Very new guy question

[TerryB89]

maybe a stupid question, if people want to build their own, why not start with a cargo trailer ? it already has a floor, sides and a top. even lights inside in most cases. I guess my question is why do people go out and find a bare trailer and start from scratch when for about the same money you can have one almost done.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

You do know you are in the cargo trailer conversion section

Maybe the teardrop guys zapped you over here.

[pchast]

There is a tremendous difference in size and weight on most.

[Gonefishin]

I think some people just like to build from scratch. Be creative, use their skills, make it totally custom, and just enjoy the building process. I'm with you though. I have no building skills or talent, and don't care for anything involving a hammer, screw driver, drill, saw, or the like. So I ordered the cargo trailer with door, windows, lights, insulation, and vents. About all I had to do was the interior decorating, furnishing, flooring, and add my heater. If not for this forum, I wouldn't have proceeded like that, if at all. Would probably be in a commercial R-Pod or something.

[tony.latham]

maybe a stupid question, if people want to build their own, why not start with a cargo trailer ? it already has a floor, sides and a top. even lights inside in most cases. I guess my question is why do people go out and find a bare trailer and start from scratch when for about the same money you can have one almost done.

Why not a cargo trailer? Here's ten reasons:





















But basically, it's because we're individuals and we like to create stuff.

Tony

[pchast]

[aggie79]

We're in the "have built a teardrop but are hoping to convert a CT" camp.

Reasons for the teardrop:
1. creativity
2. woodworking hobby
3. lightweight (could be towed by our car or mini-SUV)
4. contains everything onboard for a 2-3 day quick, minimum hassle, getaway

Reasons for wanting a CT conversion:
1. self-contained bathroom and shower
2. indoor space for when weather is inclement
3.onboard storage for longer stays - 2+ weeks at a time
4. generally poor quality of RV industry products
5. want a design for two people and not for 4+ as is typical for RV industry
6. woodworking hobby
7. creativity

FYI - I haven't ruled out build a CT-like travel trailer from the ground up including building my own walls, roof and floor.

[CoventryKid]

I built our travel trailer using our NEO all aluminum 7x16x7, 24" V-nose CT. 32" side door, rear ramp.

I started a thread here but never completed it 'cause most people were building toy haulers of some variety. I didn't think there would be much interest in a travel trailer build.

But I did create a website: http://www.tusker-international.com/1-trlr.html if anyone is interested.

[FIREBALL05]

Awesome build thanks for sharing the link!

[darrellbeck]

Hi Terry, I built a teardrop last year, and loved it except for a couple things. Number 1 (no pun intended) was the lack of space for even a rudimentry toilet. Older ladies, or at least my wife, require them. In addition, there was no place to haul our handicap scooters. Had it not been for that, I would still own it. Especially since I built it to keep, and therefor put in everything from AC to knock-off spoke wheels to match my tow car.
I then converted a cargo trailer. Same modifications, AC and that type of thing, but the wheels that came with the trailer stayed on it, stuff like that. I too thought that it would be about the same cost to build, for the same reasons you stated. Now it is done and guess what? It cost about $1,600 more.
As I said, we loved our teardrop, but were forced by circumstance to go the other direction.
What it comes down to is, What youlike, do.

Darrell