1 Bored Clerk's Garage Built Camper

That's a tough call.

Obviously, you've been camping before, and know what to expect. And, I'm sure you know what to do if things go wrong. In that case, going for broke is not a problem. If something doesn't work, you can solve the problem while in the woods.

But, a simple overnight down a dirt road will verify you didn't forget anything (like extra door lock keys) and take the what-if pressure off.

The first night in our teardrop was down a local dirt road. No problems, and we figured out how to do some things better for our longer trips. Of course, I have reworked and added so much to the teardrop since that first trip - but I digress.

Most likely, the local trip will be easier and quicker to put together - less logistics. I think that is my vote - the sooner the better!

 

go someplace close but hard enough of a road area to test it out. My first time out with my rtt and trailer we went to far from home and i forgot to drill holes in the ladder for it to be shorter and we were to far from home to go get it. you want to be able to "bail out" if need be

 

Luckily there is good camping with or without difficult(ish) off roading close enough for an easy weekend.

 

I’m leaning this way. There is a trail I want to do that ends up at a lake for overnight camping. Could be interesting.

 

I have never left a drill at home ever again. live and learn

 

If I can’t fix something on the trail by staring intently at it, wiping my brow, and shrugging my shoulders, I just give up and cry. Figured that was normal.

 

Enjoy it on an easy adventure, then thrash it.

 

I’m not a thrasher. I take pretty good care of my stuff but I get what you mean.

 

Poor choice of word. But you got the gist.

 

All my feels are busted. I’m so offended.

 

You need to jiggle it as someone is watching. That way you made a "effort".

 

I meant poor choice on my part. Meant thrash as in take it out on difficult terrain vs easy dirt road. I figured your wouldn't beat it up on purpose!

 

Our first trip with our teardrop was a 1400 mile round trip. It was a road trip but the right section of potholed highway at 80 mph will test your trailer just as much as any rough trail.

Go close to home, within a couple hour drive, spend a couple of nights in one place. It's enough to see how it tows loaded for a trip, and gives you the time to check all whatever systems (water, propane), figure out the best way to load the trailer and set up a campsite to your satisfaction.

6 years after building and we still love our teardrop

 

A little behind schedule but not bad: got the whole camper sanded down and blown out for painting. Next is a wipe down with tack cloths then paint...tomorrow

 

Had to.

 

Figures.

Picture a white box that’s white inside.

 

First coat of interior paint is on



We’ll see how it looks tomorrow! I may get the exterior paint on today as well...we’ll see

 

Sweet seafoam green baby Jesus!! There are some runs and a few missed/thin spots but it’s a first coat so I’m good. It’s so exciting to see it with color on it!

Oh, forgot to paint the door. Haha.

Also, I’m so looking forward to sanding and cleaning the whole thing one or two more times. It’s the worst part about painting.

 

So. Much. Win.