new teardrop lover, building one from old popup camper

[mrrwt]

hello all,

My name is Randy, I have recently fallen in love with the teardrop and after trying to start my plans for building one, I remembered that my mother had an old popup camper that she was no longer using. I am planning on pulling the stove, sink, some electrical, and maybe some of the cabinet doors, then stripping down to the trailer itself. I then plan to build my teardrop from that. What do you think? the trailer is about 6ft wide by 10ft long. Big for a teardrop I know. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Randy

[del]

Randy

First of all welcome. Sounds like a very good start. The frame is most likely not as wide as the trailer, putting you in a position to build a five foot wide trailer pretty easy. And if its too long there is always a saws all (I think a 5 x10 would be a good size.

del

[Miriam C.]

Randy, hope you enjoy the playground as much as we do.

Pop-ups are fun but are big. Some tips
Make sure the frame is in good shape (they can twist.)

Check out the wheels. You will be weight limited or buying new hubs if the wheels are 8" (mine are).

It cost more to build bigger. I went 5' high so it would look right--- 4 sheets of Baltic Birch for the sides.

The top cost more because you use the sheet across. 4' at a time.

The hatch is bigger so heavier (love mine )

The good side---at 6' 4" across, I put the bed across and have room for a potty or extra bed for someone.

If I could do it over---I would put the bed across the axle and add two doors.

Have a look at my album and if you like it check out the "build info". All the plans are there.

Enjoy

[retiredcamper]

While camping this last weekend I saw one of the ugliest trailers I've ever seen. I think it was made from a tent/trailer but it could have been a utility trailer.

The camper was a BOX with no contours and was made at home. It was painted a weird green that looked out of place. Even the frame and battery container was painted.

But the more I looked at it I becan to think about how it functioned as a camper. The square corners allowed for obtimun useage of space. The galley was especially well designed. The top opened up and the lower part lowered like a tailgate on a truck.

Then I looked at my teardrop and though how cool it looked but kept thinking about how much more user friendly that box was.

I have a tent/trailer that I'm thinking of selling but am now thinking of making a hard trailer out of it. I'm thinking of building it as a box.

Am I crazy or what?

[Nitetimes]

Am I crazy or what?

Common question around here.

[Jst83]

Welcome to the fun Randy,

I also built mine (or am building it) on an old popup frame. Like Miriam said bigger adds cost But I think it's worth it. I can sit 4 people in mine and play cards in bad weather.
Good thinking on saving the items. I striped mine down to the frame before I cought the bug and trashed everything Got lucky though and the local junkyard had a couple campers that I was able to pick off of. Got most of the stuff for nothing or next to.

[toypusher]

Randy,

Welcome to the board. Look in the 'Hall of Fame' found in the upper left corner and you should see some examples of the type you are planning to build. Hey, if you have any questions, just ask and someone(s) will give you an answer.

[mrrwt]

I have some pictures now of my progress. Here is one of where I am at currently. Please feel free to let me know what you think. There are more pictures in my gallery.

[Joanne]

Hi Randy,

It looks like you have a nice, solid frame there! I think it will make a great starting point. If you haven't gotten rid of it all, strip every piece of hardware and electrical "stuff" off and throw it in a box. Even if you don't think you'll need it, you might just be happy you kept it around!

Right off the bat I noticed the draw-down latches that hold the top of the camper down. There are 4 on the trailer and depending on how your hatch comes together you just might need two of them. I just spent wayyyy to much on a heavy duty set of drawdown latches because I didn't have a couple of them just laying around.... When you are done building your tear, then you can throw the leftovers away. I'll bet there are a lot of folks who would be glad to take those draw-down latches off your hands.

You also have a good start on the pictures! Keep up the good work there too.

Joanne

[doug hodder]

Looks like you have a good start...make sure that you go through the bearings and make sure they are in good working order and well greased up...now is the time to do it as you have really easy access to them...check quality on the tires also...most importantly...have fun with your build...Doug