7 Years Later, What I Love, What I Don't and What I Want to Change, PMF Teardrop Trailer.

This is an update on how my poor mans fiberglass teardrop trailer is holding up after 7 years. Please check out the original tour if you haven't seen it. Also, check out my poor man's fiberglass tutorials and vespa teardrop build.
Original Tour: • Home Built Teardrop Ca...
Poor Mans Fiberglass Tutorial: • Poor Mans Fiberglass P...
Vespa Teardrop Timelapse: • Micro Foamie Vespa Tea...
Vespa Teardrop Tour: • Micro Teardrop Trailer...

[@wiserman100]

7 years later and this little gem looks better than some new units i've seen on dealer's showroom floors! Wow. The durability and design of this build is remarkable. Well done.

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@parsnip7349]

You should give yourself a pat on the back, and smile💪🧐 well done 👍

[@johnnicolini2562]

I watched your Poor mans fiberglass tutorial and ended up building a slide in truck bed camper and it turned out great . Thanks for your video

[@thelwood]

I am so happy yours turned out well!

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

Love the video Lucy! What an awesome update!

[@thelwood]

Thanks Tom!

[@inspiringbuilds]

Looks great 7 years later and nice work on all of the repurposing! 👍🏼

[@thelwood]

Thank you! I definitely had to use what I could find!

[@tarawakefield4383]

So happy it has held up so well!!

[@thelwood]

Me too!!

[@drgranger2]

I remember your original video, good to see a review. Thanks, nice job.

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@cheeto.1]

Mines 1yr old. PMF looks good as the day I put it on after using your technique. I use it a every other month just about & when I take it out I have to give 30 tours and answer a ton of questions. Its part of the fun of it showing it off. Looking forward to the Van Build Series. Thanks for the update

[@thelwood]

That is so awesome! I am so happy that your PMF turned out well!

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Lovely job Lucy, cheers for showing how it has held up. 👍

[@thelwood]

Thank you!!

[@irgod32]

Great build! thanks for the update on the PMF ✌

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@magnang]

Thanks for following up. The trailers always look great when freshly built but yours also stood the test of time. Well done! I built a similar PMF camper also going on 3 years now. Good to see the finish has held up so well!

[@thelwood]

Thank you so much! I am happy yours is doing well too!

[@1chumley1]

Wow, so beautiful!

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@petersdraggon]

Your craftsmanship is second to none. Great job. Good information.

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@ayjay1967]

well done Lucy a great inspiration xxx

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@chrisgenovese8188]

this trailer is so cool! ive watched several videos in a row, and thought to myself, man that looks like scottsdale or somewhere in the valley. its good to see it holds up under the intense heat. i wasnt planning on building a trailer, but now i kinda want one for my homemade moped!

[@thelwood]

Thank you so much! That would be an awesome project!

[@knightdetroja]

Great work of art.

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@dinebonte4014]

I love your paint job on this camper! Very Attractive!

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@yoelroque3950]

Great job on the camper 👍

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@OOICU812]

Very impressive build.

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

I really like your kitchen design!

[@thelwood]

Thanks!

[@MrClickbang357]

very nice!

[@racerx12003r]

Great video and cool camper trailer. I'm currently rebuilding a truckbed camper that i built for my old Jeep J truck. Im definatly going to use some of the inspiration of your build, and check out your poor man's fiberglass video. I'm very interested in how well its held up over the years. Thank you.

[@thelwood]

Thank you! The PMF on both of my trailers is still in excellent excellent condition!

[@jackflak]

Very nice it's held up well

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@thewishmastur]

Excellent built

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@huxmetalworks7371]

Great work love your work

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@scottcates]

Good stuff. I hope to be back in the valley one day. It would be nice to make one of these. I like pulling behind my motorcycle but I could pull behind a car, too. I'm super interested in the lightest, lightweight gross weight and, of course, it would be great to include enough electrical service for A/C.

[@thelwood]

Thank you! I wish they made more super small ac options!

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Still looks great👍

[@thelwood]

Thanks!

[@kccorliss3922]

Nice project

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@tomkelly3896]

Nice

[@lilivicordero8077]

Awesome

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@antoniiocaluso1071]

About your "somersaults at night"...there's that old joke sign to place outside... "if the trailer's rockin, don't be knocking" :-) excellent work!! I build mini-cruising catamarans & ECOhomes in SW FL, USA. For that: a. please consider building yourselve(s) a boat! Mine are a Dutch design called "ECO6". b. don't "fear" glass/epoxy!! It's a benign composite, & would add tremendously to structure & durability. c. FL gets a bit HOT in Summer, too, & White is the ONLY color to choose. d. use Radiant Barrier on the interior, as it keeps 90% of heat from entering! I use it throughout my ECOhomes, too, (since '79) & utterly-amazing. My next build is a micro-houseboat, who's design is called "Escargot" (no lie))). Want her plans for yourself, just say! Buona fortuna

[@thelwood]

Thank you for the tips!! I would love to see your boats! Some day I might want to build one!

[@montycraig5659]

TBH, I like your teardrop as well as any I have seen on here. I have guaged everything off of a Vistabule, and I like a lot of things you've done better!

[@thelwood]

Thank you so much!

[@arzugutierrez]

Still one of my favorite teardrops. Would you sell it now? Lol

[@janettebeck1120]

you are my hero!!! great job! Girl Power makes me proud! We all need to support each other when we You did a great job! I'm looking for advice! I bought a micro trailer "project" for my 65th birthday... I may have bit off more than I can chew! lol I live in San Diego so I have a few month b4 wheather become an issue lol the trailer has good bones but the man who started the build passed away... so the universe thought I should finish it! anyway ... I'm currently researching what is best way to seal exterior? also original builder framed and cut 1 window 26x32 in door in rear of trailer and just framed not yet cut 2 16x16 in windows in sides ideally I'd like to put a galley hatch in rear and doors on sides ? I'm currently looking for any advice or help anyone can offer 😁👍 I dont want to get out my violins ... I have some skills the reason I'm doing this is because I am shooting survivor I actually stayed so busy b4 I I retired I didnt give myself time to think bout it lol but bcuz of progression in my injuries... to eye and face I now need a way to get out and battle my PTSD in a positive way 👍😁 any advice you or your peeps can offer would be VERY APPRECIATED ❣ I'm looking for advice! I bought a micro trailer "project" for my 65th birthday... I may have bit off more than I can chew! lol I live in San Diego so I have a few month b4 wheather become an issue lol the trailer has good bones but the man who started the build passed away... so the universe thought I should finish it! anyway ... I'm currently researching what is best way to seal exterior? also original builder framed and cut 1 window 26x32 in door in rear of trailer and just framed not yet cut 2 16x16 in windows in sides ideally I'd like to put a galley hatch in rear and doors on sides ? I'm currently looking for any advice or help anyone can offer 😁👍 I dont want to get out my violins ... I have some skills the reason I'm doing this is because I am shooting survivor I actually stayed so busy b4 I I retired I didnt give myself time to think bout it lol but bcuz of progression in my injuries... to eye and face I now need a way to get out and battle my PTSD in a positive way 👍😁 any advice you or your peeps can offer would be VERY APPRECIATED ❣

[@thelwood]

Sounds like a great project! One of the biggest things a would have done differently is just buying the doors instead of building them. I like the poor man's fiberglass for sealing the outside but there are plenty of other methods. Hopefully you get some good advice from the awesome youtube community!

[@janettebeck1120]

@@thelwood Yes what an amazing community! I actually just spent my day yesterday "in the space" I laid down in it and took my measure tape pencil pad .... I decided to modify the original builders' plan He had 1 entry in the rear..... wish I could send you a pic.... I'm trying to figure out how to create a galley area back there. problem is he built 2 slide out storage spaces for his hunt/fish equip under rear door. I measured the windows he framed on the sides and if I add a 2x3 to the side that will widen to 26" and then add a 2x3 on the floor gives me my 32'' FOR doors on both sides! no cutting until doors arrive ... yes buying doors is my plan. I found a place that sells 2 door kits for all parts for 689.00, so I'm pondering that idea. Then after watching waterproof videos until my eyes fell... oops eye... I'm mono ocular lol inside joke anyway I have decided to used a quality waterproof porch paint several coats and a rubber roof coating on the roof. I live in San Diego and the trailer will be in an enclosed carport when I'm home so .... if I find it's not sufficient, I can always repaint it! lol meantime it's that time of year for me .... Finals! argh... I'm a college student lol studying to be a digital nomad one day lol I love to write ... long story but any who .... thank you so much ... your trailer is amazing! I'm trying to figure out a way to incorporate a galley

[@michaelashton2032]

Hi Lucy, I think your trailer builds are lovely and beautifully made. I’m thinking of building a larger pop top version. Do you think the techniques you use would be suitable for a trailer where the “box” was maybe 7ft wide and maybe 12ft long? Have you seen Jurries from the Netherlands build on the Kirsten Dirksen channel? He has a pop top and extending side trailer that again, the build quality is stunning! I have restricted internal storage height and would like something suitable for a double bed and 2 bunk beds. I’d love your opinion and thoughts

[@thelwood]

I have seen their build but I will check it out! And yes, this technique would work great for your build! I hope you enjoy your build process! It is very rewarding 🙂

[@mollignant]

This is amazing! Would you ever consider selling plans for this build?

[@thelwood]

Thank you! Unfortunately, I don't have good written plans, I just made it as I went! 😃

[@usedcarsokinawa]

Will any kind of carpentry glue work or do you suggest Titebond III?

[@thelwood]

Any carpentry glue should work

[@aleksanderluht1695]

PLS more caravans

[@thomasthompson3967]

So I have a question, would Titebond3 rolled on a camper make it water proof?

[@thelwood]

You can definitely use tb3. I just prefer how TB2 rolls on and the glue really just attaches the canvas. The weather proofing comes from the layers of paint in the canvas.

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

Nice! Disappointing about the HF trailer. They are about the most economical trailer available.

[@thelwood]

Thank you! And yes they are, and it did still works, but I would prefer a stronger base for peace of mind

[@tomkelly3896]

How much?

[@cybellaRob]

Wow, very impressive build. Definitely has held up over the years. Quite impressive.

[@thelwood]

Thank you!

[@macbethdemilo7253]

Found your video today, excellent build. It's a HF trailer as you mentioned, have you had any issues with the axle like a lot of people have? Did the axle feel cheap? Or did you move the axle back towards the rear of the trailer? I know you mentioned changing the wheels. Also, it's a bolt together trailer frame, how did you secure the bolts? I heard that they may loosen over time. Did you do a routine tightening after a few trips or no issues whatsoever? Thanks.

[@thelwood]

I bought the trailer used and have never had any issues with the bolts. The guy i bought it from was a mechanic so I think he probably used locetite or something because the few I had to remove to reconfigure were really really hard to loosen. The axle has held up well, no issues. But it still makes me nervous and I plan to upgrade it at some point 😃

[@macbethdemilo7253]

@@thelwood I read that you are thinking of going to a bigger frame, 5 x 8. Would you still do a HF/Northern tool/Home depot bolt together frame OR use a welded frame instead? The welded frame is more expensive but sturdy.

[@thelwood]

@@macbethdemilo7253 I would invest in a welded frame next time

[@brandonGCHACHU]

Where did you get the canvas? I'm only finding canvas with seams every 4ft

[@thelwood]

I have had good luck at home depot. Also on Amazon they sell seamless ones. amzn.to/3A2wpyp

[@glenn3347]

Lucy, how much did this trailer end up weighing. You said you pull this behind your scooter, how does it pull

[@thelwood]

It weighs just under 1000 pounds. I built a foamie that can be pulled by a scooter, not this one. I pull this with a subaru outback and can't really feel it behind the car at all.

[@jamessimpson2204]

where did you buy the painters canvas with no seams?

[@thelwood]

At home depot I have only ever had one with a seam. Amazon has some the specifically state they are seamless

[@teslafreedomenergy]

how much does this trailer weigh

[@thelwood]

1000 pounds

[@discobbath]

You might be able to inject epoxy where the canvas delaminates.

[@thelwood]

That's a great idea!

[@jamessimpson2204]

Do you have to wash the drop cloth? People are saying it shrinks and I bought 9 x 12 foot and my trailer is 8 feet and don't want it to shrink to much and can't cover to the 8 feet length.

[@thelwood]

Yes, wash it and pre shrink it. You will have plenty! I used the same size as you and it only shrinks a little :)

[@jamessimpson2204]

@@thelwood Thankyou very much. I'm old man and don't want to have redo or spend more than I have to and thankyou for getting back to me quickly. Have a great afternoon.

[@thelwood]

@@jamessimpson2204 you're welcome! Enjoy your project!

[@jamessimpson2204]

What tires did you use and what is difference from original tires?

[@thelwood]

I got these from etrailer. They are Kenda 4.80-12 Bias trailer tires load range C. They are rated for heavier loads and for higher speeds (65mph vs 55mph on the originals).

[@jamessimpson2204]

@@thelwood Thank-you

[@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186]

I'd love to see you create an off grid style camper.

[@thelwood]

Thank you, I probably will at some point!

[@ericmiddelbos129]

nice camper

[@thelwood]

Thanks!