Newbie from the Cascade Foothills

[DaveWeinstein]

My wife and I have been planning on getting a Teardrop for years, and have decided that this is the year. We hope to find a quality teardrop we can afford (new or used -- neither of us is handy enough to either finish construction in the forseeable future or trust ourselves to our own handiwork if we did) in time for spring.

--Dave

[Vedette]

Welcome Dave
Yes, there is a lot to be said instant gratification. And knowing your limitations will definitely put you out in the campground a lot sooner!
Where exactly are you?
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[DaveWeinstein]

We're at the north end of the Snoqualmie valley, north-east of Seattle.

[Vedette]

Great news! We are almost neighbours?
We will be travelling your way in May on our way to the Gorge Gathering in Stevenson Wash.
We love to camp in Washington.
Hope you can find a Teardrop, as will love what Teardrop Camping brings to life.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[DaveWeinstein]

We hope to have a Teardrop by then, but I doubt we'll ever make it to the Gorge Gathering. Memorial Day weekend is also the Folk Life Festival (largest free music festival in North America), and I just can't give that up.

[Pinecone]

Hello again Dave!

Last year I first thought I would build and then realized my limitations, bit the bullet, checked Craigslist and found a great deal on my Pinecone!! So glad I did. I purchased in late June 2013 and by the end of September 2013 I had spent 12 weekends out in the great Pacific NW immediately enjoying my TD! On one of my outings I met Brian and Sandi Woods, who responded on your posting here. They (along with our TD family) are great friends!

Here is another great resource for teardrop events coming up! Hope to meet you at one of these for fun and friendship!

http://www.teardroptrailers.org

Greg

[Prototear]

Hi Dave, Welcome!

Depending on how far north in the valley you are, I'm straight west of you toward the other end of Hwy 522. I had also been considering a teardrop for years, mainly as a more comfortable upgrade from a tent that would have everything packed and together and that we didn't have to handle at least 4 times per outing (load, set up, break down, clean and put away). Its also an excuse to get a few more tools!

I'm in the midst of my build, I got a slow start in the summer but am moving at a better pace now. I am hoping to finish before Memorial Day so that it is actually ready for scheduled trips in July.

[Vedette]

Good to hear from you Steve!
Glad to see you posting and hearing that you are making progress on your Teardrop project!
And Greg! We miss you man!!!
How is your summer scheduling coming along? Sure hope that it works out so that we can get a few nights of camping and travelling together to or from at least one or two Gatherings this year!
Please keep us posted.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi
PS
I think Ted is up for joining us along the way too.

[Racquetman]

Hi Dave, I'm also new here, and I'm also from Wa. (Woodinville) My wife and I recently ordered a Cozy Cruiser TD built in the Eugene, Oregon area, we are set to pick the trailer up sometime in May. The reason I mention this is because I just saw a 2012 Cozy Cruiser on craigslist in Longview, Wa......its pretty much loaded and looks great in the pics. I saw, a beautiful red TD for 8500, thats a 13000 dollar trailer, it's a great deal if that fits your budget and your needs. If I had not already ordered mine, I would jump all over this one, it looks to be in great shape......good luck to you in whatever you decide.....and hopefully we'll see you down the road sometime, Ernie

[Racquetman]

Hey Steve, looks like there are alot of us Wa. Teardroppers on this forum, looks like we're neighbors, good luck getting your build done! Ernie

[DaveWeinstein]

There are so many options we're considering on a Teardrop that I'm tempted to start the purchase equivalent of a "Build" topic with requests for feedback.

[DaveWeinstein]

I saw that used Cozy Cruiser; the price is within our budget. The problem is that one thing I do need is a carrier for an 11lb or 20lb propane tank. I have a Camp Chef setup for outdoor cooking, but I am not comfortable with a propane tank being carried inside either the TV or the Teardrop when travelling.

[Racquetman]

Hey Dave, my propane tank is going in the front tool box carrier with a 15ft. hose to reach either the back of the TD or the pinic table, depending on the situation.

[DaveWeinstein]

After looking at a number of Teardrops, and the Backpacker II (which we quite liked, it's halfway between a tiny travel trailer and a Teardrop), we saw a 1973 Bell 13ft Trailer in good shape less than 15 minutes after it hit Craigslist.

Today we brought it home. It does fit in our oddball garage (we have the luxury of an 8'11" garage door height, but the door is only 7'8" wide), but I have to admit, backing the trailer uphill into the garage (and the first time I've backed up any trailer) with only a few inches of clearance on either side was an experience.

[pabloa3]

congrats on the new trailer. im a teardrop owner in west seattle (orama teardrop from tenino). im heading to salt creek this weekend. hope to see you out camping this summer