Just Poking Around in South Florida

[Lucky53s]

I am truly intrigued by these tiny trailers. My wife, not so much. But that isn't stopping me from browsing the forum and planning it out in my head. I love to build things and do projects on my own but this would truly be a huge step up from the workbench, planters, very simple furniture, closets or wall trim that I'm used to. I've never messed much with wiring beyond fixing the lights on my old Jeep and installing a few radios. But after reading through some of the tips, tricks and advice on here I think it can all be accomplished in relatively simple steps with possibly some help from local Teardroppers that will share their expertise over a beer or two (after using the powertools, of course).

I'll keep browsing the build threads and the hall of fame. I can't promise that I'll ever build one but it's definitely on the bucket list (and at 32, I have a lot of time to complete that list). The way I see it, my wife just decided to have a custom closet installed so I have about $1500 in "credit" to spend how I want. I'd like to aim for a $2000-$2500 build. I already have all the tools I "need" so that's not an issue, there are always some that could make life easier. Living in Florida I am going to make an A/C a necessity for summer camping and there are some things I want (sink, mini fridge, TV). Other than that I feel like the sky is the limit. I have seen some really cool designs that I'd love to work into the master plan.

Just wanted to say hello and that I'll be watching you (on the forum, of course.)

[Racquetman]

Welcome to the Forum, you can learn alot here, I did not build, I bought from a manufact. but I've learned alot about TD camping here. Good luck with your build when you decide to do it!

[Lucky53s]

I really feel like it would be amazing bragging rights to do it. My father in law can show up in his new Tiffin or whatever he got and I can pull up next to him in something 1/20 the size knowing that I created it.

[bobhenry]

When I started "Chubby" in 07 the wife knew I had gone over the edge. She tolerated my crazy project, occasionally looking out the kitchen window at my progress. ( I was building in the side yard )

She was totally apathetic until I asked her opinion on the "kitchen".

BOOM ! She was on board helping me design the flip out kitchen that still serves me well to this day.

So don't give up she will warm to the idea. If you have a tearjerkers group in your neck of the woods plan on attending a gathering. Just walk in and start asking questions the next thing you know you will be setting down at a pitch in dinner and have a dozen new friend.

Believe it or not


Bob

[Lucky53s]

Bob,

I have seen a bunch of your posts while poking around but don't remember seeing that particular TD. Maybe I'm just not remembering correctly... But I love the idea of the swing out wrap around kitchen. It's definitely on the list of things I want to do. We (the wife and I) have talked about buying a large TT but lack of counter space is always an issue with the ones we find. I will have to find the right balance between swing out counter and fridge placement but that will come when I actually sit down with a ruler and start sketching.

Thanks for the encouragement. I was on the Tearjerkers site and signed up for an account a few days ago but an waiting for admin approval. I was able to see that there are two members close to me. One is less than 5 miles away. I'd love to see a homemade TD in person. I have seen the Cozy Cruiser and it was initially a joke to my wife but I kept saying it would be cool to have. Now I'm really on board for quick weekend trips to the Florida Keys (I live near West Palm Beach).

Still planning it in my head at this point but starting to stash $20s in a jar anytime I can. The more I buy off the books, the easier it is for her to accept.

[bobhenry]

Don't rule out side mounted tables.


When I built my tiniest sleep in trailer I did not incorporate a hatch at all.
I can take a 10 x 10 popup and place it about 1/2 way over the little trailer and both tables ( yes one on each side ) are "inside" out of the weather be it rain or sunshine.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56156&p=1018964&hilit=side+table#p1018964

[Lucky53s]

You just hit on two things I am planning on incorporating. I want to add brackets on the side for a table and want to figure out a bracket at or near the top that I can put a tv on during nice weather. I like to camp on the weekend, it happens to overlap with sports. I want to get a 10x10 tent to create shade when hanging out around the camper.

[Lucky53s]

Tonight my wife says to me "Are you actually going to build one of those?" Notice that she didn't say "You aren't going to build one of those, are you?" I'm making progress!

[Lucky53s]

And tonight she said "You can build it." The sentence kept going after that but I heard nothing else....

[working on it]

And tonight she said "You can build it." The sentence kept going after that but I heard nothing else....

That is called "selective hearing" around my house. She denies having "it", but I learned "it" from her. I mastered "it" during my Chevelle building and racing period; I earned my doctorate in "it", during my trailer build. The first "selective hearing" of the build was not hearing (or not heeding) the command/request?!? to not spend over $500 on the project...heck, I must've missed that! I spent that amount in the first coupla weeks, mostly on stainless hardware and steel (and tires and wheels and hubs and adapters and...)! My advice is "don't keep records...destroy all receipts" (plausible deniability!). Good luck!

[Lucky53s]

I was not given, nor did I ask, for a price range. I already said $2000-$2500. That is all she needs to know.