Great site, you make this look easy!

[RichAFix]

Hello,
Just created my user name, thought I owed you a hello and a thanks. I stumbled upon this site when thinking about buying a pop up camper and I think I am hooked on this tear drop thing. I can't say I have even seen one, but I have a pretty good background with woodworking and I think I can do this. Not really sure where to start, I really like the look of the more rounded off plans. Does it pay to go with plans like Kuffel Creek or is this something that I can sort of learn as I go? Big worries off the bat are waterproofing/rot resistence and easy upkeep. Used to do a lot of snowmobiling and seemed like the trailer always had some issues (rust, lights not working). Does an alluminum frame make sense? I can weld, but not alluminum, so one strike against me already. I tend to overanalyze things, so get used to seeing my posts. Well thanks for the site and the wealth of information!

[Kevin A]

Hello,
Just created my user name, thought I owed you a hello and a thanks. I stumbled upon this site when thinking about buying a pop up camper and I think I am hooked on this tear drop thing. I can't say I have even seen one, but I have a pretty good background with woodworking and I think I can do this. Not really sure where to start, I really like the look of the more rounded off plans. Does it pay to go with plans like Kuffel Creek or is this something that I can sort of learn as I go? Big worries off the bat are waterproofing/rot resistence and easy upkeep. Used to do a lot of snowmobiling and seemed like the trailer always had some issues (rust, lights not working). Does an alluminum frame make sense? I can weld, but not alluminum, so one strike against me already. I tend to overanalyze things, so get used to seeing my posts. Well thanks for the site and the wealth of information!

Rich,
Welcome to the forum. Kuffle Creek produces some good plans, you may also want to check out the generic benroy plans up top in the menu. Doug Hodder and Rich (Nitetimes) put together a frame tutorial that may benefit you.
http://www.teardroptrailers.us/Trailer.html
Another suggestion, check out the destinations link in the menu and find a gathering near you and check out all the teardrops. It's a great way to come up with ideas for your own build.

[halfdome, Danny]

Rich, welcome to the forum. My recommendation for plans other than the free ones at the top of this page would be from member Steve Fredrick. "A Teardrop Builders Manuel" on CD
Danny
http://www.campingclassics.com/

[Miriam C.]

Welcome to the playgound, Rich. With wood working experience you shouldn't have a bit of trouble. We have a thing about the pictures though so take a bunch, cause we got some "Mad ones" who just luv em.

Oh, do you know what bubble oil is???

The group here is very helpful as reflected in my second only building project. The other was a book case/desk. I read all the books, did the housing fix it issues but this is a first. It works because the folks here have a wonderful collective experience to handle anything...

Enjoy

[tonyj]

Welcome to this splendid obsession.

I ordered the Kuffel Creek plans and they will help start you out, but I think if you are used to working out building problems without needing step by step plans, then the generic plans offered on this site should be sufficient. I ended up using the KC plans for the frame dimension only (and ended up having to modify the tongue) when I switched to building a BenRoy style.

Unless you want to spend a lot of money and time on learning how to weld aluminum, I would stick with steel, at least for your first build! If you don't skrimp on the time to correctly build, prepare, prime and paint, rust issues on the frame should be pretty minor. Of course, if you are looking to learn a new craft skill, of need a justification for spending $1500 on a TIG welder, then choose aluminum.

I think you can learn most of the needed skills as you go along, and can find almost all the answers to normal build problems on this site, or as you have already done, by PM'ing members for solutions to questions that arise while you plan and build. The members here are willing to help you as much as they can. It is a very nurturing and friendly group. This site became my primary reference and the Kuffel Creek plan notebook I put together became the repository for all my receipts. Lots and lots and lots and lots of receipts.

So stop reading, get out and clear up some shop space, and start making a list of questions and materials. Welcome to the madness.

[Sierrajack]

Hi and welcome,
You'll find the folks here will guide you in the right direction. Don't overly tax your brain, copying is cool!!! Just use plans that are already published such as the plans on this site and/or the Kuffle Creek plans and you'll be good to go. I'd recommend abandoning the aluminum frame idea right from the start - remember the frame will be subjected to shaking, vibrating, torsional stress, and a ton of other stresses that aluminum isn't meant to handle. Just scares me and that's my opinion.
If this is your first build - like I said, copy what's out there, do some experimenting (make it safe), have fun and then maybe build another one later on down the road. You can always sell the first one to your Mother-In-Law...............