Hello from Portland, Oregon

[telemorris]

Hello everyone,

I'm a newb from the Portland, OR area. I'm a very overwhelmed by the wealth of information here! It's and incredible site.

My wife and I have been wanting a camper for the past 10 years after we had to sell our older Chalet. I loved camping in it but had to give it up for a number of reasons. Kids, family, work, etc. Now the youngest is off to college and my wife and I just bought a Subaru Outback that's capable of towing a camper so I'm looking for a way to get a camper without spending an arm and a leg.

Don't know why I haven't noticed TD campers before. They're perfect for the two of us. We're both in love with small houses and the TD is about as small as it gets. Plus I love the design, and the possible woodwork, and, and.

I'm going to lurk for awhile and try to soak up information before I start the design/build process. Fortunately for me, there are lots and lots of designs to choose from, thanks to all of you generous folks!

One question before I disappear into lurking. I want to build around a Queen size mattress. That means 60" width for the inside of the TD. Has anyone ever designed for 60" inside dimension on a 4 foot frame? Basically enclose the wheels and raise the floor up above the top of the wheels. Is that a good or a bad idea?

I ask because, though I'm a woodworker and cabinet maker, I've never done metal work/welding. Not sure I want to acquire yet another set of skills and the tools to go with it. Not sure if I can get a 5 x 8 or 5 x 10 frame for under $500 either. I've been doing a bit of looking both online and on this forum and haven't run into an answer for this - yet.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Telemorris

[mikeschn]

Hi Telemorris,

Welcome to the forum.

5' wide. Absolutely. Check out this thread!

viewtopic.php?p=1036838#p1036838

Mike...

[telemorris]

Thanks Mike,

That's exactly what I'm looking for!

Cheers,

Ed

[Mary C]

Welcome to you and your wife. I would like to invite your wife to stop by the ladies thread any time and put in her two cents. I would you to take notes and note where you saw something that really impressed you. you may need it later. I built 5 wide on a Harbor Freight trailer. Just like you said up and canter levier. My build ( Grits) is in the foamie section .

Mary C.

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum
Yes, this is wonderful place to gather information for your build.
Not only are there some wonderful and giving people here, there is a lot of recorded knowledge.....check out the electrical section.
Glad to hear you are considering a 5" wide, as it is one of the best decisions you will make. A Queen size bed in a tear is easy and will make you camping experience more pleasurable.
Also, you should make a list of all the things you see yourself doing and using while camping (either alone or with a group ) and make sure you include these items and features into the design of your galley.
The build is just the first part of the enjoyment teardrop camping is going to bring to you and your wife.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi
PS
The best build tip I can pass on to you is: Make sure you get a Dexter Rubber ride axle!