Greetings from Minnesota

[Joe G]

Hi, I've been lurking around here for a few weeks and thought it only proper to introduce myself. My name is Joe, and I'm from Minneapolis. I enjoy camping with my friends whenever I get the chance, but I am officially sick of tents.

I'd like to build a small teardrop trailer that could easily be pulled by a compact car - like a Ford Focus, without smoking the gas mileage. The car is rated to tow 1500#, but I'd like to stay well below that - maybe say 800# loaded, and have an overall height no taller than the car (about 50"). I have thought about building a teardrop for many years now, but have been very hesitant, because I know I'd be tempted to overbuild and wind up with too much trailer for my car.

But this forum has convinced me now that I can do it. This is just the resource I needed to go forward with confidence, and design and build a teardrop camper that will suit my needs.

Everyone here seems quite knowledgeable and friendly, and I look forward to chatting with you all as time goes on. I am a Minnesotan, so by definition I am not very excitable, but I am excited that I found such a great forum.

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome to the forum! It's nice to see more people from Minnesota!

[Ratfinkster]

A great big WELCOME to another Minnesotan. If your looking for ideas and advice, you've come to the right place. Hopefully we can meet up at a gathering this summer. Skinning the tear right now, so am hoping to make it by the end of May. Now, if I could only learn how to post pics.
Your goal of under 1500 lbs, is very doable, so just start building.

Dennis

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome aboard, I say go for it, take pics, post em and we'll see ya at a teardrop gathering someday.
Roly

[MrBuzz]

Welcome...nice to see another resident from the land of the giant mosquitos.
Your goal will be very do-able. My tear weighs around 800# loaded and ready for the road. And from what I have learned on this forum and by using mine I could easily shave over 100# off that on the next build.
Good Luck!

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Joe. Your summer is almost over up there so best get at it.

If you look at Roly's link you will find a wonderful example of weight loss. And as he said you need lots of pictures to keep the bubble oil level.

[rainman0]

Hi Joe and welcome,
If you need help with your tear, this is the place. Just ask away.
We are having a get together at our place May30th- June 1st if you would like to come
Again, welcome

[Joe G]

Thanks everyone.

.....We are having a get together at our place May30th- June 1st if you would like to come ....

Pine City is only about an hour north of my place. I'd like to pop in Saturday afternoon for a few hours, just to say hi, and check out your setups. I may not be able to though, as I have some big plans that are still up in the air for that week. There is a 50% chance I may be driving out to Lake Tahoe that week. I drove out there twice last year, and I can't wait to do it again.
Road trip...Oh Yeahhh

Thanks for the invite...I'll let you know.

[Gadget Man]

OK Joe G, I'll bite on where is Frostbite Falls MN ?

I'm another Minnesota builder, I built my Weekender in 2006.
Can't wait till spring/summer finally gets to Minnesota.

you will ge a lot of good information on this site.
Welcome aboard.

Gadget Man

[TPMcGinty]

OK Joe G, I'll bite on where is Frostbite Falls MN ?

I'm another Minnesota builder, I built my Weekender in 2006.
Can't wait till spring/summer finally gets to Minnesota.

you will ge a lot of good information on this site.
Welcome aboard.

Gadget Man

I thought everyone had heard of Frostbite Falls! Some of Minnesota's biggest celebrities are from there!

[Joe G]

OK Joe G, I'll bite on where is Frostbite Falls MN ?

I'm another Minnesota builder, I built my Weekender in 2006.
Can't wait till spring/summer finally gets to Minnesota.

you will ge a lot of good information on this site.
Welcome aboard.

Gadget Man

I thought everyone had heard of Frostbite Falls! Some of Minnesota's biggest celebrities are from there!

Frostbite Falls, MN is the home of some of my fav-o-right TV stars.



(I'm in Arden Hills)

Joe

[rainman0]

Joe,
The cartoon is too cool!
I have seen Rocky at he place we are gathering MANY times, but I have never seen Bullwinkle. Wonder if they will be there this year?

[susan the bear]

i'm from Minneapolis/Frostbite Falls too....

i do not have a trailer, but i'm pretty preoccupied
with small spaces and vintage trailer design.
(architecture/design student)

i've enjoyed lurking and looking
at the photos on this board alot
so i figured i should sign up.

[TPMcGinty]

i'm from Minneapolis/Frostbite Falls too....

i do not have a trailer, but i'm pretty preoccupied
with small spaces and vintage trailer design.
(architecture/design student)

i've enjoyed lurking and looking
at the photos on this board alot
so i figured i should sign up.

Welcome Susan! There are a few teardroppers getting together for a small gathering in Pine City at the end of the month, if you want to see some teardrops up close. Just go to the "suggest a gathering" section and take a look.