First build-hope I can do it

[digitek718]

I was intrigued by teardrops a couple of years ago but ended up buying a used pop up camper instead.I sold the pop up soon after and bought a 19ft jayco tt. I also sold that soon afterwards and went back to a tent. Both pop ups and tt's have there place but for me it was more trouble than it was worth. It kind of took away from the simplistic and carefree atmosphere that lured me into camping in the first place. This past month the teardrop bug has bit me and I have been scouring the internet for every bit of information about them that I could find. I am not the handiest person but I really want to build one. I was thinking for simplicity and cost effectiveness that I build it on a 4x8 harbor freight. My question is this-how many people built theres using plans versus winging it. The measurements seem pretty straightforward to me- they are all based on 4x8 sheets of plywood. What do you all think-plans or no plans??I was also thinking about bulding a half scale model 2ft by 4ft to work out the design and kinks before I start on the full scale and then maybe use it as a storage bin in the backyard afterwards. Has anyone done this? Or maybe I should just dive right in?..any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[mikeschn]

Hi Digi,

Got a first name?

As for plans... read these plans... and then modify to your hearts content!!!

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/GenericBenroyPlans.pdf

Mike...

P.S. There are more plans here too! http://www.mikenchell.com/VintagePlans/ ... plans.html

[digitek718]

Thanks for the reply..my name is bobby..I'm itching to start building..what do you think about the halfscale model idea

[Tim and Sandy Dugan]

Hi Bobby. Welcome. You'll have the time of your life building your teardrop. Some people claim it has changed thier lives forever. I know I'll not be the same.
Bobby, I just winged it on mine. I did study some build threads here and just dove in doing whatever I thought needed to be done next. Rather than a half size, I've heard of some people doing a full size mock-up in cardboard. Might be something to consider.
Tim

[starleen2]

[egjacks]

Hey Bobby,

Welcome to the forum,

as for the model, I think that's a personal choice based on where you feel your talents and skills are. Some people need super detailed plans to feel comfortable, and I have seen others sketch out a basic shape on a restaurant napkin and get to work! Me? I am somewhere in the middle. I don't think I would do a mock-up, mainly cause I don't want to pay for the extra materials, but who knows; it might save you some heartache. nearly every single build that I have looked at has a few "oh crap" moments where things went wrong.

I am just getting started on my first build and learning tons on the forum. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS, even if you think they are silly. the guys and gals here have probably already made most of the mistakes that you and I will make on our builds. If we ask, we might be able to skip some of them.

One build that I found to be particularly good is Joanne's Desert Dawg, in fact, it was that build that really fanned my interest in Teardrops and led me to joining the forum. She takes lots of pictures and does a good job explaining why she does what. So take a look and maybe it will help you

http://www.asolidfoundation.com/index.shtml <----Joanne's homepage

[eaglesdare]

when you are buying your materials, buy them in doubles. you will be wanting to build your second one before the first one is finished.