New guy from Alberta Canada.

[TheClayman]

Hi everyone,

My name is Clay, I thought I might give the teardrop thing a try. I spent 15 years as a RV mechanic and about 20 years as a welder (including my time as an RV tech.) I'm going to throw together a couple trailers here... get some designs in the bag and I might go pro... and turn it into a business or at least a side business. Time will tell. Looking forward to being part of the site.

Clay

[wridley]

Good to see someone else from Alberta, I am just south of you. Might have to get up there and see your design. Take care and have fun.

[TheClayman]

Sound's good! I haven't even started yet! I'm sourcing all of my parts right now. And I'm putting several designs together. When I get going... I'm putting together 2 or 3 and if they are received well enough I might just swing into full production.

With the way that gas prices are going and the way some outdoor sports are becoming popular like kyaking, hiking, etc. These little lightweight overnight campers are really going to catch on - They already are where I am. I've just been talking about building one for myself at work - I have 3 orders for motorcycle trailers and a couple TD's. Maybe it's just Alberta - But, maybe these guys are sitting on a goldmine and don't know it yet. Looking at some of these trailers on here... some of these guys could into business in a heartbeat. There's some top quality Trailers here for sure.

The one thing that has me a little boggled is the hatch sealing lip - I'm going to do some research and check some of the slide out moldings and see if I can find something that will be a kick-ass weather seal.

TC-Clay

[Miriam C.]

To the playground Clay. Good luck on the business end. We will be looking for the pictures as you go! Gotta keep that bubble oil level.

Enjoy

[Roly Nelson]

Well Clayman, looks like you have your future well planned. Thousands of teardrops were manufactured back in the 40s and it looks like the trend is about to happen over again. Good luck on your commercial venture, and all I can suggest is, build it light, of high quality, maintain good aftermarket service and above all, convince your potential buyers think they have the best bargain in quality teardrop trailers. Finding an absolute waterproof galley seal shouldn't be too much of a problem. Good luck on your efforts.........now, what are your going to call your creation? Lets see, how about the Clayman Oak Leaf?
Roly

[TheClayman]

Yeah I'd sure love to put as much work into them as you did - Your trailer is a work of art by the way.

But I think if it does turn into a long term thing, a consistent professional quality will be the order of the day. Standardization is the backbone of any manufacturing operation. Low cost, high production.

Pretty soul-less if you ask me, but I've worked in trailer manufacturing and service for quite a few years - that's what builds profits. Corner a niche market and saturate it with your product. - But realistically when I say this now... That's if it takes off (about 40% chance) - and probably 3-5 years away. There's one thing I am sure of.... Mine's going to be the cadillac!!!

TC-Clay