Newbi hello - kit question

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Newbi hello - kit question

Postby johnb » Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:07 pm

After stumbling across Teardrops and this site just a few months ago I've enjoyed the information and active feedback on this forum - what a great resource this is and enjoable as well!

I did have a question and my crude searching ability didn't spit out the exact thread so please point me somewhere if this has already been discussed. We've been looking for some sort of trailer for camping since we returned to the US and we had seen many smaller trailers in Europe, but have had a hard time finding something modest yet functional - until coming across the teardrops.

I have a lot of comfort with building things that involve wood, laminate, veneer, contact cement - worked in and managed cabinet shops for 6 years during and after college. But after more than 12 moves in the subsequent 20 years involving 5 states and three countries I've only retained the hand-held tools that I was realy, really fond of. With no welding experience and looking for a project that my 6 year-old can help with I'm thinking of going the kit route. Is there advice for this?

We visited SoCal teardrops this weekend (hello to Mike if he's reading) and was impressed with the details they have thought through. It's not a cheap route though and I need to rummage through the change drawer. I guess any insight to experience with kits is welcomed.

John :thinking:
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Postby Dean_A » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:59 pm

John,
Welcome! If you want a trailer in a hurry, a kit is a good way to go. the So-Cal kit looks great and I've only heard good things about their products! If you want to do a complete DIY job, don't let your lack of fancy tools stop you. Lots of folks here have done them with little more than your basic hand power tools.
I'd review the Generic Benroy Plans above for a good idea of what it takes to DIY.
A lot of it comes down to what you are looking for. Some folks just want their trailer asap so they can get camping! I'm really into the design process, so customization was key. I wanted control over every aspect, from the profile, to the fenders, to the style of tail lights, etc. Building the trailer has sort of become my hobby.
Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy it! :thumbsup:
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Postby Miriam C. » Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:28 am

Image to the playground John. Having had several hold ups in my build a kit sounds wonderful to me.

About the tools, what you really need is to decide if you want to build and design. I don't know how much a kit cost but I know generic tools might be as cheap. Yes I know they will wear out easy. :lol: :oops: wore mine out, and enjoyed doing it.

Now what you really need is a :pictures: so we can keep that bubble oil level. 8)
“Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past.â€
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Thanks for feedback

Postby johnb » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:05 am

Speed is not too much of a concern I'd like to use it along the coast after the summer crowds die down - it remains a mystery to me why everyone goes to the beach when it is hot and crowded. We're pretty well kitted out for camping so there really isn't a strong deadline for the summer.

The generic benroy plan is interesting and I'm always willing to buy tools - this just reminds me of making a new fixture, usually by the third or fourth one you've got it figured out... :thinking:
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Postby Esteban » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:20 am

John, :) welcome. Maybe you could ask local welding shops to see if they'd build you a trailer frame. I did. It cost less than a 5'x10' Red Trailer kit, including delivery. An idea that might help you skip ahead to the sawdust making stage where your talent is strongest.

Also, an invite. A couple of Central Coast friends and I are starting to plan another gathering for sometime around mid September, when the weather is still great, after the summer crowds have thinned out. It'll be in either northern Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo county just a few hours up the coast from you. Please come join us if you can.
:)
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Postby johnb » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:51 pm

Yes farming out the welding might be a good idea - I'm doing the spreadsheet comparison at the moment to see how far away I am from being able to pull this off myself. Unfortunately a bad habit I learned from my shop work is total frustration for having the wrong tools for the job - so I'm adding in the cost of tools.

Yes, always interested in the coast after the tourist season - good target for finishing...

John
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Postby G-force » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:16 pm

For the record since I just built mine, You can get an axle from Dexter in San Bernadino for $200, standard trailer wheels for $50-100 each and 2x2x 1/8" runs $2.25 or so a foot here in So Cal. from Industrial Metal Supply.
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