New Uk builder looking for guidence

[Bluegrass]

Hi,

I recently stumbled across the 'teardrop' concept and was delighted to find something that could for-fill so many of my camping/travelling needs. After some research, I found this forum which seems really fantastic. I drive an old Morris minor and need something light that I can tow and camp with. I wish to build a teardrop and am very keen on a retro look. I want to keep things simple and classic. I don't really know where to start. Are there any plans available or books on the subject. I enclose some pictures of trailers I like and would like to emulate size and shape wise. Thank you for any help or guidance.

[Vedette]

Welcome ????? to the Forum.
This a very safe and informative place to be.
Most everything you are looking for can be found here....just don't be afraid to ask!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome! In the Design Resources Section at the top of this page there are some plans to look at. I used the Free Generic Benroy Plans to build mine. Each plan gives you some ideas even if you don't want to build the Tear that is in the plan. Good luck with your build!

[Mary C]

Welcome!!! Having read the whole forum I can say without hesitation there are free plans and probably most questions have or can be answered by the most informative and experts in their field when it comes to teardrops and tiny travel trailers. I suggest you spend a little time reading and getting used to the forum and all that is on here I am sure after a little while you will find your plans how to cut the angles you want and how to get the fine outcome you are looking for. Perhaps I will get to see your build when I visit the UK in the future.

Mary C.

[grantstew8]

There are a few of us from the uk on the forum. Don't buy a book yet. Read the forum, look at build logs and I've a pretty large collection of photos on Pinterest.

Then decide what to build it from. If your looking for retro then aluminium skin is probably a requirement. Base the deign on your skill level and tools. Angular designs may be easier than curved. A poll indicated most folk wished they had mad it wider. Unless you camp alone, 4' is pretty narrow. I've opted for 5'

I've loads of videos showing successes and failures.

Welcome!

[lee senn]

Bluegrass I would suggest that you take a look at Roly's 1/2 Nelson. It is about as light and well built as it gets. I am not good at links but if you type in http://gages-56.com/roly.html you should pull it up. Roly appears to be open to questions and would probably be open to helping out. Lee

[CowboyKell]

Hi, and welcome. I'm pretty new here myself.

From looking at the pictures you posted I believe we have pretty much the same taste and interest in tear drops. I too want a retro look.

I am building a Lightweight Modernistic cub. I got the overall profile off of the design resource pages. Everything in this forum has been helpful in getting me started. Even though I am only half finished there are already things I would do different if I were starting over.

[Bluegrass]

Thank you for the reply's and the warm welcome, its much appreciated. I shall take the advice and spend time investigating the site and all it has to offer. There is so much shared knowledge here that I would like to learn. I am very impressed with the quality of the builds, and that part feels daunting. I think I can do it, but don't have much experience of this kind of work. Regrettably I did not come from a background where I learnt mechanical/craft skills. I'm a violinist by trade, (out of action with severe tinnitus unfortunately), am learning to make violins, and do tackle jobs on my car with the help of Morris minor forums/books etc, so have the necessary ' foolish bravery' to attempt things, make mistakes and then follow them through to completion.
I stumbled across the 'widget' in the design library. I particularly like it and the 'Lightweight Modernistic cub' because the styling of both is classic, simple and functional. Its that fine balance where beauty, simplicity and function combine. I am leaning toward the widget, primarily because here in the UK we are blessed with quite a high rain count, and cooking inside the nice dry camper seems pleasurable compared to the inevitable 'wet' alternative. I do need to investigate tow weights to make sure my old car is up to it, as well as whether the larger scale of build requires more skill than the smaller teardrops, and more cash than my bank will allow.

[grantstew8]

Given your criteria budget, skill set and weight I'd build a foamie. My budget was. £350 and I'm probably going to spend about £500 total.
There are some real craftsmen on this forum who gave built "factory" quality teardrops. Don't be put off, look at the duck tear made from duck tape. It works. The majority of builds fit somewhere between the two.
Tools to work foam are simple and the material light.
Visit a caravan storage yard/field and ask if the have a rotting 2 berth with an alko chassis. Take a photo of what you want to build and it's am aiding the interest and support. I go mine for £50 and sold the scrap aluminium for £25.
Don't doubt yourself ... Go for it

[Junkboy999]

Welcome to the forums.


It does not Rain that much there. I know I leave in the UK for 7 ½ year. It was raining with I got off the plane and raining when I got back on the plane, and most of the time in between. Ha haha but not all the time.

The Lightest TD is the Pico and Pico light I believe. I know there is no inside galley but super light. Look under Member Designs and The 280lb Pico-Light or go to this link.
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=34755

Again welcome and I can’t tell you how much I miss some strongbow and and Merrydown cider. Cheers