Newbie - Introduction!

[drewh1]

Hi, My name is Drew and I am a teardrop-aholic. I have been on this site for awhile but finally decided I should join and get more involved.

I have had numerous campers over the years, including a Westfalia that I basically lived in for 2 years (killed the motor in Baja), and a few versions of cab-overs with a diesel truck for off-roading. I have been looking at trailers lately and saw a teardrop parked at Wrights Beach in Sonoma, CA, that was it for me. For some reason, I decided, "that's what I want for my camping adventures. So here I am.

I am starting to look at what to buy and would love to hear any and all advice about the following, I am thinking I would like something bigger (5X9) and need lights and electric (110 and 12v) but don't want tv/s and AC. A propane fridge might be nice.:

1. New or Used - what to be wary of in a used teardrop or what to look for in a new.
2. Offroad or beef-up an on-road chassis - I don't plan to off-road that much but always like the option. Off Road versions seem to cost a lot more and I am sure I can add leaf springs and shocks to an existing trailer myself.
3. homebuilt or manufactured - what should i be aware of in a home built. Are manufactured trailers better?
4. What are favored brands? Camp-Inn, So-Cal, etc. (I am in California and wouldn't want to ship it)

I know, lots of questions, I kind of want to get it close to right the first time though.

I look forward to being a part of this community and hopefully in the not too distant future, pulling up in my new teardrop to an event with you.

drew.

[Mary C]

Drew, Welcome to the forum. by your questions I suggest you read through the build sites and don't forget the foamies. It sounds like you have an idea but maybe your questions can be answered as you read. There a few who have bought trailers and some of them are really nice and for big bucks too. I suggest you go to a tearjerkers campout and talk with the people and see them in person. check out the options. some end up buying a cargo type trailer and modifying it to meet their needs and some, like myself live with money constraints so I built a foamie. Thrifty. but most of all you really have to narrow down what you want some. As far as purchasing there are some great builders out there. There is a list on the forum. I went to CRA this past weekend and three couples came out just to see the teardrop trailers. They were asking all sorts of questions and quite excited I wrote down this site for one. My advise is to read !!! Then you will know what you want!!!

Good luck!!!

Mary C.

[Junkboy999]

Hey Drewh1


Here a link to the Teardrop manufacturers that are known and at least have a web page.

viewforum.php?f=22



Mary is right. Look at the build threads. Do you think you can build any of those teardrops. There a lot of different types of TD. Off roads, old school, cross breeds, some easy build style and some complicated ones.

There some great Manufacturers out there as well.. Most I think are over priced. Best is to check them out in person. I hate to see some one buy one and find out they can’t even sleep in one.

Oh and Welcome to the froums.

[bc toys]

Drew welcome to this great site I'm from las vegas nv for now Im into cargo trailers myself going to pull with jk I agree you should go to build section and read a lot of builds and find what you might want but you might look into fiberglass trailers light and got room well welcome anyway

[drewh1]

I have been reading the build posts and everything else I can get my hands on. I have to see more of them.

I really have considered building one but would kind of like to spend the time camping and diving rather than building. My preference at this point is to find a solid used camper that has the basics and customize it.

It is nice to have a resource with so much information.

thanks everyone,

drew.