Hello From Alabama

[WinterElm]

Greetings and Salutations everyone!!!!

My name is Sharon, I'm 56, and I am new to the TD and TTT scene. I really want a small trailer I can use to go traveling with that won't be too heavy to pull, but will keep me nice and toasty warm on the coldest of nights or dry on those thunderous evenings. I also want to build one with the kitchen in the back. My wood working skills are beginning to intermediate depending on what I am building. I probably would need to buy a few electric tools, but I already have 2 circular saws, 2 drills, jig saw, hammers, squares, miter boxes and tape measures galore.

One of the problems I have is, if I am going to build anything, I need plans. Very descriptive plans. Other than that. I can put almost anything together if I put my mind to it.

I am hoping to learn a great deal about TD's and TTT's. I believe I am in the right place.



Sharon

[teardropDIY]

Hi Sharon:

As one newbie to another, Welcome.

[Mary C]

Hi Sharon, Welcome to the madness! Just where in Ala are you from narrow it down a little. I am just across the state line in GA off the interstate 20. I am building a foamie. I am 64, and if I can do it you can too. about the warm and cool. the foamie gets really warm in the winter and with AC mine stays cool in the summer. My advise is always read then read and read some more. I bought my first two pieces of foam leaned them against furniture and put my little mattress on the floor and slept between the foam pieces, that experience was the beginning of my building Process. I then knew how wide I wanted it and how tall. You can use cardboard to start your design process, Good luck!!!

Mary C.

[John W]

Welcome Sharon. I am new to this also. I started lurking about a year and half ago when I decided to start my build. I drew plans that were commensurate with my carpentry skills ( I am still in possession of all my digits). I learned quite a bit as I went along. There were many "rip it out and redo" sessions. I kept it simple with angles instead of curves. It fit my primary requirement, which was to have a drier, more secure place to lay my bones at the end of the day. It is a work in progress. Every time I go out in it, I find something I want to change to make it more comfortable. My goal is to be able to go for a week or so at a time. Right now, I visit the state parks here in Texas. I live in south Texas, and have very many SP to visit within a 2 hour radius.

You will have some very wonderful times and experiences in your new tear drop trailer. Enjoy!

[bobhenry]

You can use cardboard to start your design process, Good luck!!!

Mary C.

Poor man/womans CAD's

Cardboard aided design

[Mary C]

Yeayayea, It works and you know it Bob Henry! I don't do cad, but having the box in cardboard does have its advantages. You can really see if you need to add more length or width. You can cut the curves and then decide if you really want them that way. You can tape and glue more on more cardboard if you don't like it, You cant add wood as easily as cardboard. Free cardboard at Funiture stores.

Mary C.

[1950 tear]

Hello AL here too. Was fortunate to find old tear son and I renovated it hittin the ole camping trail soon woo hoo! Good luck from the ground up.

[bc toys]

Welcome Sharon this is a great site hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I lived in Madison Al for about 3yr like it but had to move on cause of work.
Maybe some day I'll get back that way

[cheri832]

Sharon,
Welcome. You definitely have come to the right place. I'm 63 but managed to build my teardrop and you can too.
I started just like Mary with cardboard propped up in a hallway and slept on the floor. I also cut out several of Andrew's profiles(they are in the design section) until I found the one that pleased my eye. It took longer than I thought it would but is sooooo worth it. I'm leaving in three weeks to Florence, AL for my first trip. If you are anywhere near there you are welcome to come check out what I managed to build.