New teardrop builder

[rickp]

Howdy all. My wife and I have decided to build a Teardrop trailer for use when we visit national parks and when taking our 5th wheel is just to much hassle. We have purchased a HF trailer and have a set of plans from Kuffel Creek. We are excited about getting started in the next week. We plan to use an aluminum sheet top and paint the sides like our 5th wheel. Kind of a mini me thing. We look forward to using all the posts as a reference for ideas and helpful hints. Thanks for reading and if you have recommendations for posts to read feel free to let us know. Rick and Irene...

[the hunter]

welcome to the group look forward to seeing pic of your tear dood luck on your build

[tipoblanco]

good luck on your build,remember the main rule is, there is no rule,its all imagination and should reflect your personality,you can go from basic to extreme,cheap to broke,and there is never a stupid question,for all of us that have built a tiny camper can tell you its all about asking questions,we have all been standing in front of a bare axle and pile of stuff and said,now what?dont get to discouraged and if you do stop and take a break,sleep on it and the oh yea moment will come,i have spent many sleepless nights with visions of my little campers end result running through my head.we love it,and have spent many a night sleeping in the end result saying we made it happen,with big grins on our faces when people stop by the campsite with a hundred questions,if you havent yet go to the tearjerkers website and look through the gallery of photos and events
mark&gina

[rickp]

Right now we are trying to decide whether to do a 4 Ft wide or a 5ft wide on our HF four foot wide trailer.

[bc toys]

1st let me welcome you and your wife sounds like you are jumping right into this trailer building thing and if it was me with 2 peps sleeping in there I would build a 5 ft wide remember we love pics of your great work.

[pchast]

Many recommend 5' wide. I'd say mock up the area and take a nap together.
Then discuss how cozy it was... You may decide differently both length and
width.

[grantstew8]

Welcome
We had the same dilemma and went for a 5' based on the poll "what would you differently "

Lots of good advice in previous posts. There is a great resource here don't be shy about asking.

[Shadow Catcher]

Lots of folks how have a 4 wide wish they had a 5 wide, I have yet to hear a 5 wide want a 4 wide. We have a 6X10 and it is just right for us, lots of storage. I will second pchast, mock it up using card board or what ever.

[bobhenry]

I built rip Van Winkle a 4 x 7+ and it is fine for me even though I am on the wrong side of 300 pounds. Actually it is quite comfortable. I chose to not have a galley so I can use the entire length to stretch out. I added outside mount on tables as the alternate galley set up.







However......

When a second person is added to the experience and it is simply too tight. It also has only one door which means the person door side has to get up and out for the other to exit.

We have a 5.5 x 10 built on a HF frame and it is our trailer of choice. Yes there is a weight price you have to pay but if the tow vehicle will handle the larger trailer 5 x 10 is the way to go.

[rickp]

We are leaning toward the 5 footer. Bobhenry my wife spied your sun roof modification and likes it.

[Vedette]

5' all the way!
Don't let any of those single guys tell you otherwise!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi
And WELCOME!

[rickp]

Alright the build is under way. I am posting progress pics on the build page under 'The Minnie Me' build. Wishes me luck. We did go with the 5 Ft wide which has presented its own issues, but I think I took the right approach.

[PKCSPT]

I think you will be glad you went 5 wide. I have a 4 and love it but It is just me and a dog. If the husband ever wanted to go he'd be sleeping in the car.