Oh no, another new guy!

[Tom7707]

Greeting everyone,

Well it's about time that I introduce Diane and myself (Tom). We are from Mooresville, Indiana. We just got back from the Raccoon Lake teardrop gathering last weekend. Thanks to all who took time to show us their teardrop. I have been thinking about building a teardrop for some time now and soon I (we) will be starting our build. I purchased the "Kuffel Creek" Comet plans and have been looking on the web for construction hints and "how best to do ideas". Some of the things I am thinking about changing are the width from 4' to 5' and building my own trailer. Speaking of trailers, I would like to know what others think about buying a 5' x 8' trailer like Northern or Red trailer has or building one out of 2"x 2" square tubing. I have the skills to build/weld and I found a metal shop in Indy who sells metal in small orders and even sells at $.50/pound from his scrap rack that has nice looking metal on it. Another question is also on my mind. I am a 6'4" and let's just say 200lb + kind of a guy. Would I be happy (fit wise) with an 8' long teardrop or do you think I should just go to the 10' size and be done with it?

Tom and Diane

[BillandMarijo]

Tom,
With your height I would go the 10 ft. I did mine 5x10 and glad I did. Im 5'9 and I am using the extra 2 feet for a cupboard for storage at the end of my queen bed. Plus a nice size galley. Whatever you decide your gonna love building your own Teardrop. Ya really get a sense of pride when people are checking it out and you get to say "I built it".
Good luck and enjoy your build,
Bill and Marijo

[Mike_La]

Hi Tom and Diane,

Welcome to T&TTT.

As Bill said, go with a 10' TD. I started building a 5'X8' and already feel I should have gone larger.


Enjoy the forum,
Mike

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome! I'm 6'4" and 270 pounds. I fit fine in my 5x8. The inside cabin is exactly the size of a queen size mattress. But since you have a wife, you might like the 5x10 better for more galley space.

[dan galvin]

hello again Tom We talked at the gathering I am the one with the comet
that you talk to. The 5x10 is a good choice and i think [for what is worth]
go with the home built trailer i think you will be happier in the long run
and for the 10 ft yes my wife loves the space in her galley
the only other thing you may think about is making your door a little wider
i remember you have long legs

have a great build
spend your $on the good stuff and you will be happy
Go cheep and you will not be happy
Dan

[Tom7707]

Thanks for the ideas guys,

5' x 10' platform it is. Been reading about trailer building, lots of ideas and ways to do it. What do you guys think about a 4" drop axle with springs vs. a flex-type axle? I have been looking at Dexter's web site and others with trailer parts. Lots of options here. I also found the article about trailer building here, good stuff. Soon it will be off to the metal supply house. I will post some pictures of my build when I get started.

Thanks again,
Tom

[dan galvin]

Tom i got a torsion under mine and using a smaller tire also The guys at the trailer place can help you or ask the question in the trailer thread
on this web sight
Dan

[bobhenry]

The Raccoon gathering gave you a good cross section of the varied styles fo teardrops. I am sure you left with many good ideas. I got very lucky in that my 1st attempt was a 5x10 and it has been a wonderful little mobile motel room. We have found a couple very practical aspects of teardropping. Back when ....we would visit the kids and ol what's her name never wanted to leave. I had to be the bad guy, but not any more !We simply take the tear and when I am tired I go out and crawl in and go to sleep and she is free to party and visit with the kids and grandkids. What ever you build you will enjoy.

Happy teardropping

Bob & Vickie Henry

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Diane and Tom. I would definitely make my own trailer if I could. On the length I think you should remember that in a TD you have a wall at the foot. If you are used to stretching out you will need to go longer. A 10' also allows you to put a front cabinet in.

Be sure to keep handy so the bubble oil will stay level.