Greetings from Happy Valley

[Jeb814]

My name is Jerry and it seems like I have been contemplating building a teardrop off and on since the 1950"s. My wife and I both enjoy self supported touring by bicycle. While I still enjoy camping, Paula is increasingly less enamored with sleeping on the ground. Neither of us can see ourselves in a motor-home or large travel trailer. I've seen teardrop camping described as "one step" up from tenting. That appeals to us. We are planning a cross country trip for 2015. I want to take 2014 to put the trailer together and do some test runs before taking off in 2015.

I've been collecting plans and reading the posts on this site. I'v been checking the Teardrops for sale on ebay and Craigs List. Prior to discovering this site, I had looked at utility trailers and brainstormed ways to transform them into minny campers but had no idea that so many others have done just that. After looking at the Utility Trailer thread, you convinced my that that is the route for me to go. This past weekend I sat down with a salesman for Homesteader Trailers, and planned some modifications for their 5 X 8 Challenger model. I'm waiting for them to get back to me with some CAD to review.

I hope to add to the conversation and post my progress over the next year.

[JeremiahO]

Welcome jerry! Glad to see a penn stater!

[bc toys]

Welcome to this great site hope to follow your build

[Jeb814]

Welcome to this great site hope to follow your build

Just took a look at your gallery. Nice conversion. You have some pics that will be a nice reference for me as I plan my build.

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum and the family of Tear Drop campers.
Yes, you are going to love it here!
There is lots to learn here and some Great People to meet.
Just saw a site Hidden Hills ???? who have TD trailer plans available. Good Video on their product.
Well worth a look.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Jeb814]

Brian & Sandi -
Thanks for the link.The talent displayed on this web site is truly amazing to a newcomer.

Jerry

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Jerry! Nice meeting you a couple weeks ago! Glad you're making progress in your search! Cargo conversion will probably suit your needs better than a typical teardrop.

Hope you and your wife can make it to a gathering sometime next year!

[Shadow Catcher]

Jerry
Welcome to the community. My suggestion is come to a Tear Jerkers gathering or if you wish to start building prior to that mock up the size/layout, (one member used cardboard). Ours is a 6X10 and it is not too large. Plan for more than you think you need and don't skimp on amenities. What you want now will not be what you want in the future. I tent camped for over 50 years and yes it is nice to not sleep on the ground. Ours was designed so that Nancy has the ease of meal prep and cleanup so that she has a vacation.

[Jeb814]

Jerry! Nice meeting you a couple weeks ago! Glad you're making progress in your search! Cargo conversion will probably suit your needs better than a typical teardrop.

Hope you and your wife can make it to a gathering sometime next year!

Zack - I can't thank you enough for turning me on to this site. I also can't believe that someone has not yet bought your teardrop convertible. That is one beautiful build.

Jerry