Former 'lurker" now registered

[RogHodge]

Greetings everyone-
After my wife mocked me for being a ‘lurker’ I decided to register and post.
I have been thinking about a teardrop for years, I like to get out- but I’m also way to cheap/broke to actually purchase a trailer. The answer seems to be building my own- I’m sure you would agree.
I have moderate skills, a touch of OCD, and a fair amount of time. I would like to make this inexpensive, and lightweight, but don’t they all. I wanted to introduce myself and declare my intentions to continue to read, post and- after defending a dissertation- build.

[RogHodge]

Wow! Look at how fast someone replied... Oh wait, it's me again.
I forgot to give a general statement of gratitude to all of you who have maintained and contributed to this site and given of your time and wisdom. I have little doubt that with the help of all of you I will have the support and help that I will need in this process.

It seems to me shallow and arrogant for any man in these times to claim he is completely self-made, that he owes all his success to his own unaided efforts. Many hands and hearts and minds generally contribute to anyone’s notable achievements. ~Walt Disney

[Anthony J Grant]

Oh Oh Oh Let me be #3 on your list of replys. Ive noticed that there are a good group of "regulars" trolling this area, they will be by soon. I think the real mean ones are out in the other topics.

Tony

[PaulC]

Welcome Rog Grate To have you on bored Miriam will be along shortly to demand a series of pics. This is mandatory for all newbies. Pics of everything and anything will be fine. Just make sure you keep her oil bubble level(whatever that means )

Cheers
Paul

[RogHodge]

Yes pictures are needed- As I get to the project pictures will follow. I still need to figure this whole forum thing out- ‘avatar, what’s an avatar? I don’t even have a cat’
I have been all over the spectrum in my mind regarding a project- from a super light single sleeper for trips to rocket launches (more about that later) to the ‘wanderbug’ that could house me and the fam. However since I have never built a tear my logical side says “hey dummy, don’t try anything tricky”. Perhaps a generic benroy? 5x8 ish. Light enough to tow behind a 4cyl accord. My thought is to ‘stick frame’ the walls and use 1/8th for inner and outer walls. Could rip ¾ ply for the frame or use ‘furring’ strips aka 1x2s. I make semi regular trips to the local desert for launches and might need (must) AC.
The big factor is $$$. I need to keep cost low- I bet <$1000 and <1000lbs is easily do-able. How about <750 $&# ?
EDIT- 'Wanderbug' is the same as the 'Lightweight' at http://www.mikenchell.com/VintagePlans/ ... plans.html However the link/PDF for 'Lightweight' is HUGE- I found a better copy complete with the second half of the build article (may have been on this forum?) If I knew how I would post it.
Maintaining my level of cluelessness is a burden that few could bear (bare?)

[halfdome, Danny]

Welcome to the forum Rog. Walt Disney was one of my favorites too. I can remember what I was doing when I heard he had passed.
You'll be hard pressed to build as inexpensive as you want but if you can do it more power to you. As materials increase in price I'll have a hard time keeping my costs under $7K. Just paid about $478 for a Dexter Torsion axle with electric brakes.
Good luck to you and have fun with your build. Danny

[RogHodge]

Thanks Danny- but 7k!!! is this a joke
I think the steel will be the biggest expense- I may end up going with a HF trailer for cost and convenience.
I have scoured Craig’s list and found a few possible bases. Does anyone want to check my logic about a used ‘project’ trailer- just the steel like an old boat trailer or??
Now that I used emotions I feel like a real member (no jokes please)

[Steve_Cox]

Now that I used emotions I feel like a real member (no jokes please)

4 posts and you've already started with the "member" jokes

[mikeschn]

Hey Rog,

Welcome to the forum. Looks like you'll fit right in!



Mike...

[sdtripper2]

Roger:



Well, guy ~ You are at the right place and time to have your build take on
a life with the discussion and help of some talented individuals to be sure.
You definitely have come to the right trailer forum to assist you in making your
wishes come true. There are many here that are afflicted with the build bug
as their pent uP talent needs outward expression so their camping in
comfort can commence.

So ask your questions in the appropriate forum area and expect some
answers. You will be asked to post pictures of your progress. Most seem to
like the pictures and when asking questions a picture is worth much for
clarification.

Glad you found us....

Steve

[hiker chick]

I have moderate skills, a touch of OCD, and a fair amount of time.

A recipe for success.

Good luck!

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome to the board Rog. I see you have conquered the avatar mystery, and it looks like you have a rocket in the back ground and perhaps a smaller one in your hand. Happy shooting. Rockets facinate me, and I enjoy seeing the early attempts and progress made by the Germans during the final stages of WWII.

Now a bit about price, size and material. You failed to tell us how large (or old) your family is, but by a 5 wide, I suppose you want more room than for 2 adults. If a stand-up trailer is in your plans, (which may be a bit heavy for your 4 banger Accord) complexity, price and time of construction will greatly be increased. I know for a fact that a tear can be built for about 500 bucks if a cheap HF frame is used, a simple shape is selected, an inexpensive exterior (1/4" plywood either varnished or painted) and off-of-the-shelf hardware is used.

By eliminating all of the bells and whistles, you can make some cost-cutting corners, leaving out fancy galley cabinetry, stove, refer, sink and water tank, sound system, flip-down Sony TV, etc. You mentioned a tear for only one person, and if you are interested in seeing a 6 footer I made, check out my gallery. It has a 40 x 48 HF frame and bed measures diagonally, 6 ft 8 inches. BTW, it only weighs 245 lbs, perfect for a 4 banger, I know, I have one.

I see you are somewhere in So Calif.......too. Give me a hint of your location, we might be neighbors. I'm in Wildomar, and if you are ever down this way, swing on by and we'll share ideas. Good luck.
Roly

[RogHodge]

Gee Wiz guys I feel so… accepted (brings a tear to the eye don’t it)
Avatar- those fine fellows are on the left Walt Disney and on the right Werner Von Braun, both men I admire. I am a touch cautious about posting a picture since I am a therapist/psychologist and some of my clients might struggle to maintain appropriate boundaries- I’m sure no-one here has any similar issues.
For those interested in rocketry- check out (google) “plaster blaster” my local club hosts the event on the first weekend of Oct. I am one of the crazy guys that launch large dangerous rockets in the desert- okay I mostly watch.
My family- well note the boundaries issue- We are small and young under 6’ under 170lbs and under 45 years- most likely if the whole gang goes the kids will be in a tent ‘next door’. Good word on the stand up- maybe for tear #2 (rather optimistic considering #1 is but a gleam in the minds eye)
I think my needs will be simple- no fridge- no sink-no water tank-no entertainment sys (the laptop will do) no bells and only one whistle.
What I think I will need is a basic sleeping area- ‘every one’ says that queen size is king- that’s why I thought 5’ wide, a couple of reading lights and some storage in the galley. The only whistle (or bell) that I might want is the foot well interior table arrangement. I’m still lurking about for that info. My plans are; I plan to build it, I plan to have fun doing it, and I plan to pillage as much information as I can from this forum. Complexity does not scare me- cost does. When I worked as a luthier (this is one who makes stringed instruments) we had a sign on the wall “Quality Price Speed- pick two” I’m going for quality and price.
I’m located in the east county of San Diego an would love to see some of the Tears out this way… Wildomar is central California from my vantage point

[halfdome, Danny]

Rog, sounds like a 5' x 8' would be the size that would fit your stated needs. The little diner table sounds neat but I had one here in the Pacific North West and in two years we never used it. To remove all the bedding it's just easier to huddle under a shelter like an easy-up. You may not need it unless your in Julian or the Cuyamaca Mountains. Foot wells though, are very handy. Just my thoughts. Danny

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Rog! Goodness, who has ever heard of boundries issues. Dig that camera out cause you will certainly need it. The bubble oil gets outta whack then it is much easier to fix.

You can make a TD cheap as Roly has said. You can even make it quality! You just need to shop around and take your time. Put your money in really good outside materials and do the inside as you can.