Hello from NY!

[lfrazer98]

Just wanted to say hello! I have been doing a lot of research for months now and have finally taken the first step in building my own tear drop trailer. I just purchased a used 5 x 10 trailer and will be picking it up in 3 days. Yay! So, my first official build pic will be posted very soon. I would like a little advice if anyone has suggestions. How do I remove all the metal that I don't need? I have side rails, etc., and mesh ramp attached to my trailer. Is one way better than another to remove all the extras from the frame without harming the frame? Is it not necessary to remove everything? Thanks in advance and I can't wait to start!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Lauren

[bc toys]

Welcome Lauren from Las Vegas. Well if you good with tools you can use a grinder and cut off disk
and grind the stuff you don't need off or cutting torch. Well good luck with your build.

[lfrazer98]

Hello Las Vegas! That is what I have read. I am not that handy with tools, but my father is, so hopefully we can get this trailer cleaned up. We are building this camper together and are looking forward to a winter project! And we have a pretty long winter up here in NY. I am hoping to figure out how to start a build journal on here and post my first pic on Wednesday. My father and I will be bringing home the trailer then.

I have loved reading everyone's posts here in tnttt land and hope to get some good feedback after we get the ball rolling. Thanks for the welcome!

Lauren

[Mary C]

Welcome Lauren!!! dont forget to check in with the ladies. first check out the design threads then go to the build threads and begin. I have a feeling you are going to do just fine, go to the threads when you want information on specific things and you will do great . Everyone her will do what they can to help.

Mary C.

[pchast]

Welcome Lauren.

[AlgoDan]

Hello and welcome aboard Lauren, glad to see you have your father involved. I had my daughter also help me build mine, and it was time well spent and fun, Good luck and keep us posted....

[Vedette]

Welcome Lauren
Yes, there is a wealth of information here on the Forum, once you learn how to access it.
And a lot of very helpful people willing to give advice and help you along the way.
But we do need pictures!
As for your question, how equipped is the shop or garage you will be building your Teardrop in?
Does your dad have an air compressor? If so he probably has air tools. Again if he does you should learn how to use them.
Air is your friend! You will love it! Always nice to acquire new knowledge and skills along the journey of your build.
So the easiest way to remove metal without access to a plasma cutter is to use a "Die Grinder" (cheapest and most valuable tool in your air tool drawer)
With a 3" cutting disc you can trim off or cut anything (23,000 rpms) and as you become proficient with it you will use it for all of your cutting needs.
But if you don't have air in your shop You will have to rely on electric tools for your build (much more expensive, but most people have them). Electric grinders are less friendly and can do a lot of damage to both the user and the trailer if in the wrong hands.
Be Careful! and always where eye and ear protection!!!
You are going to love the electrical section here on the Forum.........there is a lot of good reading here, and your electrical system is one of the most important things to you when you are out using your teardrop. Remember to plan for everything! as it is easy to run wires and install anything you think you may need during construction, but very difficult afterwards.
Good Luck with your build and don't be shy about asking questions here on the Forum.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[lfrazer98]

Thanks, everyone! I saw a teardrop when I was out in Glacier Nat'l Park last summer and have been intrigued since then. Mentioned it to my dad in August and he has been hooked ever since!

Yes, we do have an assortment of tools in his garage (just a regular house garage) including an air compressor which he has already taught me how to use. I used to love to build things when I was younger and my father was always eager to show me (I think it is the engineer in him).

So, we are both reading as much as we can on here, and everywhere! I have found the "ladies" section, but haven't stumbled upon electrical. We will both need to spend a few hours in that section since it is our weakest skill. However, we are learning as we are going, have gathered MANY, many resources and are hoping to start posting pictures as early as tomorrow. I only have one picture for now since we are picking up the trailer tomorrow or Wednesday depending on the snow storm.

Thanks for the advice and the support! You are all great on here as I have read many supportive threads and interesting build journals!

Lauren
PS- I assume to start a build journal I go to that forum, start a new post, then link it to my signature like I see everyone else doing?!

[Junkboy999]

Welcome to the forums Lauren.

Yep when you ready to start the Madness, go to the Build Journal section of the forums and start a new thread there. Helps keep all the build ideas in one area. As brian said always wear Eye protection.

This place is packed with information and ideas for building. Not to single one Teardrop, or TD builder out above the rest, but check out this thread and build log ( He posted it in the general section so it get lost easily ) . The guy is Grant Wipp. He builds TD and also sells all the parts you need like hinges, windows, trim, and doors at his shop lil Bear. A buddy of his talked him in to building one more teardrop and he is documenting it on Facebook and a few post here. If you don’t have facebook you can still follow it through a link in this post.

Follow My Build on Facebook!
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=57828

He has built them for so long he can build them in his sleep. The one he is building now is a good example of a simple teardrop. Show this one to your father as well. Grant makes it look so easy I bet you two will each build one

GL and keep us posted.

[Shadow Catcher]

As other have said welcome. If you go to the Home page you will see the various sections including electrical, however if you have specific questions feel free to ask, and learn from our mistakes.

[drgrumpus]

Lauren: Welcome to the madness. You must be from upstate if you mention long winters. I am from NH and grew up in upstate NY, so I know long winters.

I started my build in September, and it is slow going, but I spend a lot of time planning my next step and checking things twice. I have floor and walls up with headliner in. Just got my electrical wiring done.

Dittos on the wiring planning. You don't want to tear off the outer skin if a problem shows up. I am going with a strictly 12V electrical system to keep it simple.

The 5 X 10 frame is very generous. You can do a lot on that and have a pretty comfortable TD. I used 5 X 5 baltic birch for floor and walls. I joined them with "biscuits" to get 10 foot ply. I don't have a build log going yet-I'm too lazy, but I'd like to share what I've learned.

Mike

[lfrazer98]

Lauren: Welcome to the madness. You must be from upstate if you mention long winters. I am from NH and grew up in upstate NY, so I know long winters.

I started my build in September, and it is slow going, but I spend a lot of time planning my next step and checking things twice. I have floor and walls up with headliner in. Just got my electrical wiring done.

Dittos on the wiring planning. You don't want to tear off the outer skin if a problem shows up. I am going with a strictly 12V electrical system to keep it simple.

The 5 X 10 frame is very generous. You can do a lot on that and have a pretty comfortable TD. I used 5 X 5 baltic birch for floor and walls. I joined them with "biscuits" to get 10 foot ply. I don't have a build log going yet-I'm too lazy, but I'd like to share what I've learned.

Mike

Share away, Mike! I am about to start my build journal since I have my first official picture to upload right now. We just got snow today, but we brushed it off before putting the trailer in the garage. We will have a lot to cut off, sanding to do, and painting/sealing before we get the floor on. Thanks for the idea of biscuit joining. Did you insulate your walls, Mike? We plan on putting insulation throughout, but see there are many opinions/options out there. Definitely, feel free to comment and share along the way.
Lauren

[lfrazer98]

I guess I will make the pictures smaller. Wasn't sure what size to post, but scrolling isn't fun when looking at photos.

[drgrumpus]

Lauren: looks like a good start. Dad plus angle grinder plus cutoff blade will get rid of the extra metal pretty quickly. Looks like you have a decent work space. That'll help for sure.

I did not insulate the walls/floor. I will insulate the ceiling-mostly for sound.

My shape is a Grumman II with overhang front and rear. With a 5X10 bed, you could do a Benroy shape and have lots of room.

More pix.

Mike

[lfrazer98]

Mike,
I just started a build journal and posted a link in my signature. I, too, liked the Grumman 2 design. I basically outlined my plan on there, but have yet to post design pics. I do like the look of a woody sided tear with an aluminum top. Still early in our plan, but I will post any new pics and designs as soon as we create them! I am meeting up with my father tomorrow to start! More to come.