Dealing with the small space in a TD/TTT?

[Ned B]

My dear wife noticed I was reading up on TDs today, and commented 'You couldn't roll over in one of those things, not to mention feeling closed in/Claustrophobic. How many of you have had to deal with that with your significant other? How did you over come it?

I know I'll be fine in a TD, I used to have a 5th wheel which had a relatively low ceiling in the bedroom, I hope I can show/convince her that I'll be able to build a space that would make her comfortable. I'm 6'3" tall, and we have a 12 yr old son who will be camping with us, my plan is to build either a weekender or a winter warrior variant so we'll have more interior space than a traditional tear. But I know that the classic: If Mama Aint Happy... rule is in play... she needs to support the plan before I buy one piece of steel or plywood.

[GPW]

Good Luck Ned !!! getting a trailer around here is always a hard sell with the Boss lady ...

[dguff]

It would help if you could go to a gathering and see a bunch of different trailers. I know I would welcome anyone who wanted to crawl in and feel the space, with significant other, pets , kids, whatever, just to give them a sample of the interior. I think many other teardroppers would do the same.

Jerome

[StandUpGuy]

This seems to be a fairly common theme here. It certainly is in play in my household. I continued without permission but I did it in a way that there could not be a complaint. Well less of one anyway. I sold several personal Items on Craigslist to the tune of 750 dollars. This is all I have spent on my build thus far too. All of my appliances and such I have aquired used and so very inexpensively.

The wifes impression of my idea has gone from "That is stupid" to "That is interesting". I think when it starts looking like a living space it will make all the difference. Or then again maybe not! Probably I will be sleeping in it in the driveway soon!!

[stumphugger]

The skylight/vent helps a lot.

[tearhead]

Two windows and two doors might help, too.

[oregonguy]

It's very similar to sleeping in a tent, just more comfortable. If she's ever gotten comfortable sleep in a tent, then she should be fine... It's not for everybody though. Hopefully she'll come around to the idea.

[Yota Bill]

Take her tent camping. The first or second morning, when she is tired and sore from sleeping on the ground, bring it up.

[Shadow Catcher]

As suggested go to a gathering and see what is available. Ours is a Grasshopper design 6X10 with a queen size bed and lots of storage> Nancy who is a bit claustrophobic is perfectly happy in it. Lots of pictures in the album.

[bobhenry]

The skylight/vent helps a lot.

Yep it DO!

[Rvankeur]

We went from a spacious pop-up to a 5 x 10 Silver Shadow.

Before I would agree (being the 'mama' in 'if mama ain't happy..), we had to rent a TD first. We're lucky enough that the dealer that we bought from also has some units that they rent. We rented the 5 x 8 Silver Shadow.

The first night, we had it buttoned up tight, windows and vent closed. The temps were low, snow was in the forecast, and we didn't have a heater that we could use in the TD overnight - no electricity, and we won't tempt the carbon monoxide gods by using a heater that burns stuff.

I was claustrophobic that first night, and I'm NOT the type to be claustrophobic. Didn't look good for Ed's dream of owning a TD.

The second night, temps were still low, but we opened the roof vent a bit, and the windows on the door just a little, and that was all I needed to be a little more comfortable.

We looked at the 5 x 10 - laid down in it, and realized that with the extra room in the headboard area, it gives you the impression of A LOT more room.

My suggestions:
*) roof vent
*) windows with screens that open on both sides
*) doors on both sides (or SHE gets the door side)
*) a little bit of a head board/storage area so your head isn't right up to the back wall & the side wall.
*) really good quality sleeping bags so that you don't freeze yer butts off when the windows and vents are open.

[eaglesdare]

we built a bunk bed in mine, and i have seen bunks in other builds also. so the 12 yr old could have his/her space.
on our first trip out one night we actually had 4 sleeping in there. wasn't all that comfortable, but it could be done. the one child eventually ended up sleeping in the car.
i think there really is more room in them than they look like.
now having said that. i love mine just for me. it is perfect for one, i have room for a/c or heat, tv, porta potty, my clothes/blankets etc.
but for the times other do come along, it is fine. remember this is a sleeping area.

good luck, and yes visit a gathering. it is exactly what i did, because hubby wasn't into them.

[the other side]

Maybe if you ask her to help you design the most appropriate design for the 3 of you? For example, ask her what she would want and list as importance and preferences, and show her the stuff that would go in the kitchen and ask her how SHE would design it to make it fit and work the best. Tell her you really want to try to build one of these but you need her input and opinions. Maybe she will get into the idea even more than you! If she thinks it's going to be camping in a tent or a tear (or a ttt) maybe she will see the luxury of a tear or ttt vs. a tent! Remind her of the cost of gas and the cost of the maintenance and work that goes into a 5th wheel or travel trailer. Say you'd have more money to play with when you go camping because of the low costs of maintaining a tear/ttt. And make sure she sees other women that REALLY ENJOY their tears/ttt. If you go camping in a tent at a teardrop or ttt meeting she will see the advantages to a tear/ttt vs a tent! GOOD LUCK!!!