Been lurking here for a while, fascinating rigs y'all have built!
A little about myself, I grew in the panhandle of Texas and we used to go camping in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado during the summer. Even managed to go during college a couple of times. As ironic as it might seem, after graduation and starting a career working for state parks, I haven't been camping in over 10 years.

I can't afford to buy a new or used trailer, and like the idea of building my own. I like to work with my hands, I'm not as good as many of y'all, but should be able to make something presentable.
Now my plans: I have committed myself to go camping next summer after our busy season in late July, to either New Mexico or Colorado or both. I am suffering withdrawals! I have been contemplating using the teardrop techniques on a camper shell. I have a 08 ford short bed, and cannot afford the $1000+ a new one would cost. If i come across a cheap trailer i might proceed a teardrop. I like the hinged roof design of the lady bug winter warrior and winter warrior build. I haven't yet found that one on the forum yet, but i assume its the same basic design. Anyway, I'm not small (6'3" and 280+) with a bad back, so i need something i can stand up in. Anyway, I'm starting to get long winded, but whatever fits in my price range is what i will do. Working for the state and being single doesn't allow for much spending money for this type thing. But i think building a camper shell first will give me good experience for building a trailer.
Thanks for having me and any advice will be greatly appreciated. Are there any stories of people using teardrop techniques on camper shells?