Carolina soon-to-be empty nesters want Teardrop!

And a lucky dog he is! I hope he appreciates it!

 

Hi Betsy,

He knows he is lucky. Spoiled rotten, but what the heck.

 

Gary any pictures of the grill you purchased I assume this is a griddle plate that sits over the burners?

 

"I bought the 560, primarily for the dog."

I got the 560 primarily for the bunkbeds (two grandkids) and extra space. Camp-Inn either didn't offer the "dog option" when I got mine last year, or I didn't see it in the options list. So I had to go with the propane heater to stay warm. Have to admit, though, snuggling up with a dog probably would have been another good way to stay warm. But if you really want a dog, you'd probably be better off getting a slightly used, aftermarket one from your local dog pound rather than pay full Camp-Inn OEM prices for it. Just sayin'....

And speaking of space, that's one big advantage I've noted with the 560 (when not traveling with the grandkids) -- leaving the bunkbeds up provides two huge storage shelves for all my miscellaneous cargo. I put stuff into those big plastic storage boxes and line 'm up on both the upper and lower bunks. That still leaves the entire queen bed free for sleeping. Not something you could do with the non-560 models.

 

Thanks again to all who've answered my many questions! I've been reading this site and a couple other sites -- plus a library book -- and I feel like I know a whole bunch more than I did when I started!

Gary & Bernadette, your comments on the heat & air were particularly valuable to me since we're both in NC. With our mild climate, I was sure that "air but no heat" was the right choice, and you've confirmed it. I think a small electric heater would be fine for the few times we'd need it.

I'd love to see your trailer. I see that you're much nearer the Virginia line than I am, but I expect to take my daughter to visit the University of Virginia within the next few months. May I email you then to see if we could arrange a stop on the way up or the way back?

By the way, y'all like your dogs much better than I like mine. My 75-lb dog isn't getting anywhere near the inside of my Camp Inn! She's a good girl, but she's not what you'd call civilized.

 

One more thing: Today while I was out and about, I saw a Subaru Forrester -- I noticed it because so many of you said that you pull Camp Inns with them -- and I was surprised that it's NOT a big car at all. I was pleased to see that!

 

But the Camp-Inn dog has features you can't get anywhere else, including the Camp-Inn warranty...

 

Theresa,

The 2009 subaru forester is rated to tow 2400 lbs if the trailer has brakes. I think the dry weight of any of the CI trailers is 1000 to 1300 lbs, well within the towing capabilities of the forester.

On the highway, I get 30 to 32 miles to the gallon while not towing. Based on the feedback from others, I expect to get about 22 to 23 while towing.

Part of my journey has been to learn what my car is capable of and what equipment it needs.

It has been a great adventure so far.

 

We pull our 550 Ultra with an Outback. Love it!

We bought one because so many of our customers tow with them & have heard nothing but good things. We took the Subaru on it's maiden voyage last July to the IRG3. Nearly 5,000 miles in 2 weeks & not a complaint! Pulled the tear through the mountains without any difficulties. Even though it is a 4 cyl., it out performs our 6 cyl. Buick Park Ave (which also has a lower tow rating.)

 

As to the curtains - They are attached top and bottom and slide to cover the window and are high quality - not some cheaply home made curtains - I sew and would never replace them - we're talking classy versus kitch - I vote for classy - the whole Camp Inn company and all trailers and people who work and own there are the same - classy. They've invented the wheel - literally! I wouldn't try to go and re-invent it. They've worked out all the bugs of camping and know what they're doing. Before you do ANYTHING see one! It will answer tons of your questions and all you have to do is call Cary and tell him you want to see one (of each if you're smart - a 550 and a 560) then make your decision. That's your starting point in my opinion.

 

Cary -- you explain things very clearly! And that's coming from a language teacher. One more question about power: Is it possible (advisable?) to put in more outlets?

Y'all better listen to Betsey about getting the Camp Inn dog with the full warranty and all the features. I didn't, and my dog's a mess.

LadyMc -- I don't doubt that the Camp Inn curtains are excellent quality, but I'd definitely want curtains that're PRETTY and MATCH whatever quilt I'd put into the cabin. Yeah, plain brown's serviceable, and I'd never expect them to provide an array of choices (it's too personal a choice), but I'd make my own.

 

Theresa,

IT is possible to add extra outlets. Advisable? Don't know, I would say there probably is no reason to do it unless you specifically have a need in mind for extra ones. One for example that we see alot requiring extra outlets being added is the use of CPAP machines. Lots of customers using these.

I too concur with the idea of making ones own curtains. Matching curtains and quilts looks too good to not appreciate that. We provide the tracks and mounting tapes for those who want to go that route.

Cary

 

I started thinking extra outlets when I realized my electric mattress pad uses two outlets. Living in the South, we wouldn't need a furnace but would probably want a bit of supplemental heat occasionally . . . And that would take up ALL the "indoor outlets".

 

Theresa,

An electric mattress pad would be a great use for putting in extra outlets. I would recommend we do that. I have something in mind for this.

Cary

 

Linda, Did I miss it...You guys are getting a Camp-Inn??? That's very cool. Didn't you need to sale the big house? Either way..good for you.

Steve

 

Are we talking about 12v or 120v outlets? You can get the electric blankets both ways, and the 12v can run off of the battery. You can also get extra 12v outlets too.

 

I already own a "regular house electricity" electric mattress pad. We don't use it anymore since our new house came with a king-sized bed (new house, I say, as if we haven't lived here 10 years), but I saved the old mattress pad because it was expensive, and we figured we might one day have a queen-sized bed again.

Anyway, using what I already have would be better than buying another one.

 

This thread should be recommended reading for anyone considering purchase. Great questions with insightful answers and recommendations for newbie teardroppers.

Thanks everyone.

aj

 

Steve,
God did good - he supplied a brand new 560 that was unable to be picked up due to a death in the family and we got it. House has not sold, we decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and finance it. Glad we did...long story, but it's a doozy of a tale! We got it in March but have only been out twice in it due to the fact that right after we got it our son and his ex-fiance got back together and we had to plan a wedding in 6 wks. It's over now (last Friday thank God!) and now to rest up a bit and hit the road soon. Gotta recoop a few shekels first...weddings aren't cheap even for the groom's family when you have to drive all the way we did - twice with these gas prices! Plus our son's champagne tastes....