D & D from California

[darnis]

We’re (Darlene and Dennis) in northern California. We’ve just received the plans to build our first teardrop. In fact, this will be our first TINY experience period. We went from regular pull trailers to overhead camper to large 5th wheel (for full-timing).

After we gave up full-timing, each of our children and their families had a turn at LIVING in our 5th wheel. Wanting to get back ‘on the road’ we looked into restoring the 5th wheel. It’s old, big, and HEAVY. To economize, we thought it might be more economical to restore and use the overhead camper, especially since we weren’t immediately looking at going back to full-time RVing.

During this decision making, we saw RV Crazy for the umpteenth time - our aha moment. If we had something smaller, we wouldn’t have to use our ¾ ton gas hog. While checking out TDs, saw all the nice, homemade trailers.

To make a long story short (I know, too late, huh? lol), we decided to build our own. After we’ve had time to study these plans and a few more builder journals, we’ll get started and IF we manage not to embarrass ourselves, begin our own builder journal. Lol

I’m so enjoying reading on this website and looking forward to getting acquainted. Darlene

[triker45]

Welcome to the forum. Their are quite a few TD'ers around the area. Check out Jefferson State. Think about the Dam Gathering. Get to see alot of Teardrops. Have fun. Jerry

[mikeschn]

How small are you planning on going?

You could even consider a T@B, or something like my Giant Teardrop...

http://www.mikenchell.com/Generic_ET_Photo_Album/

Mike...

[darnis]

Welcome to the forum. Their are quite a few TD'ers around the area. Check out Jefferson State. Think about the Dam Gathering. Get to see alot of Teardrops. Have fun. Jerry

Thanx…had to ck destinations and Google most of these suggestions but was pleased to see so much near us. We won’t have anything ready for the immediately upcoming gatherings. It would be fun and informative, though, to ‘drop by’ and check out some TDs. Is that allowed or are these for registered campers only?

[darnis]

How small are you planning on going?

You could even consider a T@B, or something like my Giant Teardrop...

http://www.mikenchell.com/Generic_ET_Photo_Album/

Mike...

The plans we downloaded are the 8' cubby from Kuffel Creek. The whole project is exciting and intimidating at the same time.

Checked out your Giant Teardrop. What a great job! It would suit us right down to the pet accommodations - we have 2 little chi's. It's amazing what you can do with such a small space.

For our first venture (gulp), we probably should stick pretty close to the plans we have until we know what we're doing.

Can't tell you how relieved we were to find a whole community to turn to, though, when we have questions. After all the reading the last two days, I foresee a LOT of questions.

[Gage]

Welcome to the forum. Their are quite a few TD'ers around the area. Check out Jefferson State. Think about the Dam Gathering. Get to see alot of Teardrops. Have fun. Jerry

Thanx…had to ck destinations and Google most of these suggestions but was pleased to see so much near us. We won’t have anything ready for the immediately upcoming gatherings. It would be fun and informative, though, to ‘drop by’ and check out some TDs. Is that allowed or are these for registered campers only?

Hello Darlene, Please feel free to stop by and look around and say hi. Saturday is a good day. That's kind of like 'Show and Tell' day. We all open up our teardrops for anyone to look at up close and answer any and all questions that may be asked. Look forward to seeing you guys end of this month. I won't have my teardrop but will have my vintage travel trailer. But don't let that hold you back , there will be a bunch of teardrops there.

[YuGun]

Hello, Welcome.

[Eunice]

Hello and welcome to Jefferson State. Our annual Fathers Day Gathering is on the Rogue River this June. Check the destinations section for details. Cant wait to meet you. You are welcome teardrop or not!

[alffink]

Darnis

Welcome to the "Madness"
Kevin's Cubby plans are a good basic start, I had my Cubby completed before finding T&TTT. and there are some areas that can be improved on without major changes to the basic design.
The Cubby plans are getting to be a bit dated though, not in design and Kevins details are great, but say.... he doesn't get into the use of CPES or the like for moisture protection of the plywood and don't be affraid of modifying the galley design, Kevin is a fine cabinet maker, but Space for the galley is limiting and some simple mods, can get you a lot more storage in same space. Take a good look at the Generic Benroy plans at the top of the page, you will see many similarities and you may get some good ideas for some simple mods. Also go to the "Information" section of the Forum and check out the "Galley Gallery", many great galley's for ideas, using Kevins face frame techniques it is easy to make changes to his design.
Enjoy your build and again welcome

[darnis]

Welcome to the forum. Their are quite a few TD'ers around the area. Check out Jefferson State. Think about the Dam Gathering. Get to see alot of Teardrops. Have fun. Jerry

Thanx…had to ck destinations and Google most of these suggestions but was pleased to see so much near us. We won’t have anything ready for the immediately upcoming gatherings. It would be fun and informative, though, to ‘drop by’ and check out some TDs. Is that allowed or are these for registered campers only?

Hello Darlene, Please feel free to stop by and look around and say hi. Saturday is a good day. That's kind of like 'Show and Tell' day. We all open up our teardrops for anyone to look at up close and answer any and all questions that may be asked. Look forward to seeing you guys end of this month. I won't have my teardrop but will have my vintage travel trailer. But don't let that hold you back , there will be a bunch of teardrops there.

Thanx, Gage, for the info. We'll be there and look forward to meeting everyone. The more I look and read, the more I wonder how we missed being part of this years ago. We can hardly wait until the Gathering.

[darnis]

Hello and welcome to Jefferson State. Our annual Fathers Day Gathering is on the Rogue River this June. Check the destinations section for details. Cant wait to meet you. You are welcome teardrop or not!

Thanx, Eunice. We look forward to meeting you and going to the events we can make. We'll certainly show up to see you TDers and your TTTTs with or without our TD, but are hoping to have our own asap. Will we see you at the Dam?

[darnis]

Darnis

Welcome to the "Madness"
Kevin's Cubby plans are a good basic start, I had my Cubby completed before finding T&TTT. and there are some areas that can be improved on without major changes to the basic design.
The Cubby plans are getting to be a bit dated though, not in design and Kevins details are great, but say.... he doesn't get into the use of CPES or the like for moisture protection of the plywood and don't be affraid of modifying the galley design, Kevin is a fine cabinet maker, but Space for the galley is limiting and some simple mods, can get you a lot more storage in same space. Take a good look at the Generic Benroy plans at the top of the page, you will see many similarities and you may get some good ideas for some simple mods. Also go to the "Information" section of the Forum and check out the "Galley Gallery", many great galley's for ideas, using Kevins face frame techniques it is easy to make changes to his design.
Enjoy your build and again welcome

What an apropos label, "Madness"! We're not even started and feeling it already. Know what you mean about Kevins plans or at least the resources. Already running into snags with the trailer and HF apparently doesn't ship free any longer. They want an extra $90 just for shipping. We've got a store 30 miles from us, so gonna see what they have in stock.

Took your advice and checked out the Generic Benroy. Very well done and quite generous of Mike to be sharing freely. But then everyone here seems to go out of their way to be helpful. Going to check out the Galley Gallery too. Have already been making copious notes as we read through the different threads. We copy photos of anything of interest. I think the Builders' Journals are very helpful, too. Pictures really are worth 1000 words - esp clear, close-ups.

It WILL be an adventure! Thanx. Darlene

[Ageless]

Greetings from the Pacific Northwet

No teardrop here, but I'll have the Compact Jr down at the Dam gathering

[Gage]

I think the Builders' Journals are very helpful, too. Pictures really are worth 1000 words - esp clear, close-ups.

It WILL be an adventure! Thanx. Darlene

If you are interested, I'm rebuilding a 1946 KIT teardrop for my sister and have a web page(s) on just how I'm doing it. You can see how by clicking HERE.

[dreadcptflint]

Hello, welcome to the fun. There are a ton of options out there for you. You can still be a size king in a Teardrop. Ours has a King size bed in it. Keep looking around and ask questions.

Matt