Full-Timing In A Teardrop?

[Esteban]

[Esteban]

[Cathy P.]

Thanks, Esteban. The most interesting thing is how so many have a different "spin" on a unit. There are no two that are that much alike when you look closely.

[Vedette]

Well Cathy,...... you obviously came to the right place for your research!
The info you have received here on the forum over the past month has saved you thousands of dollars in in time researching Teardrop possibilities, in a non bias nature.
There is more than enough info in this thread to allow you to purchase a "Quality Teardrop" that should meet your needs??
If not??....then you are truly not as interested as the participants in this post have perceived.
Hope you can make a decision on your purchase, and join our "Family" very soon.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Cathy P.]

I agree, Vendette! Right now, I'm really analysing the kitchen layouts since that seems to be where the biggest differences are and where how the individual preferences really come into play. I'm thinking of lifting the ice chest/frig into place for one thing and while I can do it now, what about in 10 years. So, working that out in my head and going to the basement to look at the camping equipment.

Thanks All!

[Vedette]

Hi Cathy
Remember, camping equipment is relatively cheap!
And much like a house renovation; it is more expensive to build around an existing appliance, or trying to build around an old door casing you may have, then it is to buy a new one that fits the hole of the new house.
You can get a new 2 burner Coleman camp stove at Wal Mart for $39.95.
We have been adding to our camp equipment on almost every trip as we need it or as we see new cool stuff that has come on the market to make camp life so much easier.
Another good example, would be the cool fold up dish washing sink we found at Cabellas for $11.95........it was great for 2 seasons before developing a leak and starting to look a little grody, but for $11.95 we just picked up a new one. And after two more years, we will just replace it again!
Good Luck with your choices.
Brian & Sandi

[Esteban]

Cathy, yes the kitchen/galley layout is a very personal thing to plan. There are many ways to design a teardrop trailer's galley.

One reason I'm building my own teardrop is so I can have a galley that meets my personal needs/wants/wishes/budget better than any manufactured teardrop I've seen.

One side of my galley will have a Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven on a slide out drawer under the counter top similar to how halfdome Danny builds one into his custom teardrops. One the opposite side of my galley I'll have an ac/dc chest type fridge/freezer on a slide out drawer. I may buy a more affordable Truckfridge TF41 or a more costly ARB37. I'll have a drawer bank with three deep drawers in between them. No sink in the counter top.

The fridge/freezer will be powered by a 12 volt battery which will be recharged by Grape Solar 160 watt solar panel mounted on the roof. The solar panel makes boondocking easier. If I hadn't already bought the 58" long 160 watt solar panel I'd be very tempted to buy a Renogy 150 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel which is 39.5" x 39".

Cathy I may have helped, or maybe led you deeper into another time sucking wild goose chase researching teardrop galley designs!?

[Esteban]

Cathy, While looking at pictures of galleys I came upon inspiring photos from teardropsnw.com/custom-hatch-options/ for their easy and innovative way to store a 5 gallon water jug in the upper galley area that I now want to build into my galley!

I'm really inspired by their The Oasis photos! It solves a need to store and have easy access to water in my galley! Bookmarked it into my teardrop ideas folder for future reference.

[Cathy P.]

My thought is that one can never get too much information, and my tendency is to over think every purchase and sort of drive myself crazy by the time I make a decision. I rarely, if ever, have buyer's remorse though!

I have noticed that the higher priced units have "nicer" amenities, improved storage, etc. but am weighing value to me versus the extra expense. I can certainly see why the higher priced units are higher priced because of the additional materials and workmanship involved. I would not like to work in those tighter spots where everything had to fit so perfectly. It seems like unless I were to go high end, I'll have to creative when it comes to storage solutions. The Vestibule and Camp Inn seem to have so many cubbies and under floor storage which would be a real plus.

Thanks again!

4/15: Still looking at the choices. Still really like the Vestibule and Camp Inn for their beauty and many cubbies for storage. Thought I wanted something plain but definitely want to avoid a lot of "clutter".