New lady builder wanna be teardropper in Phoenix area.

[Siouxgirl2]

I have been reading and lurking and I am wanting to build something for me and my little girl to use primarily and room for my husband (when he's home... he is out of state for work alot) or a friend to join us. I have a mini-van with a maximum tow weight of 3500 lbs. I don't feel comfortable sending my little girl out to a tent by herself and I don't know that she would want to sleep in one by herself. So, I am considering the Rondack lodge or the Campster 12.

I realize that my husband will have to assist with the welding of a trailer in these models. This will be a first build for me so I am wondering if there are any pros or cons comparing these two models. I know the Rondack has plans that would be helpful to a new builder but the Campmaster 12 has possibility of sleeping 4. Is there a big difference in ease of building, weight, useability, or size of these two? I see people recommending the Rondack but I can't find any posts on the Campmaster 12. Has anyone had experience with this one and what do they think?

Anyway, I'm new and wanted to introduce myself and get any thoughts. Thanks for all the great information.

[hiker chick]

Lucky daughter -- teardropping is a great way to camp!

Good luck!

[mandy]

Hello and welcome Souix

There was a builder named Janet who built an awsome trailer for three.

Heres a link to it.
Enjoy

Mandy

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=153891&highlight=#153891

[rebapuck]

This is a new thread with one for sale on eBay.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=33099

[Gage]

Well, here I go. For one thing, I've never heard of a Campmaster 12. There is a Kampmaster that would maybe fit your needs but most likely not. You are most likely talking about the Campster 12 and there is only one known to exist and it's now on ebay ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/tear-dro ... 500wt_1031 ). You can find basic plans for it HERE. Sorry but I know nothing about the Rondack lodge.

[Siouxgirl2]

Oh, I'm sorry, I did mean the Campster 12. I got the two confused. Have there been others to build it? Opps sorry, you just said there is only one made. Why is that? Is it just not something anyone else has done, is it more difficult, or is it a fairly new floorplan? It looks really neat to me.

I'm going to look at the new thread listed.

[Siouxgirl2]

Oh yeah, I don't want to push the maximum on the tow weight.

[Siouxgirl2]

Oh yeah, I don't want to push the maximum on the tow weight.

[danlott]

You could build the Rondack Lodge and add permanent bunks in the front and construct the rear bed to also make out into a dinette. Steve's plans on the Rondack are pretty good. Includes lots of pictures and information.

The campster has a smaller rear bed and a fairly narrow top bunk, but if the bed sizes work for you then it is a nice option.

I am starting a build of a large tear that will sleep 4 with bunks in the front. I combined several different ideas to come up with my design. Here is a link to it:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=33056

Dan

[Juneaudave]

Welcome SouixGirl2!!!! Happy to have another builder with us!!!

[Siouxgirl2]

Thanks for the welcomes. I appreciate it.

Dan that is great advice. That is the kind of differences I was wondering about. I didn't realize the bed sizes on the campster were smaller. I realized the bunk was narrow but not the rear bed. I also appreciate the feedback on the Rondack plans. It sounds like they might be pretty helpful. Isn't the Rondack heavier then the Campster? Any ideas on what things keep the weight down?

BTW... I love the concepts you are coming up with for yours. It's nice to see what other families are doing to accommodate a few extra sleepers.

[danlott]

To keep weight down you need to not overbuild the frame. I believe alot of people on this site overbuild the frame. You do not need a very heavy duty frame. Also try and limit the cabinetry in the camper and galley. Use open shelving instead of divided boxes and doors. Even if you build the Rondack according to the plans, I believe the weight will be well under your towing limit. I do not have the information with me, but I believe the Rondack was around 1500lbs.

Dan

[rbeemer]

IF you want info on the Rondack Lodge you might contact Steve Frederick member of this forum or Mike (owner of the forum) I believe that Steve is the designer and has a lot of info on it.

[Siouxgirl2]

Thank you. I did go ahead and order the building manual and plans from Steve and that will be a starting place for me. I have looked at his pictures of it and his building but was kind of looking at that Campster design as well. They both look like they have something to offer me. I want to keep ease of use and weight in mind. I know I'm not pushing the limits of my van but I want to be well under on weight so it isn't hard on the van Furthermore, the easier it is to build... the soon we can camp. The easier it is to use... the more fun we have while using it and the more often we'll find a way to use it.javascript:emoticon(':D')

[mandy]

Souix come and visit us on the lady teardroppers section.

Mandy