From SE PA

[Harpo]

Hi, Im Mike and have been checking out this site the last few weeks. Live in the Lancaster PA area. We are planning on purchasing a TD within the next 6 months. My background is in wilderness camping, having lead Outward Bound style trips with youths on backpacking & canoe trips. Moved up to Hammock Camping when my back started not tolerating sleeping on the ground. Im a passionate motorcyclist, and have done a lot of MC camping. We had a MC camper (Bunkhouse) that we sold- wasn't too crazy about pulling a heavy trailer behind a bike, nor the hassles coming with a tent camper. We are more of Spring, Fall & winter campers. Its not so fun when its too hot and humid! The wife and I are no frills campers- its not our style to bring too much stuff and have a lot of equipment already so were keeping it simple. Even though I also have a building background, at this time Id rather just purchase one and get out and camp, pursue my photography. We recently got a new puppy, so thats another reason to move up to a TD.

Right now Im looking at the Lil' Hut and the Little Guy 6' R/T. Those are on my short list while Im still learning more about them and if something else along those lines comes up Id consider it too.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Hey Mike welcome to the forum! I'm only about an hour from Lancaster, and there are a few other teardrop owners around the area too. The Liberty Bell Chapter of the TearJerkers actually has a gathering this weekend up at Ricketts Glen. Would be a good chance to see a wide variety of teardrops up close. Or if you'd rather travel South, the Chesapeake TearJerkers are having a gathering down at Pocomoke State Park in Snow Hill, MD.

Check out the classifieds on here and you might find what you're looking for.

Oh and here's my shameless plug.... I have a 5x10 blue and white convertible for sale

[Harpo]

Thanks Zach… checked out the X-II… oooohhhhh…. seriously tempted! very interesting design and all. Wife and I have questions about the convertible section related to weatherproofness, security, cold weather, etc… Having been around boats, I know the marine coverings need to be replaced after some time. Since Im sure you have it figured out and solved, it would be something to learn more about. We have plans this coming weekend, so a visit to one of the tearjerker campouts wouldn't work! Would have been a good thing to do.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks Mike! Regarding weatherproofness.... You know the 8" of rain we just got last week? I had no reservations about leaving the X-II outside to weather through the storm. Dry as can be on the inside! Same goes for towing in the rain. Never a drop of water on the inside.

For colder-weather camping, I made some removable insulation panels that work pretty well to help keep body heat inside. Or if you are at a campground and can plug in a small space heater then you're really going to stay warm with the insulation panels in place.





I'm sure one day the vinyl top may need to be replaced, but its nothing that can't be done in an afternoon. And depending on where its stored, that may be a quite a few years away. The materials are relatively inexpensive (~$50-60 IIRC), and the only special tool that is required is a snap punch (<$5).