Hey from Orlando!

[SteveW]

Hey, I'm Steve from Winter Garden (west of Orlando), Florida. Found this site through TearJerkers. I'm new to the idea of building/owning a teardrop, but have loved them for years. Actually I have a spot in my heart (and garage) for all things small.

Before kids (5 summers ago), my wife and I made a month-long camping roadtrip from Orlando to California and back in my MINI Cooper convertible. With just the two of us, the car was completely packed. Each time we packed up our campsite, it was like playing Tetris to get the car loaded. One piece out of place and things just weren't going to fit. Despite that, this was the most fun trip we've ever been on, and we've been on a lot! During that trip I planted the seed that we needed to get a hitch and pull a teardrop, but at the time my wife deemed it unnecessary.

Since then we've added two kids and the space in the MINI has dwindled. We've still taken a lot of trips, but if we take the MINI we're stuck having to get a hotel or cabin or such, which tends to eat away very quickly at our travel budget. If we want to camp, we wind up taking the (less than interesting) Pontiac instead just because it has more space for all the gear and kids' stuff. Don't get me wrong. The G6 is a fine car. It has space for stuff, and a roof for our kayaks. It just doesn't have ANY personality or fun factor. If space weren't an issue, we'd take the MINI everywhere.

So this summer we're planning another long camping trip up the east coast to the New England area, then back south along the Appalachian Trail. My wife and I had been thumbing through our old photos and pining for the camping trips in the MINI again. My wife says, "Couldn't we try squeezing it all in again?" To which I reply the only way we'd pull it off is if we had a Teardrop in tow behind us. And to my amazement, she responds, "Sure, why not!" A green light from the wife to spend money doesn't happen too often, so you know I'm jumping on the opportunity!

Since then I'm spending most of the light hours after work cleaning out the garage (a task long overdue) to make room for the build, and most evenings (and well into the nights...obsess much?) online researching designs and searching for parts and supplies. I was very happy to find this forum, and from what I'm seeing so far I think this place will become my second home during this build, and more than likely long after that. Seems like a really cool place.

Anyway, that's probably more than you wanted to know about me. I'll probably be driving you guys nuts will all my stupid questions as I get this build underway...

[honeask]

Hello Steve, Welcome to the madness. This is the place to learn and have some fun while you are building.

[hoytedow]

Welcome, SteveW.

I hope you find the TD that works best for you. Everyone has different favorite trailer accessories but there are necessities common to all of us. Have fun going through the large variety of TD trailers to be found on this forum. Don't be bashful to ask questions. Someone here will have the right answer.

[Rlowell]

Hello Steve,
Welcome to the madness!!!!!! Once you get started you WILL be hooked!!
We are neighbors...I am near Lowes on W. Colonial dr. in Ocoee/Orlando.

Would love to try and answer any questions. You can see my build on this site. It is called the "Ketza Kamper".
You can PM me if you would like to talk or visit give me your phone.

Rod

[SteveW]

Woo, I have a neighbor! This is a good thing, as the Lowe's you mentioned is where I'll likely be living during this build. Heading to check out your build now, and likely will be sending you a question or two.

[hoytedow]

Do you have any updates?