Similar Dilemma
Hey Luk4mud,
I am in a similar predicament. I will be returning home to North Ga from Afghanistan in Jan and am going to build an "off road" teardrop to my specifications. I have been researching this unique form of camping and have found as you have, uniqueness comes with a price that I am not willing to pay. That being said, I have spec'd out my TD and with materials and $1K worth of hired labor, I can build mine for around $5K; allowing for a little wiggle room for unforeseen expenses.
My particular model is 6Wx12Lx5H, has stubby torsion axles, 15" Black wheels and 31" tires, I am going with a ply exterior with a roll on bed liner type coating for durability and waterproofing. I am going to save the expense and labor of wiring for internal and galley lights by using battery operated LED lanterns. Should my build go according to plan, I intend to start a business building TDs for others, I have already begun drawing up the business proposal. The SE USA could use a good TD builder.
Your situation has multiple concerns, not the least of which is your need for a King size bed. This of course can be remedied by buying a utility trailer that meets the desired width or framing out past your wheel width and placing your mattress above the wheel wells. It can be done but you will lose the classic TD look by building past your wheels; kinda like the R-Pod.
You can also save on build time/ labor by going with a non traditional shape. Modified wedges with a squared off galley are much easier to build than the curved ends.
In the end, it all depends on what you want and what you are willing to accept. There are many ways to cut costs in the convenience area and still have a comfortable, safe TD.
Should you still be in the market come Spring, look me up. I may be able to help you out.
Regards
RangerDanger
Just starting to research trailers. As my wife and I approach the empty nest days, we look to travel more. She does not sleep in a tent willingly and does not do any offroading beyond maybe a difficult forest service road. We plan to camp remotely for a couple days at a time them get a motel room and cleanup/ get more supplies, then go back out again.
So here is my perfect teardrop, with the above in mind.
-King bed, ceiling vent/ fan
-Big doors with lots of screen space
-On board water, 10 gal will do
-Small 12 volt rechargeable system with on board 12 volt, do not need 110 though
-Galley space and tie downs for a Yeti, do not need a 12 volt fridge
-2 burner stove and propane storage with external hookup for bbq
-Heavier duty axle and larger tires, pintle hitch system
-Dry weight around 1000 or less
-What we dont need: heater, a/c, stereo, shore power, etc
-Well made at a reasonable price
The last condition seems to be the hardest to meet. I have read virtually all of Hilldweller's thread on the Little Guy. No thanks to LG. OTOH, 20k+ for a "high end" teardrop is not going to happen in my house either. What other options are there out there?
