Can an Oregon Housewife build a Teardrop?

[hausfrau60]

Hello. I've got the teardrop bug bad! We've been camping in a big Jayco tent trailer for the last two years, and this summer I realized I preferred cooking outside, not inside! That jumping in and out of the trailer to fix a meal, serve it, and put it all away was driving me crazy. Anyway, I really want to sell the Jayco (even though it's very nice) and try to complete building a teardrop before I turn 50 next April. Am I crazy? I have some basic tools, a small shop, room in the garage, and the money from the sale of the Jayco. About $4k. Also, my 14-yr-old son wants to help. Am I biting off more than I can chew? Will I be able to finish it by April? I've looked at the forums and build journals and there are parts of the process that look easy, and others look a little over my head. Plus it looks like everybody does things just a little bit differently. Any advice?

[JenniferandPups]

Do it! And we want pictures!

[nevadatear]

there are many women on this forum who have made a tear all by themselves, or maybe with just a little help. Joanne/desert dawg for a good example. Although my husband did the heavy lifting, built the frame, designed and engineered ours, he is the first to tell you WE built it, as I was solely responsible for all the epoxy work, the sanding, the finishing, the spar varnish, anything that comes in the "detail" category. And we both were needed for some of the installation, the ribs, skin, walls, ecetera. I never worked with epoxy before, but I am real happy with the way our tear came out. We started last September and finished in May, but we didn't really work but maybe once or twice a month during November and December. It can be done. You might look at something with more simple lines, like the weekender. It is also a lot easier if you don't want the "wood" look and paint it inside and out, and go for more simple cabinets, or no cabinets, using premade storage containers, again like desert dawg or cajun lady's old tear. and I just turned 51!

go for it!
Debbie

[Sparksalot]

There is plenty of advice and guidance available here.

Take lots of pictures!

[tearhead]

You go, girl! Seems like what it takes is determination more than anything else. And you'll have so much help from your new friends on this board, you won't believe it!

Welcome!

[mikeschn]

Sure you can do it. Just look in the hall of fame, there are lots of girls that have done it!!!

Mike...

[chorizon]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you'll have a helper, so put him to work! It'll be loads of fun for y'all to build your trailer. I can vouch for Peggy's (peggyearlchris) TD, it is absolutely beautiful, and she built it all by herself! Her husband admitted that it was "her deal". She'd build it and he'd camp in it!


Good luck!

[dreadcptflint]

Nah, there is nothing crazy about a gal wanting to build her own trailer. You should be able to meet a April deadline. Just work steadily on it and you will be able to do it.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground and go for it. I came here having made a book shelf and having done lots of home improvement. You will for example do some paneling, painting, flooring, framing, sewing---get the idea. Just little parts of a whole.

The best advice I got from a carpenter was "build a box." Lots of boxes with different shapes. As for your time limit. . . well don't spend hours a day on here and you should get it done. Post count and build time might be relational unless, like me you really need to learn...........

[Alfred]

Hi! Welcome to the group!

When I signed-on in 2007, I had not built anything since Middle School Shop Class. I had no tools! I had no building experience!

There has been a learning curve for me, and many trips to Harbor Freight (I now have a Miter Saw, Hand Saw, Jig Saw, Table Saw, Cordless Drill, Electric Palm Sander, Router and different bits...). I have learned how to use most of these tools, in at least a rudimentary manner. I have gotten 'stuck' more than once, and 'unstuck' an equal number of times.

I have gotten A LOT of help from people in this group, from all over the world. I have attended three regional teardrop camper gatherings, and met many friendly people, taken notes, gotten advice. I have met a handful of local people who have also given advice and support, made some friends, and also gotten some hands-on help.

I 'discovered' home-made campers one night, when I was Googling for pop-up campers and ultra-light campers. I did not particularly like the idea of paying $5000 or more for a pop-up, worried about maintaining the canvas, did not want to buy an RV, yet wanted out of the tent. As soon as I found this site, I knew I wanted to build one. My Wife and also some of my friends were incredulous ("You want to build what"?) but supportive. And it has been a great two years, although to be honest, most of the building has happened in the past 6 months for me. I think I am a little more than 1/2way done.

I would say, if I can build one, anybody can. And that is not an exaggeration!

Have fun, take pictures, ask questions, and believe in your ability to succeed!

AL in Asheville

[GregB]

Hausfrau,

Fortunately, gender, geography, and chosen profession have nothing to do with building a tear. Desire, a little grit and a choice opportunity to share a memorable experience with your son will see you through the day.

Greg

[hausfrau60]

Hausfrau,

Fortunately, gender, geography, and chosen profession have nothing to do with building a tear. Desire, a little grit and a choice opportunity to share a memorable experience with your son will see you through the day.

Greg

Thank you, Greg. That, I think, is enough to get me started. I think I'm going to see teardrops in my dreams...thank you all.

Any advice on the tools I'll need for this? (point me to another thread if I'm overstaying my welcome in this one)

[madjack]

YES YOU CAN...a 6mos time frame for you to start from your point will require a pretty dedicated work schedule...but can doit if ya really wanna...there have been quite a few in similar situation and we have helped all make it there...all ya gotta do is your part and we will help all we can...for a start on your tool list, try this out...
http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ht=tools+i

I might suggest the best advice I can give you right now is...patience grasshoppahh...take some time to study the board layout and read, read, read,read and read a little more...we'll be here when your ready..............
madjack

[Chip]

Dang skippy you can do it,,,, Nuff said,,,,

chipper

[S. Heisley]

Yes, you can! By April? With two of you to do the work around the house and with a little help on the trailer, maybe it'll be campable by then if you don't plan on anything too fancy. You can always add some bells and whistles later, if ya want.