Newb from NW Montana

[tinman52]

Hi all, my name is Scott and happy to be here. I've been reading and soaking up info here for a while, thought I'd join in the discussions.
I have started building my first teardrop, 4x8 of my own design, loosely based on the Benroy. I plan to keep it simple and lowbuck. I will be towing it with one of my Classic vehicles.
So far I have built the trailer frame, mounted the axle and have it titled. I'm sure I will have a lot of newb questions, so bear with me.
Thanks!

[KennethW]

I will share what I have learned. 4 wide is only good for one person. If I were you I would go 5 wide with a slat platform (firing strips and old steel bed frame angle iron for center support) for a bed above the wheel wells (may need a step for your feet outside the door). The elevated bed will give you storage under it . If you have a leak the mattress will dry up quickly and humidity will wick thru the mattress. Plus you will not be on the floor so it can be of really light material like coroplast(old politic signs) Have you looked at a foam build? Here is my no wood teardrop(only wood is the drop-floor floor). viewtopic.php?f=50&t=70181 Just my thoughts. Have fun with your build

[pchast]

I must say my wife and I were comfortable in a 4 wide.
It depends on you...........

I recommend that you mock up a 4 wide and check it out with
your significant other before you jump to 5 foot.

Its a leap in complexity and cost.

[tinman52]

Thanks for the replies.
I should probably elaborate...I am single and mostly travel alone. This TD won't be used for camping per se. Just a place to sleep out of the weather while on the road to car events. No rear galley or any frills, very basic. I'm committed to the 4 wide as the frame is already built. This is my first TD build, but not likely the last. Maybe the next one will be bigger!

[KennethW]

Good plan. Build a low cost one first to see what you really want. A gallery in your case would make a good spot for your cleaning supply's and refreshments. Please put a good roof fan in. It is almost a must have. Don't be afraid of the roof curve. it is really easy with a pair of ratch straps. I think the curve makes for a lot stronger teardrop with less weight.

[Jim.Johnson]

I've followed this thread with some interest. I too am building a 4x8 Benroy. I have a 5x8 that I took over as an unfinished project. I've spent tons of time and money to make it into a pretty nice teardrop. But I wanted something smaller and much lighter. For me camping is not about taking home with me. I want a dry place to sleep and enough gear to prepare meals. I find that I rarely use any of the inside storage so I'm just going to have a couple of shelves to set stuff on. I keep most of my extra gear in the back of the car.
I'll at least have fun building. I'll try it for awhile and see if it's really what I want or if I'll go back to the other one. It seems that several I know are moving from teardrops to standies, but so far that's not for me.
I'm building in some wiring, but to start with I'm using battery powered puck lights for lighting. I would only need a larger battery if I needed to run the fan - which in the NW I have never done. I also don't have any media build in. I'm going to put in a port for shore power and I'll have a small 12v power supply along.

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[Jim.Johnson]

I think I need to add a bit. I also camp alone except for a smaller beagle. She doesn't need much space.
I said I don't use my overhead fan, but I definitely recommend a roof vent. I find that with side windows and the overhead vent I get all the air movement I need in our climate.

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[Wolfgang92025]

Tinman,

Welcome to the fun.

Remember, we love

[tinman52]

Yes I am starting out with a pretty basic build. I will have a small on board battery to power the roof vent and an interior light/power port. But really, portable LED lights are cheap and throw a lot of light.....I have one I use for tent camping that works great.
I'm sure I'll learn a lot building this.
Will start a build thread as I get farther along. With pictures.

[Sparksalot]

You should be ready to camp by July. Walk The Winds is coming up near Pinedale, WY.

[Photophobic]

Welcome!

I highly recommend keeping the first build as simple as possible. I didn't follow that advice and not everything came out as planned and my build was well behind schedule.

[gudmund]

single - even being single, build it with two doors - a door on each side - more than often I found the campsite will dictate what side of the trailer you will be accessing in and out on!! Plus, for resale, even with it being a 4x8 it is more sellable. Something else you may look at building as a compromise is 4-"1/2" X 8. One of the problems with a 4x8 is the mattress size. With a 4 ft you either have to have a mattress made to 'fit' it or find a mattress that can be cut to fit - a mattress 4 "1/2" wide is a common size = 'FULL' size -- as is a 5 ft = 'QUEEN' size. (both sizes very 'common') Am speaking from the experience of having now owned both sizes and yes, the 4ft wide was just "fine" for one person and you know, sometimes this 5ft one I now have is just a bit "TOO WIDE"!! when trying to reach out to grab something that 1 extra ft is just a bit too far.....!!! this 1/2 ft idea could be the compromise....... something more too think about.......

[Jim.Johnson]

As mentioned earlier I'm going from a 5 ft. to a 4 ft. A big advantage in the build stage is very efficient use of materials. I'm only doing one door with a window and a window opposite it. Mine is stick built with skins on both sides so I included framing for a second door if I ever see the need. Just poke a hole and run the router around and presto a door opening! I've never used the second door on the unit I have.

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[tinman52]

Thanks for all of the input!
Actually, my trailer is 4'4" wide....kinda odd I know but dictated by the axle I chose to use(Chrysler minivan rear axle). Those extra inches are nice, but will make materials a bit more $$$. No biggie.
I wanted the trailer width and axle width to match my tow vehicles, my '52 Ford PU or my '31 Plymouth coupe. That is why I ruled out the 5' wide.
As for mattress, I will be using an air bed or a piece of thick foam w/cover.
Yup, doors on both sides and some opening windows in both. Maybe a skylight, I haven't decided.....but definitely a good roof vent/fan.
Hope to start a build thread as soon as there is some progress!

[VinceEC]

Hello Fellow Montanan and car buff I say it is good to have a 4 foot td as my wife and I have enjoyed all our camping trips in a 4 foot!! we go alot too!! One thing to remember is that in a 4 footer you must like who is staying there with you but more important than that is SHE better like you real good too!! i am south central Mt and will be pulling my ole td with an ole '58 ford Ranchero some of the time this summer hope we can meet up some day!