New Member in Texas

[samintexas]

Hello All,

My name is Sam and I live in Huntsville, TX. I found this either through a search directly or from a link in another search result, forget which now. In any case, it seems like a great resource for me!

I'm looking to build a teardrop of some sort, or perhaps something else small and light. I have a 2013 Honda CR-V, with a 1,500 lb towing capacity. I'm a coach for a high school mountain bike team, and I'm also a photographer. I shoot these races as well as adventure races (basically off-road triathlons) and trail runs. As such, I spend a decent amount of time camping, or a LOT of money in a hotel! I'd prefer the camping route since it's significantly cheaper! However, the last time out, we had a MAJOR storm come rolling through, and the tent I borrowed just wasn't cutting it with constant winds of 20+ mph, and gusts probably getting close to 40+ mph!

I saw a Little Guy dealership in Burnet, TX, and liked the idea of them, thinking they would suit my purposes quite nicely. However, I didn't really like the price, and figured I'd have to wait a while to get one. Then, my wife suggested I consider building one, after she did a search and found something online talking about building a teardrop for $500. Granted, that doesn't really seem THAT feasible, but it started the ball rolling and me thinking more about it.

My brother has an older popup camper, and he offered it to me late last summer. However, it's not in the best of shape, having been abused and mistreated by my nephew. So, I turned him down on it. It was a couple of months later that my wife began looking and suggested building one. I then checked with my brother to see if he still had the trailer, and if it had a frame underneath. He said yes on both counts, so I'll be picking it up from him sometime soon. I'll use the frame from it, along with the AC unit and possibly the fridge on it. Both run on propane or electric, I believe he said. I may also use other things from it, depending on my exact build plans and the condition of the items, as well as my needs.

At this point, I don't know a WHOLE lot about various styles, but I'm thinking of one tall enough to stand in. There are several reasons for this, including that I'd like to place a toilet inside to keep from making nighttime treks to the restrooms at the camp sites. Also, while it would be mostly myself sleeping in it, there is the possibility of taking along various parts of my family, which include a 16-year old son, an almost 7-year old daughter, and an almost 5-year old son, along with the aforementioned wife. To be honest, I'm not sure how much the oldest will want to go with us, but I KNOW the younger ones are wanting to come along!

My thoughts at this time are to have a couple of sleepers going along the sides, with some walk space between. Over them would be either two more fold-down sleepers for the young kids, or a single larger fold down. Along the front would be the bathroom and a sort of built-in desk area, with a bit of space between the sleepers and this area, which is where the door would be. My goal is to keep it around 1,000-1,200 pounds, with the lighter the better. If I can do this, then there will be a galley in the back part, possibly. May try to put one inside, depending on design/space. If so, it will be a bit minimalist, at this point. Partly due to weight concerns, but also budget, for the moment.

Also, I'm wanting this to be operable on both AC and batteries, if possible. My brother mentioned some solar panels, and I'd definitely consider them, as well. Some places we go to race don't have electrical hookups, so that's the need for an alternate power source. As a photographer, I would like the ability/space to be able to work on images on my computer without too much problems.

So, I think that's a pretty good intro for the time being. Definitely open to suggestions on plans/ideas, as well as tips for when I begin building. I'm pretty decent with woodworking tools, and a neighbor has agreed to help with the plumbing/electrical side of things. I'm considering the idea of using galvanized steel for the support struts, but don't know if the weight limits will allow it. If so, then my neighbor can help there, as well.

Thanks much in advance, and thanks for what promises to be a great site and resource!
Sam

[bc toys]

Welcome from Las Vegas Nv hope you get to building your trailer and remember we love pics and you might want to start a post in new build section when you do get started

[RandyG]

Welcome! A standie with room for at least 4 while staying under 1200lbs... Sounds like a foamie is in work. Not saying it cant be done using traditional methods but the frame of the pop-up with the a/c and fridge will already put you about half the total weight. If you havent looked into the foamie section yet, take a look at some of those.

[samintexas]

Randy,

First, thanks for the welcome! Second, I don't know what a foamie is, so I would have to look at them. Third, I'm using the STRUCTURE of the popup: only the underlying frame. Much of the popup will either be sold off, trashed, or repurposed for my build. I'm only interested in the popup for the frame and anything off of it I can re-use.

Thanks again,
Sam

[samintexas]

bctoys,

Thanks much for the welcome! Once I start work on it, I'll be posting photos and such. I still have to get the old popup from my brother, first! Then there's the the tear down, then the frame inspection/any work needed, then...

Thanks again!
Sam

[bc toys]

You could start a new build with a hi-lo, you got the pop up and it has all the mechanics that you would need to make it happen. You could make it big enough for a family of 4 with out to much trouble.

[samintexas]

bctoys,

What do you mean by a hi-lo? Can you provide a link to one, or let me know exactly where to search for the different styles?

Thanks,
Sam

[bc toys]

a hi lo is a hard sided trailer that the top 1/2 comes down over the bottom 1/2 and you can raise it up to be a standy when it is set up goggle hi-lo trailers you will see some

[Light Craftsman]

Welcome from one newbie to another.

Thanks for the tip on the Little Guy dealer in Burnet. I go by there all the time. I'm thinking of renting a TD from him for a weekend and seeing how I like it.

Good luck on your search.