Getting closer to a decision

[angeli]

My getaway date gets closer (Feb 20, 2013) and I still do not have a final decision on my mobile method.&nbsp; I may be stuck with what I currently own: a Ford Focus - thus the posting in this part of the forum.<br /><br />I've previously lived in<br />1) a Ford Truck and cabover camper<br />2) a Scotty 16 foot camper for 6 years<br />3) a 21 foot vintage bullet camper (looked like a rolling bomb shelter)<br />4) 2 months in a teardrop.<br /><br />So I can pretty much assume that I'm adaptable and somewhat bendable.<br /><br />Money is probably the most difficult and pressing issue, as my health interferes with my ability to work full time.&nbsp; So I may very well HAVE to go with what I have now, until I can sell enough stuff to get something different.<br /><br />I have to get myself across country to CA where I have a driveway I can park in for unlimited time until I can get my Disability mess straightened out, or I magically improve in health and am able to support myself.&nbsp; Yay!&nbsp; I go for option #2!!<br /><br />So my thoughts currently go that I need a place to lie down big enough for me and two little navigators, and a place to cook and a place to work on my laptop.&nbsp; A small amount of storage would be helpful.&nbsp; I CAN do this in the car, and have, but it was not comfortable.&nbsp; Even at 5'2" I was cramped lying down.&nbsp; Plus I've been informed that the navigators love me, but need just a few feet more for their own tiny beds,..... or else.<br /><br />So I'm thinking ultra-light trailer.&nbsp; Another teardrop, but this time I'll build it myself so that I can have the features I want, and avoid the weight of the things I don't want.&nbsp; My friend and his wife have construction experience, and will help me.&nbsp; My little Ford has a hitch from the last teardrop (sold because it was in CA, and I was in FL and didn't have money to fix stuff the guy who built it messed up on).&nbsp; Sigh, I miss that little thing, even if it did leak like a sieve.<br /><br />I've found a site with build plans, some complex, and some really simple, for a bunch of different tiny trailer designs.<br /><br />If I'm able to upgrade the car to a van, I'll still use the tear to sleep, etc, and use the van for my workshop.&nbsp; Since I'm handmaking my art and also my herbal products to sell, having the extra workshop space would be vital.&nbsp; If things go really well, I'll sell the homemade teardrop when I get to CA for a nice profit, and then pick up a cargo trailer to convert for workshop space and then live in the van.&nbsp; <br /><br />This is as close to a coherent plan as I've been able to get in the past few months.&nbsp; I think it took me deciding that I didn't have to do the perfect thing, select the perfect mobile living unit right off the bat.&nbsp; That plans can and do change and that I should just make a decision and do it!<br /><br />Anyway, here is the <a href="http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/teardrop/tear00.htm">design library</a> for tnttt.com which is the Teardrops and Tiny Travel Trailers website.&nbsp; And here is the <a href="http://www.tnttt.com/halloffame.php">build gallery</a> with the units built by the forum members.&nbsp; There is so much info here on building lightweights, including a thing they call 'foamies' which is a wooden frame job on a lightweight trailer, filled in with multiple layers of blue or pink foam and covered by canvas and epoxy, and sometimes fiberglass if you have money.&nbsp; This is the way that some folks build boats, so it's quite sturdy, flexible and very light.&nbsp; Lots to consider, but think I'll make a move towards getting a trailer first.<br /><br />Any ideas, encouragement, crass insults, or any kind of response is welcome.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />

 

[Seraphim]

Teardrops are a great way to go, and have been popular for so long there are many plans and advice forums out there. They're a great option. Perhaps you can find a used one in need of repair or a partially built one.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.samstoybox.com/teardrop/trailer_for_two.pdf">http://www.samstoybox.com/teardrop/trailer_for_two.pdf</a><br /><br />Don't even have to make it a teardrop: a box would be easier just less aerodynamic. Drive slower.

 

[SirJoey]

<br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Angeli, if U can possibly find a good deal on a used cargo trailer, I'd go that route.&nbsp;</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>For starters, you'd already have a good base, &amp; wouldn't have to build the trailer itself from scratch. You'd have something U &amp; your little buddies could sleep in from day 1. Also, at the 5'2" U mentioned, U could stand up in it. <br /><br />Even before starting construction, U could EXIST in it by throwing a porta-potty or bucket potty in there, along with a camp stove sitting on a couple milk crates, &amp; maybe even a cushion or mattress of some sort on the floor, temporarily.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Granted, a little heavier &amp; less aerodynamic than a teardrop, but definitely a quicker way to get outta the weather, especially if U have a certain time limit.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Something to consider?&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br /></strong></span>

 

[stude53]

Angeli, <br />Depending on the year and model Ford Focus, be careful what you try to tow.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5845383_tow-ford-focus.html">http://www.ehow.com/how_5845383_tow-ford-focus.html</a><br /><br />Bob<br /><br />

 

[wildmountainhoney]

Angeli,<br /><br />I don't really have advice to offer. However I do have well wishes for you! It seems you know what you want, and yes life changes and plans change, but you are adaptable! Safe travels! Also, good luck w/the disability!

 

[angeli]

Seraphim,<br />That's a very cool set of plans.&nbsp; Thanks.&nbsp; They are a bit more complex than I was thinking of to start.&nbsp; There's a page on the tnttt forum with vintage plans, and a copy of the '47 teardrop plans you linked to as well.&nbsp; I personally love the conestogawagon!&nbsp; It's <a href="http://tnttt.com/VintagePlans/vintageplans.html">here</a>.&nbsp; <br /><br />I would consider a used or partially built trailer, if I could find one that wasn't priced into the stratosphere!&nbsp; I probably COULD have taken the one I had and taken the skin off, then defabricated it partly and rebuilt it, which is what it would have taken to fix the builder's mistakes (per a reliable but expensive shop).&nbsp; But it wasn't the most convenient design and I never thought I'd be in the situation that I am.&nbsp; If I'd only known.........<br /><br />Sir Joey,<br />Thanks for the suggestion.&nbsp; I cannot tow a cargo trailer with the Focus, unfortunately.&nbsp; I did look into that originally, but the GVW is usually too much.&nbsp; thus the thought that I can work my way up to it after some time and an upgrade to a van.&nbsp; If I can get the money from the sales of my stuff, then yes!&nbsp; I'd definitely do a van AND a cargo trailer right off the bat.&nbsp; But it may not happen that way because, hell, I'm just poor right now!&nbsp; Gotta make do.&nbsp; And I have no problems camping with a bedroll, as long as there is a porta potty there!!! <br /><img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />Bob, <br />You are absolutely right, and thank you for that great link.&nbsp; My Ms. Bess is a 2001 model SE wagon, and was equipped with an installed weight bearing hitch by a good shop.&nbsp; Ms. Bess towed that little teardrop over the Cascades and back, and she never missed a beat.&nbsp; I do think that if I were to do the teardrop and plan on fulltiming for awhile that way, I'd consider a tranny cooler.&nbsp; An itty bitty tranny cooler!&nbsp; LOL!!<br /><br />thanks wildmountainhoney.&nbsp; I appreciate the encouragement very much!&nbsp; I'm not sure that I really do know what I want, but in this instance if I wait till I'm absolutely sure, I'll sit here thinking about it for another 12 months.&nbsp; thanks for the good wishes on the SSD.&nbsp; I'll need every one of them!

 

[SirJoey]

I cannot tow a cargo trailer with the Focus, unfortunately.&nbsp; I did look into that originally, but the GVW is usually too much.

<br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Oops... my bad. You DID mention that, but it just didn't register with me or something. <br />Anyway, good luck with whatever route U choose to go! We're here for ya, FWIW!&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br /></strong></span>

 

[angeli]

thanks, sir joey.&nbsp; The encouragement really helps.

 

[Simran]

That Conestoga wagon is a direct descendant of the old fashioned sheepherders wagon my mother herded sheep in as a young girl on the prairies of South Dakota.<br /><br />gus

 

[SoulRaven]

So you and Suanne have something in common, you both own a Prius... The difference is she has found the right combo to live and travel for months in her Prius and you have not... Maybe check out what she is doing and you are not by going over to this page, study it and contact Suanne with questions, she is a sweet heart and will give ya good answers...<br /><br />http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/priusliving.html<br /><br />remember all Bob has two other web pages with allot of good info on them...<br /><br />http://cheapgreenrvliving.com and http://cheaprvliving.com

 

[angeli]

Hi SoulRaven.<br /><br />If you are talking at me, then I'm sorry, no.&nbsp; I don't have a Prius.&nbsp; I have a Ford Focus SE.&nbsp; And I did read her article before I traveled for some time in it, but it is just not as large inside, nor big enough for the extended time I will be facing, nor does it fold up as conveniently as Suanne's Prius does.&nbsp; Thus the need for the addition of some extra space.&nbsp; Primarily because the front seat does not fold like the Prius, and I'd have to take it out to put in a narrow bed.&nbsp; If I cannot build a tear, and cannot get money for my goods, then I'll be in the car without the extra space, and I'll definitely take out the front seat.<br /><br />Although our situations, resources and requirements are very different, Suanne's article is INDEED filled with good information.&nbsp; I've pretty much devoured most of Bob's two sites, as well as following his blog, with the exception of the solar info, which I am leaving until I have need of it due to its technical nature.&nbsp; thanks for the good reminder, tho.&nbsp; it never hurts to reread all this good information.&nbsp; There is so much here and folks are usually pretty generous with their info.<br /><br />Gus - is it not cool!?!&nbsp; It's a vintage design and is supposed to weigh only 450#.&nbsp; I love the Sheepwagon, Vardo designs.&nbsp; Usually tho they are much too heavy for anything I could pull.&nbsp; but this little one may just be wonderful.&nbsp; I'm really thinking about it.....&nbsp; SCA fairs here I come!

 

[SoulRaven]

Sorry Angeli, my bad... To bad though i feel for ya and this would have been a good plan... Oh well back to the drawing board...

 

[angeli]

I really appreciate your comments and encouragement, tho, SoulRaven.&nbsp; You are right about Suanne, as I said before.&nbsp; She really knows what she is doing.&nbsp; I wish the Ford was larger inside, but it just isn't.&nbsp; Once it is set up, the only way to sit upright is in the driver's seat, and to lie down, you have to climb in from the back as if you are sliding yourself into a tube.&nbsp; The closest comparison I can think of is if you've ever had an MRI.&nbsp; Like that.&nbsp; It's just a bit claustrophobic.<br /><br />Like I said, I've done it before, and I'll do it again if I have to.&nbsp; And it's all good, really.&nbsp; I'm getting out of a terrible situation that has gone on for over 19 years.&nbsp; I'm finally free.&nbsp; I'd go out on my own little feet if I had to.&nbsp; The day I can go, no matter if it's in the car, in a tear, in a van, or whatevah, will be a day of great celebration.&nbsp; Whoopee!!!&nbsp; <br /><br /><img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[karl]

Hey A<br />I've built and traveled in a couple teardrops- one almost all from leftovers and salvage, the next a bit more spendy...got bored and sold them- moved into vans ....been wanting an excuse to build a Foamy TD or TT.<br />Teardrop Forum is a good resource. <br />I'd be glad to share what I have learned or even help if you are in my travel path this winter.<br />You can PM me if interested.

 

[angeli]

Done!<br /><img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[WanderingRain]

I wish you well with your choice! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Life does throw us some curve balls at times. I was thinking of moving up to an actual RV by now, but circumstances keep me just living in my van. It's ok. I have developed a good routine and I really like how it's working out. But yeah, I hear ya with the trailer idea. I wish I can do the same thing. My goal is to get a vehicle with standing room. I can only stoop in mine but it's ok for now. I have a futon in here along with a frame. It's very comfy and warm with many blankets. <br />Wow, living in a car with two little friends! Now that's something! I am amazed. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br />Anyway, good luck with your travels and may your travel buddies be safe and happy in your vehicle!