Q. How much does it cost to build the Comet as shown?

A. That depends on you.  We spent between $3000 to $3500 on the Comet prototype.  The Cubby is around $2000.  You can get by with less, but it won't be as nice.  From what we've seen at Hot Rod shows, we know some of you motorheads can easily spend way more than that customizing it with fat fenders, drop axles, nice paint jobs, etc.  But one thing is for sure: a good set of plans will save you money, and help you build it right the first time.

Q. How long does it take to build a Teardrop Trailer?

A. This also depends on you.  It is like asking "how long does it take to build a room addition?"  Someone who works on it all day will obviously finish sooner than someone who only works evenings and weekends.  And there are some of you handymen out there who will stretch the project out for months (you know who you are).  Again, the best way to save time is to have a great set of plans, which will minimize time, expense and misery.

Q. I've never built anything before in my life.  Is a Teardrop a good first project?

A. No.

Q. O.K.- I've had some carpentry experience, Junior High metal shop, and have a friend that does welding,  Is this a project I can do?

A.  Yes, depending on how bad you want it.  None of the steps in building a teardrop are very hard, but there are a lot of steps.  We will  show you photos and descriptions of every step of the way, and give you detailed material lists.  The skill and motivation are up to you.  We believe you will agree that the result is well worth it.

Q. So what skills do I need to build a teardrop?

A. That depends on the model you build.  If you're building the Comet, you need to know how to weld, or know someone who welds.  Carpentry skills are also necessary, with basic knowledge of shop tools.  If you are a woodworker with no aluminum experience, learning to work with aluminum is not difficult at all.  It is the dream metal to work with, and you rarely get cut or injured from it, even the sharp slivers.  For building the Cubby, basic metal working skills, such as cutting, grinding, filing and drilling are all that's needed, as no welding is involved.  A $20 angle grinder is the most complicated metal working tool you need.

Q. Is a Teardrop Trailer an easy project?

A. Who said anything about easy?  Anything that bounces down the highway at 65 MPH isn't easy.  But our plans make it much easier than if you tried to figure it out for yourself!

Q. What if I finish my teardrop and decide I don't like it?

A. In the unlikely event that you decide a teardrop is not for you, you can easily sell it for a profit.  If you leave it out in front of your house, be prepared for people knocking on your door, asking to see it and inquiring if you want to sell it.

Q. Isn't the inside of a teardrop hot in the sun?

A. The aluminum skin reflects a lot of heat, and the walls are insulated.  The windows on both doors open, and there if a fan in the roof vent.  It is actually quite comfortable.  For those in hot climates, see our page on Air Conditioning a Teardrop.

Q. A teardrop looks so small, I can't believe you can sleep inside.  How long is the sleeping cabin?

A. The sleeping cabin on the Comet is 6'-4".  This can be made longer by replacing the coat closet with a shelf, which will gain you about 5 to 6".  The Cubby's sleeping compartment is 6'-0".  This can be expanded to almost 6'-8"' with the optional tongue-mounted ice chest. The cabin is 45" tall inside, which is plenty of room to sit up, but you cannot stand in it.  There have been all kinds of fabric "dressing rooms" created for installing just outside one of the doors by creative people.

Q. Can I customize my teardrop from the plans?

A. One of the charms of teardrop trailers is that hardly any two are alike (check out our brag page), and most of the teardrops built from our plans do not resemble the prototype.  Teardrops have a fine history of owners customizing them to fit their camping style.  We show you the basic platform and leak-proof construction, with ideas and directions for a galley and cabin that works great.  But you can customize this to fit your own needs or style.

Q. I like your design, and the plans are very detailed, but I don't want to put that much work into one.  Is there a way I can simplify my teardrop?

A. Sure.  Many "production" teardrops substitute a shelf for the galley cabinets, and leave a place for an ice chest and camping stove there.  Two shelves substitute for the inside cabinets.  These are easy substitutions to make and will save a lot of work.  There are other labor saving steps you could take, such as using battery-powered lights inside (touchlights).  However, should you want a teardrop with all the nice built-in features, we give you detailed plans and instructions to make one of the nicest ones on the road today.  

Q. Is there anything I could do to shave off a hundred pounds from the teardrop?

A. You could eliminate the battery and just use the battery from the car.  Substituting shelves for the cabinets also saves on weight.  Just because your car is rated for 1500 lbs. towing capacity, doesn't mean it won't be happier towing 1100 lbs.  But a teardrop trailer is one of the lightest camping trailers on the road.

Q. Are the Cubby and Comet basically the same trailer, only different sizes?

A. No.  They are two different trailers, with different galleys and interior configurations.

Q. Do you include directions for wiring 120V outlets for use at campgrounds with hookups?

A. It is not within the scope of these books to teach high-voltage wiring that can be potentially deadly or cause a fire.  It is best left up to a qualified electrician, but you can always just use an extension cord.

Q. Other plans provide full size templates for the side profile.  Do you do this?

A. It is a common fallacy that the side shape is difficult to do.  This is false, as it will take you 45 minutes.  We use a grid matrix system, sort of like battleship, that works great, even for first-timers  (many of our clients alter the shape of the sides anyway).  You may spend up to three months on the rest of the trailer, so you want a very detailed set of plans to help you with the really hard parts.

Q. What if I want to expand the trailer to 5' wide, or make the Cubby 9' long?

A.  You will have to locate 5' wide plywood and aluminum (people find it all the time).  There will also be more weight.  But other than that, you will still for the most part be able to follow the plans.  A 5' x 8' bolt-together chassis is available at www.redtrailers.com

More questions?  Contact us at support@kuffelcreek.com