Newb from Arkansas

[David D]

Hello all, I'm David and live in NW Arkansas. Just wanted to pop in and say Howdy to all. I've been looking at little trailers for a while now and decided I like the TDs and the design spin offs of them. Came to the decision to build my own, figure I'll get what I want for sure that way plus there no better way to know what you have than to build it yourself.

Motivating point of wanting this type trailer: I traveled to Mo. last year for a hunting trip and got caught in some pretty bad weather while in a tent (winds of around 70 and so) tent was toast. Spent the rest of the trip in a Motel which blew my hunting budget for the rest of the season had to cancel a week of my three return trips up there that year and did'nt go at all this year. Next year I hope to have a nice little trailer built for the trip up, plus it'll be a great way to get the family out together camping/vacationing.

God bless and happy trails.

[exminnesotaboy]

Welcome!
keep an eye on the SouthCentral and Midwest forums for meets in the areas. Keep us updated on your build progress

[oklahomajewel]

David ! Welcome to the forum and the world of teardrops and tiny trailers!
This is a great place to learn and share and find some great camping friends too. Arkansas is part of our little South Central group and we're a blast. haha I think there might be a very early spring get together up in southern/central MO next year, so I would suggest if you can to take a look at some in person.. lift the hatch, lay inside, lift the trailer... we love showing them off!


You're description of the tent and the winds, that makes me think of a couple of teardrop camping trips I've been on . While it was TERRIBLY windy outside, it was nice to crawl into the teardrop and didn't have it budge at all, not have to worry about it soaking wet either. and SO much more comfy than sleeping on the ground.

ps... somebody posted a cheap small trailer to fix up in Mesquite TX on craigslist... might be more family sized.

Julie

[David D]

ps... somebody posted a cheap small trailer to fix up in Mesquite TX on craigslist... might be more family sized.

Julie

I've considered the fixer upper type trailer, but since I have the materials and such to get a good start on the chassis and body plus the extra (got nothing better to do this winter) time figure I'll take up a new project. With the room issue for the family my son is only five so I've been working with designing a removable bunk for the trailer or busting out the old sewing machine and modding a tent to attach to the side.

I have found from what I read here that this site is very helpful and full of fine folks that seem ready to help, Been on alot of forums the last few months for different issues and such by far this ones a winner.

God blessed me with a Father that taught me to weld, a Mother/Grandmother that taught me to sew and a Grandfather that started me on carpentry.

[jplock]

Welcome to the world of teardropers come and hang out with us south central folks. I look forward to seeing your build as it progresses, and oh yes we like pictures. See you later!
jplock

[Miriam C.]

to the playground David. We look forward to the pictures of the build. I wish I could weld. I would definitely make my own trailer. If you need suggestions for bunks just ask. Lots of TD's with them.

A side tent is also a good idea for a mud/changing room too. I can relate to the wind in MO. We certainly get our share.

Remember that the keep the bubble oil level and you can't go back after it is done........

[David D]

I am officially on information overload. This site is utterly wonderful. I work a twelve hour day and have spent at least 8 of it on here. Thank God for the weekends.

[Mike C.]

Hi David,


Welcome to the forum. Looks like the others have filled you in on the camping adventures in our area, so all I will say is that when you start to build, be sure and post lots of pictures, so we can keep up with your progress. Hope you enjoy your stay with us.


See you around.

[razorback]

Hey David D
Great to have another Arkie on board. I am in North Little Rock. Finished my TD in June of 07. Pulled it over 4000 miles in 07 and over 5000 miles this year. Plan on coming to a gathering even if it is in a tent or just for a Saturday visit. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Larry

[Roly Nelson]

David, welcome to the most informative teardrop forum on the web. With sewing, welding and carpentry, already in your tool bag, you can't go wrong, building a teardrop trailer. All you have to do is decide how wide it will be, how long it will be, how high it will be and what materials it will be made of.

Here is where this forum can give you some helpful information. All you have to do is ask, and you will get answers, sometimes more info than you really need. Nevertheless, without asking questions, you will get NO answers.

So, with that in mind, we all are looking forward to hearing from you in the future, with a pictorial display of your progress and hope that you will eventually become one of us. After all, we were once where you are today. We asked, we listened, we built and now are successful teardrop trailer builders, users and enthusiasts, willing to share our knowledge with you, a perfect stranger, in the hopes that we will someday be sharing a campfire with you and your new trailer. Oh yes, I suggest you build a woody, but that is up to you to decide..................What do I know?
Roly

[David D]

Thanks for all the welcomes. As for the type/style of trailer still not sure. I would however like to try my hand at a full on Woody one day, but first I'm thinking of something more suited to my rough country adventures in hunting and fishing. I have looked at prob. 1000s of pics. on the web over the last couple months and finally started getting down to a few choices that I think will work for me. Size wise it will have to be around the 5ft. wide range about 9-10ft in length. I found a chassis the other day, not sure if it will suit my needs but does have some of the parts I'll need to fab. mine up. Who knows modding it may be cheaper than a fresh build.

The goal: To keep it around or under 1000lbs. total
To keep the build under $800.00

The cost isn't a big issue its just a goal, I just remod. my house so I have plenty of left over and salvaged lumber such I'm going to use. My biggest expense is going to be windows/vent and the chassis.

Thanks again.

[satch]

Welcome aboard Dave! I've found a 5x9 to work great with the family, sounds like you got the skills needed. Don't forget the pics!

[David D]

Alright say I start my build, where do I start to showcase my work? As in which forum do I post it in? I figure on starting the mock up this coming week, but instead of the full size I think I'm going to do a scale model while I work on the chassis. The chassis I don't figure will have to change any for either profile. Again thanks for the support.

[Miriam C.]

Alright say I start my build, where do I start to showcase my work? As in which forum do I post it in? I figure on starting the mock up this coming week, but instead of the full size I think I'm going to do a scale model while I work on the chassis. The chassis I don't figure will have to change any for either profile. Again thanks for the support.

Well I bet I will find it no matter where you put it. General, Construction secrets, or the build forums work. Just take a pick.......