Hi from Minnesota

Jean, Welcome I'm waiting for summer as Pat is waiting for spring. "All good things come to those who wait" is my motto.
MDP
Mike & Denita

 

Jean, we have been in some frightful rain in Florida and Louisiana, the kind where the windshield wipers on fast hardly keep up, not a drop inside the sleeping cabin. Before we signed on the dotted line I went shopping on line to see what I could buy dollar for dollar, I was amazed at the size of trailer you can buy with your Camp-Inn money. What gives, I mean you can buy a huge 25 footer! I searched for reviews of these trailers and there lies the dirty little secret of the RV industry. Make em big, make em pretty, make em cheap to get em out the door and to h___ with the quality. Shoddy particle board construction, badly designed and installed systems. Susan and I didn't want the hassle of dealing with broken stuff all the time we want to go camping and we want to go camping in comfort, we get that with our Camp-Inn. Oh yeah and our trailer is beautiful inside and out and she's cool, the big box RVs could never be cool.

Michael

 

Jean, I understand perfectly where you are in the decision making process. I went through the same thing. I do have the money but it takes a big hunk out of my nest egg. I have been thinking about a small motor home for years but they require a lot of care. I don't wnat that tiny little bathroom where you have to have your nose in the corner to mop the floor. I don't want to be inside to cook and don't want the mess of cooking inside. My friend has a camper and while everyone else is out enjoying company and conversation she is inside working. I sometimes go in with her and sit in the uncomfortable booth and keep her company. No room for two to work.
I looked at a Little Guy that had been rebuilt. A beautiful rebuild. The original was four years old and had leaked and plywood parts had completely fallen apart. The guy used the parts as a pattern and the only thing salvagable was the trailer.Oh and no brakes on it and I think they are a necessity.
I stumbled across the CampInn web site and was sold before I even saw one. I went to NW Campout and met folks and saw how they are using and enjoying their teardrops. While there I saw one that is eight years old and it is just as beautiful as it ever was. Those folks lived in theirs inside a barn while they built their house and had lots of great ideas. They came from out where you live somewhere and moved here with theirs.
Everyone was so friendly and helpful. What a great bunch of folks.
If it is a matter of funds you could try to keep the cost down by not getting too many extras. Think about resale value and things you want that can't be added later. Happy decision making.

 

I am not an old woman, but I am woman who camps alone with her 6-year old (my husband often can't get away from work to join us). I am able to do everything on my own so far. I have had a little leak into my galley the first year and Camp-inn helped us resolve the problem (took about 5 minutes, and haven't had any trouble since). I have been hauling the trailer for 3.5 years now, and done some long trips to Yellowstone and the Redwoods on my own. The only trouble I had was with my car, and that is gone now (it had nothing to do with the trailer, the car was a lemon). The quality is there, and if something does go wrong, you have full support of the forum and Camp-Inn. Folks here have so much experience with everything and the folks at Camp-Inn are second to none. It is fantastic! You are right though, they are a lot of money. For us, we plan to keep our little Dottie forever, and we have lots of adventures planned for her - not just this summer, but in the future. As others have said also, if you do need to sell, the value is retained and you will not see the devaluation of other RVs.

 

Oh, Sorry, I forgot to acknowledge Linda (of Dave and Linda) and the tour she gave me of their teardrop at their home. She was a really good voluntary representative and showed me everything and answered all my questions. That pushed me right over the edge. It was also great seeing you at NW Campout and meeting Dave. I hope to see you again after I get my own beautiful trailer.

 

Hi jean,

While I am not yet an owner, I do plan on it soon so I thought I would share my process.

I'm a person that does EXTENSIVE research before ever laying down a penny. Whether I'm spending $100 or $20,000, I want to fully understand all my options, the competitive products in market, etc so I can make an informed decision. In other words, I never buy based upon emotions. Sometimes, I drive my wife nuts, but she knows that I have to go through this process before I can comfortably spend the money.

After doing this research, I have come to the conclusion that the CI product was the best teardrop I have seen. I looked at the little guy line and several others I could find in my area and none of them came close to the CI in terms of design and quality of build. Now, I looked at all these in person and not just internet pictures. CI had the best quality hands down.

When I looked at cost across the board, the CI was more. However it was not all that much more. The little guy started at $9k and a fully equipped one was about $15k. The Tiny Trailer started at $11.5k and went up from there. Virtually every one I found was $10k to start.

I then scoured the internet for customer reviews...not just the ones where customers were in the honeymoon phase of their purchase, but ones that were done after multiple years of use. I found plenty of complaints on several of the more popular brands out there but could not find one for the CI.

Next I looked for how used trailer sales went...it was extremely hard to find any used CI products that have even been sold. It would seem that most buyers never sell their CI. The few old ads I could find sold within days of being posted and the prices were almost the same price as a new one. The little guy trailers were all over the internet for sale when I looked and did not command anywhere near their original sale price.

I also looked at full size trailers as well as motor homes. I could buy a full sized travel trailer for less than a CI, but the quality was utter crap. I immediately ruled out full size ones on quality of construction alone.

When I considered usage models, cost of ownership (think storage fees, impact on gas mileage,etc.), motor homes and full size trailers just did not seem reasonable. I did not want to have to store it off site and pay storage fees. I did not want something that was going to kill my gas mileage. If you can't afford to take it out because of gas prices, etc, then why buy one at all?

When camping, we tend to spend more time around the fire so I really don't need a motor home with a full couch, TV, etc. if you are staying inside, might as well stay home.

I did consider the negatives as well. No bathroom. MH and travel trailers have an advantage here. There are options but they are not ideal. No place to rest while another driver takes over...in some cases there are work a rounds, but again not ideal. Can't haul a boat or trailer full of toys. For some this is no big deal, but it was important to me...while there is not a perfect solution, for me I can work through these small negatives.

This all led me back it the teardrops...if I am going with a teardrop, then CI was really the only one worth the money. Now I am in the process of saving the necessary funds to place my order. Don't get me wrong, it will still hurt to layout that kind of cash, but I am confident that it is the best product in the category.

I can't say if it will work for you, but I am confident that their product is a best in class trailer. As for value for the dollar, only you can really answer this one as it is wholly dependent on what you value.

Regards
Jay

 

Well though out arguments...I think you'll be happy with your decision.

 

I agree in that quality is VERY important to me. I don't want a big one either...way to cheaply made. I walked into a t&b rpod. Sorry...can't remember the exact name...a little tear you can stand in. Oh my gosh the fumes were SO gross....and this was inside, not out in the humid heat we get here in the summers. Would never be able to let the grandkids sleep in it. Or me either. Yuck.

The fact CI uses non toxic adhesives is a big deal to me. This is one reason I'm here...trying to decide. Got my hitch put on the new vehicle this past week...I'm getting there but dang it kids...once I add the stuff I want this baby will cost way too much...and the heat here in summer...sounds like the AC doesn't work in that. So....WTH? (Yes. I've been reading this forum a lot. lol) Has this issue been fixed yet? When I bring the grandkids with, I will need that for nap time and at night. This old woman has to have air at night. Cannot stand the humid heat the older I get unless of course I'm floating in the lake.

Camp inn so far is top of list...just need to touch one...see one...check it out. I won't buy unless I do.

I'm scared I won't be able to back her up my driveway too. Its a little hill with a raised flower bed on one side. Mess up and I might hurt the camper...scary. I know...practice...I can DO it!

The other is the tents...can I put those up alone? I would want the northern breeze..with skeeter screens and privacy. Oh and of course the side tent for the late night potty and dressing. Are they big enough for both or should I design my own and make it? Decisions decisions...I'm already set with camping all my life...outfitting it is pretty much done, just have to pick which cast iron will be the tears and which the house.

So...who is near me to show and tell? Might have to just take a day trip to WI.
Day trip happening soon. Maybe with grandson in tow. He is me valentine this year. Get him for the whole weekend! Woohoo. lol

 

For me and tents, my 6 year old is getting old/big enough to help with the Norther Breeze. I know some ladies on this forum have ways to put it up alone. I haven't used it enough to figure that out. The REI alcove is a piece of cake, and the side tent takes some practice, but I can do that alone too. We seldom use it, but do on occasion.

We do not have the A/C. There are 3 reasons I opted against it. 1) we don't get that really hot weather out here and our nights cool down enough to air things out. 2) we seldom camp with power, and felt like it wouldn't get used. 3) between the Fantastic Fan (it is well named, it is fantastic!), open windows, door screens, and the sunroof, I feel like I am able to air things out. I was warm, no doubt, but I have been able to camp in hot weather (it was 104 degrees in Idaho last year when we came through). We have the door screens and can open things all the way up too. Those are invaluable and worth every penny.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I don't have my trailer yet but at NW Campout the women all did just fine. A couple of us helped Jenn put up her shelter but I think we just got in the way. She has her routine figured out and does just fine.
Joan was a wonder and had her camp set up beautifully.
Sarah and Laddy. Laddy is only six and Sarah is getting him trained to be of help when setting up. Sarah says sometimes the whinning gets to her though. Kids can be a great help once you get them trained.
Of course the women with husbands had a lot less work to do and they had their own routines for working together. But all the good ones are taken. lol
I'm looking forward to the growing pains of being able to set up my own camp and figuring out little tricks to help. The Forum is a great resource for ideas and tips.
I'm not looking forward to learning to back up but looking forward to being able to do it. Probably having the patience to practice will be key there.

 

I will say, Laddy's whining is excellent bear repellant! Doesn't seem to scare off the birds or chipmunks though. Plus, he is a kid. He is allowed for now, but we are trying to curb it and it is getting better as he gets older. He is a good kid, and a good traveler and he is adventurous. He went all the way from Oregon to Wisconsin and back with no videos/DVDs at 3 years old. We sang and talked and read books and watched out the window, and he slept, and it was good. I am proud of that. He gets videos every so often now, but also has lots of books and other means of entertainment.

Camping with kids is great, but they are kind of like pets. They change the way you do things. Some places don't allow them. You alter the way you travel, but it is good.

Oh, and truth be told, when Mick does camp with us, he stays out of the way during set up since I have a system. He offers help and I take it, but he knows I like things a certain way after doing it alone so much. Just a matter of figuring out my best way. Everyone does it differently.

 

Jean. I contacted Cary and he put me in touch with someone local to me so I could see one in person. Like you, I needed to see it first hand. I was blown away and that it not easy to do..

 

We have the AC unit and it seems to work just fine. We don't use it much because we also camp as far away from civilization as possible. We bought our 550 Ultra from Poplar Hill and the model they had in stock had it, so we went with it. After talking to several folks from Camp-inn, they seem to think that the resale value will be better with it and it can't be added later.

The side tent is a must for us. There is plenty of room for our Go Anywhwere toilet and to stand and dress. Not having to get dressed and hike to the toilet or wherever in the middle of the night is REALLY nice. It's also nice to have a spot for wet, dirty shoes and gear.
The side tent setup takes a while the first couple of times. But once the straps are adjusted right, it's very easy. I highly recommend you put it up and take it down 1-3 times before hitting the road.

Backing a trailer is just a matter of a little practice. My Tacoma has a rear view camera and I can literally press a mosquito against the hitch without harming it. Seriously, I can back right up to the hitch without anybody screaming directions at me. Just keep saying "Easy Does It." Small movements of the steering wheel are the key. Sawing back and forth on the wheel can wear you out.

 

Sarah, you should be very proud of Laddy and yourself too. What a great thing for you to be spending the time to talk and sing instead of constant movies. He is a great kid and I really enjoyed both he and Katy. It was fun to see them excited about Uncle Franks activities. For someone who claims he avoids kids Frank sure attracts them.
AsheWolf, I hope I am someday able to press a mosquito. Thanks for the encouragement.
JavaJack, We told you that you would be blown away. I'm sure we all remember the first time we saw a CampInn in person. It is all so exciting.

 

Jean,

Yes, you can learn to back up a trailer. My 18 year old son gave me a 30 minute lesson. Then i practiced in a parking lot. Took me about 6 months to feel comfortable.

As for putting up the Northern Breeze. it is a "breeze". Not that bad really. I will gladly show you how I erect the pieces. There are two methods, each has it's plus and minus points. Lately I drape the NB over the teardrop, then insert poles.

Other method is lay out NB on grass. Insert poles, clip poles in place, eventually stands. Can be a bit of a circus till it stands. Yes, it can be done.

Jean

 

Thanks everyone! Between your help and searching, searching, I do believe I could do this. You all rock! Thanks. I'm getting excited. Camping is something I've done all my life. My folks took us camping all the time. Traveled all over out west. Could never talk my husband into doing it much, so I took the kids myself on the weekends, like Sarah. We tented.. it was a blast. The hubs would come after work on Saturday sometimes. I could never get him to travel and camp. When I finally did talk him into it, (hotels) he got sick. Anyway.. I still want to do this. Not sure it will be fun alone, but would love to give it a go. Maybe meeting up with some of you folks would make it all the better along the way.

Having some trouble with friends and family though. They just don't understand my love of these little trailers! They can't understand why I wouldn't want something bigger and better.. something to stand in. They may be right. I should rent one to see if I get claustrophobic! But seriously, I liked tent camping. So I know I will love this. The reason I camped was to be forced outside. Under a tarp if it rained! I guess it's just something we are born with or not?

Anyone put a little boat on top of these babies? a little canoe maybe?

Now to see one. I will ask the nice camp inn folks, thanks.

Thanks again! So nice to 'meet' you all!

 

What a great idea. Since you are so close to Necedah you could easily rent one. Of course the longer you wait to order the further out your delivery will be.
I have had some of those reactions from friends too. I don't know why they think they have to stand up in it. In my opinion the trailer is for sleeping, relaxing and bad weather.
For most of them the deal breaker is the bathroom. That means nothing to me since I have been tenting and am used to my little pot at night. And as I have said before I really don't want to clean one of those dinky little bathrooms. The quality of the campers I've seen don't hold a candle to the CampInn.

 

Thanks! We are trying to raise him right. A good love of the outdoors is important on my side of our family. Mick is European and his parents can't believe half the stuff we do with Laddy (secretly I think they might be a little jealous and another part is sheer amazement because they have nothing like we do when it comes to national parks and our American treasures...can't camp in a cathedral!). We are really lucky to be able to show it to him. We find ways to stay busy and unplug. That is what camping is for us. We might do a movie night here and there, but we are usually too busy and tired by the end of the day. It is good stuff (sure like that set up Dan and Vanessa have though and I have dropped multiple hints to Mick!).

 

Jean, I have not been on the forum enough lately so you may have already have seen one but we (I and a friend and dog) live in Eagan and have a 550 classic and I have watched 70 pass by. We love our tear and have made long and short trips. We use a Northern Breeze and also the side tent. I used to love road trips and tenting but got so that did not work and I am not a fan of motels so now with our Camp Inn we can drive up to 8 hrs a day and pull into a campsite and be settled in 10 to 15 minutes and make our own meals - love it! Our tear is in our garage so you could come and see it if you like. It is a bit cold to pull out into the driveway but easy to reposition in the garage so you can get a good look. Send me a PM and your email and I will send you my phone number.

 

Thanks Pat! I will do that. Just as soon as I figure out how. Thanks again!