Wannabe newbie from SF Bay area

[ElChichicuilote]

I've been lurking for awhile, and decided it's time to join in and post. We're a husband, wife, and two year old daughter.

We don't have a trailer yet, but are not newbies to camping at all. I owned a EuroVan Camper for ten years, and had a lot of tent camping and backpacking experience before that. Wife is from Venezuela, and she did a lot of tent camping, mostly on bus trips, before coming to the US. We sold the camper van last year, bought a boring but practical Honda Odyssey minivan, and we used it for a three week tent camping trip a few months ago.

With a toddler in the house, we don't have time, space, or tools to build our own. We're definitely looking at the "buy, and do a little bit of customizing" route. I'm handy with electrical and small carpentry projects, but I wouldn't want to build a full galley. Customization is likely to be more along the lines of installation of fans, lights, flashlight brackets just inside the doors, small shelf to hold eyeglasses while we sleep, etc.

While I can appreciate the retro appeal, it's not why we're thinking teardrop. We're really just interested in a practical and lightweight comfortable camping experience.

We'll probably want a bunk to allow the toddler to sleep crossways in the trailer until she's old enough to want her own tent.

We visited a dealer that had a Little Guy Rascal and 6 wide sport trailer. I wasn't impressed with the galley or lack thereof. On our last vacation, we stopped in at So-Cal Teardrops factory in Ontario, CA. I was very impressed with the build quality there, and the folks were very friendly.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground El... and family. Boy that is a lot to spell and can't pronounce it either. Building is fun and buying is faster so........What ever works for you is good. Just remember to take lots of to share so Aunti's bubble will stay in the right place.

[satch]

Welcome from a fellow (former) Bay Bum. Building isn't as diffecult as you think, any questions just ask, the info here is endless

[mandy]

WELCOME El Chichicuilote is that anything like a chicharone? Sorry I had to do it. There is a big Teardrop Trailer gathering called the International Redwood Gathering 2 going on by Fortuna, at Pamplin Grove. It will start tomorrow there will be lots of TDs there. I'm sure they would like to have visitors to the gathering so they can show off their trailers. Heres the link:http://www.pamplingrove.com/

Dean and Joanie are really nice. I almost got to go this year oh well maybe next time.

Have Fun and Enjoy
Mandy

[Jim T]

Welcome!
I understand about not having the space to build. I am building in my driveway and tools, lumber, ect have to be hauled out every time I start work and then be put back up. That being said, building it my self gives me exactly the quality and accessories that I want, not to mention being a lot cheaper. What ever works for you.
I have a grandson that has caused me to think about adding a bunk. Let us know what you do with yours. I am always interested in new ideas.
Jim

[Dean_A]

Welcome! I feel your pain. I started my TD when my daughter was born. She's now 3.5 and I should be finished with the trailer this week.
Don't let your perceived lack of skills dissuade you. I was strictly a weekend handy-man and had no trouble building a complete trailer from scratch.
If you decide to buy, you can't go wrong with SoCal teardrops. Great guys, and a great product.