Hello from New Brunswick, Canada

[hikingstaffs]

Hi Folks,
I'll share a little about myself;
I'm 58, retired and love to travel. I have a Jetta I use in the winter and also in the summer to carry my kayaks on a roof rack. I have a SnowBear 4.5' x 8' tilting bed utility trailer that I use to haul my motorcycle. I can haul a fair bit of camping gear with this rig. I also have a Miata sports car and have a 40" x 48" luggage trailer that I can haul camping gear in. I am a wood carver and have a fairly well fitted shop and reasonable woodworking skills. I also have a 2 car garage that will permit me to take on a TD project 'out of the weather'.
I am becoming increasing interested in building a TD trailer. My slight twist is that I don't want to have another trailer to register and park. The sides and front/rear bulkheads are removable from the SnowBear and I'd like to build a removable unit, not unlike to concept of the half ton truck campers. Because the trailer bed will tilt, I'm thinking I can use a hand winch to help load it and can secure it with shackles at the corners using the eye bolts installed to secure my motorcycle.
I like the tradition look of the Benroy and there seems to be no shortage of folks that have built this design and can help with most issues I encounter. I'm interested in a basic design; A place to crawl in to sleep and to store my gear when I'm not sleeping. I will want ventilation, a door, a window and perhaps a skylight. I will probably want to sandwich solid insulation in the walls and floor. I probably won't go with wiring the unit or building a fancy galley.
I like the idea of becoming part of a community of like minded travelers and look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from yours.
Cheers!

[bobhenry]

Do what I do 5 trailer 1 plate it says "red utility" so all the frames are red (Well at least the tongue)

[Roly Nelson]

Hello Hikingstaffs, welcome to the forum. Looks like you are well equipped to build the teardrop trailer that you are planning. There are a number of units on this board that slip right into a trailer used to haul "stuff". It would be well to reconsider your plans to not have any kind of galley. Having all of your kitchen stuff right at your fingertips, sure makes camping easier.

Another thought, have you ever tried making a bed that is surrounded by 3 walls, right up tight against the mattress? It is rather difficult, climbing all around the sheets and quilts, just to get things tucked in just right. I suggest you consider having a door on each side. You will be glad you did. I have a porta-potty/changing room outside of one of my doors, and use the other one to enter and leave the rig.

You said you are a wood-carver, well so am I. Most of my carving is done with chisels, gouges and knives, but any kind of spirit carving is a disaster. I like to do plaques, ornamentation on my many wood turnings and just other wooden stuff to compliment my woody teardrop. I done guess there are any two teardrop enthusiasts that live farther apart than you and I, since I live in So Calif, a long ways from Newbrunswick. I do want to make that trip out there someday, befor this old body says no.

Good luck on your build, and remember, ask questions, take pics and post em. Surely you name isn't "Cheers" and it would be nice to be able to address you using your real name. BTW, have you ever done any wood turning on a lathe?
Roly, check out my pics below.

[hikingstaffs]

Hi Roly, I'm Barrie. Thanks for the welcome.
I checked out your Woody... Absolutely awesome!! I am truly impressed.

I'm trying to follow the logic of the woodworkers credo."Measure twice, cut once..." by sharing my thoughts and appreciating feedback before I start sawing. As with many other projects I've undertaken I suspect my finished TD will vary from what I 'think' I want now by absorbing the benefit of others' experience. Yes, I have a wood lathe and use it often. I carve walking sticks, hiking staffs and canes as well as sports car gear shift knobs, carved bowls etc. I'm a retired business analyst; computers.

I agree 2 doors makes sense. As for the galley; the jury is still out. I'm thinking about my TD as a step up from my L.L. Bean tent. I keep my camping supplies in a plastic tote box and I don't tend to spend a lot of time in 'camp'... yet. I'm thinking less of a bed and more along the lines of a foam pad and sleeping bag. If I go with the rear hatch, I can use the TD as an enclosed utility trailer as needed and, since the hatch will be included at the start, I can add the galley later if I feel the need.
I have an open mind and haven't yet convinced myself I'm sure I know what I want. I'm turning a corner here with my traveling accommodations and with my new digs will come new opportunities to spend more time socializing and less time driving. I'm looking forward...
Please keep your thoughts and suggestions coming.
Cheers,
Barrie

[Shadow Catcher]

I am going to wax a bit philosophical. Its like a bicycle and proper riding gear, if the bike fits and is comfortable to use, you are more likely to ride. Our tear pretty much has the works including cabinets, cook top and hot water, and what this means is that everything has a place, no bins to sort through and it is no harder to fix and clean up after a meal than at home. Think of it as lazy camping, you are spending much less time with the fiddly bits and able to do the stuff you want to, and that includes socialize with a bunch of really interesting folks