Newbie from central Illinois

[jseyfert3]

Hey all, writing this as the temp is now down to 2 °F, 17-22 MPH winds and gusts up to 33 MPH, with a low of -18 °F tonight here in central Illinois. Gotta go out and drive in the blowing snow and cold here soon too. What fun...

Anyhow, I believe that I would like to build myself a teardrop camper. Growing up, my parents had a pop-up we all camped in. Now I'm 22 and on my own, and while tents are fine, they're certainly not comfortable, and I remember one night where I got no sleep because there was a nearby storm system and my tent was moving like crazy and making lots of noise. Oh wait, around 4 in the morning I finally moved into my car and slept in the front seat, so I did get some sleep, but it sure wasn't what I had hoped for. When I got the idea to start looking for a camper, I originally started looking at pop-ups. I then found most of them are pretty heavy, in the neighborhood of 1300+ lbs is typical it seems, and my ownly tow vehicle is a 4-door sedan, a 2005 Kia Spectra, with a listed tow weight of 2000 lbs max, but a max hitch weight of 160 lbs which effectively limits my trailer to 1600 lbs or less, max. I then discovered a teardrop or other small camping trailer can have a bed, plus a galley with a stove, sink, and counter space and weight as little as 600-700 lbs. So that's why I'm here!

It would be myself and my girlfriend camping in it. I think I want a 5 foot wide one, probably built on the 1700 lb Harbor Frieght trailer since they are local and I have a 25% off coupon there. I'm 6'05", so I'd need a minimum of about 80 inches (the length of a queen sized bed) in length to sleep. It does not need to be as wide as a queen sized bed (5 feet), even with my girlfriend, although I still am thinking and researching what to put in there to sleep on. I've been looking around here, and I've got some questions, but to start with I've got one now. I'd imagine it's easiest, if it's needed, to move the axle before the trailer is built. What's the location (% from back) of the 1700 lb HF trailer? 45%? Asking cause I've looked at the weight balance speadsheet and it lists 45% for minimum hitch weight, which I'd be looking for to put the least work on my shocks. I also figure it's easiest if the axle doesn't have to be moved. I plan on having a deep cycle battery up front, perhaps propane as well (or I may just use 1 lb bottles, have to see), and a lightweight stove in the back along with sink and counter.

I plan to start working on this soon, and have something ready in a couple months for spring, and camping. Any suggestions on what to look at to start?

[ksmack01]

Welcome to the madness of teardropping. Plan plan plan is the only advise I have. I built my camper with no plans and it evolved over just a couple months. I didnt even look at a single camper before starting mine, ive looked at hundreds since. Ive rebuilt three times now and with camping season ( florida rut ) a couple weeks away im sure I will have plans for changes again this summer.i use mine for boondocking while I hunt so its set up for that. I have added creature comforts that many droppers think are not necessary but it suits my needs well. Im planning on a two week camping trip in ur neck of the woods next year. I fell in love with central Ill this past year after a week of hunting up there. Keep us posted, Kevin

[Woodbutcher]

Welcome to the forum. I am in Northern Illinois. Check out the Midwest section for 2014 gatherings of the Tear Jerkers group from Illinois. The link is up under TD friendly websites up in the blue heading above. We have a gathering planned for AUGUST 7-9th Kickapoo State Park near Danville Illinois. You are welcome to join us even if you have no trailer yet. Often it helps if you come by and see some completed trailers, ask questions and see what you like. Ask as many questions of this group as you need to . Someone will always know the answers.
I built a trailer using the HF 1700# trailer. I did move the axle about 6" back. My battery was in the rear and so was the cooler and my cast iron Dutch Oven. It also made for a better door placement. You will also find that most people that camp with a partner want a 5 wide. Many couples who start with a 4 wide move to a 5 wide. Even the ones that really love each other. Enjoy the planning process and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Hope to meet you around the fire some day!

Steve

[KennethW]

Ksmack01 So I'm not the only one that built without a plan and without seeing a teardrop before building. We both probably have unique design details.
jseyfert3 I would use a wash basin and refrain from plumping with your colder climate. The camper size sinks are really to small to do much and with plumping come more work in winterizing. But that is just my thoughts. I didn't do a build journal but I posted some picture at
gallery/search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&display=popup&search_id=usersearch&username=KennethW&user_id=18277
Have fun -22 in Alexandria MN and -29 tonight. Stay warm.

[bc toys]

Welcome from Las Vegas Nv the warm state sorry couldn't help myself well 5x8 or 5x10 wold be good for starters Just remember we love pics of builds as you are coming along with the build. Stay warm and safe

[PKCSPT]

Thank you for reminding us BCToys

JseyFert3 Welcome, Mine is 4x8 which is good for one but that extra foot would be better for two. The one thing more than anything else I wish I had was 2 doors.