Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Yes as a youngster I would look at all the Popular Mech. mags and fantasize about building and camping with a TD. Years later now I ran across a reminder picture which rekindled my interest. A long story short I purchased Kuffel Creek plans and then stumbled upon this site. I have spent many hours before I joined and now after just reading, making notes and bookmarking pages for reference. I must compliment everyone for their fantastic attitudes of wanting to help by sharing not only their technical knowledege but also the photographs. For someone new like myself this site is a gold mine of information.

I finally decided on a 4'x8' HF #1800 trailer as a foundation. The problem is HF will not cooperate by having any of their models in the three store area I live. They also say it may be months before they are stocked and I am to impatient to wait that long. Custom built or RedTrailer is now my choice which brings to mind a question if I go 5' wide. A 5' plywood would be a special order which I would like to avoid so can a 4' be installed as an outer skin across the width instead of the length. I know that means seams but with proper spar supports, blocking and glue will the strength of the shell be preserved. Bending will be much easier also.

Zapj-

Welcome to the board!

Do you have a Tractor Supply Company (TSC) around?

You may want to check out their 4'x8' trailer frame, unplanked for around $279...

Made in the US and comes TITLED!

Cheers,

Coop

zapj wrote:Custom built or RedTrailer is now my choice which brings to mind a question if I go 5' wide. A 5' plywood would be a special order which I would like to avoid so can a 4' be installed as an outer skin across the width instead of the length. I know that means seams but with proper spar supports, blocking and glue will the strength of the shell be preserved. Bending will be much easier also.

I built a 5 x 8 Cubby on a RedTrailer. You'll spend a more building a 5 x 8. That extra foot of width is well worth the additional expense and work.

At a minimum, you'll probably want to doubleup your spars under your seams. I doubled up all my spars just 'cuz I'm paranoid.

Check out my web site (see my sig below) to see how I built mine.

I am confused in that I have read many posts describing the trailer from TSC. I am not able to locate it on their web site nor have the sales people at two stores been helpful. They claim not to know anything about that size trailer or any trailer in that price range. I have even made reference to contacting the manufacturer for a stripped down version. (w/o ramp,mesh flooring,racks) You can guess the answer in that I'm looking at two different avenues. Thanks

They carry them here in Palm Bay Fl. I've also seen them at other Tractor Supplies in the state when I've stopped and looked.

What part of Fl. you live in

Bufordt

Hi zapj,
Welcome, I'm sure the official welcome wagon will be along shortly. I think my trailer frame was one of the easier parts of the build. I didn't have a welder so I got a used one on ebay for $75 (had to restore it), old but needed a good electrical PM, fan bearings and a paint job. Anyway here are the results. Custom made trailer to fit the Tear Drop I was building instead of building a Tear Drop to fit a trailer I bought. Where in FL are you?

Steve in St Augustine

Zapj, as another one just getting started in this madness, I would highly recommend trying to make contact with a builder in your area. My trip to see and talk with Doug was a great help and inspiration. IMHO Dan

Zapj,

Welcome to the Forum? (Does that make it official?)

Anyhow, before you dash headlong into building a 4x8, I ask that you consider a 5x8 first.

In my opinion the 4x8 isn't wide enough. It's kinda like sleeping in a twin sized bed with walls on each side of the mattress.

Granted, there are some people that don't mind... But if I had built a 5x8 for the first one, I would have not had the need to build another, and another, and another!!!

Mike...

I guess I need to go to a Big City, I live 25 miles north of Gainesville near Worthington Spgs. with country living at its finest. I called stores in Lake City and Jonesville (outside Gainesville) maybe I just need to go in person. I'll do that tomorrow before placing an order for a RedTrailer. Oh and thanks to all for the welcome I'll try and be an asset and not liability.

Zap...give them this # at TS (sku#100215) this trailer is not shown on their website and they may have to order it from their supplier (Carry On Trl. Co), it is a 4x8 with no flooring but has lights/fenders and title
...I would also highly recommend going 5" wide...folowing TomS's build journal will be a big help in that regard...
...anyway, welcome to our own board for the hopelessly addicted to Td&TTT
...you say you have been reading and lurking so you know we tend to be a little nuts around here
...congratulations for coming out and admitting your problem and trying to do something about it(building a Td)
...you are also aware of our love of de pics...so take lots and learn to post 'em...cause we do luv de pics
...I know you will have lotsa questions...that's OK because we have lotsa answers...some of 'em may even be right
madjack

Hey Mike!

I beleive the welcome is official now that MadJack asked for Pic's

Zapj,

Welcome to our world...

Wright wrote:Hey Mike!

I beleive the welcome is official now that MadJack asked for Pic's

Good point!!!

Mike...

welcome to the forum, i made mine 5' wide. my walls are 1 1/2" thick which gave me 3" off the 5". so i made my floor 3/4" x 6" framing 4' - 9" wide. i took my plywood layed it long way on the framming and center lined it and then i cut 4 - 1" x 6" x 10' to 4 1/2" wide then i went to the planner and planned down to 1/2" the thickness of the plywood. took my biscuit cutter and cut slots in the side of the plywood and the 1/2" x 4 1/2" then glued them to the side of the plywood. now i have my 4' - 9" plus the 3" which gave me my 5"- 0" i done this on the other side. for the roof i run it cross way.

zapj

here are a few photos of the 4 x 8 Tractor Supply trailer.
I purchased this trailer in Lakeland florida but have seen it at other Tractor Supply Stores here in Florida.
This particular store had 5 of these to choose from.
model 4x8NF $279.00 plus tax.

If you need some specs on the trailer you will find those here.
http://www.butterfoot.com/teardrop.htm

hope this helps.

Walter

Welcome zapj.

Here is a pic of my frame. I rented a welder for $60 and welded this together in an afternoon. That is about $70 in steel and $230 for the axel. It is for a 5' wide tear.