Starting from scratch, what's the best model?

[Nicki]

I'm looking to build my own TD, and am only just barely beginning to venture into the world of TTT camping. (I only discovered there was such a thing about 2 months ago )

My purpose is to travel the country for 3 years, camping pretty much non-stop. All weather, all areas of the country.

My ideas are, I'd like a non-traditional type TD. That is, I want one that, when cooking, I don't have to be standing outside. I found the Kampmaster Wildgoose, which opens up so you can walk all the way into it. It greatly appealed to me, but I'm also wondering, is there any other model that would serve my purpose just as well? I'm willing to buy plans to build online, but don't want to commit to something not fully researched.

For you cold weather (and rainy weather) campers, what have you done to keep out of the cold when cooking? Are there instructions for modifying the plans I've already found on this forum anywhere?

Also, I'm not an experienced builder at all. My dad is, and he'll be helping me, so I'm sorry if some of my questions seem pointless because of my lack of knowledge.

[Miriam C.]

I got distracted and failed to note who this belonged to but it looked like a great plan to get a TD and still be able to stand up when cooking. Also leaves the option of a full hatch for outside cooking.





I solved the problem by going bigger and opening the galley shelf to the inside.

Sharon has a great build with a lift top. If you read the build journals there are a few ongoing right now.

[sagebrush]

Welcome ! My sister has developed a bad case of wanderitis after retirement and is seriously contemplating building a "Widget" (in the design library). She tried our teardrop but didn't like not being able to brew her morning tea without going outside. You might look at that design. Don't know what your are towing with so it might be too big tho. Good Luck with your project. Will

[doug hodder]

Based on what you want...a true teardrop may not be the answer to your needs. However...a small Standy type trailer may just do it for you. I've cloned a Scotty, less than 11' long and has 6 feet of headroom and a dinette in it. Sink, cooler and stove are inside for those wet campouts. An advantage is...no set up... just open the door, really nice if it's bucketing rain. I've built a number of tears, still own one and love using it, but the standy is nice if the weather is questionable.

I'd say the first thing is to develop some sort of a budget for your project and check with dad since he is going to be a big asset in the whole thing. You may want to check out the Winter Warrior design as well as the Widget as previously mentioned, I believe it's in the design library in the above header. May be the ticket. Doug

[Nicki]

Thanks for the tips. I don't have a big vehicle, though... only a Ford Focus, so a teardrop was pretty much as big as I could reasonably consider. I'll keep looking around though, thanks

[Wolffarmer]

Nikki, welcome to the forum.

Yeah, a Ford Focus is going to limit you a lot. Might think about a tent to only use when it gets really bad. I have seen one that went over the back of the TD so the galley was inside it.

Mary Van

She doesn't have a picture of it, and I didn't get on last year either.

Randy