New guy here. First question.

[JohnnyG]

I stumbled accross teardrops while researching lightweight motorcycle campers for use with a small car. Similar to my favorite way of traveling I did years ago...with a mattress and topper in the back of a small pick-up.
Could anyone answer me as to why the teardrops seem to have their wheels so far back? I'm sure it's partly to give more room for the doors but aren't the tongue weights alittle high?
BTW I've ordered plans and will start gathering parts soon for a 8' Cubby!

[SteveH]

Welcome to the forum Johnny. Yes, it does appear the axles are too far back at first glance, and the door has something to do with it, but the ballace is effected by the galley (usually the heaviest part) being in the rear. For the best handling of a small trailer, it is said you want 10-15% of the gross weight on the tongue. As an example, my trailer in my avitar has about 15% tongue weight, and handles well. Hope that explains it.

[JohnnyG]

Thanks. I learn something new everyday. Still.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Johnny. Steve is correct. The galley balances it all out. Mine is not as far back but the entire bed is across the front. Right now it is almost level when the jacks are gone and the tongue weight is at 100#. too light I think.

Enjoy the site and remember to take and share lots of

[Tear Les]

Thanks. I learn something new everyday. Still.

Hi JohnnyG!

Welcome aboard.

I hope that happens everyday too; otherwise there's not much to look forward to!

[Roly Nelson]

JohnnyG, this is the place for TD construction info. Glad you found us. Are you planning on pulling the tear with a big bike? If so, there are those that have done it........however since you have ordered the Cubby plans, I guess you will be pulling it with a car or truck. Good luck on your build, that's half of the fun.

Roly

[The Teardrop Nanny]

Welcome, Johnny G.

Would Plymouth be the one in the state of Mass.? Are you East Coast?
Have a great time cruising this site and traveling about meeting some of us. Check out the link below if you can get to the west coast next summer. Also it is listed at the top of this forum menu on the far right corner as "Pamplingrove" button. Fix up some photos to post for us.

The Teardrop Nanny
Joanie

[JohnnyG]

I live in Plymouth Minnesota. Twin cities metro area. I have an old utility trailer that I was originally thinking of using for a teardrop but now I realize it is slightly racked. I'll be looking into the cost of straightening it out vs just buying a HarborFreight type trailer. I like the looks of a trailer with bigger tires but will prolly just get a new bolt together with its 12 inch tires.
BTW I saw an old metal teardrop 1949ish I think for sale in Winona Mn. I was kinda hoping the guy didn't know what he had and would sell it cheap but he's asking 4000.

[JohnnyG]

Pamplingrove. That looks like a good place to take a new teardrop! The only thing left to do is build it...

[Ratfinkster]

Welcome, Johnny. Fellow Minnesotan here. Also just in the planning stages. If your looking for info on Teardrop building, you have defianetly come to the right place. "Read and Learn" as I like to say. Good luck.