New from Vermont

[indytrail2001]

Hi Everyone,

I have been researching the teardrop camper and discovered your site. It is an excellent source of information. After looking at some of the models in the Hall of Fame, I have decided to build my own. Trouble is, I already have 2 trailers sitting in the yard, a 8x12 snowmobile trailer with 8 inch tires and a Home Depot special 5x10 with 12 inch tires. So I am going to try and adapt one of them to serve the purpose. Both are currently tilt trailers. Do you think I am better off starting with something else?

My wife is a nay sayer on the project. But I have no desire to purchase a truck with today's gas prices, just to occasionally pull a travel trailer a few times a year. Let's see.. Payments on the truck and payments on the trailer, not to mention insurance just for occasional use. It is just the two of us, we are empty nesters with 4 grandchildren. (She seems to think that the travel trailer has to fit the grandkids as well).

[Miriam C.]

to the playground. Aren't grandkids wonderful. I can't fit all 9 of my grandkids in. They promise to enjoy the tents if we will take them.

Both trailers will work great. If I could do it over I would put bigger wheels on mine (8") and build around them. For a "normal" size teardrop the 5'x10' is perfect

Course you need to dig out the to keep the bubble oil level.

[SmokeyBob]

Welcome to the forum.

[Sonetpro]

Welcome to the forum. I am sure you could adapt one of the trailers. 5x10 sounds perfect. Mine is built on a boat trailer.

[sdtripper2]

Hello, indy ~

Welcome

Fellow Vamonta here ~

Maybe the snowmobile trailer could be adapted?
It is best to go with the lightest starting platform as weight costs money to
pull. Think weight while building as your gas dollar will go further the lighter the load.
Maybe a slide in galley would work for you for your duel purpose?

Ask your questions and there will be someone that has crossed that fence before here.
Also check out the index uP on the header for more information.

Steve

[Roly Nelson]

Hi, welcome to the board. I think your 5x10 with the 12 inch wheels would be my choice. Doing away with the tilting feature should be no problem, many others (including me), have done it with the same type trailer. Also, the 8 inch wheels might not be suited to the weight you plan on adding to the other trailer.
]
A 4x8 trailer tows nicely, can be slipped into most tight areas and is cheaper to build. A 5x10, which has much more room, would probably be the choice for the second builder, because you see, you can't build just one! Upper bunks could be added in a 5 ft wide rig if the grandkids are small enough. Keep us informed on your build and take lots of pics.
Roly