I can't sleep! Feel trapped

[rileydog]

Hi all!!!

Finally got the old TD finished and was only able to use it a couple of times before it got too hot. Now have used it couple more times but it's horrible because I CAN"T SLEEP! I know a few of you said I should go 5 ft wide, but 4 ft was my option from the guys that were building it, so 4 it is. I think I have enough room, I just feel trapped in box and no matter how cold (it was in the 30's this weekend) even with vent and windows open it gets stuffy inside. I napped during the day with the door open and that was better. I know we discussed hanging some screen by the doors, just curious if anyone had any other ideas. I also saw a pop out type feature someone had built for their dog. I think that would help a lot but I can't find the pic or link. I've also contacted a custom tent company to see if I can order a tent door/screen to attach on the insides of the doors and just sleep with the doors open.

If anyone can help I'l appreciate it! I love camping and my TD but our relationship isn't getting off to a very good start since I can't sleep.

[CAJUN LADY]

Uh-oh .
If you had a 10x10 canopy with side walls bumped up to the Teardrop it might help.

[rileydog]

you mean like a screen tent?

[alffink]

Are you using a fan?
the Fantastic Fan/Vent will fit the standard 14" Sq opening, many swear by it.

WalMart has been running a clearance on the battery opperated O2 fans they are stand alones that can be set on a shelf, hung over a window, and a few have cleverly mounted them under the ceiling vent for a poormans Fantastic Fan substitute.

There was a thread on different methods used, for door screens just a few weeks back, I'm sure someone from that thread will chime in shortly most were quite ingeniously simple in fabrication and use.

My wife and I find that between us, the tear can get quite warm and we will have to kick the doors open for a few minutes to dump a bit of excess heat in the middle of the night, but niether of us have complained about it being stuffy, hope you find a simple solution.

[caseydog]

I didn't see pics of your TD in your album.

Do you have windows on the sides or in the doors? Do they open and have screens so you can get fresh air?

Being able to see out and get some fresh air makes mine feel a lot less stuffy and claustrophobic. I have a four wide, too.

Post a photo or two, and maybe we can make suggestions to give you a more open feel.

CD

[regis101]

I have trouble sleeping anywhere but my own bed. Your normal. We're normal. It's normal. Maybe try more bedtime cocktails.

[CAJUN LADY]

you mean like a screen tent?

You could try a screen room but I was talking about a 10x10 canopy that you can purchase the screen enclosure or the solid sides for. You can get them at Wal-Mart pretty cheap.

[Steve_Cox]

Fantastic Fan will dissipate an abundance of doggy breath in a teardrop. Might try and raise the trailer tongue a little to elevate the head of the bed a little, I had difficulty sleeping on my old boat until I realized the head of the bed was lower than the foot. More windows might help decrease that claustrophobic feeling too.

[rileydog]

Those are all great ideas. Sadly, I've tried them all. I have 2 doors with small windows that open, a top vent, that stays open it's not so much the stuffiness, that bothers me some, which is why I'd like to do something like tent doors so they would breathe more, but I think it's more feeling boxed in that prevents the sleeping. Oh, and I have a 9 volt fan in it also, which I run at night, for a bit of noise, when I don't feel like the 757 sound of the ceiling fan. I do have pics... Can someone kindly remind me how to post them?

[rileydog]

okay figured out the pics again.. there are a few on there now if that helps. Thanks guys!

[mikeschn]

Is it claustrophobia? If so, you'll need a bigger TTT.

Mike...

[caseydog]

Your door windows are pretty small, and high on the door. That may be an issue.

My doors are 90-percent window, and I can see out from bed without sitting up. I can also get more air through them. But, being able to see out while lying in bed makes my TD feel bigger. I have curtains for changing clothing, but sleep with them open.

I don't know how many cabinets and stuff you have inside, either. My 4-wide is very wide open on the inside. No cabinets. My first TD was more cramped, and that would close in on me if I was caught inside while it rained.

Another tip -- I keep my excess "stuff" in the car so my sleeping quarters are not cluttered. That helps considerably.

I would definitely put bigger windows in the doors if that was my TD. With those small windows set high in the doors, it seems to me that it would be like sleeping down in a hole.

CD

[madjack]

RD, look into a SUV tent...there are several models/sizes out there and they will connect nicely to the side of the TD, leaving the door open gives you a living room, place to change or put a portapotti and the TD for a bedroom...may be just the ticket to solve you closed in feeling...of course this adds to the complexity of setup/teardown but will be cheaper than buying a TTT........................
madjack

[Chris D]

I think it should be pretty easy to fashion a screen that could go in with a turn latch like rv screens. What is th shape of the doors. Also could be made of ply frame sreen attached and again turn latches

Chris D

[4123]

It sounds to me like you are claustrophobic. If so, you are in trouble as far as teardrops go. All the windows & vents won't help. My mother-in-law is so claustrophobic that she started screaming "get me out of here" over and over while riding in our 28 ft motorhome years ago. When she saw our 4 foot wide '47 cub she had an attack just looking at it from the outside. Just the thought of being in it brought on the attack.

I was claustrophobic many years ago but decided to overcome it.
I started spelunking in some of our local caves. The first time I crawled in to a cave I thought I was going to die,
but when I noticed that I didn't die, I started thinking how silly it was for me to be scared of small places.
Sure...the walls seemed like they were closing in on me but after a while, I realized that it was impossible for cave walls to move. They've been there for millions of years without moving. To make a long story short, now I'm not claustrophobic.
Maybe if you keep using your TD you will, in time, be more comfortable inside it.