Teardrop and Tiny Trailers

[xrover]

I am starting this new thread to see if we can get some folks on board. Recently I acquired a teardrop trailer. No more tents for me. There has been much written over the years on teardrop trailers, but the basic knowledge you need to know is they were a popular form of camping back in the 40's and 50's based on a 4x8 plywood platform, an old Ford axle, and some aluminum skin. They have been making a comeback with more people now driving smaller 4 cylinder cars and looking for lightweight travel. Most TD's weigh less than 700 pounds, so can be towed easily behind a small car. Some TD's have been reinforced to survive offroad. The biggest benefit besides weight, is the ability to stop and sleep, or stop and start cooking right away with minimal to no set up time. And thus just as quick tear down time.

Here is a link to some photos of my TD.
http://gallery.me.com/lcater/100139" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I bought it from a older gentleman in the US who builds them very basic and then I added the aluminum skin, front box, and side table. I am now updating the rear galley with my necessary kitchen items.

If you want to find out some more info here are a couple of links:

There are lot's of plans on line to build your own. There is one called the weekender which was designed to be built in a weekend. The Benroy is more a traditional style teardrop.
http://www.mikenchell.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is a very active forum for TD's as well at this site: This requires a log in to interact.
http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

if you are looking to buy one, they range in price from about $2000 (for a homemade) to $13,000 for a production made. There is a company in Brighton, ON thats make a poly-version called a tadpole.
http://www.tadpoletrailers.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So come on folks, let's get retro!

[Pezzy]

Need a new link for your pics, it forwards to a log in.

[xrover]

Need a new link for your pics, it forwards to a log in.

Fixed it.

[Bow_Tied]

Very cool! Nice looking trailer there...

We consider one but decided we wanted something bigger since we have a little one.

Are you taking that to AW?

[xrover]

Are you taking that to AW?

Absolutely. Last year at CampNL it was a disaster for us. We pitched the tent in a hole, behind the sound stage and then had to endure the flood of water along with the flood of badly made live music. My son could not sleep so we ended up leaving camp and going to my parents trailer. Now I can park somewhere else!

[Feds]

I've been checking those out for a while. Spe-sheshally the "Maxitear"



Unfortunately, with the little man in tow, it's going to be a regular trailer for me.

[xrover]

I've been checking those out for a while. Spe-sheshally the "Maxitear"



Unfortunately, with the little man in tow, it's going to be a regular trailer for me.

I saw one for sale, but they wanted a lot of money for it (like $13k).
Check out the cabin car, it was built in Fort Erie back in the 40's. Unfortunately pretty much made from all wood so very few have survived. The guy who hosts the TTT site actually has a great link of a rebuild on one.
http://cabincar.yuku.com/directory" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now that can handle the family. From days when father wore a suit and tie to go camping! I expect to see Moe and Gino in a suit and tie at AW09!

[deeker]

TAB makes some funky little teardrop trailers. I had a chance to see one when we were camping near Natural Bridge in Kentucky. Really neat layout and they seem pretty well built.

http://tab-rv.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Xgirl]

Forgive me Len...but where are "you" going to sleep in that? Let alone anyone else thats with you! It seems kinda small!

[nige]

yeah, i like the woodgrain sides, but i was wondering how you 'stretch out' in there

i can see how they were so popular with interstate cruising, you could pull over in one of the rest stops and catch a few zzz's after a long drive.

[xrover]

Forgive me Len...but where are "you" going to sleep in that? Let alone anyone else thats with you! It seems kinda small!

Hey, resent that insinuation!


Well, for starters, the interior length for sleeping is 6'6" and those have met me will know that is plenty. I can't even stretch to that length, however Evan is getting close to that!
As for width, my kids are slim, and only one ever comes with me (my truck is set up ideally as a 2 seater).
Have no fear.
In fact, if you recall the folding wooden chairs I bought last year, I can actually sit inside the TD on the chair if it is raining, and play cards or watch the dvd.

Now, you won't find Pete and I sleeping in there, that's for sure!

[Cracker]

Very cool Len!

[mookie]

Very nice!

[xrover]

In an earlier post I had mentioned the cabin car and was trying to find the link to a very spectacular one that a guy did. I re-found the link. Check out this piece of furniture!

http://w48rob.wik.is/Welcome_to_Rob%27s ... Page_Title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The guy is an artist/magician with wood.

[xrover]

Another neat little trailer for sale - 10 hr drive from GTA - Green Bay, MI.
***$2500 to anyone on the forum.
***No idea what it weighs.--It's not that much though. (built smart/lite)
***Built on a pop up frame.
***the inside is: 9'4" from front to back, and 6'3" from side to side.
***the floor to ceiling height is 4'6".
***the outside height is: 6'6"
***the outside of the trailer is 10' 8" long at the longest point of the front curve. (the difference between my inside length and outside length is my back "garage" storage area):


I bought this, and have tinkered with it for 2 or 3 years now.

My upgrades:

A/C
carpeting
double bed mattress
tires
springs
cedar interior
some exterior graphics

will work with anyone on delivery etc.

thanks,
tam

this is an older pic: the a/c is a little different now, and the interior front is not like the pics in my album. i will update those or email new ones to anyone who is serious about buying...

i'd like to find a good home for this, as i have some other projects i'd like to get to, including building another camper.

Here is a link - you may need to set up an account to view, but if you really are interested in the trailer, it's a great site to be hooked into:
http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/album_ ... er_id=4538" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Xgirl]

Wow I'm impressed he sure knows how to work the wood with all the curves and bends! The pictures of the start to finish is very interesting to say the least. Still kinda small though...but it is kinda of cool looking. How much do you think that trailer weighs?

[xrover]

I think in his thread he mentioned about 1500lbs.

[xrover]

With Bender looking for a job, maybe a few of the member can commission him to build a trailer. Once the trailer frame is built, the rest of it is mainly working with wood.

[Bow_Tied]

Here is a biger project, but would be cool when finished. This is the model up of what I have.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... SS:CA:1123" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;