Lady Tear Droppers, drop in and say "Hello"!

[CAJUN LADY]

That is exactly what is happening to the copper pipes - pin holes leaks. All the piping is in the slab so we won't be removing any piping.

I am always listening for running water since that has happened. Hubby always gives me a heads up that's he's watering the grass or adding water to the pool.

One time I thought I caused the pipe to fail when I was washing my SUV outside. I came inside after I finished, relaxed a little while and heard water running. I always go to our bathroom and listen to the pipes in the tub (don't ask... I have no clue why) to see if I hear water running and sure enough it was. I PRAYED that I forgot to turn the hose off and the hose burst...it didn't - it was a pipe. That the the 2nd time it burst and that's when we decided we are eventually going to redo the piping.

We've been fortunate that the pipe hasn't burst under a wall or under cabinets. Both times it was pinholes though. What a pain!

[S. Heisley]

That is exactly what is happening to the copper pipes - pin holes leaks. All the piping is in the slab so we won't be removing any piping.

.... What a pain!

You got that right! Well, phooey. It can't be a simple fix, can it! I think I'd try to leave the pipes right where they are and try to find the easiest way to connect a new line; but, good luck with that one. There probably isn't an easy way...Murphy's Law and Catch 22 will strike again. Has anyone considered class action litigation against the water plant? There are probably a lot of your neighbors with the same problem.

[Gaelen]

Hi, everyone! I've been reading pretty regularly, but not posting much.
Some of you know that this spring I had a recurrence of my cancer in my spine. I was pretty weak, and my docs weren't comfortable with me camping because they were worried my vertebrae could crush if stressed with activity. So in May I sold my Sunspot (to Frank A...who's been giving her a much-needed facelift.)

Well, I'm not 100%, but I'm much better than I was a year ago at this time. We've hit on a chemo regimen that I can tolerate, and it's paying off in me feeling stronger. I was even strong enough to go cabin-camping this summer to cover a greyhound rescue and wine tour, and in two weeks I'll be doing my annual campout-at-the-dog-show with four friends.

I thought back to the times this summer when, had I had a trailer, I'd have wanted to be outside and camping...and there were at least three weekends when I felt strong enough, but stayed home instead. I reminded myself what I've said since I was first diagnosed in 2004 - I can either sit around waiting for cancer cells to grow (or in this case, waiting for my spine to break), or I can live my life and do the things I want to do.

So - Tuesday night I went to look at a local teardrop that's for sale. It's really well-built, and thanks to the builder's extra wide doors, I'm still flexible enough to get in and out of it safely. I picked up the cash today, and by this time next week, I'll have a teardrop registered in my name.

I'm back, for as long as I can be. Maybe we'll get a break and have a nice enough fall that I can get out a time or two before snow flies.

[Miriam C.]

It is so nice to see you post Gaelen. I have wondered how you were. Will keep those prayers and positive energy going your way!

[Gaelen]

And some right back at you, Miriam. Hope things are falling into place with storm repairs and rebuilds.

[Oldragbaggers]

What really surprises me is when other woman look at me like I have two heads for doing this. Overall I think the guys do better than the gals accepting that women can build these awesome trailers.

Lynn

Was just reading through this entire thread for the first time and came across the above comment. I had to laugh. The girls I work with say they think it is "hysterical" that I am building a trailer. They think it's even funnier that I get excited about my coupon flyers from Harbor Freight. Neither one of them have ever been in there. I've been going for years.

[Miriam C.]

Girls I got the same looks and still do! Just smile and think of camping off the ground in your own bed.

Gaelen We are in a hurry up and wait. I guess no one around here wants to pour 9 foot basement walls. The builder is having someone come in. Joplin really is a small town and resources are stretched for everyone. I am just picking out the stuff and more stuff... Not a good shopper. Even told one person to pick out something they liked within budget. Poor woman.....I mean it is a sink!!!!

[rebapuck]

I camp almost exclusively with other VW owners. I am frequently asked, by wives, ..."Aren't you afraid to camp by yourself?"

I always say NO. But I'm thinking..Should I be afraid of your husband?

[OhTheSun]

After 17 years of travel and camping with my pup, it was time for him to move onto the next world. Without a dog, and due to the fact the best campgrounds need reservations nearly a year in advance, I'm going to buy a teardrop. So, I thought I'd drop in and say hi, and see if anyone has advice.

[Oldragbaggers]

After 17 years of travel and camping with my pup, it was time for him to move onto the next world. Without a dog, and due to the fact the best campgrounds need reservations nearly a year in advance, I'm going to buy a teardrop. So, I thought I'd drop in and say hi, and see if anyone has advice.

My advice is GO FOR IT !!!!!!!!!! I am still in the building stage but I have already been to my first teardrop gathering and believe me, these people are having lots of fun.

And if you decide you want to build instead of buy there are plenty of women builders on this forum and we are all here to encourage you.

If you want advice of a more technical nature, there is plenty of that here too.

Welcome!!

[Maureenm]

I will also say go for it! I purchased a bare bones, small, no frills, home built (three owners ago). It was essentially just a shell which allowed me to outfit the interior and galley to my liking. Someday, I will actually get some pictures of it in my album
Because it was so simple, no electrical, it was not expensive and I'm having a blast fixing it up myself. Not to mention all of the new friends I'm making. My family isn't always available to take a camping trip, so now I'm joining some gatherings. The whole thing has been life changing for me.
Enjoy!
Maureen

[bonnie]

Hi everyone. Been reading and reading -- laughing and laughing.

I bought plans and the first wood, so I'm committed now.

I primitive camped all through my childhood. Loved it. Now that the kids are grown and out; I want to begin camping again. I also want to go to various music festivals.

I am happy to be here and hope to work through the winter on getting at least part of my little standie for me, but not for thee built. At 5 foot nothing, I don't need much standing space. I've also decided to tackle a foamie project, as my little Sentra can't haul much.

Cheers

Bonnie

[Oldragbaggers]

Hi everyone. Been reading and reading -- laughing and laughing.

I bought plans and the first wood, so I'm committed now.

I primitive camped all through my childhood. Loved it. Now that the kids are grown and out; I want to begin camping again. I also want to go to various music festivals.

I am happy to be here and hope to work through the winter on getting at least part of my little standie for me, but not for thee built. At 5 foot nothing, I don't need much standing space. I've also decided to tackle a foamie project, as my little Sentra can't haul much.

Cheers

Bonnie

You are commited and before it's over you will feel like you should be. Welcome to the happiest group of obsessed (er...enthusiastic) camper builders around.

[CAJUN LADY]

Hi ladies! Just wanted to drop by and say hi . Hope everyone's year is off to a great start and lots of camping trips are planned. Bought any new treasures for the camper? I got a cute little fireplace heater for a steal of a deal. I'll try and post a picture today.

[Oldragbaggers]

Hi Becca,

This year is off to a great start so far. I haven't done any significant work on the teardrop this year but I did purchase the 3mm Okoume marine ply for my wall skins yesterday, and my insulation. So when ever good weather arrives, I'll be ready to go.

I too have been collecting parts over the winter, galley stuff mostly, sink, water tank, pump faucet, vintage melamine dishes.

Starting this Wednesday I am taking a basic electrical wiring class so that I can hopefully gain the confidence to do the wiring on my teardrop.

This week I think I am going to submit the paperwork to get my Maine license plate for the trailer.

New activity, geocaching.

Chime in girls!!