Looking to get started in PA

[mellofone]

Camping had always been one of the things I enjoyed most when I was a kid, and now that I am well underway starting a family (have an 11 month old now), I would really like to get back into it.

I've searched at different options, from tents to travel trailers. I accidentally came upon the Little Guy website and I had to say that at first, I was a little skeptical. All that fun and character in such a little container?

I know a lot of quick responses to the "what do you think I should buy" question tends to be "why not build your own." I would honestly love to, but I don't think I have the time (now) and more importantly, the patience!

So I've been researching the Little Guy line for a few weeks now, and found they have a distributor just 1/2 hour from us. I am about 95% sure that I will be getting the 6-wide model, but had a few questions.

- Is there anything I should keep an eye out for? Anything current users have thought, darnit, I wish I purchased whatever now that I know about it.

- Size size size. I am about 6'3, and am wondering how comfortable I will be in the 6 wide unit. It would initially be for my wife, myself, and my toddler, and I hope there is enough room. I've camped in single man tents plenty of times before, so this question is mainly for my, ahem, wife

- I was also very interested in the tent/screen room that is listed on the LittleGuy website. However, 600 bucks for a 10x10 tent seems pretty extreme to me. Does anyone have an alternative?

- Any regrets buying a TD and not something like a popup?

I've been reading these forums for a few weeks now and I think there is almost TOO much information I'm really excited to get going now that things are starting to warm up in Eastern PA, but as always, I want to do as much research and question asking as I can before I drop the cash.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and for your help!

[Anthony J Grant]

Mellowfone,

Welcome to the site. We share simaler family experiances, ben there done that.
Our Daughter is now 20 and back home with our Grandson. The Wife and I are looking forward getting out this summer "Bugging out for our sanity".

My build is a little on the larger side in some ways compaired to the Little Guy but I'm building 5 wide and sure their will be enough space for my new little camping buddy, wife and myself.
Your right about the info overload around here, just keep reading or ask questions, you will find the info you are looking for or someone will tell you where you can find it.
Whatever you decide to do please share with pics
Good luck!

Tony G

[Oasis Maker]

Well I think I would be good customer feedback for you. I'm 6.4' and have a 2006 Little Guy 6-wide. I went through all of the same scenarios of which way to go as you are now and I have been very pleased with not only my decision to purchase a teardrop over a pop-up, but a Little Guy 6-wide.

The extra width for a larger person will really come in handy and Little Guy makes a very good product. Just as important, they have excellent customer service as hundreds of other owners will attest to. (I'm sure Hiker Chick and others will chime in as well.)

As far as the Paha Que side tent offered by Little Guy, IMO, it's an excellent product but slight overkill and pricey, and although simple to put up, it takes two people to do so. Check around for other options first.

I will post some pics soon of my custom/retail "mounted" side awning that has just worked out fantastic for me. It also might be a good option for you too.

Enjoy,
Scott G.

[BillandMarijo]

Mellofone,
Hey we are located in the Altoona area, Where in Pa are you located? My Teardrop is 5' wide and its plenty for the wife and I . It fits a queen size memory foam mattress. So Im sure 6' will do you and your family nicely. I built my Teardrop in 07 and finished her off in summer of 08. We have no regrets we love our little "Sponge" Yes thats what we named her for obvious reasons.
Enjoy the planning its almost as much fun as the build.
Bill and Marijo

[mellofone]

BillandMarijo: I am just outside of Allentown. I would love to build my own, I'm just not sure I have the ability.

Maybe I will start out with the little guy, and plan to expand later.

[rxc463]

At last! another addict in my locality! Welcome to the forum. This is definitely thee place for all your info needs. We can't be that far apart

[goldcoop]

Mello-

Welcome!

If you can wait & wanna see a bunch of trailers (22 so far)

We'll be at Codorus State Park in May:

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... highlight=

I know there will be at least one 6' wide LG & 4 & 5' LG's, other vintage, commercial & self-built trailers as well

You are more than welcome to come & check it out

Cheers,

Coop

[John T. Hodgen]

Hello Mellofone(?),
I started my own build and am almost done. WE (Linda/I), will be taking its maiden voyage to Glendale Spring, NC. in May at a Tearjerker's Gathering. I have almost 4 months work in it and about $2000.00 in material and tools. The first thing that I've ever build, and with an Idea/Plans(kind of) from this site I have a great sense of Pride in it. I'm a poor old biker, so buyong a new one was out of the Question. HOWEVER--I seen a new brand of BIG TEARDROP trailer at a dealer's lot called R.POD. They are built by Forest River--www.forestriverinc.com. American Campers in Bradley, WV. has the rp-171 listed for around 12,000- a little pricey but alot of camper for the money and its a stand up t/d. Nothing like building ur own tho. Good luck on what you decide and see ya around the fire. PS-check out my album for pics of mine. John T.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Welcome to the forum! I built mine, it took about 5 months of active time, about a year total. I took a 6 month break between preparing the trailer and actually starting work. During that break, I read everything on this website to convince myself I could do it. I am so glad I did.

If you have the cabbbage, nothing wrong with buying a pre-built. The Little Guy is a good trailer, so are those Amish built jobs. I'm sure there are others just as good.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Oops!

[Bev & Terry Stevens]

welcome from Duncansville,pa I am hve a different Tear drop Bill and I live near each other Bev & Terry

[mellofone]

Great, thanks for all the info. I have an appointment to go look at trailers this weekend!

[Walt M]

Welcome to the forum. look around here a bit, you might find some custom built tears the will give you more bang for your buck. custom units like from Steve Fredricks, and others. Someone is always onto another build and has their previous builds for sale. Walt

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Mellofone. I can't think of a good reason you can't fit in a 6' wide unless you kick a lot. Whatever you get be sure to share some with the rest of us.

[John T. Hodgen]

Hey Mellofone,
I was also very interested in the tent/screen room that is listed on the LittleGuy website. However, 600 bucks for a 10x10 tent seems pretty extreme to me. Does anyone have an alternative?

I knew that I had a site with a cheaper add-on tent. http://www.bigwoodycamping.com/campinggear?p=6 They are for sale for $300.00 Hope this helps
Til later by the fire-John T.