by GerryS » Fri Feb 04, 2022 9:00 am
This is an old thread -- but I've got cabin fever and can't think of anything better to do that to start an old conversation.
The origioanl question was "What one thing you wish you knew BEFORE buying a teardrop?" Important question to be sure, but the followup is probably more impactful.
"What is one thing you wished you knew before upgrading from a teardrop?"
Upgrading? Perhaps an interesting choice of words. I owned a campinn --- some wuold consider it a botique brand. But considering the prices of all of the teardrops avaialble on the market today it would be hard to convince me that a manufacturer who puts out quality is all that expensvie. I see 2012's that look brand new and have no mechanical problems --- no dry rot, or failing water systems. But, I don't think justification for a percevied high price is what this thread is about.
Before you "upgrade" know why you're upgrading, and what the tradeoffs are. I went from my CampInn to a grand design bunk house because I thought I needed more room for stuff. I could theoretically spend weeks out instead of days, or months intead of weeks. What I really found is more of an excuse to go - but not get outside. We quickly became "those people" who pulled in, setup, closed up, and watched TV inside.
The quality of build on the light towable market is suspect at best. My weekends became filled with worrying if my slide was going to retract, or wondering if the roof was really sealed properly or walking aroudn with a collection of lubricants and self-leveling caulk. Maintenance became a routine chore. All to sit inside and watch TV.
With the Teardrop, it sat poised for its next adventure....ready to go on a moments notice. Fill the water tank, throw the fridge/cooler in the galley, and we're off. Planning was never a major issue because every gas station is accessible, the smallest camp site is just fine. WIth a larger rig, gas stops become challenging especially in small towns with low clearances and small parking lots. Gas-Tanks below 1/4 really start to make you wonder if you'll get there OK.
Stopping in some small town to visit this quirky looking antique shop - parking often requires long walks some times, long walks. It becomes hard to slow down and smell the roses. Soon you won't. You'l just take the fast way, and travel becomes a chore.
Bigger isn't better...its just bigger. Its more to maintain, its harder to move, it costs more to use. Some one told me the same thing when I was looking at my 30 foot plus monster. I didn't listen. In the end --- the day I sold my teardrop was the saddest day of my life, and I regretted it before the ink was dry on the title.
If you must upgrade be sure you know why, and you know the tradeoffs. Rose color glasses are really easy to find when you're looking at a shiny excitgment of a new rig. Be careful you don't get swept away with emotion -- its really easy to do --- and it will cost you fare more than you think
#2 'teardrop' trailer of today was purchased from a builder 100 miles down the road and after 2 years = "never" have had a problem to this day..... 
go figure........... 
