Hi, I'm Kent V from Oxford, PA

[kent37]

I have always loved teardrop trailers, but with a family, they were just a little too small for our needs.
Now, on the verge of retirement, and after watching Ken Burns' "The National Parks: Americas Best Idea" again, I am really excited about seeing more of the country, and with only my wife Debbie and myself, a teardrop trailer is a natural fit!
I am planning on building a woodie type teardrop, lightweight and aerodynamic as possible.
I have a lot of questions.
Thanks upfront for all of your help,
Kent V.

[steve smoot]

Hi Kent, weclome to the forum and best of luck on your travels.

[bobhenry]

Welcome aboard Kent ( and Debbie)

I started my build in April of 07. I had decided working 2 jobs and odd hobby handyman work was getting me no where and decided to just have some summer fun. Ol what's her name was a bit ambivalent and I would catch her stareing out the kitchen window as I built the trailer in the driveway. I would catch her shaking her head with some concern for my state of mind.

One day I came in and announced I was going to start on the Galley. I got a puzzled look and quickly corrected my statement "the little kitchen in the rear".
She squealed " Kitchen" and out the door she went to investigate. The rest was up to her and the flip out kitchen was her idea. We have 3 years and 5000 miles+/- and have enjoyed every outing.

The Indiana Tearjerker's chapter is very active and each gathering is like a family reunion. You will enjoy the building and planning almost as much as the camping so get started making saw dust and don't forget the pics.

Bob & Vickie Henry

[toypusher]

Kent, welcome to the board from an almost neighbor. I am in Manchester and you are welcome to come by and check my teardrop out if you want. Just PM me and we can make arrangements.

[BillandMarijo]

Kent and Debby,
Welcome from Altoona Pa. We also just retired the beginning of Feb and we love it. Our Teardrop is a perfect fit.
Enjoy,
Bill and Marijo

[Spotman]

Kent, welcome, ask away.

We lived Oxford/Nottingham for 9 years, (10 years ago) when I was stationed in Philly. Great area to be, I miss it.


Bob

[goldcoop]

Welcome Kent!

Did I meet you at Knoebel's Grove last September?

Good Luck with the build!

Cheers,

Coop

[Kelleyaynn]

Welcome from Chester Springs! You will find everyone to be extremely helpful and friendly here. Enjoy!

[rboser]

Welcome Kent from Holland,

Best of luck with your build and retirement!

[len19070]

Welcome Kent.

I'm just up the road from you near Media.

Happy Trails

Len

[toypusher]

Kent, welcome to the board from an almost neighbor. I am in Manchester and you are welcome to come by and check my teardrop out if you want. Just PM me and we can make arrangements.

Doh! I need to learn how to read. I thought Kent was from New Oxford, PA (about 15 miles from here)!!

Still want to welcome him though and he is still welcome to come by and see my teardrop.

[rxc463]

Welcome from the far east (Pa.) that is. Good luck on your build

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Kent, welcome to the forum. Ah ha, a woody, aerodynamic and lightweight.....well, I can encourage you in 2 of the 3 mentioned. First, living in Penn. you probably get a bit of rain and snow, and if you dont' keep your intended woody inside during the harsh weather, it will soon turn into a pile of cornflakes, due to the moisture migrating into the wooden nicks and crannys and hidden glued joints. Believe me, I know.

Next, you mentioned Aerodynamic, and unless you intend to attach it to a rocket that will be sent into orbit, I wouldn't be too concerned about the air burbling behind your hauler, slowing your progress due to the fact that it isn't shaped like a streamlined bullet. Many of us feel that the ultimate shape isn't all that important, as long as it isn't shaped like a movie screen at a drive in theatre.

Now lightweight, that is a different story. I know that a very light teardrop can be built, if you are willing to eliminate all of the heavy 3/4 inch sides and floor. My little 4x8 woody, with 1/4 inch side walls and 2 layers of 1/8th inch roof panels, weighs about 550 lbs, light enough that I can lift a wheel off of the ground with these 77 year old muscles. If you are really interested in a super-light rig, my second build, 40" x 72" tops the scales at 245 lbs, but not recommended for 2 people. Believe me, you and your wife will absolutely enjoy the freedom that a teardrop trailer will provide. Easy to park, easy to tow and will attract many on-lookers.

Look over all of the information at the top of the page on this site, decide on what shape you are interested in, buy that trailer frame and you are on your way to building the teardrop of your dreams. Good luck, take lots of pics of your progress, and post em. By the way, you gotta swing by So Calif on your maiden trip and we'll talk teardrops over a cup of coffee. Remember, we are here to help and many of us have been where you are right now. Start making sawdust, and follow your dream.
Roly ~~

[bobhenry]

Aerodynamics




" as aerodynamic as a barn "

[kent37]

Thanks to everyone for your kind welcomes!

I have been going through the album, forums and design library. There is shure a lot to these little trailers!

My plans are to start gathering parts I need shortly and begin the actual construction this fall and have my TD ready for next spring.

I feel right at home here.

Kent