Building Lil’ Woody:
Preface:
I caught the teardrop bug about 5 or 6 years ago. I saw one going down the highway being pulled by a compact car and thought “how could anyone sleep in that?” This is the first rule of teardrop physics: A teardrop is the only shape in the known universe that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside.
Over the next few years I studied everything I could find about the teardrop; photos by the hundreds and countless articles on owning and building one. Two things emerged from this period of study: I wanted to build my own, and it had to be a woody.
IN 2016 I got serious about building, and began searching for suitable trailer for the build. By chance, I came across a professionally built 5x8 complete teardrop. The owner was highly motivated to sell, and I got it for $2500, which is about the average cost to build your own. We had lots of fun with it, but it had two serious problems: First, it wasn’t a woody, and second, I didn’t get to build it. So I sold it last fall for working capital to build lil’ Woody.
Episode One: The design
I love the lines on this woody (picture 1). It has a fairly simple profile without over-using the maple trim. I recently got an opportunity to look it over when the owner passed thru Colorado Springs. The wheels and fenders look just right. The re-curve in the front looks really nice in person. I also like the modern clean lines of (picture 2). The layout I decided on (picture 3) is based on the 8’ Grumman profile and has a half galley. This allows for a much lighter and simpler hatch and an easier build. I like the factory built doors which make the teardrop look a little more “professionally” built.