Newbie Intro and a question...

[Johnny3573]

Hi all...

I've been reading up on TDs for a while now after a recent camping trip. I use to be an avid backpacker, so I have all the lightweight camping gear that is great for carrying on a long day on the trail, but...

Until recently I had really never "car camped". What I found is that all that lightweight gear is not terribly comfortable when you don't care about the weight! (and all the TD & TTT members say... DUH!!!!)

I love the TDs and everything that I'm sure all of you love about them... small, light, cozy, easily towable, customizable, etc., etc, etc. I am fairly handy at woodworking, so I don't expect construction to be an issue.

My ONE issue with a TD is what do you do when it is raining? What I mean by this is... even on my backpacking tent I have a vestabule so that when it is raining I have a place to shed my wet jacket/clothes and muddy shoes w/o getting it all over my sleeping bag, but with a TD you open the door and there is your bed. No vestabule, noplace to keep your wet clothes and muddy shoes OUT of the rain w/o taking them "to bed" with you. I'm sure you see where I'm hung up here.

So... I'm sure there are many creative and satisfactory solutions out there, but other than a thread on "what do you do with your shoes", the search button has not been too fruitful for me. I have seen the pics with an Ez-Up essentially covering the TD and entry, but I guess I'm looking for something more like a vestabule... provides the privacy of some of the curtains I have seen, but also a roof. I don't really want to go as big as a Widget, but like the fact that you can step in and have enough room to take off your wet clothes and shoes before crawling into bed.

As a side question I just thought of (meaning I have not yet tried a search so the info is probably already here) is how easy is it to get a home-made TD or TTT registered? Any special hoops the DMV requires you to jump thru?

Sorry for the long post.

Hello! and HELP!!!

Johnny

[jdarkoregon]

So, the answer to your question about DMV will be determined by WHERE you live. You'll have to give us more information, and you'll get your answer.

As for the rain, There are lots of options, I build some extra space in mine, I just jump in and keep living, but I prefer just hanging out under an ez-up

John

[dan galvin]

hello johnny welcome to the forum your shelter you can find in rich's list
scroll down to you will find one
the list s a life saver.
Dan

[Lgboro]

Welcome to the forum!

You might find that some of the backpacking gear will be useful as backup gear in the tear. I still prefer to use my Peak 1 backpacking (in my case canoeing) lantern useful as I prefer a dimmer light than a large 2 mantel lantern. Hope you are able to get started on your tear soon and you enjoy your build.

Many teardrop builders use some variation of a tent to solve the problem of changing clothes and storing wet shoes, etc.

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Johnny. Good question and if you got to General topics and ask we can all see more pictures.

Enjoy the site and remember that the Keep the bubble oil level.

[Johnny3573]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Sorry, I thought I had indicated where I'm located, but obviously not.

I'm in Ohio, so any info and what to expect to register a TD in OH would be appreciated.

[mikeschn]

Hi Johnny,

Welcome to the forum.

A vestibule is a good idea. Since you are building, I would design something into the side that lets you attach a side room. I've seen some examples of siderooms here, maybe someone can post some photos for us. There's a couple ideas in this thread, but the one I was thinking of actually had a roof.

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... oom#183891

More ideas
http://tnttt.com/viewto ... oom#346655

Mike...

[hiker chick]

I bought a Jetboil last week to use on my teardrop's tongue box.

Quicker coffee (java press) -- less of a hassle than the Coleman stove.

Good luck with your build.

[Boodro]

john , when I built mine & went to the DMV & said I need a plate for a home built trailer. she said I needed a weigh slip to see if it was under 2000 pounds. so I got it weighed & took the slip in & got my plates for 45 dollars. they are good for 1 year & I renew them each year. they never asked to see it or any other questions about it. i did not volunteer any info either.They never asked for a vin or an ispection or anything. good luck!

[b.bodemer]

Hi Johnny and welcome from another Ohioian. I'm in Lakewood just west of Cleveland.

barb