I have spent countless hours developing a construction guide that will show you, in detail, how to build the 4-Wide Convertible Teardrop. The Guide is aimed at novice builders who are either just looking for ideas, or those who want to build a clone of the convertible teardrop.
Z. Kaylor Designs' 4-Wide Convertible Construction Guide is 44 pages of instructions and detailed drawings with measurements, and also a CAD generated 3D model designed by Z. Kaylor Designs. Also included with the Guide are 82 color pictures taken during the actual build of the convertible teardrop, and an additional 29 color pictures, all taken on August 20, 2011.
ZKD's 4-Wide 3D Model is provided as a PDF*, and is a fully maneuverable, 'as-built' model of the convertible teardrop. The model can be viewed from any angle, and you can even choose to hide individual components, or to view them in a transparent mode like the image below. The image you see here is taken from the actual model.
You may preview parts of the guide by clicking on the links below:
Ready to start building your our own Convertible Teardrop trailer?!
Simply add the 4-Wide Guide to your shopping cart by clicking the button below. Once you've checked out, you will be presented with a link to download the ZIP file containing the 4-Wide Guide, the 4-Wide 3D Model, and the 111 pictures. Thats right - NO WAITING for your plans to come in the mail! Start building today!
Buy NOW - Download NOW!
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The digital and printed guides and drawings are for your personal use only. Please do not duplicate or distribute either, without my written consent. The 3D model is also not to be distributed or shared. All information provided with ZKD's Convertible Construction Guide is the sole property of Z. Kaylor Designs.
Questions? Comments? Contact Zach@ZKaylorDesigns.com.
* PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0 or higher, which can be downloaded for free.
A Teardrop is not a space ship. Its a box on two wheels. They are only as complicated as you make them. Some have very elaborate cabinets and woodwork, built-in sinks with water pumps, and LCD TV/DVD combos.
My convertible is pretty basic, and so were my tools. I used wrenches to assemble the trailer frame, and cut all the wood using a circular saw and a handheld jigsaw. The only thing that I didn't have was a handheld belt sander, which I borrowed from friend. All three of these power tools can be purchased fairly cheap at a discount tool store, such as Harbor Freight Tools.
As far as time is concerned, you can take as long as you want! The only deadline is the one you make. Some people start building in the early Spring in hopes of making Summer trips, while a few people actually take years to complete their master- pieces. Just build at your own pace!
Teardrops come in many shapes and sizes, and their options can vary just as much. Two of the most popular commercially built Teardrops are Little Guy Teardrops, and Camp-Inn Teardrops. A new Little Guy will cost you between $3000 and $9,000, while a Camp-Inn Raindrop 560 could set you back as much as $18,000!
Another other option is to buy a used camper. A search of Craigslist often turns up a used teardrop that is for sale. If you can't find a used one with the features you want, then you could search for a private builder who will collaborate with you and construct a camper to suit your needs. Your last option (and the most fun) is to build one yourself!
A teardrop is a small travel trailer which was popular back in the 30's, 40's,and 50's. The name is derived from the areodynamic shape that many of the tiny travel trailers employ.
They are an attractive option to a larger RV due to their cost, maneuverability, and minimal effect on gas mileage. Many teardrops weigh around 1,000lbs when loaded with gear, which makes it possible for almost any vehicle to pull.
Most are based on either a 4x8 or 5x10 trailer, and can comfortably sleep 2 adults. Some are as wide as 6 feet and can provide room for children as well.