Howdy!
I've been intermittently lurking here for quite a while. I've often wanted to jump in with a reply, but felt that I really should go through the "Introduce Yourselves" protocol first. The problem is where to start, so I'll attempt a digest or abridged version, as applies to this group.
All roads lead to mikenchell.com. The path that led me here began in 2009. I had purchased a used utility trailer from someone's front yard, to use for transporting the family's gardening supplies, to carry items to the recycle center or landfill that I couldn't or shouldn't put out for roadside pickup, or, in many cases, donations to the local resale centers for various charities.
Once these initial missions lessened, I began a search for DIY plans or suggestions for modifying the trailer into something that could be used for my out-of-area work needs -- something to hold larger, bulkier equipment, keep it sheltered and safe, and who knows, maybe sleep in it if necessary. I was "seeing" a trailer version of a pickup bed with the utility boxes along the sides, maybe with a shell on top.
Whatever search words I used immediately directed me to this site. I never did pursue other search results; instead began to randomly click through the site, including the build plans.
I said out loud: "I can do this". Never mind that I was alone when I spoke. [Young people: it happens, but I'm told it's only bad when you start answering yourself].
Then reality kicked in. Yes, I could have done this, before age, the lack of my former full shop/shelter, and more importantly, physical ability issues entered into the equation. Confession time: were it not for muscle-related problems, I could have accomplished the same end results by refurbishing my Boler trailer. It served all my requirements for years, but I no longer trusted it for OTR use (unconfirmed but suspected frame issues); and, as stupid as it sounds, I was falling both in and out of it instead of stepping. That's usually very hard to do in a Boler, since they're so low to the ground. As you know, with a TD, words like stooping and rolling become more common. Stepping is not a requirement, and one would be hard-pressed to fall out. Should that happen, the ground is close enough to hopefully not require a '911' call.
[boring details cut in the interest of rapidly fleeting brevity]
I concluded that it would be more, um, prudent to buy a teardrop instead of building. At this point, although I had heard of teardrop trailers, I had only seen pictures here -- never in person.
[more details omitted]
I started with Craigslist, (later noticed that someone would invariably mention the same listing here), and found only two that were within a reasonable driving range. One belonged to a member here. It had been purchased two hours prior to my call. Lesson learned. With the limited availability of used TD's within 'x' driving and price range, one needs to act quickly, be prepared to ask appropriate questions, complete the negotiations, and have all the tow vehicle equipment with you to tow it away ... all in the same visit!
The second TD turned out to be a 2007 Little Guy 4-wide platform. While the seller had never heard of this list, the trailer was also mentioned here. I can't find the post, but remember someone enjoying part of the ad tickler --- "Packs up super fast & you never wake up in a puddle".
So, I saw a teardrop in person for the first time, skipped the tire-kicking part, and only asked permission to see if I could get in it and stretch out! I could also see areas for "mods" right off. I towed it home the same day.
That was in June 2009. Time passed. Mobility (not to be confused with motivation) continues to deteriorate. After some mods (yes, I'll do some pics when I can find 'em) I've only had about three distant but short duration outings before the TD became a fixture in my back yard. As I type this, I've already begun whatever is required to put it back in service.
I need to finish this now before it reads like "War & Peace". So, some summary information.
- My usage is not traditional camping, rather accessing out-of-area clients. IOW, it's a preferred expedient to motels (and as time passes, not only cheaper but apparently a cleaner and more predictable environment)!
- I combine bits of travel/camping knowledge from personal experiences from having been a road musician for 17 years, then stir in tips I've gleaned from backpackers, RV'ers, truckers, motorcyclists, tent campers, and yes, you folks, to arrive at workable solutions to problems.
- I'm not anti-social by any means, but due to my mission-specific reasons for acquiring a TD, it's unlikely you'll see me at campgrounds or gatherings.
- That doesn't mean that I can't contribute to the camaraderie and "family" feeling on this forum whenever I have something of real (or perceived) value.
- I've read a lot of the archival posts to get a feel of the pulse and hopefully reading the [varied and distinctive] personalities of their authors. In spite of being called "curmudgeon", "incorrigible" and even "old fool", it appears y'all have been there, done that, and still remain friends. Tolerance prevails. Maybe I can fit in.
If you've read this far ... thanks!
PS: Is it okay to post NOW?
~hawk
Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailersor t n ttt for short (tnttt.com) |
Newbie old person
10 posts
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by honeask » Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:26 am
Welcome and love the post! Being a musician, after reading your intro, I hope you write music and/or lyrics, they would have to be good. There are some friendly folks here, you will enjoy.
Sandy
We're not here for a long time, just here for a good time.
The stars at night are big and bright, (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS.
We're not here for a long time, just here for a good time.
The stars at night are big and bright, (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS.
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honeask - Donating Member
- Posts: 456
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- Joined: Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:55 pm
- Location: Tomball TX
