o/t Teardrop

Im thinking I would maybe like to build a Teardrop to tow behind a Jeep Wrangler. Have any of you guys built one before? Where can I get plans of how to go about such a project? Would it need to be braked or would the Wrangler handle it fine? Any advice welcome.
Thanks
Bill

There's a jargon barrier, Bill. What's a Teardrop? We don't use that term in the states. I assume it's some sort of trailer but beyond that I don't know.

I thought that was what they were called in the US. I saw some on a visit to Montana a couple of years ago, they were being pulled by a range of classic pickup trucks and cars. They are like a mini caravan, originating from the 40's or 50's I think. They are big enough for two people to sleep in up front and the rear has a hood type arrangment giving access to a kitchen compartment.

http://www.teardroptrailers.org/

Yea, just do a Google search for Teardrop trailer plans.

Teardrop is the correct term for the trailer you are thinking of. We are on our second one and think they are great!
www.teardrops.net is a good place to start for info on them.
I have not built either of ours. One was a locally built trailer that a cabinet maker built. He has built about 30 of them. Our current one was factory built (if you call their limited production factory ours ours is #671)It was built by Cozy Cruisers. A very nice little trailer.
We tow ours with a PT Cruiser or our Ford Escape. Your Wrangler should have no trouble towing one.
Let me know if you need anymore info on Teardrops!My email is open
Teardrop info

You're exactly right a neighbor has one thats restored from the 40's or 50's real neat trailer

Here is another vintage trailer with a neat hitch setup!
Click here

I looked into them a couple years ago with an eye towards building one to tow behind my Scion. Seems the inexpensive trailers from Harbor Freight are a popular starting point to build upon. I found all my info starting with a Google search for "Teardrop trailer". Looked like it would be possible to build one that sleeps 2 with a small galley around back and come in around 500-700 lb. If you can keep the weight down there is no need to put brakes on it.

That is some slick right there.

I saw one in Sept. at the local fair here in NH. It was offered for sale. I had never heard of them so I wasn't aware that it was patterned after something fairly widely known.

You could get lazy and just buy one brand new. These were started in the US, but I understand they are offered in Europe now too. Pretty slick little trailers with some good options such as width variations. Even one with a are in front to carry a golf cart or such.
Little Guy Trailers

Brakes needed depends on your state or countries laws- and Scotland as part of picky UK means likely to need them. Locally in Wisconsin I can go up to 3000 pounds without license plate or brakes-- but I have a license plate and "homemade" title for my little sort of covered wagon trailer because Illinois and Iowa where I go at times wants the plates and one has a 1000 pound upper limit for no brakes- which I dont have as little trailer is under 1000 pounds unless I squeeze in a couple motors. My base floor size is about 6 by 6.5 foot with insed fender wells reducing center to 44 inchs- which will hold a standard single mattress at 39 and 42 inchs. Front truncated triangle nose section extends extra 22 or so inchs,I can haul a standard 4x8 plywood sheet or 8 of them and fit inside under hoops-10 foot plastic 3/4 inch piping/tubing. I use rear opening and a couple front/side openings, can pull out mattress quick for utility hauling. top cover is simple cotton drop cloths sewed to fit hoops and center brace 2x4 with 7/8 hole drilled about every 18 inchs inspired by bender tent and a 10x10 plastic tarp over it for rain,etc. Space front and back of fender wells hold cooking gear, charcoal, coolers when mattress is in center and going camping. It has had homeless guy sleeping in it a week or so last year, I use it a couple times for camping but used it more for hauling furniture, lumber, scooter around town. Oak flooring and sides about 1 foot high with tiedowns and brackets for the hoops. I have a not quite completed 10 foot long version that is being used for furniture hauling/storage by some friends- same basic 10 foot hoops and cotton sheet, rear entry but this has a 3.5 foot right side front side opening clamshell door. Sides are 2 boards high instead of single board so about 20 inchs- this one was used to haul 2 riding mowers, snowblower and 2 push mowers for a houshold move, then got couch, recliner, several box"s kitchen stuff- most of which sat under cover over last winter under hooped tarp. the front section by side door just fits a double box spring and mattress at 48 inch wide set cross ways, leave about 6 foot of cargo space then in center/back of inside fender wells. Fun projects to make- got frames/wheels cheap from salvage yard about
$25.00 and $35.00 dollars to start. RN.