First Project, need help deciding

[Bigpopa76]

Hi!
I've got the fever to start a project and I'm trying to decide which direction to go. My goal is to collect the skills on a smaller trailer to move up to a larger, more complicated model. I definitely want something to restore (something older) and I'd like some advice. Is the teardrop the place I want to start? I'm a bigger guy and I don't know if I see myself and the wife using a teardrop a lot so should I look at a "canned ham"? as a place to start. Really just looking for any and all input I can get.

Thanks!

[sabrown82]

It might help for you and your wife to make a list of the characteristics in a trailer that you really want. Do you want a galley kitchen or an interior? Do you want a table inside? Do you want to be able to standup? Do you want something really lightweight?

There's a lot of information on here! Take a look around and see if there's anything you know you HAVE to have and then choose a camper design that can accommodate that need!

Good luck! Can't wait to see pictures of your future project!

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome to the forum, and I might suggest that spending a bunch of time on building a complete teardrop, may probably be a waste of time and money, if you don't really know what kind of rig you really want. I think it might be a good idea to rent a teardrop, go camping in it and see if it is all that you expected. Personally, if I were unsure, I would try to pick up a small vintage trailer that is in fair shape but needs some TLC. That would be a lot quicker and perhaps even less costly. Good luck on your choice and post some pics when you get it in your driveway.
Roly ~~

[Junkboy999]

Building a teardrop from scratch and refurbing a standup are two different animals. Theres great First time TD builders logs here. Theres some great Rebuilding camper thread. Take your time, read some build logs. Best thing is to find a local teardrop gathering and check out a teardrop in person.

Hope this helps.

[Bigpopa76]

Thank you all. I think given the space I have to work in (3rd bay of a 3 car garage) and my current skills...refurbing a TD is my best option. Plus, I can take it places my current (modern) trailer can't go. I promise to post pics as I go. That seems to be the best "pay it forward" thing you can do for builders/researchers.

Anyone want to give recommendations on a good solid vintage TD platform to start with?

Also, has anyone ever heard of Spartan building a TD????

Thank you again.

[Junkboy999]

Not sure if Spartan made a TD. Smallest thing Spartan ( aircraft company ) built is like a 30 footer. There might be another company called Spartan. But google did not find it.

As for help, It sounds like you're still not sure what direction to go. I know, I did the same thing. Wanted a trailer, Got hooked on the TD style, bought a flat trailer ( not suited for building one ) and some wood. Put on the break, took 5 month just reading build logs, Found a cheap used TD just to see if I can even sleep in one before I spent a year build one. so now I can slow down and build my dream TD while still enjoying my little used one.