I'm new. I'm obsessed. And I got questions

[mrredrocker]

Hello, first post here. I've checked on this forum for plans as well as what's for sale over the last few months and figured it was time to get an account.

This summer - due to job changes and many weddings to attend - the plan is to take a roadtrip from Louisiana to New England, then to the Northwest, and then back east by way of the Southwest. My car is a Honda Fit with a hitch (and a manual transmission). Ideally, I wanted to build my own teardrop initially but I've had a few things pop up that promise to take away the bulk of my time before the departure date for our trip. I've kept an eye on Craigslist and this forum and I'm poised to buy a base model 2012 Silver Shadow (5 by 8 ). I've noted the mixed opinions on here of Little Guy trailers and it seems most of the negativity is due to ones manufactured prior to the time this one was made. Nonetheless, if anyone has tips on things I should be watching for when I inspect it before purchase, I'd be grateful.

I have a bunch of random questions that I'd like to post here. If I should be directed to past topics, that's fine too.

Questions:
If I were to add A/C, are people generally happy with the Climate Right? And is the "dog house" one sufficient? I realize I may not *really* need it with the ventilation that a manufactured trailer like the Silver Shadow has but with a pregnant wife in tow, I suspect I should stay on the safe side of the temperature realm.

Are there places besides campgrounds that are acceptable for stopping for the night? Say...interstate rest areas? Parking lots?

Is there a primer on this form somewhere for the kind of electrical considerations I'd want for plugging in at a campground and possibly plugging into a standard house socket?

Cooking wise in the galley, do folks generally use propane stoves or are microwaves used some? If I get a camp stove, should I go with propane? Any particular models people like I'd be interested in.

If you were to setup at a campground, what security measures should be taken if the car gets taken into town for supplies? Or does the camper just come with you wherever you go?

Since the teardrop will likely completely block my rear view on my Honda Fit should I consider a side mirror modification on my car?

Any suggestions on how to protect the teardrop from the elements at home without a garage? (I have a gated yard so I'm not concerned with security at home)


Thanks for any and all recommendations and tips. I'm super stoked at the possibility of spending a summer on the road away from the Louisiana heat!

[Metaxa]

Probably can't get them all but here are my pennies worth:

I have a bunch of random questions that I'd like to post here. If I should be directed to past topics, that's fine too.

Questions:
If I were to add A/C, are people generally happy with the Climate Right? And is the "dog house" one sufficient? I realize I may not *really* need it with the ventilation that a manufactured trailer like the Silver Shadow has but with a pregnant wife in tow, I suspect I should stay on the safe side of the temperature realm.

Are there places besides campgrounds that are acceptable for stopping for the night? Say...interstate rest areas? Parking lots? No on rest areas, most are posted but any federal land can be boondocked. Just google boon docking, there are lots of resources available.

Is there a primer on this form somewhere for the kind of electrical considerations I'd want for plugging in at a campground and possibly plugging into a standard house socket?
Yup, over in the electrical area or, again, use Google

Cooking wise in the galley, do folks generally use propane stoves or are microwaves used some? If I get a camp stove, should I go with propane? Any particular models people like I'd be interested in. If you go all electrical you are then stuck with using full service camp grounds that offer hook up. You need camp stove so you can hunker down beside that pretty lake that is not commercialized.

If you were to setup at a campground, what security measures should be taken if the car gets taken into town for supplies? Or does the camper just come with you wherever you go? Every area will be different and, of course, your attitude will be yours, not mine but I have camped (tent, backpack and now teardrop) all over western Canada and a bit in the US, mostly WA and Oregon coast for 50 years if not more and we always leave camp set up when we go for a drive or a hike. Never lost a thing.

Since the teardrop will likely completely block my rear view on my Honda Fit should I consider a side mirror modification on my car?
You won't know if you need extensions until you actually hook the trailer up and adjust your wing mirrors. I didn't pulling my 5x8 behind either a Suzuki XL7 or a Jeep Patriot.

Any suggestions on how to protect the teardrop from the elements at home without a garage? (I have a gated yard so I'm not concerned with security at home)
What are your elements? Sun, snow, rain...all of the above?


Thanks for any and all recommendations and tips. I'm super stoked at the possibility of spending a summer on the road away from the Louisiana heat!

hope this helps...

[capnTelescope]

I'll give it a try:

Are there places besides campgrounds that are acceptable for stopping for the night? Say...interstate rest areas? Parking lots?

Anywhere big rig trucks congregate for the night. Truck stops, rest areas. Casinos. Many Walmarts allow overnight RV parking, but some cities don't allow them to do that. Remember that the Mrs. needs "facilities." Campgrounds are your best bet for that.

Cooking wise in the galley...

Both. "Everybody" uses propane. Some also have a small nuke in the galley. you just gotta have electricity to run it.

should I consider a side mirror modification on my car?

Yes. How else are you going to change lanes? Save this until you have the trailer towable, so you can see exactly what the need is.

I see Metaxa snuck in a post while I was writing this. Last thing I'll say is that the answers to your questions are all here on the forum, but it doesn't hurt to ask. We all love to help, and you have a tight schedule.

Get building!

[Shadow Catcher]

The climate right may or may not be enough depending on the model and the volume and insulation of your tear. For us it was not. So I hacked a Frigidaire widow shaker, a lot cheaper too. That is also in the electrical section.

[Backroads4me]

We don't have an air conditioner (though our TCTeardrop manufacturer offers that option now). We have two doors and I made my own zippered screen doors for them. With those and the screened windows opened, our 12 volt fan, and the fact that we always put a 10 x 10 canopy up for shade----we're relatively cool enough.

Rest area overnight parking---no way, even if they're not posted. I've heard too many stories of bad things happening in those (in some areas of the country). As for parking lots---Walmarts seen to be popular with the RV crowd, especially if you need a quick nap. Though the Walmart I work at in Wisconsin is posted "No semi or RV overnight parking", store management allows it. If you're not sure, just ask to speak to the highest member of management on duty that night, or call ahead and get their OK. And buy something,---they'll appreciate that.

We use and love our Camp Chef Everest propane cook stove. While Bob usually does the evening meal over a campfire, I like to get breakfast made (and during rainy weather) on the Camp Chef. And does that thing boil up a pot of water in no time. When I want my morning coffee, I want it NOW! Instead of the more common 20 pound refillable propane tanks, Bob bought me the next size smaller (I believe it's the 10 pounder) as it's a lot easier on my bad wrists. A lot more economical that those little green canisters.

We've never had any problems (things being stolen) in the Wisconsin state parks we enjoy, but then we usually stay at the ones in western and southwestern Wisconsin, during the middle of the week. We avoid the more popular parks, closer to city areas. We'll leave the chairs out, but everything else is put back in the truck or teardrop and locked up when we leave on our daily "brushpoppin', backroad" trips. Have 3 different locking systems on the tongue of the trailer.

"Solitude" as I call her, resides in the garage during the winter months, then in the spring we park her in the secluded backyard "camp site" we have in our fenced back yard. Currently, we put and leave up a 10 by 10 dark colored canopy (hate the bright blue ones), which protects her from pine tree sap and provides more shade. I love backyard camping, or napping outside with the doors open and the screens zipped.

[mrredrocker]

What are your elements? Sun, snow, rain...all of the above?
[/i]
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Should have specified. No snow, just rain and lots of direct, hot sun. I don't know if a cover is sufficient or if I should consider getting something hardier. Currently I've got one of those triangular shades where I plan to park the camper. Once this summer is over, it won't see frequent use so I want to take proactive measures to prevent rust/leaks/etc.

[mrredrocker]

I love backyard camping, or napping outside with the doors open and the screens zipped.

This sounds divine. There's currently no letting my guard down in my neighborhood due to mosquitos. A camper will change that for sure!

[tony.latham]

Are there places besides campgrounds that are acceptable for stopping for the night?

I dunno about New England, but when you head west, heck yeah.









Now, I know those pics aren't the answer to your question, but I just had to throw those 'em up.

Tony

[GPW]

Why would anybody in New Orleans need a trailer ...??? ..... hahahahahahaha

[jstrubberg]

Love N'Awlins. I try to spend at least a week every year down there.

With the humidity you have to deal with, You definitely want to be thinking about how to deal with damp when your trailer is parked. Maybe a garbage can sized tub of damp-rid and some shrink wrap!

If you plan on camping anywhere close to home, I would not go the pet cool route. Unless you have a very small teardrop, I don't think you'll be happy with the performance.

[booyah]

I'll add my $0.02 as I can here

Questions:
If I were to add A/C, are people generally happy with the Climate Right? And is the "dog house" one sufficient? I realize I may not *really* need it with the ventilation that a manufactured trailer like the Silver Shadow has but with a pregnant wife in tow, I suspect I should stay on the safe side of the temperature realm.

Preggo wife? Yeah keep her happy. Shes miserable already. Mine doesnt have AC yet so I cant comment on that, but with 4 kids I will say keep momma happy!

Are there places besides campgrounds that are acceptable for stopping for the night? Say...interstate rest areas? Parking lots?

If you do a rest stop, dont advertise, simliar for truck stop. The national forest idea is a solid one I've used before. Campgrounds though are plentiful through out most of America, you should be able to find a few without much work.

Is there a primer on this form somewhere for the kind of electrical considerations I'd want for plugging in at a campground and possibly plugging into a standard house socket?

Most of us have a 110v plug that plugs into a normal extension cord that can then be plugged into a normal outlet, I suspect some may have fancier 30a plugs, but for my little TD, a standard 110 extension cord works.

Cooking wise in the galley, do folks generally use propane stoves or are microwaves used some? If I get a camp stove, should I go with propane? Any particular models people like I'd be interested in.

I like propane for mine, but I have a very small single burner. I'm picking up a double burner so I can do pancakes and coffee at the same time, but I'd say find one that fits, and makes you happy. For the most part they are all generally the same.

If you were to setup at a campground, what security measures should be taken if the car gets taken into town for supplies? Or does the camper just come with you wherever you go?

I have a cable lock that I can put through a wheel and around the axle, but I haven't felt the need for it yet. I will admit though, after the money and time that went into my TD, I do worry about it.

Since the teardrop will likely completely block my rear view on my Honda Fit should I consider a side mirror modification on my car?

Try it first, my TV is a Scion XD (About the same size as the Fit) and I can see around my 8x5 without issue.

Any suggestions on how to protect the teardrop from the elements at home without a garage? (I have a gated yard so I'm not concerned with security at home)

Tarp? In Michigan I have very different elements to protect from. My main concern is snow, as it can get water through seals, and inside the fan cover. Otherwise mines finished in epoxy and paint, the paint should be solid against UV, the epoxy proof against water, and the biggest deal for me is snow (and humidity inside, some damp rid helps with that.)
Tarp keeps the snow outside, and a good UV proof tarp may be helpful to you as well. Plan on replacing it every few years though

[Talia62]

Remember that the Mrs. needs "facilities."

A gentle nudge here to remind you that just because someone is of the female persuasion, doesn't mean they "need facilities". Personally, I can squat in the woods with the best of them, and sleep on the ground under a tarp. So, I think it's a good idea for men AND women to not stereotype each other.

[gudmund]

One question I do not see here has to do with a Honda Fit towing a 5x8 sized trailer. A Fit is smaller than a Civic but bigger than say my Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift, but not by much. After towing my 4x8 well over 15000++ miles with my mid-sized PU and no trailer brakes, would I ever try to tow it with my Geo/Suzuki Swift?? NO !! and it has great brakes!! (couldn't care less what others thing of them, am on #7 after 300thou miles of use out most of the others!!) First off it is not even rated to be able to tow anything along I don't even think a hitch is even made for one. My point here is, if I was to even think about towing with a car this small, the first thing I would be concerned with was finding a trailer with trailer brakes (electric brakes). The trailer will weight what is empty but than weighted down with A/C etc. along with whatever you are planning on carrying when traveling, how much weight are we talking about?? Mine starts at about 900 lbs. and ends up at about 1250 to 1400 lbs. loaded along with whatever other weight is added to the car/truck itself when traveling. The trailer-world along with a lot of states say that trailers over 1500 lbs. need trailer brakes (my owners manual for my last 3 PU's states that any trailer over 1000 lbs. should have trailer brakes which is probably written in there to protect the vehicle manufacturer probably just to say - we told you so!). Mine does fine without them but I can tell you, there are times when I could have used them when going some down hills I've been on being I do feel the weight back there!!!! And now to finish, if I can remember these words that someone has written on this website that I have read here before goes something like ....You can go down a hill over a thousand times slow, but the first time fast - could be your last!!... take care and stay safe

[capnTelescope]

A gentle nudge...

My kinda gal. OTOH, If I was ever pregnant (physically impossible) I would insist on the facilities.

[wildcatphotography]

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