Hello From Central/Upstate NY

[FeistyOne]

I recently bought a new car and see it has towing capability. However, its only 1000lbs, and most of the pop up campers I have seen were over that. Last Fall I went camping and saw this couple that had a tear drop camper, than he had made himself. My first thought.. damn thats small, but cute.

I have been camping in a small dome tent and want to be off the ground, plus thats just as small as the Teardrop I had seen. This got me thinking, and thinking. I know I'm going to need a queen size mattress. (I have a little one) Can I do this? I think I can with a 5x8. I have been looking at the 4x8 Trailers and read a lot are done on that size. A friend said he would build one for me but I need to have an idea of how and what I want. This is how I found this site. The problem is, I have seen so many that I have confused myself.

I have been browsing the web and found myself back here many times. I finally decided to join. I guess the first place to start is getting the trailer. I look forward to browsing this site more and finding out new ideas. Thank you all.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground FO. Getting confused is a mark of addiction and you have a normal case of it.

What kind of car? Pick out a body style you like and do some math then pare it down to the bones. You will be surprised how light or heavy you can get one of these.

Enjoy

[FeistyOne]

I have a 2007 Dodge Caliber. I already know Im an addict. My friend keeps telling me I can buy a small camper cheaper than building one or having one built. I told him to go find me one and in the meantime, I will continue to design mine. lol

[mikeschn]

Welcome to the forum.

You'll have more fun building your own.

Mike...

[Miriam C.]

I have a 2007 Dodge Caliber. I already know Im an addict. My friend keeps telling me I can buy a small camper cheaper than building one or having one built. I told him to go find me one and in the meantime, I will continue to design mine. lol

Unless you are building with gold or gas he will have a hard time finding one that isn't moldy. However it is better to keep the nay-sayers busy while you build.

[FeistyOne]

Yes.. it will keep him busy looking. I had asked a friend of mine if her husband would be able to help me or give me a start on wiring, and she says sure. Bring it down. I said I have to start it first. She went on to say no we will build it. Stealing my thunder?? LOL I think I may let them 'help' but I really wanted to put my own together. I cant really complain if someone wants to help with the 'bigger' stuff. I know whats going to happen.. they are going to want to build one of their own after. Using mine as a test run. Trend starter?

My plan is, next year, to take the camper to visit friends and family across the east coast. Sister is in Va Beach, Friends in NC, SC, and GA. My only problem is.. I don't think 2 weeks will be enough time for me.

[madprinter]

Welcome.
I like your name, Guess your a bit fiesty.
Your freind sounds like my wife. Both of you just skipped asking the guy
if he can help, you just asked his wife and she said yes
You women got to quit teaming up on us guys.
At least let the poor guy throw his self into the project on his own.
After all what guy would turn down an oppertunity like this??
Good luck with your build and send us some pics , include some of the poor guy slaveing away. Reminds me , I'd better post some pics myself.
William

[FeistyOne]

She asked her husband whom will pull her ex husband in to help. LOL!! As odd as that sounds, its how it usually works. I get ideas and they take over. I think they were doubting me at first by asking things like.. how much do you think this will cost you?.. where do you plan on getting the steel from? ..

I reply back with HUH? Steel frame? No they were referring to the shell. I said silly girls! I want a woody! We wont go there, but I think they got the idea.

I was told insulating is a waste of time and money. (Because wood is a good insulater) Is this true? I dont plan on taking it out in the winter, but plan a lot of summer/fall outings. I had planned on insulating the roof, at least with the teardrop. I didnt see to many on here insulating theirs so I thought this would be a good place to ask.

[toypusher]

Remember, insulation helps against heat as well as cold. It also, really cuts down the noise. I, personally, would NOT build a tear without insulation all the way around. JMHOYMMV!!!

[bobhenry]

The insulation is probably the easiest part of the build. Use the ridgid blue or pink foam and just cut it slightly oversize and stuff it in. It will make the extremely hot days a bit more tolerable and the Oh to cool one a bit more comfortable.

[campadk]

Hi FeistyOne,

How about coming up to the Spring TearUp mid June to Fish Creek, about 2 hours north of you. There will be some 25+ teardrops and other small trailers there with lots of great folk who would be more than happy to give you a 'tour' and discuss all the inns and outs. There will be a mix of home built and manufacturer tears. See http://tearuptheadk.com

Tearjerkers also have a earlier campout in May at Watkins Glen I believe.

You are also close to a few builders in Syracuse, Steve Fredricks and Rick Sheerin who are on this board as well.

Cheers

[toypusher]

................Tearjerkers also have a earlier campout in May at Watkins Glen I believe..................

Bowman Lake State Park May 16-18th. Come on over and say 'Hi' and have a look at the teardrops that will be there!! You don't have to have a tear to come and camp. Or you could just stop over for a day. We will be around the site 16 area (my site for the trip). Only 6 trailers at this time, but you will get to see some and talk to the folks that built them.

[FeistyOne]

Looks like Im sticking to my original plan of insulating it. My friend asked me how I was going to make the roof round. He was dumbfounded as to how to bend wood. I explained it to him 2 diff ways. lol I said forget, I will just send you some plans and you can read about it instead.

The fish creek gathering sounds like something I can do. Its only 2hrs away, so even if i did a day trip, it gives me something to do.

I just found out that theres a Harbor Freight store not to far from me, which is awesome. Received some coupons for there via email too. Looks like Im buying the trailer this weekend. hehe