4' vs. 5' wide?

[Steve_Cox]

Hey guys, I just started my tear build. I cut out my walls in the ultralight profile. Now I need to figure out whether to build it 4' or 5' wide. Will be staying in this tear by myself and occasionally with my wife. Looking for pros and cons of the two widths. thanks, george

One guy, pretty much no matter how big will fit in a 4 footer. Need photo of wife to determine the rest.

[Mauleskinner]

I built 4' wide, so far I'm happy, but I can definitely see where wider would be a lot of people's preference.

To be honest, I built 4' wide because I thought I'd save material by putting my roof plywood on lengthwise...but that didn't work with my (Steve Frederick's, actually--I'll blame him! ) construction methods. If I were rebuilding, I'd go at least 4' 6" (to better fit my axle), and maybe 5'.

David

[Scooter]

Bigger is better; this is America, blah blah. You'll probably always wish it was bigger. But heck these are teardrops we're talking about...small is the nature of the beast.

[oklahomajewel]

FIVE wide .... definitely ...

I am trying to keep light as possible., towing with a 4cyl Accord.

I was single when I built mine and still single, having only had a sleeping companion about three times, but think of this too .

It's also 12 more inches of cabinet space for toiletries, towel , first aid kit... and
12 more inches in the galley...that would be a box of cheezits, a liter of pop, half the ice chest, and size cans of beans...

IT makes a differnence in the galley and cabinet, not just the bed. Being single, I LOVE it that I went five wide !

[wlooper89]

I recall several posts in past topics where people built 4' and later wished it was 5' wide, but have not seen anyone wanting to go more narrow after having a 5' wide trailer. Lighter perhaps, but not more narrow. A lot has to do with personal preference and perhaps parts on hand or more easily available. Between those two sizes I recommend 5' for two people, especially if they are large people like my wife and me.
Bill

[PanelDeland]

5 wide

I've read tons of posts on here where people wish they had gone 5 wide.I have yet to see one where they wish they had only built 4 wide.

[Oasis Maker]

Boy!! How many times has this been asked. It's all to do with what you want George. Personally I would never build a 4'er again. Too squeezy for me and the Handbrake.

Cheers
Paul

Could be an Australian thing? ... I'm a little hesitant to ask. Buuuut, just what is your "handbrake" Paul?



Scott G.

P.s. Oh yeah, and 5 wide, blah blah blah.

[Oasis Maker]

Hmmm. On second thought, there's a small chance that maybe you shouldn't answer that question. (no pun intended)

Scott G.

[danlott]

Could be an Australian thing? ... I'm a little hesitant to ask. Buuuut, just what is your "handbrake" Paul?

Might be something similar to our "ball and chain" expression. Whatever it is, it seems like it holds you back and slows you down.

By the way, my "handbrake" or "ball and chain" doesn't read this forum, so I think I will be ok...

Dan

[doug hodder]

especially if they are large people like my wife and me.
Bill

Whoa Bill....hope the missus doesn't see that one... Doug

[Looneytoons]

My wife and I went to the local Little Guy dealer and "tried out" both the 4 foot and 5 foot wide models. We instantly decided to build a 5 footer.

With a 4 foot wide tear I'm afraid one of us wouldn't survive. If it happened in the first 30 minutes, I figure it would be an accident. If it took longer than 30 minutes, it would probably be homicide.

[AussiePeej]

Scotty G.. Dan had it right. Handbrake, Aussie term for the missus.. before you can get started with a blardy great new project, the handbrake steps in and stops you.. or so she thinks.

Handbrake, She Who Must Be Obeyed, Trouble and Strife, Her Indoors, Minister of Finances etc etc... all terms of endearment and affection of course. Doubt she'll ever read this forum but you never know

[Mightydog]

Another vote for 5-foot for all of the above reasons. The galley was a nice bonus at 5-feet. There's enough room for two of us to work if needed. In terms of sleeping, I find myself rolling against the wall if I need the room. We sleep as well in the trailer as we do in the house. That extra foot really made the difference.

[Cliffmeister2000]

I built 5' x 10' on a 4'6" x 9' trailer. I'm glad for the extra 6". Next will be a true 5' wide. In the planning stage now. IMHO, the extra width is more valuable than the extra length.

[Gary and Cheri]

I've got a small Brittany (dog) and he thinks he owns 2/3s of the tear. 5 foot definately.

Gary