Posted: 12/30/2007 5:53:08 AM EDT
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So while we've beaten the "bug out trailer" concept to death already, I've kept looking at tear drops as a solution to both the 'live life while we can' need as well as the 'basic survival trailer that won't break the bank, require a larger SUV, cut down on mileage, and become an albatross issues. Tear drops are small enough to be pulled by a minivan, light enough to not drop mileage much, and yet big enough to haul 2-3 weeks worth of food and fuel. What say the hive mind? 
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| I too have been looking at TDs for several years now as a very viable project. I've been accumulating parts to build a TD for a while now. It's on my long-term project list of things to build. I don't own a truck/SUV so towing the dual axle bug out trailer isn't a real good option. A teardrop would be a huge step up in travel comfort compared to my usual method... lightweight backpacking. |
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I have a buddy who has a very old one he restored. The basic idea is it hauls what you need and provides a place to sleep while your actual living space is outside. Not a bad concept really, however due to the very small size they are very limited to specifically that task and not hauling a bunch of other stuff. Tj |
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Here's a picture of my bug-out trailer. It's a 13' 1987 Bigfoot and cost me $1700.00. It's sleeps 4, has a stove, fridge, sink and water storage. It's also got a ton of storage under the seats and in overhead cabinets. It weighs in at 1200lbs empty and 1700lbs or so loaded. It's light enough to be towed by my 4cyl. Jeep Wrangler or my Chevy Tracker. When I use my Ford F-150, you don't even know there's a trailer in back. There are several makes of 13', lightweight fiberglass trailers. Bigfoot, Scamp, Burro, Trillium, Boler and Casita. They can be found on Craigslist, Trader and online at sites like the Castia Club and Fiberglass RV. TAB is a nice trailer, but it sleeps 2 and costs about $11,000.00. I also plan to stay in the trailer, rather than outside if I have to leave. My F-150 has a shell on it it, so I can also use the truck bed, as well as the trailer for storage. 
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I would love to build a teardrop someday. Popular Mechanix got it started back in 1934 or so, with plans for a teardrop. I like the idea of having a kitchen with you too, and my 4 cyl Tacoma should be able to tow one. I'm just not sure where you'd mount the quad .50 
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Big Bug out Box- Before I got an old 5th wheel trailer, I thought of building a rectangular plywood box on 4x4 treated skids. Making it portable enough to winch up on a flatbed trailer... maybe 8x10 or 12. Portable buildings use the same " skid " concept with more elaborate roofs and shingles. If you don't particularly care about looks, you could design one suitable enough for a remote BOL, and still be able to use the trailer. It was just a thought. |
| I'm building mine based loosely on a set of plans from the Internet. There's a pretty decent forum of people who have built several each. I adapted mine to have swing-wide doors on the back, instead of a pop-up hatch, to make it a more versatile cargo hauler instead of a dedicated galley. |
That this is small. I've got a glove box bigger than that! No seriously that thing is just about the size I'm looking for. Here the "camp grounds" cater to the 30-40 foot fifth wheels and class A motor homes. Anything less than two queen sized beds and a satellite dish is roughing it for this crowd. I've been dry tent camping with my wife for more than 20-years now and conditions are begining to favor something other than a tent for sleeping. I'm making enough money, not living like a gypsy moving from state-to-state every couple of years, and the old bones ain't what they used to be! I need something with one bed, and a head. Doesn't even need a shower because I'll do that outside (in most weather). But we need something small enough that I can park it on my driveway and able to get just beyond the next valley where the class A campers can't get to. We go camping to spend time outdoors shooting and sitting around a camp fire not watching satellite TV and drinking.  I found a bunch of stuff on Craigslist that's of interest - thank you for the tip. |
Welcome EPH6-12  Made your link hot for you -> Plans to Build One Here |
A decent roof rack would greatly increase the cargo-carrying capacity - although nobody seems to use one... Here's a great info resource to bookmark: Teardrops.net. In particular, check out the "Teardrops for Sale", "Teardrop Manufacturers" and "Gathering Photos" sections. |
Here is a poor mans version. Very popular here in Utah..my neighbor has one. Slick unit. Jumping Jack |
| I have been looking into these as well lately and plan on building one.When I do there will definately be a write up on it. I already have the trailer and I'm just trying to pick the design I want to use. It is nothing more than a hard top tent on wheels but I like them. I have been thru the process of trying to restore several campers with my dad but, I can build a TD for the price of buying a used camper. This also means I have most the insides a camper sitting at home, all I need is to build a shell for it all. |
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I'm new here too, but found this to be right down my alley. I own a little guy 'sport' and it has been the ideal mate for me....grant it, i usually go it alone or with only one other person. plus, i throw my atv on the front bed when i want to get out from 'base camp.' I would recommend it, unless of course you want anything more than a nice enclosed bed and cabinetry. With a little guy, a toilet and shower are known as frills. |