Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

maybe a stupid question, if people want to build their own, why not start with a cargo trailer ? it already has a floor, sides and a top. even lights inside in most cases. I guess my question is why do people go out and find a bare trailer and start from scratch when for about the same money you can have one almost done.

You do know you are in the cargo trailer conversion section

Maybe the teardrop guys zapped you over here.

There is a tremendous difference in size and weight on most.

I think some people just like to build from scratch. Be creative, use their skills, make it totally custom, and just enjoy the building process. I'm with you though. I have no building skills or talent, and don't care for anything involving a hammer, screw driver, drill, saw, or the like. So I ordered the cargo trailer with door, windows, lights, insulation, and vents. About all I had to do was the interior decorating, furnishing, flooring, and add my heater. If not for this forum, I wouldn't have proceeded like that, if at all. Would probably be in a commercial R-Pod or something.

TerryB89 wrote:maybe a stupid question, if people want to build their own, why not start with a cargo trailer ? it already has a floor, sides and a top. even lights inside in most cases. I guess my question is why do people go out and find a bare trailer and start from scratch when for about the same money you can have one almost done.

Why not a cargo trailer? Here's ten reasons:





















But basically, it's because we're individuals and we like to create stuff.

Tony

We're in the "have built a teardrop but are hoping to convert a CT" camp.

Reasons for the teardrop:
1. creativity
2. woodworking hobby
3. lightweight (could be towed by our car or mini-SUV)
4. contains everything onboard for a 2-3 day quick, minimum hassle, getaway

Reasons for wanting a CT conversion:
1. self-contained bathroom and shower
2. indoor space for when weather is inclement
3.onboard storage for longer stays - 2+ weeks at a time
4. generally poor quality of RV industry products
5. want a design for two people and not for 4+ as is typical for RV industry
6. woodworking hobby
7. creativity

FYI - I haven't ruled out build a CT-like travel trailer from the ground up including building my own walls, roof and floor.

I built our travel trailer using our NEO all aluminum 7x16x7, 24" V-nose CT. 32" side door, rear ramp.

I started a thread here but never completed it 'cause most people were building toy haulers of some variety. I didn't think there would be much interest in a travel trailer build.

But I did create a website: http://www.tusker-international.com/1-trlr.html if anyone is interested.

Awesome build thanks for sharing the link!

Hi Terry, I built a teardrop last year, and loved it except for a couple things. Number 1 (no pun intended) was the lack of space for even a rudimentry toilet. Older ladies, or at least my wife, require them. In addition, there was no place to haul our handicap scooters. Had it not been for that, I would still own it. Especially since I built it to keep, and therefor put in everything from AC to knock-off spoke wheels to match my tow car.
I then converted a cargo trailer. Same modifications, AC and that type of thing, but the wheels that came with the trailer stayed on it, stuff like that. I too thought that it would be about the same cost to build, for the same reasons you stated. Now it is done and guess what? It cost about $1,600 more.
As I said, we loved our teardrop, but were forced by circumstance to go the other direction.
What it comes down to is, What youlike, do.

Darrell