7 DIY Teardrop Mistakes
As first time builders we did a TON of research, designing, prep, and outreach before starting our DIY teardrop build. While we ended up with an INCREDIBLE camper that we have taken across the US twice, there are a few things we would have done differently from the start if we could go back.
If you’re in the build process or thinking about building your own teardrop trailer, listen up, and learn from us so you can build yours right the first time!
1. Hide Your Junk
We completed our teardrop the day we left on our maiden voyage. We didn’t originally add drawers in the galley and used a bin for storage. What started as a quick 10 day getaway to visit family turned into a month long, cross country trip! After traveling so long with that set up, we got used to it and the urge to add drawers faded.
We did eventually add the drawers and afterwards were a bit irritated with ourselves that we didn’t do it sooner! Of course they are way more functional, we can be more organize and fit more gear, and it just looks 10X better!
So learn from us. Any time you can add a drawer or cabinet door to hide your junk, do it!
2. Galley Light
We used a galley light that was highly recommended on all the online DIY forums. It’s inexpensive, has a few different settings, and overall seemed like the way to go!
But it wasn’t….
The light is SO bright it attracts all the bugs in the area so we hardly ever use it.
Additionally, we installed it too far forward on our hatch, so it shines at us rather than at the counter top.
The fix for this is to use THESE recessed lights at the bottom of your hatch. They are the perfect temperature, brightness, and easy to install.
*Want the links to all of our recommended parts and materials? Check out our DIY Plans!
3. Latching Cabinets and Slides
We originally locked our interior cabinet doors using magnets. During all the road tests they stayed shut and appeared to work great!
However, once we were on the road with our cabinets stocked full of a month’s worth of clothes, the magnets were not quite strong enough for bumpy backroads.
We have since added elbow latches, commonly used on sailboats, to keep our doors closed and secure. Now we no longer have to deal with a mess of clothes when we get to camp.
Similarly, the cooler slide in the galley moved around slightly. We added a standard slide lock from Home Depot to keep it secure while under way. Now we opt for locking latches for both the cooler and water slide in our custom builds. They are a bit more expensive but well worth it in our opinion!
4. Choice of Axle
We went with a leaf spring axle on our DIY teardrop, but if we were to do it again, we’d go with independent suspension.
Let me start by saying our leaf spring axle has taken us everywhere, and on all terrains that we have wanted to go (and we like to go in the middle of nowhere on some rough sh!t.)
However, the ride would have been a lot smoother with independent suspension.
The biggest difference between a leaf spring (standard) axle and torsion or Timbren suspension which act independently of one another, is how the trailer rides. On a dirt road, if you hit a bump on one side with a leaf spring, the whole trailer feels it. The axle reacts to the bump. If you were to do the same with independent suspension, that side of the trailer would absorb it and the opposite side would carry on undisturbed.
If you typically stick to pavement and some dirt roads, a leaf spring will be more than enough for you, but if you prefer to head off-road, independent suspension will make your travels more enjoyable!
Leaf Spring
Torsion
Timbren
5. Quality Control
Okay, so this is all the liiiittle stuff.
For our first build, we did a pretty remarkable job on the big picture stuff, but these are a few things we have already changed (and include in our plans).
Galley Counter Top
Starting out we used a cutoff of extra aluminum for our counter top (we wanted that stainless look…). It looked GREAT starting out and acted as an easy to clean hard surface. However it got scratched like crazy and we don’t recommend using aluminum for this purpose. If you want that look, find a supplier of stainless steel sheet metal instead.
We have switched it out for Formica you can easily find at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or your local hardware store.
Headboard
Our headboard was just a tad too tall, causing some of the usual cups we use to hit the front curve of the trailer. We adjusted the design for future builds and DIYers.
Caulking
We went with white caulk in our first build. There’s nothing wrong with using white, it just stands out more than we would like it to, and now opt for a tan color which looks great with the natural wood interior.
Plus, I must say our caulking has improved GREATLY! If you’re new to caulking USE TAPE! You can then slightly wet the surface and your finger tip (or a caulking tool) to create a smooth finish.
6. Trailer Frame
We went with a utility trailer manufacturer because we wanted something sturdy that would last! We are ultimately happy we went this route for our first build, BUT the manufacturer wasn’t the best fit.
He had a huge operation and cranked out trailer frames.
But that sounds great! I don’t understand…
The issue was the staff was not very detail oriented.
With Utility trailer frames, being off a fraction of an inch, or having a protruding end cap, isn’t a big deal. But when you are building a teardrop trailer, precision matters. And there was an arc in the frame, the metal was not cleaned or primed so the paint started to flake off, and we had to put in some extra work because the dimensions were not perfectly on point.
If we were to do it again, we would make it very clear what we wanted and needed, and found someone who could do that for us. Or weld it ourselves (which we do now!)
Are you looking for a trailer frame for your DIY Build? We know how difficult it can be to find a quality frame so we have started too manufacture frames for DIYers! Check them out here.
Wander Tears Trailer Frame with Timbren Suspension, breaks, all terrain wheels, structural fenders, and a rear receiver.
7. Start Sooner!
We could go on and on about what building our teardrop has done for the way we are able to travel (we will talk teardrops any time, any place…)
For Danny, it’s all about a comfortable, weatherproof, place to sleep that is off the ground.
For Paige, it’s the lack of set up and tear down required, meaning we have more time to actually enjoy the experience and spend hiking or doing whatever we want!
We are able to escape at a moments notice, and all we need to do is pack some clothes, make a grocery run, and we’re gone. Camping and being outdoors is no longer a big production we have to plan weeks in advance.
If you’re reading this, odds are you are either at the early or middle stages of your teardrop trailer build, so congratulations on getting started and get ready for the project of a lifetime! If you want to get building sooner, skip the research, and have links to all of our favorite parts and materials, check out our DIY Teardrop Plans. Be sure to join the Private DIY Facebook Community for additional resources and to ask any questions throughout the process!
Take a look at our blog, where we feature a new DIYer every week and interview them about their teardrop build, prior experience, and any advice they have for other DIYers.
DIY Vaga built by Luke in North Carolina
DIY Vaga built by Brad in Canada
“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”
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