While we're not new to the camping scene, (we've been tent camping for years) we recently purchased a brand new custom T@B camper, so we are fresh faces in the travel trailer world, and this blog will be all about our adventures and lessons in mini RV camping.
The T@B is an adorable teardrop shaped camper, produced by Pleasant Valley and Little Guy Trailers. You can look them up here. Go ahead and look. If you're anything like us, you'll look for about 6 years before committing to one. ;)
In 2009, we were on a vacation in Wisconsin when we saw a small teardrop camper at a dealer (across the street from a cheese shop!) and we loved it! Look how adorable it is! (Andy too.)
This started our obsession with teardrop-style campers. Two years after promising each other that we would one day own a darling unit like this one, we saw a video on YouTube that introduced us to the larger T@B model you can see here. This was a game changer! We loved the efficient use of space and the fact that we could stand up in the camper, so we promised each other that we would one day own a darling unit like THAT one.
FIVE YEARS after promising each other that we would one day own a darling T@B, we decided to buy one. Just. Like. That.
By this time, there had been many updates and changes to the T@B model, and many options were available that weren't there in 2011. One of the options that suited our needs was the "clamshell" (CS-S) model. This model reminded us of the original Little Guy Trailer we fell in love with in 2009. The kitchen is on the outside, and the back opens up like a clamshell to reveal it. It also contains a shower and commode inside! While I wasn't really excited about the toilet option, the idea of an interior shower was appealing. No more walking across the campgrounds to shower in the public showers in my flip-flops!
Through a lengthy google search, I found a unit we both liked at a great price, just 4 1/2 hours away at Prestige RV & Auto in Chippewa Falls, WI, the only drawback was it was white with red trim...not my favorite, but it was just color, right? I called and spoke with Chris, the salesman, and briefly discussed the trailer with him. He was with another customer, so we cut the conversation short, and I promised to call him back. Later that night, I brought up the website to show my friend, Michelle, and the unit was no longer pictured! :( We had finally decided to buy one, and the one I wanted was gone?! Grrr...I emailed Chris to find out what happened, and included my phone number for him to call me back.
He called the next morning, and informed me that the camper had sold. I was terribly bummed, but figured I'd keep looking. He then said that he had just placed his order for four new units to be delivered in July, and if I let him know the colors and options I wanted, he could custom order one for us. Well then...
We ordered a CS-S Max, silver with yellow trim, and upgraded interior fabric to the Outback model's gray fabric. We also included the front window option, bathroom portal window, exterior shower, and new Lagun model table inside, with an outside mount as well. Then the long two month wait took place.
Sigh...
Is it July yet?
Don't worry, I kept myself busy and distracted by buying a TON of stuff for this thing! I decided everything should coordinate with my gray/yellow color scheme so... this happened.
This is just part of the sunshiney goodness that entered our T@B. The flamingos were perhaps an impulse buy... that were painted yellow to match...LOL!
Anyway, the long wait, the planning, preparation, and dreaming finally became a reality on July 10th as we drove to Wisconsin to pick up our new baby, "The B@R T@B!"
Isn't it a beauty? In my next post, I'll take you on a tour, inside and out, and show you what this thing has got!
Thanks for sticking with me to the end of the post. You must really have been interested, or you're a really good friend. :)
Happy Camping!
Peggy
