Hello from Charlotte

[dreamofcolors]

Well, I took the plunge last week and put a deposit down on my very first teardrop. I live in a condo in an urban setting, so a home build wasn't an option for me so I went to TC Teardrops out of Wisconsin to build me a 5x9 camper. It should be done in a month, and I can't wait to get camping!

My name is Jenni, and I'm a freelance lighting designer/theater professional. I can't wait to visit Montana and New England and maybe see the Aurora Borealis with my new teardrop!

Now, I just have to outfit it. I need to buy cookware, a camp stove, dishes, etc. I have very limited camping equipment, and am going to search for some good deals and the basics to get me started. (If anyone has suggestions on where to get new or used basics, I'm all ears!)

I can't wait to get traveling!!!

[bc toys]

Welcome Jenni from Las Vegas Hope you get out and enjoy your trailer sounds like you know what you need and are doing camping stuff can be found anywhere criagslist ebay want adds yard sales or big box stores.

[dreamofcolors]

Welcome Jenni from Las Vegas Hope you get out and enjoy your trailer sounds like you know what you need and are doing camping stuff can be found anywhere criagslist ebay want adds yard sales or big box stores.

Thanks! I'm going to keep my eyes on craigslist, etc. I don't want to spend $1000 on a bunch of brand new gear after spending much more than that on my amazing new teardrop!

[Redneck Teepee]

Welcome aboard from California.

I have found some pretty good deals on cast iron cookware, Coleman stoves, BBQ's and other camping gear at your second hand or liquidator's shops. And as mentioned craigslist in your area.
Good Luck!

[bobhenry]

Being the king of cheap I have become a Goodwillaholic !

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/search/SearchKey.asp?itemTitle=cast+iron&catid=0&sellerID=all&closed=no&minPrice=&maxPrice=&sortBy=itemEndTime&SortOrder=a&showthumbs=on

[CampingDad]

Welcome to the world of camping.

If your looking for a dependable stove that is easy on the wallet and reliable I like this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Camp- ... e/34761205 I own about 5 different stoves currently. This is a good one as you get flame control its lightweight, portable and inexpensive on fuel. You can pick up the butane just about anywhere for under $3 and at under $25 total w/fuel it's budget friendly. My cub scout uses this same stove for cooking his meals.

For lightweight and small pots I like these options:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Adven ... t/16784406 this little pot comes in real handy for boiling soups, water, and making vegetables without taking up a lot of room. I use mine constantly whether car camping or backpacking. I tossed out the little cups it came with just to get the pot. Again under $20 so easy on the wallet

http://www.coleman.com/product/coleman- ... D-nmhZ_Bqg this is a good mess kit I use constantly for my basic pot and pan. I like that it's stainless plenty large to cook for a family of 3 on the road. I love mine as I tossed out the bowl and cup and use the inside to stash other cooking gear like my pot holders, utensils, and other various items when traveling. Again under $25 so budget friendly.

I own all the items I have suggested and put them through some serious abuse with cub scouts and camping every weekend during season for the last 3 years. So, they hold up well.

If you need more suggestions just let me know. I have tons of affordable suggestions for cooking items that wont' break the bank or take up your whole storage space just to make a meal. You don't have to spend a lot to get good equipment. The big draw of the expensive stuff is that it's lightweight but your camping from a TD not backpacking 15 days through the outback. So, you don't have to count ounces.

[Mary C]

Welcome to the teardrop world, for you first trip you might want to take the things you use on a daily basis like the pots and pans you might want to get stuff at goodwill for the kitchen, Just don't go and buy a lot of brand new stuff till you know what you will want and need. I suggest you go with the essentials from home first . you will forget some things and take things you will not use. It also depends where you are going camping, I take my electric coffee pot if I am at a park with electricity so things you take can change too. as far as decorating. I went with what I had and what I was given to me and I kinda just fell into some main color stuff just found me. I think most of the ladies get covers and curtains that match and some make quilts. my daughter in law gave me some material I am making a quilt with. It sorta set my theme when I received 2 yards of material from a friend.

Mary C.

[dreamofcolors]

Welcome to the world of camping.

If your looking for a dependable stove that is easy on the wallet and reliable I like this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Camp- ... e/34761205 I own about 5 different stoves currently. This is a good one as you get flame control its lightweight, portable and inexpensive on fuel. You can pick up the butane just about anywhere for under $3 and at under $25 total w/fuel it's budget friendly. My cub scout uses this same stove for cooking his meals.

.

Thanks! I like the looks of that stove. I will have to keep my eyes open for it. I want to get my hands on an ez up tent of some kind, or maybe a quick set up changing room, too. I know I could easily drop a lot of money on outfitting the camper, but I'm trying to take my time.

[dreamofcolors]

Welcome to the teardrop world, for you first trip you might want to take the things you use on a daily basis like the pots and pans you might want to get stuff at goodwill for the kitchen, Just don't go and buy a lot of brand new stuff till you know what you will want and need. I suggest you go with the essentials from home first . you will forget some things and take things you will not use. It also depends where you are going camping, I take my electric coffee pot if I am at a park with electricity so things you take can change too. as far as decorating. I went with what I had and what I was given to me and I kinda just fell into some main color stuff just found me. I think most of the ladies get covers and curtains that match and some make quilts. my daughter in law gave me some material I am making a quilt with. It sorta set my theme when I received 2 yards of material from a friend.

Mary C.

Well, I spent a bunch of money on fabric two days ago, and am attempting to make my very first quilt. I have 12 of 28 blocks done as of tonight (and all of the pieces cut out!) I have fabric for curtains, too, but will wait till I have the camper for that.


Great advice on starting out small. I have doubles on some of my pots and pans and stuff at home anyway, so this will be a good way to clean out my home kitchen!

[dreamofcolors]

Being the king of cheap I have become a Goodwillaholic !

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/search/SearchKey.asp?itemTitle=cast+iron&catid=0&sellerID=all&closed=no&minPrice=&maxPrice=&sortBy=itemEndTime&SortOrder=a&showthumbs=on

I had no idea good will had online sales! With cast iron, is there anything to be worried about buying it "used"?

[bc toys]

look for Lodge or camp chef for DO's, skillets look for Wagner Grizzwall, Lodge but most of all look out because cast iron is addicting ,

[bobhenry]

There is a lot of old iron still in circulation. I would not limit myself to the 3 BC mentioned. I have some C&S pieces and some Benjamin Medwin pieces that are fantastic skillets. I even have one pre WW2 Korean skillet that will skate an egg around all day long. It has no other markings just "Korea". So if it finds you, just trust it. Get out the 100% bees wax and gloss it up and get cooking.

P.S. don't wait for the trailer to arrive, drag them in the kitchen and start using them, you will soon toss all else aside.

[Atomic77]

Welcome from Indiana!

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Jenni,
Welcome aboard to a great site,
You are going to love camping and traveling around the country!!

As far as stocking your new TD, don't forget to check out the local Thrift stores ... They have great buys on things like silverware, knives, cutting boards, baskets, small camp stoves, and other galley and camping supplies. I picked up a great Griswold 10.5 inch round stove-top griddle (fantastic light weight cast iron from the last century) and a number of other goodies
For many, the camping season is coming to a halt and people are selling things they are not using ... I saw several great camping chairs recently at a local Thrift store and two camping stoves at a local flea Market ... all price very reasonable ... ever dollar saved is helpful :
Keep checking in to the store near you as things can move quickly ... see what pops up and if you are looking for something special, leave your contact info with them.

Good luck with your new TD