame from a guy using it as a flatbed for his kids 4 wheelers) $200. We have a LARGE galley with lots of storage below. (We're both short on one end) Narrowed a futon about 4" and put in as a bed or futon seat across back. Have a storage/seat box across front. Grandkids can sleep on it. About a 5'x6' dropped floor for more grandkids when required. simple, basic and light. Costs me about 1-1/2 gph on the hiway. The wife can stand in it, I have to bend my head a little. (5-3" inside) The wife didn't want to be forced to lay on bed if weather took a dump, but sit up and read or play cards etc. Years ago I built a simple 4'x8' "Cubby" which we really enjoyed, but was uncomfortable sleeping. (We may be a little too round for a 4x8.) Considering building another, standee this time.

[Atomic77]

Mine isn't finished yet but I'm in the process of building a 14 footer. I started out planning to build a traditional 8' teardrop... Then my girl got involved and things changed. We decided to have an indoor galley, restroom and dinette separate from the sleeping area. Here's our build journal: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=61140
Michael

[mikeschn]

I'm working on one now for 2 dogs and 2 people. I don't know how long it'll end up... but you can see the mockup here: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=52724&p=1098569#p1098569

Mike...

[S. Heisley]

Look at this thread and you can find a few: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56787&start=105

Enlarge the print of the spread sheet using your Internet's magnifying feature.

[IamJerryP]

Thanks for the links, and ideas, I found a lot of info from them. Getting closer to figuring out what will work best for me.

I almost would like to have 2, a little bitty one for just me, and a dog, and something sort of big for me, the wife, and dogs.
A popup will never happen, My wife is scarred for life, from having to camp in one in Florida, in August....
She would kill me if i got one. I am not fond of them myself either. She will not even look at a cool hybrid, because of the canvas,

[IamJerryP]

Mine isn't finished yet but I'm in the process of building a 14 footer. I started out planning to build a traditional 8' teardrop... Then my girl got involved and things changed. We decided to have an indoor galley, restroom and dinette separate from the sleeping area. Here's our build journal: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=61140
Michael

Been watching your build, interests me greatly

[IamJerryP]

Look at this thread and you can find a few: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56787&start=105

Enlarge the print of the spread sheet using your Internet's magnifying feature.

Great thread

[Chuckles]

Thanks for the links, and ideas, I found a lot of info from them. Getting closer to figuring out what will work best for me.

I almost would like to have 2, a little bitty one for just me, and a dog, and something sort of big for me, the wife, and dogs.

I hear you there! I am in the finishing stages of a 13-foot slouchy (5-6 interior height at the dropped floor) and am already thinking of a more traditional off road tear with a full size bed for weekend hunting and fishing trips.

on the Cedar Shack I kept the basic teardrop floor plan with a lengthwise bed and exterior galley, The extra length gave me room for the dropped floor. The extra height allowed for full upper and lower cabinets in the galley. Technically its not a teardrop... I guess its a tiny travel trailer. The dropped floor is five feet long and two feet wide...plenty for two dogs but one or both always end up on the bed by morning anyways

Chuck

[IamJerryP]

I hear you there! I am in the finishing stages of a 13-foot slouchy (5-6 interior height at the dropped floor) and am already thinking of a more traditional off road tear with a full size bed for weekend hunting and fishing trips.
on the Cedar Shack I kept the basic teardrop floor plan with a lengthwise bed and exterior galley, The extra length gave me room for the dropped floor. The extra height allowed for full upper and lower cabinets in the galley. Technically its not a teardrop... I guess its a tiny travel trailer. The dropped floor is five feet long and two feet wide...plenty for two dogs but one or both always end up on the bed by morning anyways

Chuck

Well that thing is just plain cool, what is the weight on that rather large unit