Hello to all in the Pacific North West

[RetchedOne]

Hello all,

My wife wanted a camper to pull behind the Xterra ever since we sold our 18 foot Jayco as we love to camp. With a 6 month old tents just don't cut it in the North West (I'm in Marysville). I showed her some of the teardrop trailers (many from here) and she says they are "cute".

Been looking at a lot of different designs, ideas etc. I can weld but have no design to go out and buy another welder and deal with licensing/title on a new trailer so I'll be looking for a 6x10 trailer to build off of, new or craigslist find... So many design ideas here!!!

We cant wait to get started

Aaron

[mrwall1]

Welcome to a fun adventure! I am in Snohomish, lived in Marysville for 7 years! that's what happened to me last year... was just going to build a trailer to pull camping gear in... and found more and more pictures!! I built mine off of a Home Depot Trailer ( the online one) I made it so it can come off... (although it would be a pain to take off) so technically it is cargo on a utility trailer! At least I hope that one will fly! Mine isn't a true teardrop, but check my link below.

[Vedette]

Welcome Aaron
You will find that there is a lot more to Teardrops than building them.
The camping is totally different from any other style of camping (I have done them all over the past 50 years of camping)
and the people are a whole different breed.
You will never see another TD in a campground or a grocery store parking lot without meeting, and becoming friends with the owner. Not like the Motorhome people that never see as they don't come out of their motorhomes during their stay at a campground.
This Forum has many knowledgeable members who are willing to share their ideas and experience.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and read posts from every section of the Forum??
There is a "TD Friendly Websites" link button at the top of this page that will take you to other Teardrop oriented Forums.
I am the new Director for the PNW Chapter of the Tear Jerkers.
Please feel free to check us out and become a TJ Member also.
And T.O.W. (Teardrops of Oregon and Washington).....what a great group they are!
"Gatherings"?? If you have never heard of them or never attended one ........make the effort! You won't be disappointed!
Once again....WELCOME to the Family!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[halfdome, Danny]

Welcome to a fun adventure! I am in Snohomish, lived in Marysville for 7 years! that's what happened to me last year... was just going to build a trailer to pull camping gear in... and found more and more pictures!! I built mine off of a Home Depot Trailer ( the online one) I made it so it can come off... (although it would be a pain to take off) so technically it is cargo on a utility trailer! At least I hope that one will fly! Mine isn't a true teardrop, but check my link below.

Sorry to inform you, but the Washington State Inspection Officer who inspected my build said, if an officer ran the plates on a teardrop trailer registered as a utility trailer they would be subject to a ticket/violation & would have to get it inspected & licensed correctly as a teardrop trailer.
My last inspection was about $75.00 plus the county license fees. More information in the following thread. http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6113&start=15
Danny

[mrwall1]

Thanks Danny, I will probably give in to the long arm of the law before next spring... We plan on doing some long distance travel next year so would be best to have it all legit.... Did they say anything about converted enclosed cargo trailers?
mike

[halfdome, Danny]

Thanks Danny, I will probably give in to the long arm of the law before next spring... We plan on doing some long distance travel next year so would be best to have it all legit.... Did they say anything about converted enclosed cargo trailers?
mike

Mike, The subject of converted cargo trailers never came up, but I have a feeling it's the same as a converted utility trailer.
If you're planning one sometime in the future it would be prudent to address the laws that might pertain to the conversion.
Danny

[RetchedOne]

Welcome to a fun adventure! I am in Snohomish, lived in Marysville for 7 years! that's what happened to me last year... was just going to build a trailer to pull camping gear in... and found more and more pictures!! I built mine off of a Home Depot Trailer ( the online one) I made it so it can come off... (although it would be a pain to take off) so technically it is cargo on a utility trailer! At least I hope that one will fly! Mine isn't a true teardrop, but check my link below.

Sorry to inform you, but the Washington State Inspection Officer who inspected my build said, if an officer ran the plates on a teardrop trailer registered as a utility trailer they would be subject to a ticket/violation & would have to get it inspected & licensed correctly as a teardrop trailer.
My last inspection was about $75.00 plus the county license fees. More information in the following thread. http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6113&start=15
Danny

When they do the inspection are they just looking for the trailer to be legit (lights etc) or will they scrutinize if I have a propane tank on the tongue and a small water tank?

[halfdome, Danny]

They are real sticklers in the measuring department.
They give it a quick once over while walking up to it and I'm pretty sure they can spot a problem right away.
I build to DOT requirements and then some so there's never been an issue.
Make sure your tail lights are as far to the rear and cover the width too.
If you build over 80" in width, including the fenders, install a third brake and clearance light as high as possible.
Lots of trailers have propane tanks on the front and I don't see a problem as long as it is secured properly.
Just build to DOT requirements and do the best job to your abilities and you should pass the inspection without any problems.
Danny

[bc toys]

welcome to the site

[RetchedOne]

Well, it was fun. Really the perfect size for 2 + a small child.
House purchase forces sale...
Hope to have it done in a few weeks and fully ready.

http://skagit.craigslist.org/rvs/5497677919.html

[Colemancooler]

I know a yakima policeman on this site that got his trailer frame inspected and then built the trailer. I built mine then got it inspected , wasn't any trouble, they mostly wanted to make sure I had receipts for everything