Tucson tortoise: Edit for photos

[dales133]

Yea trip reports!
And likewise,dont sweat the small stuff,bound to be a few little things that need tweaking but a new car never got released without teething problems and they had alot more people thinking ,designing and planning than this mottly crew has
Happy trails brother,we are all as chuffed as you are to see you hit the road

[lfhoward]

Tim, congratulations on getting it roadworthy and ready for the first trip! Here's a virtual high five!

I am looking forward to a trip report with lots of pics too.

Nice work. This is a first class build from start to finish, even though the finish is technically not yet.

[noseoil]

We made it back from our first outing to Pahrump. It was a total of 950 miles round trip, without any problems at all. Met some very nice folks at he gathering, ate good food & enjoyed a few naps. Next time I'm going to do less driving as it was a lot of windshield time for a first trip out & back in just 4 days. Still, very glad to have attended & that everything went well.

First, here's a picture for Tony. He said he wanted a picture in the forest. Here's the tear in a forest like we have here.


Here's a detail shot of a tree.


Here is the row of drops. All for now, thanks for looking.

[dales133]

Glad it was all a success
Looks great behind your wagon

[noseoil]

Thanks, best part was doing the trip and getting about 20 mpg with the truck while towing. Worst was 19.7 mpg & best was 20.7 mpg, so the little 4 cylinder is good to go. Tough pull on some hills, but it gets the job done!

[dales133]

Not bad fuel specs at all. Well done

[KCStudly]

Great news! Glad you had a nice relaxing trip.

Tell us how the camper was received on its debut, and how many tours you gave. I hope you have more pic to share, too.

Good on you.

[noseoil]

Thanks Dales & KC. I did give a "few" tours of the build during the weekend. It seems like everyone came over at some point to look at it & ask a few questions. The comments were all favorable and everyone noticed something different as they looked it over. I guess the best "look" for me came from Grant. He was pleased with what I'd done and even surprised a bit over some of my detailing & innovations. He liked the flexible conduit in the galley hatch & my approach to the hatch seal. The shower grab bars were a big hit as well. Here are a few of the usual suspects before the feast on Saturday afternoon.


Here's a shot of Keith & some snow in the background on Mt. Whatever (don't know the name of the summit). Yep, that's actually snow in the background, like to froze my a$$ off the first night, going from the heat into the 30's at night. Alice loved the temperatures. Keith is from Phoenix & I met him last year up in Flagstaff. He's the "Host with the most" in camp & is world famous for his "Glop Burritos" in the morning. A great guy & our neighbor in camp. The blue beacon on top of the pole was lit at night, so we could always find our way home.



One follow-up on the trip. The trailer tracks & tows like a dream. No push or pull on the balance of the truck, so the design worked out very well from a towing standpoint & there was no wobble at speed, while being passed by big rigs or any wind problems. On our way back through Phoenix, we hit a major rain storm, pouring down rain on the freeway with lowered visibility & standing water on the ground. There were no leaks! When we got back & I opened up the galley, it was bone-dry inside, at the bottom corners & along the edges. I'm pleased with the way the seals worked out, the positive grab of the latch mechanism & the way the bushings are holding the latch tight.

Kathleen & Dave did the hosting & organized a great event, the Pink Penguin Inn. This was the second annual event & we'll be up for next year.



Big Jim had the world's largest teardrop at the meet, it really is big! It's a standie drop & big enough for everything. His rear hatch has some actuators so there's no lifting involved, just push a button & it's open.



Here's the last night at the event. Wine Ridge for RV's is a great place. Hardly roughing it, but very nice. Pool, hot tub, nice showers, laundry & great company.

[Atomic77]

That's great! Glad everything worked out and you had a good time!

[KCStudly]

+1

[tony.latham]

Tim:

Great trip, and great pics! And what a great forest! (Seriously!) Maybe I should retype that and put it in caps. I feel like I'm yelling.

You know, if I ran into Grant ––especially while camping–– I'd feel like I'd just met John Wayne or somebody of his stature.

Now you need to go find a boondock camp and take in the aroma of the desert.

Tony

[Vedette]

We are so envious!
Wish we could be November camping some place warm. ....but maybe next year?????
Guess we have to stay home this winter too get Kermit finished, so we can take that long awaited winter in Arizona camping trip.
But, for now it is back out to the shop so we will be ready for Kermit's debut at the Lake Shasta Gathering Apr. 28 to May 1st 2016.
Glad to hear that you had a great weekend and you new Teardrop was well received.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[capnTelescope]

Tim,

Congrats on a successful, leakless first trip! I hope the list of new to-dos wasn't too long.

Your "forest" pic reminded me of some Kahleefoornya NFs where it's hard to find shade.

[McGuffin]

Hi Tim,

Just read through your road trip - it must have been a great feeling to finally get that little beauty hitched up and to hit the road. Congratulations and well done!



Larry

[S. Heisley]

Congratulations on a successful first trip!
The teardrop looks great!