Over the years when Mario and I would go camping, we’d make little upgrades, mostly for our own comfort. We liked to get into the wild outdoors, but were never the type to seriously rough it. In the later years, and after an unexpected rainstorm we survived in a small tent, we always talked about the idea of getting a, “cute little trailer”.
The problem for a long time was we didn’t have a vehicle capable of towing any trailer, not even a cute little one. We had a 4 cylinder, 2007 Kia Sportage. When I was t-boned in an accident in 2017, we upgraded to a 4 door Jeep Wrangler with a V-6 and the max tow package. That was one barrier down but when we started researching trailers, we found that even a lot of the cute little trailers were heavy. So we shelved the idea. Eventually Mario’s health got to a point where camping wasn’t possible and well, you know the rest of the story there.
After he passed away, I did not want to stop camping, but I also didn’t want to camp in the tent by myself. So I’ve been camping in the Jeep. But for the last 3 years, I’ve been doing more research into trailers and there seem to be more options that are lighter. I’ve gone and looked at a few different brands and most were downright awful in quality. When I research large purchases, I do a pretty deep dive and spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos and getting real reviews on models and such. One of the brands that kept floating up to the top of my list was T@B by NuCamp. The problem was the price and the fact even used ones can be bucks and they are snatched up fast.
Nevertheless, it’s been a back-burner idea for a long time.
Last week, it popped into my head to look online to see if anything had turned up since I hadn’t looked at all yet this year. When things just randomly pop into my head, I’ve learned over the years to pay attention to those things. Lo and behold, there was a listing for a 2014 T@B teardrop trailer. I did a double take at the price because I’m used to seeing them for much more, but this one was 10 years old. From the photos, it looked to be in good shape though. So last Saturday, I decided to go see it in person. It was a 2 hour drive to one of my favorite areas on the Oregon coast.
The trailer was clean and in great condition. It honestly looked like it had rarely been used. I had to laugh when I stepped inside because it’s almost as if it were sized especially for me (I’m short). I could only imagine what Mario would think of it (he’d probably laugh at how small it is, but love it).
The dealer is a smaller, family run operation and I was able to negotiate a hitch into the price. I put a deposit on it. I had to have a special plug installed on my Jeep to plug the lights and breaks into, but other than that, no special modifications needed. And the older models are actually lighter than the newer ones, so that’s another point in my favor.
I’m going to go pick it up this Saturday and I’m actually going straight to a campground with it! The campground is only about 5 miles away from the dealer. So I’ll be able to give it a nice trial run. I already have big plans for some interior decorating and little upgrades.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved to hit the road traveling. Legend has it I was even conceived on a road trip! So the pull to just get in a vehicle and drive seems to have been with me from the very start. Even on my little jaunts here and there and out camping, there is a freedom I seldom experience any other way. This little trailer just embodies that feeling for me. Some day, I definitely see myself doing some longer road trips with this. Here’s to new adventures.
