New PDX

[akjrusty]

Hi all,

I have been lurking here for a while trying to decide whether or not to jump in. It would be wonderful to build or refurbish my own teardrop but, not having the facilities to do that, I just ordered one from TeardropsNW. I get it in about a month and have read and tried to incorporate most of the suggestions here. My name is Amy and my dog Yoshi will be traveling with me. I am towing with VW Eos - after having to show Uhaul that my owner's manual says I can tow Plan on taking it out the weekend I get it for a shakedown cruise and then for a week.
Very excited about this and looking forward to going to some of the groups events. I have done a fair amount of camping and love to travel, explore and hike.

I am still on the fence about insulation - have tried to read most of the comments here and talked to Bill at TDNW. Not planning to camp in snow but could conceivably be in some cold temps.

Amy

[Greg M]

Don't forget that insulation is good for hot weather too. It was pushing 100 when I was down in Portland in July. Of course it was only in the 60's out at Fort Stevens over the weekend. I don't think you can ever go wrong with insulation.

[ElectronGuru]

Good to have something available. These are used in semi truck cabs, should work pretty well in a tear:

http://electrowarmth.com/12-volt-bunk-w ... d-36-x-60/


I'd do full insulation just for the sound dampening!

[Mary C]

Welcome to the forum Amy. Congratulations on your TD. I know you are excited. Introduce yourself on the ladies section and one little question Where do you live? If you live in the south there are several tearjerkers campouts planned in the near future and I bet there are some others near where you live too. again... Welcome!!

Mary C.

[jfocallag]

Welcome to the world of teardrops. I would do the insulation. You never know, you may want to try 'winter' camping here in the PNW. Small electric heater works well to keep the cabin warm.

[akjrusty]

Thank you all! Mary - I am in Portland which is a great jumping off point for going almost anywhere!

Regarding insulation - all good points. Not so worried about keeping warm - down comforter, small ceramic heater if needed. But I am one of those who keeps the window open all year:) Heat bothers me way so that is great point about insulation helping for that.

[PKCSPT]

Welcome,
Keep in heat/cool dampen noise and resale value.
I do not think you can go wrong with insulation.

Have fun

[Pinecone]

Hey PDX Newbie - welcome from a close neighbor from Longview, WA! And, congrats on your purchase!!

About 8 weeks ago I purchased a manufactured teardrop built byThree Feathers Mfg in LaGrande! The link is below in my signature. I found it on Craigslist over near Spokane.

Hey I encourage you to sign up for Teardroppers of Oregon and Washington. http://www.teardroptrailers.org
There is an event coming up Sept 27-29 near Portland...maybe it could be one of your first outings, and closeby!

Another cool resource I just found? I new magazine for just us: http://www.cooltears.com
Check it out!

Well, again a warm welcome and we'll see you on the road!

Greg
Longview, WA

[Maureenm]

Welcome, Amy! Hopefully you can make it to Fall Brigade in Mulino at the end of September, with or without your teardrop ( if its not finished) and can meet some of the folks from Teardroppers of Oregon and Washington. It's our last event of the season.

Maureen

[akjrusty]

Maureen - I just submitted to join teardroppers of Oregon and Washington. I might be able to make the Fall Brigade with teardrop but I have a question. When I read about it, it said dry which is fine for water and power but what about bathrooms:)

[Maureenm]

Good question! They do have bathrooms and showers. The showers are bit 'vintage', but they do the job. There is a nice little cabin-y lodge where we have our meeting.Bring an extension cord if you need power, it's kind of rustic, but fun!

[Vedette]

Welcome Amy
This is a great place to be!
The closer the "Fall Brigade " gets, the more excited we are about the possibility of attending.
People like Maureen, Greg and yes, not to forget Marianne are what make Tear Dropping fun. We can't wait to see them again, and to meet you too.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Maureenm]

You are so sweet to say that, Brian! The feelings are mutual! I really hope everyone can make it. Even if you find out at the last minute, come anyway, you can always pay when you get there. It's helpful to know ahead, but we always seem to fit everyone in, especially since the layout is sort of free form. Marrianne and I are meeting with Marty on Tuesday for our transition meeting ( we are inheriting the hosting of this event for 2014). Who knows, maybe we'll even be lucky enough to have a John sighting ( Marrianne's hubby-not a camping guy).

[Pinecone]

Teardroppers like Brian and Sandi are my kind of people. Hope to see you all at the Fall Brigade. I won't know anyone there as this will be my first year attending, but I can already tell based on the postings I see on the forums that everyone here is also my kind of people!

Well, Pinecone is calling and I'm off to an overnight retreat. I'm staying at Paradise Point State Park here in SW Washington for 1 night. I'm going to try to spend some time relaxing and some time getting caught up on work! I love my mobile retreat center!

Greg

[Vedette]

Have fun Greg!
We hope to see you and your Pinecone soon!
And Maureen, with you and Marrianne hosting, it will be like old home week.
We have been practicing our Dutch Oven cooking here on the deck at the farm.
Sandi's now Famous Chicken, Chilli Relleno, Blackberry Dump cake, Chilli, Sun of Gun Stew, and who knows what we will be getting tonight??
Wish all of you were closer as Winthrop and Conconully are calling our names.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi