What Do I Need To Know

[Shirley]

Hi...I'm new to posting on the forum. But, I have been reading and watching for almost a year. I'm getting close to purchasing a TD. What should I look for...like: size tires/wheels, ideal width, frame, etc.? I wouldn't mind working on the TD a bit...I'm retired and only drive my husband crazy!

Well, I pretty much know what I want for interior and galley. But, what I'm not sure about is the size of tires....14 inch vs 15 inch. I thought I read somewhere that the Harbor Freight trailers weren't that substantial. That's the kind of information I'm looking for. I would be using a Jeep Cherokee as a tow vehicle.

Thanks to all of you nice people!

[Eunice]

Hi and welcome Shirley and husband
others will give you more technical advise. We didnt build but I say go for what you like. Depends on your tow vehicle as to size and weight.
We have a queen bed at home but are very comfortable with the 4x8 double size in the tear. As for the galley you need to decide what type of cooking, campstove, microwave etc. And if you are like most others you will change your mind a thousand times when you go to a gathering and see all the ideas and what can be done.
have fun
Eunice

[Mike C.]

Hi Shirley and Husband,

If you have read for a year, you probably know as much as anyone here, but welcome to the forum anyway. Hope you get in and play with the rest of the gang and laugh much and enjoy yourselves.

Welcome aboard.

[Miriam C.]

out of the closet Shirley. I will agree with Mike except that if you can go to a gathering or visit someone who has a td and get a real feel for size. If you are not sure yet you need to get in one.

Enjoy and

[mikeschn]

Hey Shirley,

You've been reading for a year... Oh goodie... tell me, what should I build first? The evac trailer or the optimized Winter warrior?

Mike...

P.S. Oh yea, welcome to the forum...

[doug hodder]

Hi Shirley and Hubby....Welcome aboard..you probably need to think about exactly what is important to you and how you camp...do you want 110V for a Microwave, AC, coffee pot, onboard water with sink, or are you more of a basic camper and a place to sleep and a basic galley works for you? Can you sleep with your husband in a 4' wide bed, or do you want more, are either of you over 6' tall?

Put together a punch list and then start looking for what you want. My opinion is that a starting point like that will save yourself a lot of time and dead ends, and in the long run, you'll get something that meets your needs...just my thoughts on it...Doug

[Roly Nelson]

Oregonians, unite! Reply to this request and Shirley and Hubby will soon be one of us and enjoy their trailer as much as we do. I know there are a bunch of enthusiasts that reside in Oregon, so hooking up with some of them shouldn't be too difficult. Good luck.

Roly, way down in So Calif

PS, my requirements for a "perfect" teardrop are as follows:

Size, 4ft by 8ft
shape, kinda round in front, and slanty in rear
interior decor..........Wood
exterior material........Wood
fenders.........Wood
windows and doors........Wood
Oh well.....enough said, but as you can see, I am a bit predudice. :-)

[bledsoe3]

Shirley, I'm down in Portland if you need to see one in person before you decide.

Welcome to forum.

[pgwilli]

Hi...I'm new to posting on the forum. But, I have been reading and watching for almost a year. I'm getting close to purchasing a TD. What should I look for...like: size tires/wheels, ideal width, frame, etc.? I wouldn't mind working on the TD a bit...I'm retired and only drive my husband crazy!
....................
Thanks to all of you nice people!

Hi Shirley, there are several manufacturers in the PNW. If I read your post correctly, you'd like to buy a teardrop and customize it to make it your own, not build from scratch.
We choose to buy our tear from Hunter, but I have since seen examples from other small builders who might be closer to you.

I've met Ed of :
Ed's Custom Cabinets & Teardrops
Ed Ester
Correspondence only:
16451 Sylvester Rd. SW
Seattle, WA 98166
E-Mail: [email protected]
and been impressed with his product.

There also seem to be some stocking dealers of the Yoder Toder products that might appeal to you.

Good luck on your search

[triker45]

Welcome to the forum Shirley and husband. It sounds like you have an idea of where you are heading. Good luck on your journey. Be sure to enjoy. I down in southwestern Oregon. Jerry

[Bill Fernandez]

Welcome From Florida
The Sunshine State

Bill

[peggyearlchris]

A big welcome from Texas. Everthing is bigger in Texas. Peg