First Teardrop Trip

Canton, Ohio

I drove down the highway toward Canton Ohio. Excited to be pulling the teardrop trailer down the road to visit the Football Hall of Fame Museum.  I kept looking in the rearview mirror to look at my teardrop. I still cannot believe that I own a teardrop trailer! I want to enjoy the tour and take my time. I worried as I drove toward my destination, about how to park this little teardrop. Would there be a spot that I could pull the camper into a parking spot without backing up?

The Football Hall of Fame is right off of  I-77, at exit 107A. In fact a bright red bridge marks the  location. after entering the museum grounds, I found a a pace to park. Now I can relax.  The museum provided RV pull-thru parking!  I purchased the admission ticket--$22.  When I started the tour, a museum photographer took my picture, with a cool HOF background. I might purchase it in the gift shop later. The ramp leads to the main floor of the exhibit. The famous bronze statues and football memorabilia are abundant.


Take the time to see everything! Read everything! Have fun, interact with the football exhibits. Ask question. Take the time to explore the computer stations, movie clips, audio archives, photographs, artwork and artifacts from the great game of football!

Now it is time to shop in the museum store, buy a few shirts and make a few smashed penny memories in the hand operated machine.

Heading Out!

I am on my way. I started up the car, and realized that it has been a long time since I have pulled a trailer down the road. I moved the car carefully up the drive and had a tight grip on the steering wheel. When I pulled out on to the main road-- I just enjoyed the view!

Final Inspection

When we completed the "U" shaped walk around the workshop, it was time to walk outside and see the final inspection of the body, doors, electrical, windows and latches. Beautiful to see so many shiny teardrops and T@bs lined up for future camping fun!

Walking and Learning

I asked a few questions and commented on the construction of the teardrops as we passed many trailers already on the production floor.

The Factory Tour

I was impressed with the simple design of the factory. It moved step by step in the construction process. Each person was at a "station". They completed a single specialized task, and moved the trailer along to the next part of the building process.

Pleasant Valley Teardrop Trailers

I traveled to Sugarcreek, Ohio to pick up my teardrop and received a nice welcome from the owner of Pleasant Valley Teardrop Trailers. He carefully showed me the features of my new 4x7 Lil Deuce teardrop trailer. We reviewed door locks, screen and windows, coupler, chains and the back hatch door. I asked a few questions and made some observations about how it was so well crafted. He opened the trailer and commented on the many features inside. I noticed that it had storage shelves and cabinets along one wall. He said that it was one of the 2014 updates to this model. I was delighted. The two fold-away cup holders, and a large screened, smokey gray, roof vent cover, really made the simple teardrop quite functional! I asked about lights inside the camper, and he realized that it did not have any installed, so he grab a drill and quickly added the needed illumination. It was a hot Ohio afternoon, so I moved my camping supplies from the car to the trailer, while Joe went inside to get the paperwork ready for me to sign. I filled out a transfer paper and he gave me the keys to the teardrop.

Securing the Trailer Contents

I contacted the folks at Missouri Teardrop Trailers to talk about a tie-down system inside the trailer. Dana suggested an e-track system, with straps used to secure the load within the trailer. It will be functional for camping and hauling small loads in the trailer. I will discuss the installation of the hardware, when I pick up my teardrop trailer July 15.

This cargo system that will be installed in the teardrop, is very similar to the system used in the airplane industry. The early teardrop trailer frames were formed from recycled Jeep parts, and the outside "skin" of many trailers came from discarded wartime planes.

There is also a family connection, as my Dad was a former airline mechanic. He is with me in spirit as I selected components for this tiny teardrop trailer.

Insurance

This is my first recreational vehicle, so I spent the morning learning about RV insurance policies. I met with my insurance agent, and we visited the golittleguy.com website and reviewed the specs on my teardrop model, the 4x7 Lil Deuce. We discussed a few policy payment choices that matched my budget. He let me know that he could easily process the forms, after I gave him the VIN number of the teardrop. I only need to bring him the bill-of-sale to complete the paperwork. It was a short visit, but I am happy to find out that the teardrop insurance is just as affordable as the teardrop itself!

Camping Gear Packed

I collected all of my camping gear, past and present, and brought it all to the dining room table. I needed to determine if it was still something that was going to be used this season. After a morning of sorting, it was clear that I needed to start putting this stuff into some tubs to haul it all to the camper. I found some heavy-duty plastic tubs. I managed to organize a "trailer" tub and "kitchen" tub. I still need the essentials-like the screen room, camp stove, outdoor kitchen, coolers, lantern, fuel, food and water. Pre-Camping is fun!

Teardrop FAQ's

I have become a member of the teardrop forum on the Little Guy Wordwide site. There is so much to learn about these unique travel trailers. Go online and post a comment, concern or question. Mike is the moderator on the LG site, and is a very experienced traveler and camper. He usually responds to questions and comments within a few hours.

Teardrop Trailer

I ordered a Little Guy teardrop trailer in early May of this year. I found the teardrop company on the web at www.golittleguy.com I initially wanted to build or update an older teardrop. After a bit of research, I changed my focus to the Little Guy Worldwide company. I contacted Missouri Teardrop Trailers, the nearest LG dealer. I took my friend Mollie with me to see the teardrop trailers up close. I spent a lot of time talking with LG dealers, doing web research, and talking with current teardrop owners. I finally decided on the size and features for my teardrop trailer. I am expecting a July delivery.