Another PA newbie

[RonS]

Just thought I'd check in and say hi. I've been considering a teardrop for a while, but never thought I could build one myself, and couldn't justify the money for a "factory built" unit. I started reading the forum here, and started changing my mind about building one. This past weekend, I met some members at RB Winter state park here in central PA and after talking with them and checking out their teardrops, I really want one. Just have to decide what's getting put "on hold" to finance it.

My biggest concern right now, is weight. I'm a 2 Subaru family and I checked one, it's listed as 1000 pound towing limit without trailer brakes, 2000 pound with brakes. I'm pretty sure the other is rated the same. In the looking I've done, it doesn't look like the typical small utility trailers have brakes. My question becomes, can I build and stay under 1000, or should I get brakes. IF I need brakes, how much expense/complexity is that going to add to my build........

[Roly Nelson]

Hi RonS, welcome to the board. Good for you, wanting to build your own teardrop trailer, or perhaps convert a cargo trailer to your liking. I built a 4x8 woody that weighs in at about 550 lbs, loaded with all of the camping gear. I also have a 40 inch wide 6 footer, and it only weighs 245 lbs, empty. So, to answer your question, Yes, it is totally possible to construct one of these little jewels that is well under 1000 lbs.

I have noticed that most of the heavy-weights, construct their rigs out of heavy 3/4 inch plywood, have massive cabinetry and probably a heavy-duty frame to boot. Adding bells and whistles, such as leveling jacks, storage boxes, car wheels and tires, also increases the final weight.

The sides of mine are 1/4 inch plywood, and it is as solid as a rock. Hey, they build airplanes out of 1/8 inch plywood. Good luck on your build, which ever way you go. Remember, ask questions, take pictures and post 'em, we love pics. Now, get busy, buy that trailer frame and start bolting things together.
Roly

[Sam I am]

Hi, Ron. Welcome to the group! Where are you located? I'm in Centre Hall, about 28 miles west of RB Winter Park. If you're nearby, you can come here and look at my teardrop any time.
Mine is a 5'x8' size and weighs about 750lbs. empty. It works well with no brakes. If you keep yours near that weight you shouldn't have any problems.
Sam

[RonS]

Just over the mountain from you Sam, in Mifflin County. I'd certainly like the opportunity to look at a few more to help decide what direction I'd like to go.

I've read through the plans here for the generic benroy, and like the look of that. Seems to be about what I figured I want from a camper. I wish they listed an estimated weight in those plans......

[Shadow Catcher]

Yes you want brakes! going is optional, stopping is not.
I am on Subaru #11 since 1977 and our tear tipped the scale at 1150# towed behind an H6 with a 2000# towing capacity.
Driving some of the hills in southern Ohio last summer was just barely comfortable and had we had bad weather I would have been less than comfortable. The new tear has brakes, lesson learned.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I'm a 2 Subaru family

Awesome

and welcome to the forum!!

[BillandMarijo]

RonS,
Welcome to the forum from another Pennsylvanian. We are located in the Altoona area. If your ever in our neck of the woods, give us a yell.
Enjoy your build,
Bill and Marijo

[toypusher]

Always room for more teardroppers from PA! Welcome to the board!

[Conestoga]

Hi from another PA newbie. It's nice to see that our PA population is growing.

We would have attended the recent winter teardrop gathering but our desire and plans took us south to get away from the cold (but it seems we took the cold with us!) Hopefully we'll get around to a local gathering in warmer weather.

Right before we left, we bought a small trailer (with no brakes on it) to stash our gear in and to test the teardrop experience before we build anything. So far this idea is working well. I plan to post an update on my thread soon. We're towing with a standard 2.0 liter Ford Focus hatchback, which has a similar towing capacity as your Subaru.

[Kelleyaynn]

Hi Ron from another PA member. I live in the eastern part of the state, about 45 minutes west of Philly. You will find the members here are terrific. They will be more than happy to answer any question you have (and I think I've probably asked some pretty stupid ones at times!) Hoping to start building mine this spring.

[SIXTOTWO]

YAY more from PA!!

WELCOME!!

Terry and Sue