Hello there, a lurker emerges

[sbraider]

Greetings all.
Stu from the Finger Lakes region of NY here. I'm de-lurking and plan on being a PITA (not really) with my questions as I work on my plans for a slightly larger Winter Warrior/emergency trailer. I plan on using it for camping and as a emergency/evacuation trailer if needed. My tow vehicle is a GMC Yukon 4x4, high mileage, but trusted.

I plan on going 6'5" or so wide, as I want a transverse pull out gaucho type bed/couch. Please, no laughing on this one, but I'm thinking of adding in one of the rear corners, a combined port-a-potty and shower room using 1/2 walls and a shower curtain for when the rear is raised. I may have to offset the door from center a bit, but hopefully that won't look to funny.

Anyway,
Best Wishes
Stu

[Rarin2go]

Welcome,
No one will laugh, just get your ideas and share them. Any help you ask for will be coming in short order.

[Arne]

you will get so many answers, your confusion will increase... before it decreases.. but, you will get there..

[Lgboro]

This a forum that welcomes ideas that are out of the box. Actually I would say new ideas are encouraged here and usually evoke a lot of discussion and thought. Your time spent planning will result in a tear that more closely meets your needs and is built the way you want it.

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Stu, welcome to the board, where no one EVER laughs or makes fun of teardrop construction ideas. Hey, there was even one guy on this board, who made a teardrop entirely out of wood, wheels, hitch, flip-down plazma TV and even a wooden satelite dish on the roof. Then he came up with the idea of storing a smaller TD on end in his garage. Now, if you can believe it, he's contemplating a usable TD that slides right inside a Chevy S-10 Blazer.................Oh yes, that out-of-the-box guy, is ME!

So come on, join the club, you ain't alone. Most of us build differently and that is what makes this such a great group. All that we ask is that you keep us up to date on how your build is coming along, take pics of the progress, post 'em and go ahead and ask anyquestions as you proceed. Good luck, and be proud of whatever you build, then get together with us at a gathering and share your one-of-a-kind creation with the world.
Roly

[mikeschn]

Here ya go Stu!

Welcome to the forum!



Mike...

[mikeschn]

Here's the other side!



Mike...

[mikeschn]

A view looking in the back!



Mike...

[BillandMarijo]

Welcome Stu,
Hey man nothing is wrong or funny looking around here. Just have fun and post your pics as you go along. I wish I would have done the shower porta potty space.
Enjoy your planning and the build,
Bill

Always wanted to camp around the Finger Lakes. Any good places you can recommend?

[sbraider]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I've enjoyed reading the threads on this forum.

I'm working on my plans for a off road version of a warrior style trailer, which will also be used as a longer term emergency/evacuation trailer. My problem is I am 6'3" with wide shoulders. The GF (who does SAR)and I feel a 6'5 to 6'8" wide interior will work for us, with a transverse gaucho bed'

Space will be tight for storage, but I'm sure I can work it out. In one of the rear corners, I plan on a 1/2 to 3/4 walled shower area, that is topped with a shower curtain. The entry "hallway" is planned to have a step-down, which will extend into the shower area, allowing that to be used as part of the shower area. The port-a-potty will reside inside the shower area (not in the entry way) when ready to be used, and be removed when shower time hits. Pull the shower curtain around the shower/entryway and shower away. Plans are to also have the shower hose and water controls set up to be used outside in a curtain type enclosure. It doesn't seem that complected a building project.

The stove will be a small combination 2 burner propane stove/oven combo that will be for mainly outside use, but hopefully be able to be used inside in foul weather (vent fan) , and will be set up opposite the shower area. With a little luck, a small 3 way refrigerator should fit under it. A cabinet/counter top will go from the stove area, back close to the extended gaucho for storage. The shower side should have cabinets.

With the low gaucho in the couch position, tray tables will be used for eating.
It's fun trying to get things to fit.

Thanks again for the welcome
Stu

[sbraider]

I wish I would have done the shower porta potty space.

Trying to fit it in so my shoulders would fit was a bear, but I think I figured it out.

I often camp in the area, sometimes for a weelk or two at a time, and go to wiork during the day.

All kinds of state parks in my area, as well as the Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector NY.

Cayuga Lake state park, Taughannock Falls state park, Sampson state park, Buttermilk Fal state park, Treman state park all have nice camping areas. Connecticut Hill state wildlife area has primitive camping.
What are you looking for when camping? Many of the state parks have fantastic waterfalls.

[sbraider]

Mike,
Thanks for the 3D drawings. Just what I was looking for.
Stu

[BillandMarijo]

Sbraider,
Thanks for the post on Finger Lakes Campgrounds. The wife just loves the idea of the waterfalls. She loves taking photos. So they sound good. Well have to check em out in the spring.
Thanks and have fun w/ your build,
Bill

[sbraider]

Take a look at these, all within a easy half hour drive from a few really nice camping spots.
http://www.ilovenyphotos.com/ithgorges/ithgorges.html

One of the highest waterfalls on the east coast is Taughannock falls, http://www.taughannock.com/ with both gorge and rim trails. Many of the early black and white movies were shot in the area around Taughannock Gorge.

One of the top 100 campgrounds in the nation is at Watkins Glen State Park, which has a fantastic gorge and hiking trails. http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=105

All of the above are within a 30 minute drive apart.

When I get my trailer done, I'd be happy to host a event.

[BillandMarijo]

Sbraider,
Man the wife flipped out over those photos. If we lived close to those parks Id never leave the state. Gorgeous. You host a gathering and the wife and I will gladly attend.
Bill