Building a Teardrop Trailer: Plans and Methods for Crafting an Heirloom Camper

My wife and I are about 3/4 of the way through our teardrop build and just wish this book was published when we started! If we were starting now, I think we'd adopt Tony's proven design. (This was his 4th teardrop build, and he discusses some of the improvements he's developed as he, his wife, and family camped in the previous three, and in a commercial teardrop.)We learned of this book from Tony, who has given us much helpful advice on the Teardrop and Tiny Trailers forum. We have a lot of respect for his knowledge, and greatly appreciate his friendly helpful advice and discussion both with us and others.This is a well written step by step guide to building a teardrop. The reader starting with this book will, with jig saw, router, and other tools commonly available to us hobbyists, be able to build a teardrop trailer just as shown on the cover. I believe the descriptions and instructions are clear, but if the reader is confused by anything, all they have to do is join the (free) forum above and ask Tony directly. This is the next best thing to having an experienced teardrop builder right there in your shop!If you've only seen teardrops in campgrounds (as we had) and are curious, this book is a great low-cost investment to decide if a home built model should be in your future. If you've already decided to build one, materials and supplies do cost around $4000 (much less than almost any commercially built camper), and so the cost of this book is a drop in the bucket. It will more than pay for itself (in both money and time) in avoiding mistakes we first time builders are likely to make.Tony covers the entire build, from fabricating the trailer chassis, building the (insulated) walls, floor, ceiling and roof (also insulated), and attaching them all together. His build includes cabin shelves and a headboard cabinet with sliders, which he describes in detail. He chose to build doors (rather than buy commercially made doors) and describes his design. He gives a very detailed description of the galley hatch--including the design of the hatch sides, so important for keeping the galley dry and dust free. He has chapters both on a fiberglass/epoxy exterior and aluminum. He also has chapters on the electrical system, a propane heating system, galley cabinets, and even some tips on camping. These are all from Tony's personal experience, and are written in a conversational manner that is easy to understand.

Tony does a great job of methodically walking through the process of building a teardrop camper with great detail and the benefit of having this be his fourth one. He uses his many overnights of real life teardrop camping to serve as the basis of decisions that aren't always obvious. For example, he encourages the use of a heater in the camper while foregoing the sink that seems quite common in commercial rigs.His focus throughout is on creating an heirloom camper, one that can last generations and his materials selection and processes show this. He has put the design to the test in the 4 years since the camper was built and it's held up well.Best of all, Tony is still very active on tnttt.com (Teardrops n Tiney Travel Trailers) and responds quickly to questions.

This is the way to do it. Good construction techniques that keep the trailer light weight and weatherproof. Methods allow you room to make modifications to make it your own. I would give it five stars except for the many errors and discrepancies through out the book in regards to measurements.

Just completed my build and could not have been happier with the result. I Could not have produced the results without this book! I researched for months, scoured the internet, and watched 100’s of YouTube how-tos. This book was the only source that detailed the steps, but more importantly, provided a design and construction approach that provides a solid, efficient, and light-weight build that will last a lifetime.Before I started the build, I read, re-read, mapped, and literally built a checklist for each step in your process. This helped me understand how and why right down to the measurement conversions based on my design. I was able to see an end-to-end build at a conceptual level. Once in the build, I referenced often. Very well written and each sentence has a purpose. A lot of instruction packed in a relatively short book. The tool suggestions, material, the “why” was instrumental. The biggest thing was your humble approach of sharing mistakes and things to look out for, gave me the confidence to jump in. Thank you for writing this book!

This has a lot of good information and tips for how to decrease the price or add things later. The instructions helped clear up a lot of things that I felt others were vague on like the electrical and solar!

I enjoy the peace and simplicity of getting out to camp from time to time, but the older I get the less I enjoy the hassle of preparation to get all my gear together, pack it, unpack it, set up the tent...and so on. I started considering a teardrop after my co-worker bought one; I could not imagine paying the price for it though. I'm pretty handy with my tools, so I figured could I build one myself then I joined a Facebook group dedicated to people who do just that.I learned about Tony's book from that Facebook group and have actually had the pleasure of communicating directly with him within the group. He's super knowledgeable and helpful as are many of the others in the group.So, his book....just as he has been in the group, the book has been invaluable for me during the planning of my build. I'm a very visual person and I tend to ask a lot of questions. This book covers both of those needs for me...tons of pictures as he goes through his build and its a very conversational easy read. I almost feel as though I'm there with him at times...I'll think of a question and turn the page....boom, he answers it. I really enjoy how he doesn't just tell you to use a certain way; he explains why he chose it and sometimes options which allows you to make an informed decision on your own to tailor your build.I looked at a few other books on teardrop builds (even bought one before) but I am so happy I learned about this one because it is by far, in my opinion, the best I have come across!

Assez déçu.Pas de plans ni de véritable méthode...Une accumulation de "tips" un peu brouillonne.Peut-être intéressant pour quelqu'un qui connait déjà les bases de la construction... et encore.

It seems pretty clear that people are staying closer to home these days and camping is a great way to explore. It's nice to be able to sleep off the ground, protected from the worst of the weather without having to invest in a big trailer and rig to pull it. Plans and instructions for building your own efficient teardrop style trailer abound, but Mr. Latham has put together a logically laid out, easy to follow book for the average craftsman with enough detail to eliminate guesswork. His advice is solid and practical and his casual writing style fits perfectly with the outdoor aesthetic. Reading this book will make you want to pick up tools and start to work on your own version of his very practical trailer. Highly recommended.

Great book, full of information. I am looking forward to starting my own teardrop trailer build and am glad of the help this book provides.

Buoni consigli e ben fatto. Semplice la spiegazione.

Great diagrams and detailed build info told with a good sense of humour. Very practical with some options to choose from... but note that there are other simpler ways for gully hatch sealing, though this type did seal well for me. Today's laser and CNC cutting techniques and new materials may make the job easier; The construction tech in this book leans to old school workshop build