Newbie from Minnesota

[katmumn]

Hello TNTTT.

I'm a soon-to-be empty nester female from Minnesota. I used to camp a lot with my family growing up, plus outdoor club trips and girl scout camps, etc. I would really like to get back to camping more. I enjoy visiting state and national parks. I'm planning to purchase a premade teardrop or small trailer. Any purchase would be at least a year out but I'm really a planning, researching type of person so I'm ok with taking my time.

I currently drive a 2009 Subaru Forester so I'm not sure if I maybe need to think about a different TV. I've looked at the T@b trailer and also some Aliner styles and I think those seem about the right size for me but I willing to look at other options also. Here are the features based on what I've looked at so far I would want:

Kitchen with 3 way refrigerator, microwave and 2 burner stove (colud be camp style stove)
Sleep area with full size bed. A 2nd bunk or twin size would be a plus.
Either a toliet or space for a porta-potti (emergency middle of the night use)
Secure locking door
Length definitely less than 16' for a trailer;
Budget up to about 20K but would prefer to spend under 15K.
Willing to consider used and new

As a solo female what else do I need to think about? My dog is a medium size dog (about 40 lbs) but she is a good watchdog and will bark and bear her teeth if she thinks someone is trying to break in. (My younger son works nights and when he comes home if she doesn't know it's him she will bark and growl like she means business.)

[PKCSPT]

Welcome fellow Minnesotan.
I am in the south east metro .
I too am an empty nester who camps alone. Husband prefers hotels. I am always aware of my safety but so far I have had no problems or concerns. (knock on wood)
I went with a Little Guy teardrop that I really enjoy, no water or electric but loads of fun.

[TPMcGinty]

Welcome! I would recommend looking at a few trailers to see what you would like. The best place to see a bunch of Teardrops of various types and sizes is the Camp-Inn Camp-Outt on the last week of September. This is a large gathering near Mauston Wisconsin. So far I think there are 109 campers registered. You can camp the weekend (tents are welcome) or just come out for a day.

We are also having a little get together (maybe a few Teardrops) on 29-30 August at the Wright County Swappers Meet in Annandale MN.

The 2009 Subaru Forester has a pretty good towing capacity. 1000lbs without trailer brakes and 2400 with trailer brakes. You might not need to get a different tow vehicle depending on how big a camper you get.

I've got a German Shepherd that is like your dog. She will growl and bark (she sounds like she will kill someone) but she is the biggest chicken there is.