Hello from Southern California

[LWT42]

Hi All,

I think we're getting the bug.

We both remember camping fondly, but we're old enough that sleeping on the ground doesn't seem attractive.

We're not looking for a home-on-wheels, we want to camp. A minimalist approach seems right for both of us.

There are at least two talented builders nearby, we could buy -- wanting to actually camp makes the trailer less complex.

We both know our way around tools, so building isn't out of the question. It'd be a fun project.

I see warnings on the Harbor Freight and Northern Tool trailers to not exceed 55 mph. Is this something to worry over?

I'm also completely unsure how the rear hatch is kept weathertight.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

-- Lynn

[pohukai]

Hi Lynn,

Welcome.... I'm in your neck of the woods, too.

I built mine on a Harbor Freight #1750 trailer and haven't had any issues what so ever towing it on our freeways at 70mph. I did not move the axle like most people do; but instead just made sure my weight distribution would be ok. i.e. make sure the tongue weight isn't too light to avoid fish tailing.

Best of luck.

[LWT42]

Welcome.... I'm in your neck of the woods, too.

Jim,

My compliments on your craftsmanship.

We are closer than you think -- I drive from Costa Mesa to Wrightwood a couple of times a week, right through Fontana on the 15.

-- Lynn

[bc toys]

welcome from a Nv camper good luck with your build

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum!
Roly will chime in soon, as he is in your neighbourhood.
And he will be a wealth of knowledge if your decide to build
As for speed? I tow our TD at over 90 MPH all of the time!
The trick is to have 15" wheels and tires (not too wide)...ours are radial car tires.
And yes, keep some tongue weight. Ours is 210 lbs.
We do have a "Dexter" rubber ride axle, which I would highly recommend to anyone building a TD.
Those little store bought trailers seem to be the go to thing for most builders. But a custom build steel tube chassis is the way to go IMHO.
Good Luck with your build!
There is a ton of information here on the forum......but be careful, it is as addictive as Teardrop Trailer camping!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[LWT42]

The trick is to have 15" wheels and tires (not too wide)...ours are radial car tires.
And yes, keep some tongue weight. Ours is 210 lbs.
We do have a "Dexter" rubber ride axle, which I would highly recommend to anyone building a TD.
Those little store bought trailers seem to be the go to thing for most builders. But a custom build steel tube chassis is the way to go IMHO.

This seems to be the first big question.

The store-bought trailers are attractive, but I like the idea of "real" car tires.

My tow vehicle will be a VW Passat TDI -- I want to keep the weight down because it has a 1000 pound limit, and because I really like getting over 45 mpg. on trips and I'd like to keep it as high as possible while towing.

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Lynn, welcome to the best teardrop forum on the net. I understand you have second thoughts about using a "CHEAP" Harbor Freight, 15 inch wheel trailer frame. Well fear not, I have built 4 trailers on such a trailer frame, and have never had a bit of trouble with any of them. My first TD has over 30,000 miles on such a set up, with never a problem what so ever. I personally feel that most TDs are constructed with much too solid materials, and they weigh too much and are heavier than necessary. I have gotten some heat from other builders, chiding me for only using 1/4 inch sidewalls and 1/8th inch roofs. However, I am convinced that pulling a 450 lb teardrop, sure beats hauling a 1200 lb unit, built with 3/4 inch walls and floor, loaded up with built-in stoves, refers, sinks and such. Light weight builds, not only greatly enhances the climbing of hillls, but greatly improves gas comsumption.

I always carry a 12 inch spare and wheel, in the event that there is a tire problem, but so far, clipping along at 65 mph, tucked in between the truckers, has worked just fine for me. As you know, the speed limit for towing a trailer in Calif is only 55 mph, and I am sure that China felt that they would eliminate any legal problems, if they added that 55mph restriction. The total weight of a HF frame in the box, is only 150 lbs, and I am sure a custom built trailer frame, springs, axle, tongue and wheels, would be much heavier. That trailer frame can be bolted together in less than 2 hours, try that on for a custom welded job.

I'm located in Wildomar, just north of the I-15 and I-215 intersection, and I invite you to swing on by and check my builds. I am always anxious to meet new builders and hopefully share some of my hard-earned building efforts. Remember, you can't just build just one, since the first one is an exploritory effort, and greater builds are sure to follow. (Just kidding). Come on by, lets talk......
Roly, the li'l ol' woody guy, in sunny So Calif.

[LWT42]

I have gotten some heat from other builders, chiding me for only using 1/4 inch sidewalls and 1/8th inch roofs. However, I am convinced that pulling a 450 lb teardrop, sure beats hauling a 1200 lb unit, built with 3/4 inch walls and floor, loaded up with built-in stoves, refers, sinks and such. Light weight builds, not only greatly enhances the climbing of hillls, but greatly improves gas comsumption.

Our thoughts exactly. We were driving around just west of Wrightwood and Maile commented on the motor home that passed us -- how that isn't camping.

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

I'm close to the other I-15/I-215 intersection, not too far away. Would love to come and visit.

-- Lynn

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Lynn, I see that I can't instant message you, so I'll respond here on the board. When ever you are free to swing by my place, please give me a heads up and we'll get together here in Wildomar. Three different teardrop trailers are awaiting your response. See ya soon.
Roly