Newbie from Washington State checking in...

[donm5]

Hi, My name is Don and I live in Bonney Lake, Washington.
I have been interested in teardrops since seeing one close-up at a car show many years ago. I remember that it was very well done and looked very comfortable. I think it may have been a little larger than the old standard 4X8 floor. I believe it was Benroy shaped but I can't remember for sure.

Since seeing that trailer, the thought of owning one has never gone away. I could afford to buy a larger trailer or a motorhome, I suppose, but it just seems to defeat the purpose to me. Why would I want my living room with me when I try to "get away"?

My wife and I are empty nesters now and want to get out more on weekends but we don't want the problems or cost associated with larger RVs. We don't nessesarily want to travel all across the country in our RV, we just want to be able to head to the mountains or the beach quickly and easily and at low cost. We see ourselves using a teardrop to support our interests in star gazing, birdwatching, kite flying, river exploring, fishing and attending music festivals. Attending a teardrop group outting might be fun too although neither of us see that as our main reason for wanting a trailer.

I have been surfing around for quite some time looking at and researching teardrops and other little trailers. It has become clear that the standard 4X8 starting size will not work for us ( I am 6'5" tall and a long way from skinny). It looks like an interior floor space about the size of a queen size bed would work for us. I am not looking for the absolute cheapest way into a trailer; I want an attractive, well proportioned, well outfitted and tough trailer that we will be proud of and that will serve our camping needs.

I have been looking at the trailer Rik Keller built a few years back and must say that technology wise I am impressed. The stressed skin walls and floor make a lot of sense. The shape is very nice although it is not in the classic teardrop shape. It seems to fit the spirit of teardrop trailers very well though. I also just saw a video on UTUBE of a Brazilian teardrop along the lines of a Benroy that looked to be VERY nice and well detailed.

So, we have decided that we will build our own teardrop. Seems to me that the pride of having either built or restored your own is a major part of the fun.

So, I could go on about this for a while but I just wanted to introduce myself to the group. I welcome any friendly comments or advice you may have to give and I hope to hear from some of you soon.

Best, Don

[neal b]

Howdy and welcome to the forum you will get a lot of help many of great builders here enjoy your build

neal b

[bobhenry]

5'6 WIDE BY 5' TALL AND 10' LONG

We pull it with a Scion Xb and love the room. Test drive it as you build it we had to move the Gally bulkhead 6" to make it feel right. DO NOT wait until it is done to test sleep you will regret it .

Good luck in your build and listen to the other half. Mine had many , many good ideas and it now feels like OURS

Bob

[Lgboro]

Welcome to the forum!

The teardrops I have seen pictured on the forum are as individual as the people that build them. As you have probably already seen they range from simple to quite detailed campers. Help is just a post away from some truly gifted craftsmen (and women).

In the Hall of Fame (link above) you will find many examples of home built and modified commercial teardrops most with pictures of the built or change. You will also find pictures in the personal album of members of the forum. Hope you are able to start your teardrop soon and enjoy your build.

[donm5]

Thanks for the welcome, folks.
You can be assured that I will be asking questions and checking out all the info I can find on this site. I'm looking forward to this project and maybe even getting to meet some of you in person.

Don

[rbeemer]

Some things that will help you on your way

1. Welcome to the fun house
2. Take and show lots of pictures...we love them and it helps to give advice on problems.
3. check out the design library at the top of the page.
4. This site does have free plans...check the Generic Benroy Plans..did I mention these are FREE
5.sdtripper2's Index at the top of the page is good for reference on where to get things
6. If you want to build your own trailer - see the trailer tutorial
7. We are on Teardrop time here...there is no hurry, take your time ask lots of questions and read this site.
8. Try to make gathering or find somebody who has a teardrop by you and go look at it
9. And above all and this is a requirement ..... you must have fun!!!!!!

[dreadcptflint]

Hello and welcome to the fun. To give you an idea, my wife and I were able to get out over twice as much this last year because of our teardrop. We are also not little people so we went with a six wide. I look forward to seeing what you do.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Don! You are right! Building your own can be an uplifting and enlightening experience. It can also make you pull your hair out. OH and it is very addictive. There is no cure just treatment! You must post lots of to keep the bubble oil level and the MadOnes happy.

Enjoy

[halfdome, Danny]

Hi Don, welcome to the forum, were only about 20 miles from each other and you'll find lots of other teardroppers in the Puget Sound area. Check out the Northwest section of this forum for dates of our gatherings. The gentleman who bought my first teardrop is 6' 7" and it's a queen bed (5' x 10' ) Good luck with your build, it will be fun. Danny