I am going NUTS waiting

[darrellbeck]

Some of you may have seen one or more of my posts when I was building my 5x10 teardrop last spring. Actually, from late fall in 2013 until early spring of 2014. Also, as some of you know, the reason it took that long was the fact that I have some health issues that interfere to the point that on a GOOD day I can only work about 2 hours. They also mean I have very little use of my legs. Having so much more time to think made it possible to really think thru what I would do on a given day, which, combined with beginners luck, meant that I didn't have any do-overs, and had zero problems arise on our 4300 mile 'maiden voyage'. Another thing that made the trip very nice was that I could break down my little GoGo scooter and put it in the trunk of the car.
When we got back,tho, is when things kinda started going south. To give you an idea how far south they went, My hospital bills hit just over $197,000.00 (not a mis-print) last year. On top of that my wife has started having problems with her legs, necessitating TWO GoGo scooters, and two won't fit in the trunk of the car. Oh, woe is me. What to do----What to do. Well I did what any camping loving person would do. I needed a trailer that would do the things we need done such as haul all of our stuff, including the two GoGo's, Give us air conditioned comfort, and all the other comforts we know and love, fit in our regular tract house garage, and do it all (since we have a budget like everyone else) economically.

Job #1 Convincing my wife that I still had the ability to build another trailer. Our compromise was that this time instead of building it from the ground up, I would only finish an existing one.
Job #2: Sell the teardrop. Surprisingly easy. First looker wanted it for a little less, but when I explained that it was priced very fairly and told them some of the sites to go to to compare it, they decided that they had seen enough others, and agreed to pay my full asking price.
Job #3: Find someone to build me a unique cargo trailer with the ability to fit in my garage. I got lucky there also. I went to Deer Valley Trailers here in Phoenix and was lucky enough to be talking to the sales person when the manager of the facility where they build Look brand trailers walked in. To make a long story short(er), an hour later, both my billfold and my spirits were lighter.

Now the hardest part. Even tho the Look manager agreed to put my trailer ahead of any stock orders, it will still take 6 weeks to build.

Now I am going slowly (slowly?) bonkers. Waiting is harder than building.

[deleted]

They say the waiting is the hardest part

Just wanted to say I admire your tenacity. It sounds like no obstacle is insurmountable. I hope your wife's condition doesn't worsen and that the two of you will have many grand adventures in your new trailer!

[Catherine+twins]

I'm glad you are taking this new challenge as just that, a challenge, and not the end to your dreams. 6 weeks is a long time, but even in Arizona the weather must be a bit chilly right now. Mid-February to early March sounds more comfortable and still not furnace season. And I assume the Flagstaff area has camping further into the spring weather.

Here's wishing both you and your wife well, and a speedy completion to your trailer.

Catherine

[darrellbeck]

Thank you for your kind comments, but in reading it back now, I sounded too much like a whine and brag session. I intended to write something that simply told how we enjoyed our teardrop and then why we sold it. It also was meant to explain why I am often not active on the forum for weeks at a time, and why I am not going to any gatherings for a while after complaining about them not being posted.
My apologies to all for having posted a message that was somewhat of a downer while this whole forum is (to me at least) an upper.

Darrell

[deleted]

No apology needed here. I enjoyed reading your original post. It is inspiring to see someone just "do it." I hope you post again in six weeks when you get your new trailer

[felixx]

I am sure the wait will be worth it

[48Rob]

Darrell,

Most of have been there at some point, no need to worry about expressing yourself.

The board here is a give and take affair. We all have good times and bad, sharing them often helps!
I hope you get your trailer soon!

Rob

[minstrel]

Hi Darrell,
I'm pretty sure I am the one who bought your teardrop!!! Found this site while searching for "stuff". ( It's a little addicting, isn't it?) Anyway, haven't had a chance to actually camp yet, but I'm having fun buying lots of "equipment" -- curtains, sheets, pots, etc. Maybe we will meet up at some AZ gatherings when you get back on the road with your new beauty!
Thanks for the great new home-away-from-home....
Liz

[darrellbeck]

Hi Darrell,
I'm pretty sure I am the one who bought your teardrop!!! Found this site while searching for "stuff". ( It's a little addicting, isn't it?) Anyway, haven't had a chance to actually camp yet, but I'm having fun buying lots of "equipment" -- curtains, sheets, pots, etc. Maybe we will meet up at some AZ gatherings when you get back on the road with your new beauty!
Thanks for the great new home-away-from-home....
Liz

Wow! Great to see you here. It was my intent to tell you about this site, then I forgot it. Good to hear from you, I hope you keep us all up to date on your adventures, and I know that you'll have them. Now, tell the truth, have you driveway camped, just to see what it was like? I know that the first time We slept in it was in the garage.
Be sure and post about your travels, and I know that you'll have a good time. Thanks again...................

Darrell

[minstrel]

I haven't "driveway" camped yet. It is still pretty darn cold up here in Prescott at night. I was trying to get into a Maricopa campground but they all seem to be full -- those darn snowbirds! Can't blame them, though. I am trying to arrange my schedule so I can go the the AZ Spring Fling in March -- it happens to fit in with the college's spring break. I should know soon, but hope to do one little overnight before, just to make sure I sort of know what I am doing!
Hope you get your new TD soon. You'll have to post pictures.....will be fun to see you towing with that cool car!
Liz

[Vedette]

Hi Liz
You haven't Driveway or Garage camped yet!
Why not?
Sandi & I slept in Miss Piggy on new years eve in the shop before it was finished.....just to get a feel of what was yet to come???
And it is colder in Canada in January than it is where you are??????.....and those "Snowbirds" ....??? We hope to be them next winter????????????
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi'

[minstrel]

OK, OK.... I'm a wimp. And I know you all are going to make fun of me, but I'm bringing a microwave and a Keurig! I like the way the English Lords and Ladies use to "picnic", but I'll have to rough it because I don't have any servants!!! And as for snowbirds, I've tried to find a campsite down in the valley by Phoenix to try things out.....BUT they are all full for weeks because of the snowbirds!!! I don't blame you, though. If I lived in Canada I'd come down here, too!
Liz

[Vedette]

You will soon get over it!
But.... with that attitude, you already have a head start in another thing that is very popular with Teardrop Campers.....
"Glamping"
This craze will give you an opportunity to bring your finest china and lace table clothes with you when you go camping , so you can prepare "High Tea" for your fellow campers.
We will be watching for you!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[darrellbeck]

Just got the call! The trailer is ready for pick-up. So now I go finish paying for it (the hard part), Go pick it up ( the easy part), then convert it (the "how would we like it if I....part) and then the camping (the Yeaaa part).

As Jackie Gleason used to say: "And away we go!"

This build I am going to try to slow down enough to take pictures.

Darrell

[Gold5one]

Good luck on that custom build. You will have a new trailer to work with- that helps. I don't blame you for living your dream, just don't out do yourself trying to get done ASAP- I know how hot Arizona gets by April . Do you have anyway to get some help? I had a neighbor who used to call the LDS temple every fall and ask for help on her yard work- they sent two young Mormon girls out on a Saturdays to help her and they loved doing it, I know I talked to them. That's plan B for me, too, if I ever get in a bind for help.
- find a couple young girls to help me!