From tent to tear in Oregon!

[susswood]

Hi there! We are a family of four who have decided to make the leap from tent to teardrop! Our children (2 boys) are small and so are we (5'2" and 5'6") and we just know we can fit into a 5x10 for at least a few years.... I figure the boys will get moved to a tent when they get big and brave.

Anyhow, we are going with a build from Teardrops NW in Salem. Bill, the owner (who I think may be one of the coolest people I have ever met) is going to design an interior to include bunks at the foot of the bed for the kiddos.

I still have some time to decide on options since I JUST placed my initial order..... I will be searching the site for pics and ideas..... especially for customizing the galley!

Nice to meet you all!

Anne

[fishfreek]

Welcome..... I know you will enjoy the build process. It's cool that you have found a builder that will design around you're needs. It's cool that you have found someone will build around you're needs.

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome Anne! You will have lots of fun in your Tear. Why don't you consider one of these for your boys:

http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Lodge-Square-Dome-Tent/dp/B000IU11SM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2INB8VCR3FOJD&coliid=I46QSH36HD8LH

You can attach it to one side of your Tear and leave that side door open. That way the boys have their own tent, mom and dad are still right there, you can stand up to change clothes, and you and your Hubby have LOTS of room. Just a thought.

[susswood]

Yes, we have thought about a side tent.... that may be in the cards for the future. I wish they came smaller that 10x10.... I will keep browsing for other options.

I have a feeling that by the time the boys are ready for their own tent, they will want to be a little further from dear ol' mom and dad!

[Junkboy999]

Welcome to the forums. If your boys enjoyed camping as much as my brother I with our family, they will have fond memories for life. looks like they build some nice teardrops. ( http://teardropsnw.com/ )
GL in your camping and keep us informed about your camper.

[coop74]

Yes, we have thought about a side tent.... that may be in the cards for the future. I wish they came smaller that 10x10.... I will keep browsing for other options.

I have a feeling that by the time the boys are ready for their own tent, they will want to be a little further from dear ol' mom and dad!

check out the Oz tent folks....

http://www.oztent.com/

I believe they have a pretty small one that can be mated to the side of your trailer with some fitting.

Big Coop

[jss06]

Yes, we have thought about a side tent.... that may be in the cards for the future. I wish they came smaller that 10x10.... I will keep browsing for other options.

I have a feeling that by the time the boys are ready for their own tent, they will want to be a little further from dear ol' mom and dad!

check out the Oz tent folks....

http://www.oztent.com/

I believe they have a pretty small one that can be mated to the side of your trailer with some fitting.

Big Coop

Thank you for the link. I have heen looking for the foxwing since I saw it on this site but could not find the origional post and could not remember the name.

[Vedette]

While at the Dam Gathering I saw one of the coolest teardrop trailer designs for families exactly like yours.
|It was a "1967 Scad About" .
I do have a picture of it but am not great at posting pictures.
It was like a regular teardrop, but had a square box top that opened up like a tent trailer that provided an awning and sleeping are into a sleeping area for your boys.
Just the most ideal thing I ever saw.
Maybe someone else here on the forum has a picture they can post or you can PM me with your e-mail address and I can send you the picture I have of it.
Good Roads & Welcome to the Forum.
Brian & Sandi

[susswood]

Thanks for the tips everyone!

The OZ tents are cool but whoa $$$$$$$

I will google around for the Scad About..... sounds cool.

We have decided for our tear to forgo interior cabinets and just build a large bunk. Our builder is using a 5x10 model but the depth of the kitchen will be as if it is a 5x8 to maximize the interior space. Since we are such a shrimpy family, I think the interior space will work for us for at least three more years....

[pabloa3]

Welcome from just north in seattle. Our boys are 6 and 8. When I take them without my wife we fit well in our 5x8. All four of us are taking our first trip together in July. They will be in a tent. I've thought about different options including the oztent or side attached tent (like the camp inn model). I'm tempted to go with the double cot tent like the one at cabelas. Easy setup and mobile.

[Shadow Catcher]

we are using two Kelty Car tarps and a custom much larger rear tarp made by Pahaque design. I just picked up a Kelt Noah's Tarp at REI yesterday to go over the picnic table. The Kelty tarps are not too expensive and are adaptable. Our tear has Kedar/awning rail on three sides which allows a good bit of flexibility.

[celticquetzel]

Nice thing about a separate tent. When the boys are older, there are inevitable friends. I found it way less stress for me to throw them all in an inexpensive tent and let them be. Mess and all out of (my) sight. And they will be hard on a tent so don't waste the funds. It will be filthy and a mess, and they will be in heaven. They can stay up late and bang around in it and you'll have peace. Just get something they can set up easy, eventually on their own. And they can still bundle in with you for cuddle/family time. The bunk they can use now, then you can use later for your gear/clothes. It amazes me how quickly they can be of great help in setting up camp. And how that independence is so good for them. (Remember it's your vacation too. And they grow FAST. So plan ahead.)