Shakedown trip.... it's done!!

[sagebrush]

You really have a great TD!

[Festus]

Beautiful job! You really put a lot of thought into the storage. I noticed in the third photo the folding picnic table. I have one just like it. Much better than the plastic junk!

[mezmo]

Beautiful results from your efforts!

Your storage solutions are first rate. Commodious and
functional and it helps keep the cg positioned low as well.

'Hope it's not too hard to go from the 'build' mode to the
'enjoy' mode!

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[iplay10us2]

Beautiful work, and what wonderful storage ideas!

I noticed your comment about creamer for your coffee. Maybe this link will help. I order the hazelnut (180 cups) and it's perfect for camping. I can't stand the powdered creamer. I've also ordered packages of the mustard and mayo in the past. Just put "liquid creamer" in the search box to find all of their options.


http://www.foodservicedirect.com/product.cfm/p/9983/Coffee-Mate-Hazelnut-Creamer-Liquid-Creamer---0.375-oz.-cup.htm

[8ball_99]

Great looking trailer. Sure you could have made it smaller but then you would just have more gear to load in the truck. I think its very smart to include storage bins for the larger items like tents. 100% under stand the extra ground clearance and those 15" wheels will handle highway travel much better then the smaller ones most people use.

[bc toys]

Great looking trailer glad you had a good trip For the small creamers check at Smar & Final store With that camping place why would you want to go to the big camp gounds.

[kirkman]

Your tear is the coolest design i have seen in a long time. The best design I have seen for storing all your camping gear in the camper and not in the truck great for hook up and go.

[desertmoose]

That looked like some pretty nice country. Would you mind sharing where you went. I don't need specifics, just the general area.
thanks
Mikey

Mikey:

it's in Nevada, right on the California border between Gardnerville and Bridgeport. Near Sweetwater Summit.

Kat and I are leaving in a week for a trip to Tucson. We'll be taking the tear on it's first long road trip. I have only driven from Tucson to Vegas once... in 1979.

Kingman's on 93, which is the route we are thinking of taking, so maybe you have some advice.

Would 93 be the best way to Tucson, or is going through Laughlin and Lake Havasu better?

We would appreciate any pointers you could give. Where to stop for the night (not camping, just overnighting on the way), where to avoid, what not to miss, etc.


Thanks,
Sam

[Miriam C.]

Now that is impressive! Love the storage and the layout. You did an excellent job with this TD. Oh and liquid Coffee Mate needs no refrigeration.

[Loader]

Great job, and what a perfect spot for the shakedown trip! Beautiful country. As others have said, the built in storage is a nice addition, means the teardrop is always ready to go, just add food! Not much to toss in the truck.

How much did it end up weighing?

Enjoy your trip to Arizona.

[b.bodemer]

Great looking td!

Barb

[happy phantom]

Wow-I have storage envy! (of course mine's a tiny 4 by 8.) Bravo, it looks AMAZING.

[bc toys]

Well if it was me I would go 93 Kingmn to Phenix to Tucson rather then Laughlin to Parker to Yuma to Tucson I would stay in Boulder City at Rail Road Pass and go to Boulder City for gas and eat breakfast. But you can camp in parking lot of Rail Road Pass or go to Willow Beach on Az side about 20 miles pass bridge but you got to pay there I think 20$ for tent site 35$ for rv sites but really clean restrooms. Hope this will help you or if you want to be in Vegas for the night you can stay in parking lot of some of the Casinos.

[IslandStorm62]

That is beautiful trailer, love the storage and pain job. Did you have a build journal? Any idea what the dry weight is? Thanks.

If my brother decides to build one, he would probably like to go big just like you did. Great job.

[desertmoose]

That is beautiful trailer, love the storage and pain job. Did you have a build journal? Any idea what the dry weight is? Thanks.

If my brother decides to build one, he would probably like to go big just like you did. Great job.

Thanks.
I have a partial build journal at: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=45718

There are a lot more photos at: http://s4.photobucket.com/user/desertmo ... t=2&page=1
no descriptions though, you need to just look thru it.

The empty weight was on the high size, 1900 pounds. I did build it heavy and beefed it up for off roading. 3500 pound axles with 2000 pound springs, shocks, and a stout frame.

Only change we want to make is to make the tongue jack removable. We've bent it four or five times going through creeks, dips, etc. I'm planning on making it so I can pull a pin, take it off, and poke it in the back of the truck.

Sam