Fiscal responsibility?

[lgna70]

We haven't been able to camp in our TD this summer to schedules etc. I have been debating to sell her for a few months now but think we have put that on the back burner. The fact is we want something bigger - with a bathroom, a kitchen and bunk beds for the kids etc etc. I am a sucker for Rv shows and fall in love with everything! Still, we are planning a wedding in October, we have busy jobs and not a huge amount of $$$ to blow. I've been going back and forth as to the pro's and con's of selling but what it comes down to in the end is money. The TD is only about 3 years old ( Little Guy 5-wide ) and most important - paid for! We have the giant tent made for it that we can put the kids in and overall it's in pretty decent shape. We did store it incorrectly over last winter and had a huge mold and dampness issue but those things have been solved. I guess overall I am just wondering if there are any other TD'ers out there who keep them for their relatively cheap operating expenses etc? We have a great deal to store the TD in an underground parking lot ( nice and dry ) for $25.00 a month as we dont have homes with driveways etc - a bigger trailer seems like it would cost a lot more to store someplace too - I assume outside the city where it might be cheaper. Anyway, I 'd love to hear your thoughts on TD'ing and if its cost efficient for you etc etc ( besides being adorable and plain cool ). Sorry for the long post! Thanks!!

[bdosborn]

I guess you need to do a cost benefit analysis. Do you camp enough to justify the added expense of a larger trailer? Or are you a sometime camper and the teardrop really does just fine? Only you can answer that question.

Bruce

[Roo Dog]

Igna,

We came down from a number of caravans over the years to the Tear.
There are a lot more dollars in the jeans as a result.
We kept the last van for a while after the Tear was built just in case the Tear did not suit. Once convinced we sold the van and the larger tug that was necessary to tow the van was also disposed of.
Saved some dollars ? Sure have. Never bothered to work it out but our costs to own a Tear are minimal. No budget required, paid for in loose change.
We will never go back to a caravan. The Tear suits our needs.

Take it easy.

RD

[GerryS]

Slo, you forgot fuel...my TD costs my 5 mpg to pull with my jeep....that's about what you get with some RVs.

[markhusbands]

How about looking at smaller travel trailers or even pop-ups? They could have the amenities you're looking for without the costs of a Class A or C.

[GerryS]

How about looking at smaller travel trailers or even pop-ups? They could have the amenities you're looking for without the costs of a Class A or C.

True, we have owned bigger campers, but immediately the fuel economy drops because you need a full size tow vehicle. So, you're down to 12MPG range, plus you've got to store the trailer,,,,there's another $40 a month. Plus I know my camper is safe, at home, in my garage. Trust me, none of the storage sites are that safe.

What I have sleeps 2 adults, and possibly 2 small kids, has water, grey water, and a TV with AC for warm nights. I've got ample room inside, but when camping, inside is pretty limited to rain breaks and sleeping. If I wanted all the luxuries of home that the RV makers seem to want us all to have, I wouldn't need the RV. I'd stay home.

Pop ups aren't bad either, but they are completely lacking in style (just try to fill up the car with gas in a Teardrop as opposed to a popup. You can always splash-n-dash with a popup, that's not possible with a teardrop. When they are collapsed there is zero storage inside. We've got room for tents, dog kennels, grills (LOVE taking my smoker!) and even a few other toys...

Setup is also a matter of stopping, kenneling the pups, and going to bed...5-10 minutes. Try that with a popup

TDs aren't about luxury, they are about simple camping with a few conveniences. We can be awakened, packed, and on the road to our next adventure in 20 minutes. Yeh, sometimes I want an all aluminum light trailer with a head (yeh, that's ONE thing I miss. A lot some time) but I immediate remind myself of the storage cost, fuel cost, and cost of a bigger tow vehicle and I snap back to teardrops pretty quick...

[len19070]

Don't give into the Dark Side Young Skywalker!

Happy Trails

Len

[GerryS]

No risk of that