Newbie in Washington State

[Nicolathecat]

Hi there,

I introduced myself a few days back in the Lady Teardropper section, but thought I would throw out an intro here also. My name is Nicola (but I go by the nickname Lina), I am 38, a widow and mom (I have one absolutely wonderful ten year old.) I live in Western Washington where it is nice and wet for a good section of the year. I am also very much NOT a builder, thus I am planning on buying a teardrop rather than making one. I simply do not have the time or skill set to make my own, though I am very impressed by all those who do make theirs.

I have considered looking for a used one, but I am leaning towards new so that I can pick the features that are important to me. I figure our teardrop is going to be part of our life for a VERY long time so investing just a bit more to get what I want and is a good idea...that said I am still on a budget...LOL.

I have not gone camping in years (mostly because I HATE tent camping), and I am very much looking forward to introducing Sophia to the world of camping (minus the tents...lol.)

Has anyone purchased a trailer from Teardrops NW or Oregon Trail'R?

Thanks,
Nicola

P.S. I added a picture of our security system... Kahlua is a sweetheart with a big bark and a strong sense of family. I always feel safe with her around.

[bc toys]

Welcome to this great site and hope to see you on the camping trails

[halfdome, Danny]

Welcome to the forum Nicola.

I've been to North West Teardrops manufacturing facilities in the Salem Oregon area.
They gave me the impression of conscientious builders and if you were to make a custom order from them, I'm sure they would be happy to accommodate you.
Here's another resource http://www.teardrops.net/classads01.html to shop for a used teardrop.
Also check out T.O.W. & their classified ads at http://www.teardroptrailers.org/
Danny

[Nicolathecat]

Thank you...

[Vedette]

Welcome Nicola & Sophia
You will love Tear Drop camping and the wonderful people that go along with it.
Do your homework before you buy!.........and Yes, ask a lot of questions here on the Forum before you buy!
There are things you might think you need that you might never use.
Good Luck with your search and hope you find the perfect fit.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Nicolathecat]

So far I have been better at ruling out the things I don't want. I know I don't want a built in propane system. I don't want a built in water system or sink. I also don't want a dvd system, speakers or sound system.

What I can't seem to figure out are the battery options, what size we will need (one grown up, one soon to be teen and one large dog), if I should get brakes (leaning towards a yes on this one), if it is worth it to me to spend more to get it powder coated the color I want, and if open shelves are enough or if I want to spend more to get the storage in the cabin and galley upgraded (leaning towards yes on this also.) There are just so many choices and I do need to stick to a budget so I am not paying for this when my daughter is ready to go off to college.

Trust me I am going to be posting a lot of questions...LOL.

[halfdome, Danny]

Nicola,
If you're not in any big hurry to acquire a teardrop you might want to wait until memorial weekend and visit the Gorge Gathering at the fair in Stevenson WA.
You'll be able to see what others have and don't have in their teardrops.
Another teardrop manufacturer in the area is http://www.tinytrailer.com/ . Jack makes a well thought out & constructed teardrop that's sure to please most.
Here's Jack on King 5 news.
Danny

[Nicolathecat]

I was looking at the Tiny Trailers, but he is booked for the winter and spring...the earliest he could build one for me would be May with a pick up date in August. I would prefer to place an order this fall/winter with a pick up in April/May so we can start camping this coming spring...even if it is just in our yard while we get used to it and get everything set up.

I do really like the Tiny Trailers and feel he has a very well thought out Teardrop. One thing I do not like though is that you really can't have anything changed on his build. He has two color choices and that is what you get to pick from. There are a few things I would want to change/tweek.

[halfdome, Danny]

I was looking at the Tiny Trailers, but he is booked for the winter and spring...the earliest he could build one for me would be May with a pick up date in August. I would prefer to place an order this fall/winter with a pick up in April/May so we can start camping this coming spring...even if it is just in our yard while we get used to it and get everything set up.

I do really like the Tiny Trailers and feel he has a very well thought out Teardrop. One thing I do not like though is that you really can't have anything changed on his build. He has two color choices and that is what you get to pick from. There are a few things I would want to change/tweek.

Jack is providing a basic teardrop with upgrades like nice galley cabinets (he's a life long Cabinetmaker) and anodized aluminum exterior at a reasonable price.
To "change/tweak" a teardrop requires more labor & materials so the production teardrop becomes a custom teardrop.
I agree 100% with Grants comments in the above link.
Danny

[Nicolathecat]

Trust me I am expecting to pay for any changes, but I am ok with that. I know the builder of a custom teardrop puts money, time, blood, sweat and tears into the their work...as such they should be paid a reasonable amount for their amazingly beautiful teardrops. One of the reasons I am leaning towards a custom teardrop is that I consider it a piece of art you can live in while camping. I don't want a straight out of the box teardrop. While I can't pay $20,000 for one I am expecting to spend around $12,000 give or take a bit based on which options I pick. Some of the more expensive options are not ones I want...thank goodness. The biggest splurge would be the powder coating...

[Maureenm]

Hi Nicola, welcome to the group! You might want to try contacting Stephanie and Mark Bergeron (sbergeron) in this group as they have one from teardrops northwest. It's a bit smaller than you would probably like, but I think there are more options than the size they purchased.
Good luck and you will love whatever you get!
Maureen

[akjrusty]

I replied to your message but wanted to add the Bill and Sean LOVE doing custom stuff and making your teardrop the way you want it!

[Pinecone]

Hello fellow Washingtonian! This is Greg from Longview, WA. I am relatively new to the forum, having purchased a manufactured TD in June 2013 (a used 2012 model) from Three Feathers Mfg in La Grande, OR. My signature has the link to their site. I just got back from a beautful fall weekend out in my trailer. We've had a gorgeous October out here...which means more time outdoors with my TD.

The Pacific Northwest has so many places to get away and relax. We are fortunate to live here!! If you have questions about my TD, please feel free to ask, or send a message. I met many fellow TD's at a recent TOW event in Mulino, OR...the Fall Brigade (Sept 29-30). THAT weekend was a hurricane, but we all were in great spirits and had fun together. Hope to meet you at an upcoming event! Keep your eyes on craigslist for a good deal on a used trailer! This is where I found my TD back in June https://www.rvonline.com/. Though it was in Washington State, I had to travel 7.5 hours to get there (Spokane) purchase it, and then bring it back home. I don't regret it one bit!

[Vedette]

Hey Greg
Yes, October has been beautiful after that rainy start in Molino.
Unfortunately we have been grounded and it looks like I can't talk Sandi into another outing this year.
So where have you been?
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[gudmund]

This is T.Hoefer again from Wash. with the trailer that was built in Teardrops N.W. shop (my trailer was the very first one they built in their shop - kind of a mixed up deal being I ordered it from a guy building them out of his home garage who than merged with them when it was time to build it- which made it nice for me being Salem was almost 100 miles closer than Cottage Grove. Picked it up and paid for it in Salem 9May12 only to find out they spit a month or so later. Since than, Teardrops N.W. has been building their own trailers) Have stopped by their shop 3 or 4 times since and have been really impressed with the trailers I have seen them building. Mine is a 4x8, 110 volt hookup, pass thru cabinets w/drawers under them inside, AAA battery LEL lites, I have no plumbed water or propane, have no drawers in the galley- just a 3day igloo 48gt cooler from W-M, 6gal water with just enough room left for a tall igloo Legend 9qt lunch cooler(works great for bread, buns etc.) built a sliding shelf myself for the big cooler - works so much better than trying to use my knees holding it when getting something out of it. I use a small "all-in-one" Coleman propane stove for cooking - it nice and small, takes up little space and rides fine sitting at either end of the galley shelf when traveling. It has a grill, griddle and burner and is 100 square inches in size. It all fits together under the lid when stored. It uses the small 1lb bottles or can be hooked up to regular tank. My side doors are 26x32 inches and if I had it to over again they would of been 26x36 inches - Bill at Tears NW told me at the Dam Gathering in May that they are using only the larger 26x36's now being most of their customers are asking for them. 4 more inches of headroom when getting in or out would be nice - I am getting used to the 32's but will change over to the 36's when I can afford to. Did not get the 12 volt system and still after a year and half don't think I need it. Not much of a computer or camping TV person and the Ryobi 18volt radio - vacuum - camping/storm lite works find (Ryobi even has a portable battery charger for recharging the battery's, just plug it into the truck cig lighter when need be) as far as buying a 5x8, it would be nice but I have a thing about not liking anything wider than what I am driving behind me and being I tow with a chevy S-10 the 4x8 is it. If I had a full size truck I would have gotten the 5x8 - it' just me so the 4x works fine. For a bed I am using a 4inch memory foam from W-M with 1inch(2layers) of the cheap rubber lock together pads under. They add a bit of extra couch along with them just being there if I ever need something to lay/neal on to work on the vehicle when need be. You do have to cut a full size bed down to make fit in a 4 footer where a queen fits just right in a 5 footer. A 5 footer also gives you a foot of extra space in the galley area - bigger cooler, more water, drawers etc. Will close now, just thought I'd pass on more ideas and thoughts for you trio to Salem this weekend. Take Care