The Build Approches

[Koko65]

Hello all
I have been dream'n and scheme'n for a while now, and the time has come to do my business or get off the toilet, so to speak.

The wife and I have camped for a few years now on our vacations, I had always assumed that is all we would ever do. In addition to the car we also go on holidays with the motorcycle. While on a bike trip last year my lovely wife had a seizure while we were close to the town of Sweet Home OR. While we knew she has epilepsy, the seizures were not that frequent to be of a concern. Well not anymore. I never want to go through that again. It's not fun to have to intentionally crash the bike while trying to hold on to the loved one.

Anyways we decided our family trips would be best done with four wheels. Tiny campers are just way overpriced and the used market did not help much either. I stumbled upon teardrops while on the Kreg Jig user's group website. Someone had posted pics of their tear build as well as showing off where all the pocket holes were. Well after finding this forum shortly afterwards it was all over, the choice was obvious. I purchased Steve's build manual and downloaded all the plans and profiles I could. I had some other projects to finish last winter and now the stage is set for this winter's build.

I intend on using the Harbor Freight frame and building something along the lines of the new Cub profile. When I actually get the frame here and being put together I will start a build journal. My goal is to be finished for next year's holidays.

That does bring up my first (of many) questions for the forum. I noticed on HF website there are two 4X8 folding trailers listed. A light version with 8" wheels and another with 12" ones. which would be more appropriate for a 4X10 build? I am going to keep things light as the tow vehicle is not so hefty. I will most likely order two trailers and keep one as a wood and landscape trailer.

I look forward to all the great advice, sarcastic comments, well wishes, and toasts for more beer.

Onno Kok
Winfield BC

[doug hodder]

Welcome aboard Koko....you've got some great plans from Steve! I'm not a HF builder, but if'n it were me...I'd go for the larger wheels. Have fun with your build. Doug

[Koko65]

Thanks for the welcome Doug

I might just get one of each trailer and use one for the build and the other for the building supplies. For that price I can afford two.

Onno

[doug hodder]

Well...that way...you always have a back up....sorry, that's the sarcasm you mentioned....there, now that you got it out of the way and can freely build!

All kidding aside...plenty of people have built on a HF frame...have fun with your build. There is tons of information on this forum and I've never found anyone that wasn't willing to help out with some info or tips on a build. Get focused on what you want....if not, you'll be boggled with ideas but that's a good thing. Doug

[Oldragbaggers]

Welcome Koko and congratulations. We are in the same boat as we just got our trailer frame last weekend and are starting ourselves. I agree with Doug... gotta get focused. So far the only thing I have spent more time on than changing my mind is............ Oh, wait, there is NOTHING I have spent more time on than changing my mind. It took me 2 months to decide on a trailer frame. Been thinking about the profile at least that long and designing the galley may cause my head to explode.

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Koko, welcome to the board. I have only two suggestions for you prior to your build. First, I would go for the 12 inch wheels, since you have a choice. My HF frame had 8 inchers on it, and I decided to go for the 12 inchers instead. I just figure they just don't spin as fast as the 8's when doing 65 mph. Next, I found it helpful to make a full size profile out of a cardboard box that had been used to ship a large TV. You can lay out the shape, galley hatch and depth, door size, fender shapes and location. I know it worked for me, since I also knew nothing about building a teardrop trailer. Remember, you can't build just one!
Roly ~~

[Koko65]

Darn... We recently bought a new tv. Should have kept the box. Oh well, I should be able to get enough from work, pallets often have a large sheet of cardboard in between layers. I have noticed that some people build a scale model. I will most likely use sketch up and cardboard for full size mock ups. For a simple test I laid out a large blanket and folded in such a way the it would be the interior dimensions with a fold where the rear cabinets would be. Then my wife and I laid down and got the dog to join us just to see how it fits. I would like to stick to 4ft wide for weight and drag behind the car.

Onno

[Koko65]

I ordered the HF trailer today, the 48 x 96 with 12" wheels. I found a 20% off coupon online so the cost of the trailer was $231 + shipping. Great way to start the build, saving money already.

Onno