The Wild Goose
From the April 1953 Popular Mechanics magazine. A do-it-yourself version of the" KAMPSTER " commercially produced in the late 1940's, approximately 11' long and 6' wide, with 4' high walls. The rear hatch lifts higher than expected to allow walk-in access to the stand-up, screened in kitchen, in the back of the trailer.
6 1/2 photo copied pages available from Popular Mechanics, 224 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 $5.25
From the September 1947 Mechanix Illustrated magazine. This is the 4' X 10' version of the style teardrop with which we're probably most familiar. Basic, straight forward 40's technology, that has managed to survive these last 50 years.
6 photocopied pages from scanned and enlarged masters, made from the original article- available from Tales & Trails $7.50
From the February 1940 Modern Mechanics magazine. This teardrop is a little more filled out, measuring 9' long and 5 1/2' wide, with nearly 5' of headroom. The kitchen is still under-lid out back, but the interior offers a bit more room for stretching and storing. Can be made even better with currently available windows and hardware.
9 photocopied pages from scanned and enlarged masters made from original article- available from Tales & Trails $10.00
This is your basic Mechanix Illustrated trailer with some chassis refinements, and other improvements. The drawings are clearer and the instructions more up to date. (These are the plans I sent for, and used for the basic frame and trailer I'm building)
Ask for back issue Hot Rod Mechanix Vol. 5 #2, 1991, from Tex Smith Publishing, P.O. Box 726, Driggs, Id. 83422 $5.00
Quick N' Easy An original design from W.A.Harper, aptly named, basic and simple in its 4' X 8' size. Ten pages of illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions. including a bonus page on how to boot a 12' X 6' dome tent to the side of the trailer for expaned liveability.
Contact W. A . Harper, P.O. Box 491871, Redding, Ca. 96049 $19.95
An original design from Bill Adkins. The plans will build either a 8', 9' or 10' trailer. All materials are available in most areas with hardware, lumber, and camper supply stores. Bill also offers builder support by phone.
Detailed plans on one large sheet, from Bill Adkins, 20905 22nd Ave. West, Lynnwood, Wa. 98036 $39.95
An original design from Mark Johnson. Plans are very detailed for a 5' X 8' trailer. He will also custom tailor plans for various sizes. He promises follow-through service & advice by phone.
Contact Mark Johnson, 1363 Illinois Avenue, Coos Bay, Or. 97420
Lil Bear Tag-Alongs 12442 Maria Drive, Redding, Ca. 96003 (916)275-6728 (New design & custom mades & parts )
Lonely Teardrops 1666 Wagon Trail Drive, Jacksonville, Or. 97530 (503)899-7910 (New design)
Mac-Bilt Teardrop Trailers 718 Durham Road, Riegelsville, Pa. 18077 (610)749-2327 ( New design & parts)
R.W. Johnson 3330 Mary Lane, Auburn, Ca. 95602 (916)878-1342 (Mullins & teardrops & parts)
The Shop P.O. Box 1489, Lower Lake, Ca. 95457 ( New design)
Larry's Tears Inc. 35917 Enterprise Rd. Creswell, Or. 97426 (541)895-2754 (Custom designs & parts)
Tinytow 1363 Illinois Ave. Coos Bay, Or. 97420 (New design)
W. A. Harper P. O. Box 491871, Redding, Ca. 96049-1871 (New design)