I read the forum by clicking on 'new posts since last visit,' and this thread is usually on the list every day--but I can usually only drop in once a day.
Today is different because
today I became a Sunspot owner!
http://www.sunlineclub.com/docs/78sun2.pdf
I know in this brochure, it looks kind of big, but it's actually teardrop size (in fact, some tears are longer and wider.) It has a galley area in the back, accessible through two doors which swing open instead of a lift up hatch. It's only 4'9" wide by about 10ft. long, under 650 lbs., floor space = a double mattress, 52" interior height and about 66" exterior height.
Sunspots were made by Sunline in the mid70s to mid80s, then discontinued. This one has a hookup for water (but no tank), 12V power, 12v battery and two 12v wired lights inside (but no 110 hookup), a roof vent, but didn't ever have the optional propane line and stove (which is fine with me--I'll just use my camp stove and I'm learning to use a DO. There are tarp rails built on to the top side and top back for canopies (included, with poles), but depending on what shape they're in, it may be easier to use some other type of shelter for the galley and side door.
I love the tears I've seen up close and in the albums here, but for a lot of reasons just can't do a complete build myself right now. I have no shop space, and would have to rent dry and heated workspace for 8+ months of the year in these parts. Also, I really want to be able to camp this summer and fall, even if I do customize and modify some things as I go along. I was actually trolling eBay for used/barebones tears when I stumbled on the Sunspot.
The Sunspot fits that bill--everything works and seals tight, and it doesn't appear to have any leaks (we've had a couple days of rain recently, so leaks should have shown up.) As soon as I pick up the trailer tags and a T-connector for my truck's wiring harness, I can hitch it up, pack it up and go camping. But there's lots of room for me to customize/modify/retrofit--the previous owner gutted most of the original setup (including the bolsters, interior table, water tank and kitchen sink.) As weather permits, I'll be working on some small cosmetic dings I want to fix quickly--one in the door that is through the first layer of aluminum but doesn't penetrate into the interior, and other little trim chips and cracks around the edges of the windows. The stone shield awning on the front window is gone, so I'll get a canvas replacement crafted by the local boat supply company. I'd like to put a platform back on the tongue and move the 12v battery back to its original spot there, wire it for 110v shore power, and wire it so that the 12v battery charges either with a solar panel or off the car battery as I drive, or both...just a few little things I can maybe get done this summer.
It's a very cool feeling to move from dreaming about owning my own camper to actually owning one...if placing the deposit until the DMV tags come in counts as owning one. It sure feels like it does! Pics and a full album to come as soon as I bring her home, probably toward the end of next week!
.... i wanna go to minden, but i have to work 
... but... I was at the IRG last year and i will definatly be at it again next year 
by lydiamcelroy » Wed Jun 06, 2007 1:39 pm 
How's school going?
