My older daughter Sheldon lives a rather vagabond life. She calls Silverton, Colorado, home, and maintains a year-round post office box there. But much of her year is spent in tents, cabins, lodges and huts as she guides skiers and climbers wherever the season is right. I guess the seed of our most recent adventure together was planted a couple years ago when I proposed a family camping trip and received this declaration: “I only sleep in tents when I’m getting paid to…” The facts have proven much more flexible and accommodating, but nonetheless, she and I have been plotting a stitch and glue teardrop trailer for the last two years.
Preview: A Stitch-and-Glue Teardrop Trailer
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Jim Huntley says:
Thinking about the houseboat contest, I pictured a barge with a fold down bow ramp that would allow a tent camper or pop up to be rolled on and fastened down. Hang a motor on the stern and you have a versatile houseboat. Maybe the teardrop trailer would be good for this. Jim Huntley
Kenneth Scott says:
I noticed Chespeak’s tear drop & ideas, when I saw yours, I had to check it out. Great.
I am thinking of building one to tow behind my Tesla S (I have a hitch that is mounted to the interior framing). Tesla does’t like S’s to tow, but the new X does nicely. The main problem is towing wt…so thanks for the article & your specs on towing
Liam and Judy English says:
I saw this towards the end of its construction and can testify that it is a straightforward creation beautifully built by Geoff. As my 75 yo skeleton is getting to the point where I look at a tent and shudder, especially at the thought of hauling my body off the ground and onto my legs, this looks like the key to realizing many dreams that I do not wish to give up. Thanks Geoff (not for the first time) and CLC. Looks like a great project!
Greg McGowan says:
How did you finish the underside of the teardrop? If you use some type of undercoating material does the plywood require special prep?
Geoff Kerr says:
Glass, epoxy,and two coats of Rustoleum enamel.
John Hastie says:
Hmmm…
Leaves me wondering about a design that would allow us to toss one of our small boats atop a micro camper.
That would allow for exploration of & fishing in wonderful waterways near a wide variety of camping / adventure sites. New waters to explore, fresh fish to eat, and a cozy spot to rest – sounds about right for an extended land voyage.
Thanks for sharing.
Geoff Kerr says:
This design is engineered to carry roof racks. I’m sure Sheldon’s will have a gear box on top soon.
carl prestipino says:
A great father daughter project that definitely borrowed from your boat building skills – I bet she’d float, especially upside down!
Eigil Rothe says:
Wow it’s great to read your side of the story. I “drop” in on the CLC website about every two weeks just to keep an eye on things. I read about the tear-drop and found the concept fascinating. Wonderful job. Looking forward to future stories.
Bob Burk says:
Your teardrop trailer looks awesome. I’m down the road from silverton in montrose. Will check with CLC for plans. Great job.