Hi from Denver

[Kristina]

Hi,

I've been lurking for a few weeks and I've decided to take the plunge and try to buy a tear drop trailer. I do have a few questions that I haven't been able to find answer for in the wealth of information available here.

1. What should one look for when inspecting a used trailer?

o I know that rot under the aluminum is an issue and that if a trailer is leaking that's where it will start.
o I understand that looking under the carpet would be a good place to look for signs of rot for the flooring.
o Since I'll most likely have to travel a long distance to buy a trailer what types of questions should I be asking the seller over the phone about the trailer?

2. One of the uses for my trailer is going to be burning man. From of my tent camping experience my goals has been to keep the tent tight to keep the dust out. From reading this forum for a tear drop you always have to have a vent open to get air to occupants. So how does one keep the dust out if you have to keep the vent open?

3. I'm planning on buying used but would like to add A/C to the trailer. The PetCool A/C seems to be the option that everyone uses from my reading. Is this something I can retrofit onto an existing trailer?

Thanks

- Kristina

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Welcome Kristina,
Looks like you have the savy of what to check for when buying a used trailer.
Have you considered building?... There are lady teardrop builders in your area. (NutmegJoe & Pam Wright) I'm sure they could give you some encouragement as well as the guys.
As far as the dust at Burning Man... Reconfigured filters for forced air furnaces or a similar filter material called "Hog Hair" may help. Might wanna ask Tupelosue and Mercy... These gals are teardrop veterans of Burning Man.

[Kristina]

I've definitely considered building one and would love to give it a try. I decided against it mainly because I've got so many other projects going on in my life. If I owned a garage I might be more inclined to give it a try, but for now I think the best option is a used trailer if I can find a nice one.

[Gerdo]

Welcome local Denver soon to be Teardrop owner.

[Mike C.]

Hi Kristina,

Welcome to the forum. Another lady teardropper. It looks like you have the questions figured out. Now all you have to do is find one. I wish you luck and if you have questions during your search, just ask. Overall, we are a very freindly group and always try to help our fellow teardroppers.

See you around.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Kristina.

Questions to ask over the phone.

1. Are you a member of T&TTT

2. Do you have a photo log of your build

3. Can you meet me half way? Now this one is important in case you have to leave without your dream TD.

4. has the TD been in a flood?

5. Why are you selling your TD?
6. Does it have a title or similar proof of ownership. This is especially important if you life in a state that titles and the seller does not.

Enjoy and we would love to see the pictures when you find one.

[sonar37]

Welcome, Kristina!! Glad you decided to join in. The folks here are great and will help you with any questions you may have.

You may want to ask the weight of the trailer to make sure it's compatible with your tow vehicle, and whether or not it has trailer brakes, especially if you're planning on towing with a smaller car or truck. Good luck with your search and be sure to post lots of pictures!

MJ

[Kristina]

Thanks those are great questions to ask.

[Pam Wright]

Hi Kristina,

WELCOME!!!! As you can see I'm in Littleton... PM me if you like and I'll send you my phone number....

Consider building, but if buying is better for you, the questions you've asked and the questions the gang have offered is right on.

We have some great Teardroppers here locally and try to get together often over the summer, keep up with the board or me and join us!!!!

I host a nice gathering the end of September, called "the Last Gasp of Summer" down at Royal Gorge. But don't wait that long to get in touch!!!!

pam

pam

[Dean_A]

Kristina,

Welcome. From my own experience at Burning Man, good luck keeping the dust out of anything! I haven't been with my teardrop yet, but If I go again, I think it would be a great solution.

I think Dean had a good idea. Just find a way to rig some sort of filter (like furnace filters you get from HD) over the vent and/or windows to keep the dust out. That playa dust is still going to get in though, and there's no way to keep it out of the galley when you cook.

Keep us posted!
--The other Dean

[benzu]

Welcome Kristina,

Can't wait to see the trailer. What ever you get. Have a great Tuesday, it's a great sunny day.


Mike

[tupelosue]

Here's some of my teardrop experience at Burningman; Like I pm'd you, I didn't have that much dust inside, just kept it closed during the storms.


Nice little set-up




View from my window!



UH-OH!!