Frustrated in central california

[Mikeestep]

Well hello folks, My name is Michael and I am out of Fresno, CA. I have been experiencing some difficulty. I am from the younger generation (20) and Im not a punk kid like most. I have a passion for tear drops and have been lurking here for sometime. I have been looking for a tear drop in the 1000-1500 dollar range with a galley. I want something that is a bit of a project and will allow me to put my own touches on it. I wouldn't mind building one on my own, but I want someone with experience to help and can pay for educating me on how to go about. I don't think there is anyone from this area, but wouldn't mind seeing some in person. I am into desert racing, and co drive.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Welcome to the forum Michael! You'd probably be surprised at how close a member of this forum may be to you! Continue searching on here for answers to your questions, and if you can't find the answers you're looking for then don't be afraid to ask!

[Mikeestep]

I searched Fresno, looks to be some members, but not active. I will be on here cramming my head with knowledge everyday.

[jdarkoregon]

Mikee, Advice may come from somebody other than a teardrop builder. Look to people you respect who know how to put things together. You will learn much about the how from this group of crazy people

Take the leap, if you don't find one cheap, you can build one.

I have relatives down around Orange Cove and Orosi, there are people down there who will help

John

Look on craiglist http://visalia.craigslist.org/rvs/2629151823.html

[Mikeestep]

that looks like it needs a full rebuild. But i am going to send him a email and maybe go take a look this weekend. I am handy with a welder, And not so handy with wood working.

[dangerranger]

I live just north of Fresno. Im new here and just planning my first build. Ive built several utility trailers, but this will be my first TD. Once you get going I may be able to help .DR

[cuyeda]

Welcome to the forum! Besides all of the nice folks here willing to help guide you, there are tons of pictures to look at! Got a question, just ask!

One of the best opportunities to see a bunch of teardrops all in one place will be Lake Perris (So. Cal.) this coming March. Usually the attendance is about 130 teardrop trailers, and then some. There are other trailer events during the rest of the year as the season warms up, but a mixture of vintage trailers of all kind attend. The Lake Perris event is ALL teardrops! There are a handful of vintage canned hams in the adjacent campground. So grab your tent and head on down with a camera and notepad.

[Mikeestep]

Hey dangerranger. If you need a hand, let me know. Id be willing to drive up there.

And I think march might be my goal, that would be a cool trip.

[Mikeestep]

Hey dangerranger. If you need a hand, let me know. Id be willing to drive up there.

And I think march might be my goal, that would be a cool trip.

[Time Out]

[quote="Mikeestep"]Well hello folks, My name is Michael and I am out of Fresno, CA.

Hello Michael,

Just wanted to touch bases with you and let you know that my wife and I live about 60 miles to the east of you, in Squaw Valley. We took possession of a new Black Little Guy 6 wide in May of this year.

I am retired and 9 months post major spinal surgery. We have done a lot of motorcycle tent camping for years (we both ride), but I don't dare risk riding any more with 15 fused vertebrae! But we still want to stay active, so camping with a small tear drop trailer was for us. I am about half the way through my recovery and still have a lot of pain and muscle tightness, but I still manage to keep busy making many modifications to our 'black beauty'!

I have built and installed two laptop computer drawers beneath the cabinets and a shelf that bridges the two drawers to set our Vizio flat screen HD TV on. I have added a 5 foot wide Delta champion aluminum tool box on the tongue and moved the battery into the center rear of the box so I can lock it away. We have a 95 watt Zamp solar panel mounted to the galley lid and can do either wilderness or full service 30 amp camping.

I had to replace the "back killer" stock mattress with a king size 4 1/2" memory foam mattress...man, they don't give those things away, but when I sleep on that mattress, I can go 10 to 11 hours between pain meds! We are going to make at least one more trip this year to a Good Sam Park in Oakhurst in a couple of weeks.

I am in the middle of 2 or 3 more mods which should be finished soon. You are welcome to see our trailer and get some ideas if you like. I admit that we are new to TD camping, but love it so far. I'll love it even more when I can get around with less pain and less effort:)

Check out my album for pictures and descriptions. I'll PM you with my e-mail address.

I wanted to wish you all the best on your 'restoration', 'project completion' or 'new build'. I'm sure you will do very well with whatever you choose. If I can be of any help...mostly advice at present...don't hesitate to ask.

I think I'm feeling well enough to make it to "The Big Fresno Fair" this year. Monday is my Wife's Birthday and also free Senior Day at the Fair - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!! I may have to compromise:)

I'm glad there are a few other fellow TD enthusiasts in the Fresno area!

All the best to you Michael,

Clyde and Linda Ramstead

[3822sean]

welcome to the forum,,,there is a ton of info here and a lot of great people

[Mikeestep]

thanks everyone

[Roly Nelson]

Michael, welcome the the forum. I have a friend that lives in the Wonder Valley area on a small horse ranch. I plan to take my teardrop up there in the next two weeks and visit them. If you PM me, perhaps we can touch bases while I am there with my tear. Good for you, getting started early in life, building a teardrop trailer. I wish I had known about them many years ago. BTW, I feel that building a basic tear from scratch is much cheaper than trying to refurbish an old one.

The biggest problem with old teardrops, is that they usually have been neglected and left out in the weather, which usually lets moisture into hidden places and a bunch of rotted wood is the result. The only way to correct it is to tear the whole thing apart, and rebuild if possible. The inexpensive answer, as far as I am concerned, get a $200 plus, Harbor freight frame and for another 300 bucks, you can build a cheap, simple teardrop upon it. I know, because I have less than 500 bucks invested in my little 8 ft woody that I built 10 years ago, and it is still going strong after about 30,000 miles. (all pine framing and 1/4" lauan plywood and lots of varnish, which is an on-going expence unless covered with alum or some such material)
Roly

[jdarkoregon]

Mikee,

GO SEE ROLY AND HIS TEARDROP!!!!!! THE MOTIVATION YOU GET FROM THE MEETING WILL LAST A LIFETIME

John

[notned]

My vacation is used up for the rest of the year, but how about an informal Wonder Valley gathering? I could do a Friday night/Saturday......