Matt - still designing in Michigan

[mclanem]

Hey everyone,

I thought I would come in here and introduce myself. I have been tossing the idea of a camper around for a while in my head. A few months ago I decided to make it a teardrop for various reasons. Then I found this site a few weeks ago and I have been really focused on the idea. I finally got my wife to agree to at least play along so now I am designing my TD.

We are in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have done some woodworking including a sailboat last year. I wouldn't say I am a fine woodworker but I know enough to get it done. I also am good at learning as I go. In my day job I am a Systems Administrator for the University of Michigan, and a grad student. That of course doesn't leave me as much time as I would like to work in my woodshop but I take what I can get.

My current plan is to build a fairly basic Benroy TD on a Harbor Freight trailer. I am still trying to decided between 4' wide and 5' wide. I also hope to build a sleeping shelf for my 4 year old to use for the next year or two until I can kick her out and into a tent with her brother. We will see if that works out.

Anyway, that's a little about me. Feel free to ask any questions, I know I will be.

Matt

[Oldragbaggers]

Welcome to the forum and to the wonderful world of teardrops. I am just finishing up my Benroy build and I started at the same place as you, experience-wise. I am very happy with the design choice. It's a very straightforward design and gives the max amount of interior room of all the wall profiles. It has been a very rewarding experience and if you can improvise, basic skills and tools will serve you just fine.

Enjoy the process. Be sure to take lots of photos and start a build journal. We all love to follow along!!

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome! Have fun with your build. I built a Benroy too on a 5x8 Northern Tools Trailer. My first piece of advice is, "when in doubt build a 5 wide".

[Junkboy999]

Go 5 wide, it might cost a bit more because of the material needed but worth it in the end for the space.

[nevadatear]

5 wide. Or at least 4.5.