Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Replying to Susann

We recently got an inquiry from Susann about our Lil Rocker. She asked how we like our teardrop, what we would change or add to it, and if it's air conditioned.

"Just your basic kind of questions," she said. Thanks, Susann. We'll try to provide you some info.

First, just to letchall know, we got the taillights/brakes plug replaced (see previous posting), then had to get it done again before I got back home. Neither we nor the installer had recognized that the pigtail was too short.

So. Tip #1: Make sure you have the right amount of slack in your electrical pigtail, whether you buy a new or used teardrop. If not, have it replaced. Checking now may save you lotsa hassle later.

Okay, back to Susann. How do we like our Lil Rocker? We love it. A lot!

All Wife's initial fears re our comfort, etc. were dispelled during the one night we used it. (Remember, we picked it up in December in Maine, when only the hardcore camp.) Neither of us are small people, and we had plenty of room in the five-foot-wide queen-bed-sized cabin. I'd recommend a five-foot-wide trailer to any couple thinking of buying a new teardrop.

Ours is a 3-year-old Camp-Inn Model 550 with birch interior and cabinetry. It has interior lights, a moonroof, two doors, teardrop windows (like the rear windows of a '40 Ford coupe) on the front and curtains. It also has an aluminum skin, stainless steel fenders and running lights. The galley is equipped with a two-burner propane stove, a foldout side table, a stainless steel sink and plenty of counter and storage space. (Visit http://tinycamper.com/teardrop550classic.htm for more features.) As I noted previously, we are currently outfitting it to our needs.

Lil Rocker is not air conditioned, a point Wife and I discussed much. We are postponing our final decision on that option to a later date. (I contend that, since we love the Rockies and points west, we will not be camping in places that are so hot at night that we'll need AC.)

What would I change about the Lil Guy? It's a bit too early to tell, but I'd like to see the stove stored differently. To be used, it must be slid from the back left corner of the galley to the back center, out from under a cabinet. Maybe it could be stored beneath a center cabinet and slid forward. But we haven't used it yet, so the way it's currently designed may be best.

I probably will, however, have a rear bumper of some sort put onto the trailer. Camp-Inn offers one as an option, so that is an option....)

Tip #2: Susann, do a LOT of research before you decide to buy. Know what YOUR wants and needs are. A teardrop just ain't no RV. It's a step up from, a more convenient form of, tent camping.

We hope to see y'all somewhere along the road. If you pass us, wave big -- and keep the shiny side up and the rubber on the highway.