I have arrived. :)

[Vajra]

Greetings! My name is James, I am, obviously, new to the forums! I am from West Michigan. I work in industrial maintenance as a mechanic and attend a local college for a apprenticeship program. In my late thirties, so I think that allows me to the perfect level of crazy! I have a diverse sense of humor, not easily offended by humor in all forms. I do have a dirty mind... I listen to all kinds of music, enjoy movies (sci-fi) and yes, I play video games. Mostly computer types, as I am a computer knowledgeable person. I have built about half a hundred high end PC's, along with many modified ones. I have done PC repair also. I enjoy photography, but I suck at it. Love pictures, especially taking and editing them. For outdoors, I enjoy kayaking, which I am new to. I like the simple aspect of it, enjoying fishing for pan fish. Metal detector fun, traveling are all things I enjoy. I use to hunt, but not in years. I have done woodworking, and metal working. I have some skills and abilities in welding. Wow, this is starting to sound like a singles add isn't it? Okay, so I am single... I am analytical and unconventional most of the time. I like DIY stuff over prefabricated. Okay, there it is... way to much about me.

I am looking to build a one of a kind, unique, camper. Hard to classify my design, it started as a tiny house, which has repeatedly shrunk in design. I then looked at teardrops, but it seems my idea has turned into something else! I am here to collect useful information, and seek knowledge! - James

[Vedette]

Welcome James
It is always nice to find builders that like to think outside of the box!
For the most part, Teardrops enjoy the distinction of no two being exactly alike.
But, some are extremely unique!
You might want to check out my album (icon to the left). Note it is in reverse order.
Good Luck with your build!
Brian & Sandi

[Vajra]

Thanks Vedette! I always find trying to adapt to the best form, often means to use the most unconventional means. I had a look at your build, great looking! Very resourceful, you just have me some great ideas also! I love welding, but I have not done much with sheet metal. The thinnest I have welded is 1/8. I do mostly SMAW (Arc/stick) because I hate MIG, and TIG I have limited access to. But hmmm, maybe a van body could be re-purposed? So here is what I was thinking....

I originally looked at doing a tiny house on wheels. I went to a seminar on them. My issue is costs, weight, wast of space/material. Also, the whole attention to tiny houses seems to be having a negative impact. Sad really. Anyways, That is where it started. While I have a 3/4 ton Dodge Ram 2500 (old 2005), I can pull 11,000 lbs with it. She is a gaser, Hemi, with 4.10 gears. She pulls like a beast... but I don't want to max out that capacity. So I looked at smaller means. I can do a older camper rebuild, but some times those are so costly. I need utility, and ease of repair and upkeep. So I looked at smaller travel trailers. Teardrops are nice, I could make one, no problem. But they are two small. I looked at converting a cargo trailer also, as this last year I rebuilt the frame of a 5 x 10 CT I bought for $100 off CL. I put $500 into it, pulls like a dream, can handle heavier loads! Regardless of which way I have gone looking, I find my needs are all somewhere in the middle. I am hoping this site will get a heap of help. I already have seen loads of encouraging information and ideas.

I'll start posting some of my questions and/or ideas soon. Thanks for the reply! - James

[dales133]

Hi james welcome.
If you look through all the differnt catigories here youll find something that fits you.
It took me a while and several mind changes to come up with a final design and should do the trick when its finnished

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi James... welcome to the forum...

I hope I can be so bold, but it sounds like you are still trying to decide on what you want or need that fits your budget and trust me, you are not the first to be here...

Have you sat down and drawn out force-field diagram (Pro and Cons) to help you focus... Start the chart as to what you want and do not want then maybe sit down with a friend that knows you well and help critique your diagram...

Look at threads and galleries of builds and finished trailers here and where ever they appear... Ask yourself, what size, what amenities are needed and wanted (# of beds, Galley (Yes/No/Inside/Outside), Bathroom, Shower, Refrig or Icebox, etc...

For example, I wanted a camping trailer with hard sides, inside galley, bucket style toilet was okay, a stand-up trailer (i.e., a Standee), and so on... to be used for an off-road camp trailer, for day or week metal detecting trips for two guys. I ended up ordering and then finishing and cargo trailer. This worked well for me and I still have the trailer and have decided to finish the inside (will start when the weather warms)... you need to decide what you want and then put those plans to work...


Keep us posted and good luck on deciding and build your dream trailer...