New Member

[CPO]

Hello all,

New to the forum. I'm interested in building a 5 X 9 or a 5 x 10 teardrop but I don't know where to start. Do I look for a trailer first or do I buy a set of plans first, chicken or egg? I'm 6'-3" tall, so I'm concerned with leg room.

Thanks in advance for you advice.

[Big DE]

Welcome to the jungle I think you should look through the design library and decide what would work best for you and go from there.

Big DE

[CPO]

I really like the Benroy Plans, do you think I could build in 5' tall x 10' long x 5' wide? I checked around for 5' x 10' plywood, no one has it or can order it, I guess I'd have to do some splicing? Is that acceptable on the sides?

Thanks

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome! I made a 5x8 Generic Benroy and I fit a queen size mattress in it. The mattress is 80" long. I'm 6'4". My 100 lab and I fit fine.

[Big DE]

CPO
I don't see why you couldn't it just depends on what you are covering it with sheet metal or paint. And if you were going to cover it in sheet metal and you couldn't find 5' AL you could use a bead roller and bend an over lapping bead like I did on mine.



Big DE

[CPO]

Big DE, I see you live in Manvel, is that South of Houston? I new to the area and Texas is a big place. I look at your album, your teardrop is very nice.

Do you think I should try to find a trailer first? I was thinking even if I had plans, I can't really start until I find a trailer. I've been looking for a used 5' x 9' or 10', but not having a lot of luck but time is on my side.

[Big DE]

CPO
yeah I am just south of Houston. If you did find a trailer first I think it would give you a better idea of what you can do. I will keep on the look out for old pop ups or utility trailers, or are you thinking of going to Tractor supply?

If you want you are more than welcome to come out and take a look at mine to get some ideas.

Big DE

[Toytaco2]

CPO, welcome to the forum. You'll find just about everything you need to know here about how to build your TD. I built mine 5' wide x 9' long and 5' high. I would start by downloading the "Generic Benroy" plans on this web site. That way it will cost you nothing to get started and it will also explain how to set up a trailer/frame. You can either go with a kit/bolt together frame like I did or have your own frame welded up or find a used one which will work.

Keep studying this forum and you'll be amazed at what you can learn and the help you'll receive.

Good Luck,

Mike

[CPO]

Big DE & ToyTaco2,

Thanks for the info, I looked at a few new trailers but decided on a used one if I can find it.

Big DE, I actually live in Cypress and would love to take a ride down sometime to show my wife what they look like up close, I still need to do a little convincing.

ToyTaco2,
Good looking teardrop, that's what I want to build, what did you cover the exterior with?

Thanks

[BillandMarijo]

CPO,
Welcome to the forum. I built my Tear 5x10 and used a fiberglass skin. Luckily they were 10 foot sheets. Good luck to you on your build.
Have fun,
Bill and Marijo

[Toytaco2]

CPO, my walls are "sandwich" style construction with an outer skin of 1/4" Baltic Birch plywood. The roof is two layers of 1/8" birch ply. The whole thing was then coated with 2 layers of CPES (clear penetrating epoxy sealer). It then has two coats of primer and 4 coats of Hammered Silver enamel paint on top of that. Seems like the finish takes a whole lot more work than you expect it to.

[mikeschn]

CPO,

Welcome to the forum... Yes you could build a Generic Benroy... make it 10' long and you'll have plenty of room for your legs!

Mike...

[H@nk]

I am 6'-11"and I've also build one.

Grtz Henk

[Carter]

CPO,
Welcome to the forum. I see the local Marine Supply Company has marine plywood in 5x8, 5x 10 and 5x12. I haven't priced it because I am afraid, but it is available. Not really necessary because you can use several methods of joining 4x8 sheets. Sheet aluminum is available in 5x12 sheets for an exterior or just lap it like I did

Jim

[CPO]

Thanks all for the Welcome aboard and good advice and ideas. I've been reading on ya'll site for about two weeks and will continue checking everyday. I read on this site last night for about 3 hours, I can't get enough of the great ideas and advice.

I can't wait to get started, I plan to make a cardboard layout this weekend.

Thanks again,
Keith