Newbie from Pioneer Calif.

[rwilhelm]

Hi. I'm a newbie. My name is Roger. I live in the mountains of California. I have much wildlife, but they are all animals ...... really. I am an old fart and have been retired now for about 10 years. I am interested in photography, traveling and meeting people. My budget won't allow for fancy cruises and motels, so I want a "mobile motel room" to allow me to see as much as I can. I am attempting to buy a 1989 Teardrop American Outback. It is light enough to with my 09 Murano (has tow package) and big enough inside for me (I'm 6'5") and .......... maybe if I'm lucky a nice lady who would like to come along. I have 5 major trips which I would like to take either in part or in whole. I would like to join the community of teardrop owners to make friends and enjoy the get togethers.

[bc toys]

Welcome from a friend in Las Vegas Nv hope you find your trailer soon being 6'5'' its going to take a long bed area but there out there somewhere.

[deleted]

Welcome! I hope you were able to get your 1989 Teardrop American Outback! Love them.

If you want to meet some CA and NV teardrop owners in person and will be in the SF Bay Area on October 26th, 2013 this could be a good place to start:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=55703

[rwilhelm]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I have located a place that has cabin, doors and hatch, enough for 4 trailers. These were bought at auction when Teardrop American went out of business. I am hoping that I can maybe build a brand new 1989 American Outback. I am waiting for additional info and pictures. Don't how this is going to work out. They are a looonng ways away.

I did see the get together in the Bay Area in October. Its a bit of a drive but I might be able to make it. Would be fun.[/color][/size]

[Sarge]

Hello Roger,

I used to have a cabin on Shake Ridge Road, Volcano, Ca a few years back. I have fond memories of the area.

Welcome to the board and good luck with your teardrop quest.

[SaabRally99]

Wow! New old stock parts.

Hopefully the doors don't have the terrible latches on them, forcing you to use a better latch.

I just bought an Outbacker last weekend and I love it. I'm 6'8".

[rwilhelm]

Hello Roger,

I used to have a cabin on Shake Ridge Road, Volcano, Ca a few years back. I have fond memories of the area.

Welcome to the board and good luck with your teardrop quest.

You were practically a neighbor. I live across the highway from Mace Meadows. Good to meet you

[rwilhelm]

Wow! New old stock parts.

Hopefully the doors don't have the terrible latches on them, forcing you to use a better latch.

I just bought an Outbacker last weekend and I love it. I'm 6'8".

I would love to hear all about your Outbacker. I'm 6'5" and room for me to stretch out is paramount. Mickey Mouse back. Where did you find your outbacker?? The one I was originally interested in is no longer listed on Craigslist??

Good to meet you and especially a person of similar stature.

[SaabRally99]

It was for sale in Bremerton, WA. I paid $2900. It's completely original: previous owner only added a vent and steel hook in the roof, and a port for an extension cord in the side.

I bought a queen size futon mattress and put it in, putting 4 extra pillows (6 total in picture) at the head to sort of make it work out good. The island in the middle is best sized for a full mattress, I think a full xl would be very nice, but I did a queen and it hangs over the sides bit, making storage next to the island more awkward.

Notice also that there is foot dangle room next to the sink on the inside. Huge advantage when compared to wood framing!

[SaabRally99]

Inside shot of sink

[rwilhelm]

It was for sale in Bremerton, WA. I paid $2900. It's completely original: previous owner only added a vent and steel hook in the roof, and a port for an extension cord in the side.

I bought a queen size futon mattress and put it in, putting 4 extra pillows (6 total in picture) at the head to sort of make it work out good. The island in the middle is best sized for a full mattress, I think a full xl would be very nice, but I did a queen and it hangs over the sides bit, making storage next to the island more awkward.

Notice also that there is foot dangle room next to the sink on the inside. Huge advantage when compared to wood framing!

Well, you didn't buy the one I thought you might have. I did see the listing, I think, of the one you bought. I was looking at that one also

On another forum, can't remember which one, another owner found some plastic storage boxes kind of like the one that you can find at dollar stores and put them in the channel around the island. This apparently provided support for the mattress and additional storage space for small items and tools. Something that just about all teardrops need.

I am glad to see that there is enough room to stretch. Feel much better about the project. Also, if you haven't already, try the fiberglass trailer/rv site. http://www.fiberglassrv.com/ There are people there with American Outbacks.

Thanks for the pictures. Greatly appreciated. Is there any way for you to provide some frame dimensions, like the width between wheels, the width between the rails the cabin is mounted to and the distance from end of the frame to the axle. These are measurements that are needed to select a new trailer and identify modifications. No rush of course. I'm trying to figure out how to get one down from Washington without renting some sort of trailer. I thought maybe I could modify the trailer first and then just bolt the cabin on the new trailer. Guess I could just ship it home, but I'm guessing that will a bit expensive. Nothing is simple anymore.

Thanks again.
From Pioneer

[SaabRally99]

It's WIDE. the only measurement I remember is ~71" door jam to door jam. I drive a dually international, and this thing is almost even with the fenders in the mirror...

I can measure for you some time, but I think it would be best to flatbed it home on wood blocks. Then you can take your time, knowing that the body is in your possession.

I will say the axle is extremely far back (more Teardrops could probably benefit from this) and the track width is pushing 6 feet between the wheels. It is a pretty respectable footprint, considering how small it looks.

Quinn

[rwilhelm]

It's WIDE. the only measurement I remember is ~71" door jam to door jam. I drive a dually international, and this thing is almost even with the fenders in the mirror...

I can measure for you some time, but I think it would be best to flatbed it home on wood blocks. Then you can take your time, knowing that the body is in your possession.

I will say the axle is extremely far back (more Teardrops could probably benefit from this) and the track width is pushing 6 feet between the wheels. It is a pretty respectable footprint, considering how small it looks.

Quinn

Thanks for the overview. I appreciate it. I was looking for some shortcuts but you are probably right, flatbedding will probably the most practical. Its such a cute trailer. I have always liked things that are unique or different. The space inside however is the big draw for me. I'm trying to figure out how to put mild fins with lights or maybe some pants for fenders like the kind you see on light planes.

Were those pictures taken at home or when you picked it up. Looks like a pretty green place.

Thanks again
Roger

[SaabRally99]

Those were taken at home, Yes we do still have some trees in Washington State.

I'm leaving mine pretty much original, just painting white and considering a 3rd brake light.

Quinn

[rwilhelm]

Those were taken at home, Yes we do still have some trees in Washington State.

I'm leaving mine pretty much original, just painting white and considering a 3rd brake light.

Quinn

Well as it turns out, the one that I was originally looking at buying is still available. I've made an offer (hope I didn't offend) quite a bit lower than their asking price. But, I would really like to have it so I will probably end up paying what they are asking. Should know soon. My budget is really tight. I wasn't expecting to do this until next year. I expect that the real modifications I make will most likely be inside. I do need to electrify it. I use a CPAP machine for sleeping and can't sleep without it. Tail fins and pantaloons will just have to wait ..... if ever. I have cleared a space in the garage for it so, I'm all ready to rip.

Building one from pieces and parts, especially the frame is just to complicated and the logistics are overwhelming. I'm not sure that I can actually save any money when compared to the one I've got spotted. So I will do the best I can to bring one home in one piece by the end of the month.

I'll keep you posted.

Roger