Yes, we purchased a bigger camper after almost six years of teardrop travel. My blog is named Big Guy Tiny Trailer and we are clearly out of that category. So, I guess now the name only fits ironically. This post is about the why and what of this dramatic change for us.
Our nuCamp Teardrops
We have been proud owners of nuCamp RV products for the entire time of our camping history. Six years ago, we started with a 2017 T@G XL MAX and used it extensively for almost three years. It was a wonderful starter camper that we took all the way west to California and north to the Upper Peninsula. The camper performed flawlessly, but ultimately, we wanted a space to be comfortable inside when the weather is too hot, cold or wet.
Good Times in Our T@G
Our bigger teardrop was a 2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite and it was exactly what we wanted. Though still rather small, it brought a bathroom, indoor kitchen, and indoor dining area to our camping experience. However, camping became more expensive because we couldn’t store the camper in our garage. Also, fuel economy decreased from around 17 mpg to 11. The most expensive change was an upgrade to our tow vehicle from an Acura MDX to a Ford Expedition. We like having surplus capacity when towing and the heavy tongue on our camper was an issue with the Acura.
T@B 400 Boondock and Ford Expedition
The 400 was an excellent camper and the extra amenities were greatly appreciated. It provided wonderful times during the several trips we have taken in the last three years. We especially loved the indoor bathroom and kitchen. The Alde system was incredible with heat and hot water that was super quiet and comfortable. Most importantly, NüCamp quality continued in the 400.
A New Family Member
Late last year, we decided to get Sophie, our goldendoodle puppy. She is a sweetheart and a great little traveler. For instance, we have taken her on four camping trips in the last year and she was a real trooper. However, she weighs 35 pounds and will grow a bit more. Consequently, the space that she and her crate takes in our camper made it very cramped inside.
Our new family member
Our New Bigger Camper
After having adequate room, we weren’t happy in such limited space and so decided an upgrade was needed. We would have liked NüCamp as our brand for a bigger camper, but the Avia, nüCamp’s larger camper, is no longer in production. Quality was the most important factor in our search and we landed on the Lance for its perceived quality. I really hope that perception proves to be true!
We ordered a Lance 2075 in March from Bankston Motor Homes of Huntsville and took delivery in August. I highly recommend this dealership. We bought our 400 from them as well and have been pleased with their service.
The 2075 is a cool-looking 25’ travel trailer with some of the European styling we loved in our previous trailers. We specifically did not want a slide out because we didn’t want potential issues with it and are trying to keep it as simple as possible.
Our Lance 2075
We picked up this beauty in mid-August and have spent weeks getting it and our new tow vehicle ready for our next trip. The storage we have inside and outside is intoxicating.
Lance 2075 travel trailer
Some Interior Photos
We think the Lance 2075 is an attractive camper. The bedroom is perhaps it’s best feature. It has room for Sophie’s crate and there will be no more climbing over each other to get up. The bed is a full-sized queen and can use a residential mattress. It has windows all around and a skylight. Lots of ambiance, but I hope it doesn’t get too hot.
Lance Bedroom
With Sophie’s crate in the bedroom, we can actually use the dining area again. We really missed having a place to eat, play games and relax.
Dining area
The kitchen area is not really any larger than our 400, but the refrigerator is a little bigger and easier to access. The 2075 does have a small rear kitchen which might encourage more outdoor cooking.
Kitchen area
Lastly, the bathroom is bigger and has a shower that should be a bit easier to use.
A roomy bathroom
Déjà Vu on the Tow Vehicle
Our Expedition was within weight limits for the 2075, but we were not happy with how big trucks on the Interstate impacted us. With the 400, we had a lot of surplus capacity and we didn’t feel we had it with the Lance. We very much wanted that same comfortable feeling. So, a Ram 2500 diesel is our new tow vehicle.
Ram 2500 is our new tow vehicle
In Conclusion
Our two teardrop travel trailers were perfect for us as new campers who didn’t even know if we would like it. They gave us optimal flexibility in campsites and made travel relatively inexpensive. The quality of those campers was extraordinary. I wouldn’t trade a thing for our time in them, but we are ready for a little more room and comfort. If you would like to read more about our travels, check out our page, which is now ironically named Retirement and teardrop camping!
We take the new camper and truck on the road soon for a 2,500 mile trip. Hoping all goes well!
I wrote this unhitching and setup post exclusively for new campers. Experienced campers have already figured this stuff out and could possibly share better methods. When we first began camping, we did not know anything at all about campers and how to use them. I would have appreciated a post like this. However, I could not find anything this basic and detailed.
We have now been camping for four years and this post reflects what we have learned and is how we setup our current camper, a nüCamp T@B 400.
New Camper Unhitching and Setup
The Order of Things
Some steps must be done in a specific order or must precede other steps. Others can occur anywhere in the process. In this post, I will always indicate when order is important and why. Lastly, we have found that a standard practice makes our process more efficient and less prone to errors. You develop a sort of muscle memory.
Level the Side-to-Side
This first step is essential if you have an unlevel site from side-to-side. You should perform this check before other steps because the trailer must be hitched to raise one of the wheels. So, I use a small level that we keep in the camper to see if the the side to side is level. If it is not level, we have two leveling pads that we drive the wheel over on the low side. Often, we do not need these pads for leveling. Sometimes, we need both pads and occasionally only one is needed.
Checking the side to side level statusLeveling pads
It is important that the camper is level for the refrigerator and air conditioner to work properly and for accurate reading of tank levels. Lastly, it is much more comfortable in a leveled camper.
Chock the Wheels
For safety, it is important to chock the wheels before any steps in the unhitching process begins. An unchocked camper can roll and cause damages and possible injuries. So, it is just a good practice to always do this before unhitching.
Chocked wheel
Insert Wheel or Block
We currently use a block to unhitch and stabilize the front of our camper. For maximum stability, we center it and lower the jack. In our previous camper, we used a wheel. However, we prefer the block.
Jack is supported by block
Remove 7-Pin Connector
You should remove the 7-pin connector before unhitching to prevent drain on the car battery and to get it out of the way of the hitch.
Remove the Chains and Breakaway Cable
You will want to get these out of the way before unhitching. Regarding the chains, you should always cross them while towing.
Remove the Weight Distribution Bars
We have the Blue Ox Swaypro Weight Distribution Hitch and it requires the jack to lift the car to enable the bars to be removed. Once the jack is raised, the bars can easily be removed.
Remove Hitch Lock
We always keep a lock attached to our trailer coupler. It is vital while towing to ensure the trailer remains properly attached. It is also beneficial as a theft deterrent. We previously used a long padlock, but wanted something that was easier to get off and on. We settled on the Bulldog Adjustable Lock.
Bulldog Trailer Coupler Lock
So far, we really like the ease of putting it on and off. It works much better than the padlock. It fits snugly, which would make it difficult to cut off.
Bulldog Lock Installed on Coupler
Unhitching From the Tow Vehicle
Next, lower the jack to release the strain off the ball. Once lowered, pull up the lever on the tongue. Now, lift it off the ball. Ideally, the ball will drop from the jack. Sometimes, it can be difficult to decouple. In those circumstances, it may be necessary to pull forward or backward ever so slightly. This is the most stressful step in the unhitching process for me.
Level Front to Back
Next, adjust the jack so that the camper is level from front to back. I always set a level on the floor parallel to the door and it makes it easy to find that level sweet spot using the jack.
Leveling from front to back
Lowering the Stabilizers
Lastly, lower the stabilizers. This is the last step of unhitching and taking them up is the first step of hitching. It is important because the stabilizers can be damaged if the camper is raised or lowered by the jack while they are down.
Stabilizers are lowered
Setup
Now that the camper is unhitched, it is ready for setup. Actually, you can attach the water and power before unhitching. For example, if the weather is hot or cold, you might want to get the power on so the inside temperature can be impacted sooner.
Electrical Hookup
We recommend that you include a surge suppressor in your electrical hookup. A suppressor can protect your camper’s electrical system if there is a problem with a campground’s power supply. It can also identify electrical other issues.
Surge suppressor
Connecting to City Water
We always attach a water pressure regulator and a filter to our water connection. The meter protects your water system if there is too much pressure in the campground.
I have a couple of tips regarding the water. First, it is not necessarily to over tighten the connections. Second, be sure the gasket is in the fitting of the hose.
Water pressure meter and filterConnected to City water
Holding Tanks
We usually do not have sewer connections because most of our camping is in State Parks. When we do have sewer at our site, we keep both the gray and black tanks closed until we are ready to empty. I understand that it is critical to keep the black tank closed to prevent issues due to the lack of water. Also, you wouldn’t want anything that might be in the sewer to have access to your camper.
Drain for Holding Tanks
New Campers, In Conclusion
It can be intimidating to set up a camper if you are inexperienced. We learned how to do this over time, with some mistakes. Now, we consistently strive follow the process above and have it down to a routine. If this post is helpful to you, check out our page, Camping Resources for New Teardrop Campers.
Our first camper, a T@G MAX, had a Zamp Solar connector. Because of this, we purchased a Zamp Solar Suitcase. We liked using it and expected our new camper to be wired for Zamp as well. However, our nüCamp T@B 400 is not wired for Zamp.
So, this became our first official modification on the 400. I wanted to use the solar suitcase, but was concerned about drilling a hole into our new camper. My husband convinced me that he could do it without creating any issues. He did a fantastic job and it works great! I am sharing his step-by-step instructions for any of you who might also want a Zamp connector.
Items Used
Zamp Connector and WireTools used
Zamp Connector with wire. We purchased the connector and 10’ of the wire for $23. You can get the connector cheaper with a very short wire, but we did not want to splice to add needed wire.
Painter’s Tape
A drill.
Drill bit for screws 1/8” Jobber Drill Bit.
Drill bit 1/4” for pilot hole.
Paddle bits: 7/8”, & 11/16”.
4 Phillips Head screws, #8 x 3”, type A point.
2 each 3/8” Lugs, 12 gauge.
Silicone, clear.
The Hole
To begin, he put painter’s tape on the drill spot to protect the finish and to mark it.
Painting tape to protect finish
The hole in our new 400 was really three holes. Firstly, he drilled a 1/4” pilot hole approximately 3/8” deep to start the hole. Secondly, he drilled a 7/8” hole that was 1/8” deep. It is for the lip of the flange. Lastly, he drilled an 11/16” hole all the way through the camper wall. This is to accommodate the bulk of the connector.
Three-stage hole for Zamp
Attaching the Zamp Port
The Zamp connector fits perfectly into the hole and the four screws attach it securely to the wall of the camper. My husband marked the spot before drilling, drilled the holes, and tightened the screws. Next, he applied silicone around the connector to seal the area from water.
Zamp Connector inserted into hole
The above wire extends to a heavy duty distribution stud that can be accessed under the bed.
Connecting to the Batteries
Next, he connected the wire to the batteries. We have two six-volt AGM batteries and the Zamp connector can access them via a heavy duty distribution stud that came installed in the camper. You may be connecting to a single battery and not using the distribution studs.
View under the bedView of battery posts
Also, my husband cut approximately 4 feet of surplus wire. He then crimped and soldered the black and red wires. He also added shrink tube to the ends.
We were a little concerned about how to attach the wire to the battery posts because of everything we have heard about reverse polarity and the Zamp. So we contacted Zamp and they explained to us that the positive wire would be coming from the male lead on the port. For our cable, it was red, so we basically just attached the red cable to the positive post and the black to the negative post.
We asked the Zamp technician what would happen if we connected it wrong. He said that it would just show an error on the charge controller. That made us feel better.
Conclusion
Finally, we gave it a trial run in our driveway and it worked beautifully. So, we now have a Zamp port on our new camper just like we had on our first camper. My husband also ordered a Zamp decal. I would have been good without the decal, but love the port.
Replacing our tiny camper was difficult for me. I had bonded with it and it was my baby! It was everything we expected it to be and served us well for two years and over 10,000 miles. We bought it at a time when we did not know if we would even like camping and it enabled us to travel for very little money to exciting, far away places. Teardrop Camping, The Decision to Buy a Teardrop.
Why Make a Change
While there are so many reasons to love the nüCamp T@G, it does have some limitations. I originally thought that the biggest challenges would be the lack of a bathroom and that it would be uncomfortable for my tall husband. We adapted pretty well without the bathroom and my husband was good with the camper most of the time because the bed was easy to access and quite comfortable. He was too tall to stand comfortably in the galley though. It would be a bigger issue, but he doesn’t do a lot of cooking.
The major reason we opted for a larger camper was to have a place to be comfortable when the weather was not good for being outside. We have camped in the rain and in extreme heat and cold. Our solution to this has always been to leave and go do something where we can be inside. Camping and Execution of the Rainy Day Plan. It beats staying in bed all day or freezing/roasting outside, but we were at a place where we would like to have more options.
Lastly, my husband has been considering replacing our tiny camper for awhile. He has enjoyed our trips, but has been lobbying for something bigger for many months.
The Replacement Camper
We thoroughly researched similar campers that were approximately twenty feet long. A quality camper with a place to be comfortable inside that also had a bathroom was the overall goal. We required at least a queen-sized bed and a separate area to relax. The brands we considered were: nüCamp, Little Guy, Alto, Airstream, Oliver, Lance, Forest River, Jayco, and Lil Snoozy. Weight, space utilization, nearness of a service location, perceived value and quality, known quality issues, comfort, value, and eye appeal were all factors in our decision.
I have to admit we were biased in favor of nüCamp. Our T@G was an incredible camper and nüCamp did a great job of customer service for us. Replacing our tiny camper with another nüCamp product seemed a safer decision. Also, we attended a rally at their Sugarcreek facility this year and were very impressed with the company and its operations.
However, if we had found another camper that met out criteria that was better suited our needs, we would have bought it instead. Some of the camper brands we have seen in person and all were researched to some extent online. My husband and I spent many hours considering specifications, options, and how we would expect to use this larger camper. In the end, we came back to the nüCamp 400.
The Search for a 400
Our desire was to buy in our home state of Alabama if possible. We were already aware of Bankston Motor Homes from its servicing of our T@G and were impressed by their performance. Bankston has multiple nearby locations and we were happy to see they had several 400s, including one Boondock Lite (BL). https://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com/
We also looked for 400s within a five hundred mile radius of our home because we had color and option preferences. It was surprising to learn that of the more than ten dealers, only a few 400s were in stock and only one of the other dealers had a Boondock Lite.
The 400s come very well-equipped with only a few options and Bankston’s 400 BL colors and options were acceptable to us, so we began the purchase process right away. David Tyler was our salesperson and we really liked working with him. He transferred the unit to the Albertville location the next day and we went to check it out. It was lovely and we told him we would take it.
nüCamp T@B 400
There were three superficial issues that we asked them to correct prior to purchase. There was a tiny crack in the casing for the porch light, a small scratch on the lower molding of one side, and a small section of the Formica has become unglued. David assured us they would correct those items.
Upgrade Considerations
We always stored our T@G in our garage and it weighs in at just over 1,000 pounds. No electric brakes were needed and we had surplus towing capacity in our Acura MDX. However, the much larger nüCamp 400 weighs 2,690 and its GVWR is 3,500 pounds. Most noteworthy, it would not fit in our garage. Replacing our tiny camper would not be easy and we would not be able to camp so inexpensively in the new one.
Towing Capacity
Our Acura’s towing capacity had been increased to 5,000 pounds with the installation of a transmission cooling unit. The Acura’s tongue weight capacity of 500 pounds is within the 400’s tongue weight of 460 pounds, but it did not leave much surplus. We hoped it would be adequate for the new camper.
Storage Requirements
The requirement for storage was perhaps the main reason we have held back on replacing our tiny camper. It was always in our basement with easy access and no extra cost. We really hated to give up storing our camper on our property, but the 400 would not fit into our garage and we could not store it outside.
So, we began searching for storage options. We were lucky to find an indoor storage unit near our home. It is just under 20 feet deep and the door is just under 10 feet tall. Our T@B 400 BL is 18 feet long and just under 9 feet tall, so it is a fit for the unit—but just barely. It is very tricky backing it into the space, but my husband did a great job in our trial run.
Additionally, the space does not have climate control and we will have to winterize the camper. Another thing we will have to learn how to do.
The space brings with it a monthly cost of $150 and an annual cost of $1,800.
Storage Unit
Electric Brakes
Unlike out T@G, the new 400 has electric brakes, which is a legal retirement for trailers of its weight. This required us to get a brake controller for our car. We did not want to have to modify our dash and impact the wiring on our vehicle, so we opted for the Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Controller.
Sway and Weight Distribution
Because we do not have a lot of surplus tow capacity in our tow vehicle, we wanted something to address sway and weight distribution. We opted for the Blue Ox Sway Pro 750. It is a weight distributing hitch that provides sway control and one other nice feature. It allows backing up without adjustment, which is not available with many other manufacturers.
Blue Ox Sway Pro 750
Insurance
We were careful to add the 400 to our insurance before we took it on the road because it was a sizable purchase. State Farm insures our camper and because of the higher cost of the camper, our camper insurance cost moved from $200 to $417 (with a $ 1,000 deductible).
Decreased Gas Mileage
We were able to tow our T@G and get an average of 18 miles per gallon. There has not been a chance to check the gas mileage on the new unit, but we expect it to be around 12-13 miles per gallon. If this is the case, we will have to spend approximately 50% more for gasoline. This increase can be pretty significant on long trips.
Fixed Annual Cost Summary
Accountant that I am, it was necessary for me to consider all the financial ramifications of replacing our tiny camper. Beyond the purchase, we will incur approximately $2,000 per year in storage and additional insurance, plus 50% higher gasoline costs. Is it worth it? At this point in our life, we think it is.
Replacing Our Tiny Camper
It all happened rather quickly and we were ready to pick up our new baby. David Tyler and Bankston RV were amazing and we are very happy with our new camper. Some of the service team even came in on a Saturday for us. I can’t say enough nice things about them.
Our New Camper at Bankston RV with David Tyler
With the T@B 400, we are gaining the sitting/eating/sleeping area below. This space, plus the indoor kitchen for when the weather is bad, was our main motivation for replacing our tiny camper. The area has three setup options . Below it is set as a seating area, but rearrangement of the pillows allows it be used as an extra bed. Lastly, if the center cushion is removed, the table can be lifted to create a table with seating on two sides.
Seating and Eating Area
This lovely indoor kitchen is a definite perk. It will be wonderful on those cold mornings.
Indoor Kitchen
There is also the benefit of having this tiny bathroom. No more middle of the night hikes to campground bathhouses. We expect this to be a convenience we will really appreciate.
Wet Bath
However, the new bed is slightly smaller than a queen and only accessible from one side. The T@G has a king-sized bed with a door on each side. I am afraid we are going to sorely miss our old bed. Also, for the record, the bed is a bear to make!
Queen Bed (almost)
We are happy overall with the T@B 400 amenities. Replacing our tiny camper is completed and we are excited about taking this new teardrop to far away places!
A Final Change
On our ride home with the new camper, all went well, but my husband said that the front end of the car felt light to him and the steering wheel was too easy to turn. This concerned us! We should have been under the 500 lb tongue weight, but the new weight distribution sway bar hitch was quite heavy. It turns out that it weighed 47 pounds, which was 7 lbs over our car’s tongue weight limit. I worried that this would damage the car over time.
We were prepared to replace our tow vehicle if needed and that is what we did. So, we now have a giant SUV that can pull 9,000 pounds with lots of tongue weight to spare. It should be great for camping, but sure will be big for me to park. Intimidating!
So, replacing our tiny camper led to replacing our tow vehicle as well and we have much to learn about both with a camping trip fast approaching.
We are excited to have our teardrop and some of the modifications we have made to it included in Cool Tears Magazine. Cool Tears is a free online magazine devoted to teardrop campers and their interests. A new issue is available each month.
The article came from portions of our most recent post. It covered the modifications that we made during our second year as T@G owners. The article, “After You Buy: 5 Simple Modifications for a T@G”, is in the November 2018 issue of the magazine.
Our Modifications
Firstly, much of the inspiration for our modifications came from other T@G owners that we follow on multiple Facebook groups. There are so many creative people in those groups. They have great ideas and freely share them. Second, the changes we made came down to our individual needs and the ways that we could add convenience to our camper. The T@G is an amazing camper that has extraordinary amenities just as it comes off the assembly line. However, there are always opportunities to make whatever camper you own more suited to your specific camping lifestyle.
My husband made all these enhancements happen for us. He is always willing to use his considerable skills to improve our camping experiences. I am truly blessed to have a husband so talented and accommodating.
In conclusion, we love our T@G and have enjoyed the modifications made this year. They have certainly enhanced our camping trips. We hope you will check out the article in a Cool Tears.
This visit included a couple of firsts for us: first Ohio camping and first visit to the state. We had three stops in Ohio and all were quite different. Our visit was in mid-July and it was hotter than we would have liked. Our Ohio camping visits began at Heuston Woods State Park.
Hueston Woods
First, we had a one night stopover at Hueston Woods State Park located in College Corner. On the way, we stopped for a late lunch at nearby Patterson’s in Oxford. It was very good, but the highlight for me was the freshly squeezed orange juice. Delicious! There were some leftovers, so we did not have to worry about cooking that night.
Our site, B25, had electricity. It also had some shade and was very near the bathhouse and a laundry room. A water source was nearly, but was not on each site.
We had some downtime, so it was a good opportunity to do laundry. The park has a lake and horseback riding, but we did not utilize them. In fact, we did not even unhook. We just hung out at our site and planned for an early morning departure for the rally at Sugarcreek.
Hueston Woods Site B25
We drove to the Lodge for breakfast before heading out. It was a decent breakfast. Lodge and cabin guests also have access to an indoor and an outdoor pool. I inquired about access for campers and our server informed me that campers can purchase a pass.
The Trailblazer Dining Room in the LodgeActon Lake
After breakfast, we headed east to Sugarcreek. We enjoyed staying at Hueston Woods, but it was a bit too hot. We needed the air conditioner on on all night to be comfortable.
üCamp 18
Our next opportunity for Ohio camping was at a rally near the nüCamp factory in Sugarcreek. Since our T@G Max XL was produced at this factory, we were excited to see it. In fact, the rally was the initial destination for this trip and there is a separate post for it.
Winklepleck Grove in Sugarcreek was the campground for the rally, which is in the heart of Amish country. Our site was right by the road and we saw many Amish carriages go by each day.
Site 1B, Winklepeck Grove CampgroundAmish carriage
The town of Sugarcreek was fun to visit. It boasts the world’s largest cuckoo clock, which took twelve years to build at a cost of $50,000 in 1975. The clock has an elaborate display on the hour with music.
World’s largest cuckoo clock
While in Sugarcreek, we also purchased a nice quilt in one of the shops to use for future camping trips.
The Amish countryside was beautiful. We saw many farms and narrow rural roads.
Beautiful Amish countryside
We also took a tour of Yoder’s Amish Farm. The tour included very interesting information about the Amish and their lifestyle. Two homes that depicted their beliefs and customs were included in the tour. A barn and schoolhouse were also on the tour. The tour was reasonably priced and very interesting.
Amish school
Ohio camping at Winklepleck Grove was the highlight of our entire trip because of the wonderful experience meeting other nüCamp trailer owners and our wonderful interactions with the factory.
Cleveland Camping
Next, we camped for two nights at American Wilderness campground, which is about thirty miles southwest of Cleveland. Our site was very nice and had electricity and water. However, it was raining a good bit of the time. The roads were made of gravel and had some large potholes. The bathhouse and laundry facilities were quite far from our site. Vault toilets were nearer to us, but were not nice, so I made the hike in the rain one night to the bathhouse.
Site #82 at American Wilderness Campground
The campground had a swimming area, but it was cold and raining and was not being used while we were there. Our site was nice, except for the long hike to the bathhouse.
Swimming area at American Wilderness
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
We wanted to see the Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was the main attraction for us. There is ample parking nearby, but they were having a run in the city when we arrived. The city had closed several blocks near the museum. It was very frustrating trying to find parking! We ultimately had to walk about five blocks which was not good for my husband’s bad knee.
Once there, however, we enjoyed the museum.
Outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The museum featured films, personal items, musical instruments, and photos of rock and roll legends.
Allman Brothers BandBeatles ExhibitVery young Rolling StonesZZ Top exhibit
It took about four hours to see the museum. This is something not to be missed in Cleveland.
Christmas Story House
My favorite Christmas movie is Christmas Story and the house that was used in the movie is an attraction in Cleveland. We took the tour and it was fun.
Christmas Story HouseChristmas Story KitchenLifebuey soap & Little Orphan Annie decoder ring
It was great to see so many details from this sweet movie, which reminds me of the time when I was a child! It is also a relatively inexpensive tour that I recommend if you are a fan. For my husband who is not a fan, it was not so great. However, he was a good sport.
Favorites
Campground: Hueston Woods had the nicest facilities.
Campingexperience: üCamp 18 was the most fun we had at an Ohio stop.
Nearbyattractions: American Wilderness was best for its close proximity to Cleveland.
Food: Our best meals in Ohio were actually breakfast. The breakfast prepared by nüCamps president and his wife was amazing. Rebekah’s Bistro in Walnut Creek was also very good. For lunch, Patterson’s in Oxford was the best.
Regrets
We were within blocks of Lake Erie in Cleveland, but did not see it. The weater was bad and I wanted to get to The Christmas Story House before it closed. We will have to return to Cleveland because I am sure there is more to see besides Lake Erie.
In conclusion, Ohio camping was a great time for us! Michigan is our next state to visit.
The second üCamp rally was held in July 2018 in Sugarcreek, Ohio, at Winklepleck Grove Campground. Approximately 160 sites were filled with tiny trailers from all over the United States and Canada. The largest number of campers represented was the T@B 320, but there were also at least twenty each T@B 400s and T@Gs. We own a T@G MAX XL and were excited to see so many other tiny campers.
Site 1B, Winklepeck Grove Campground
Winklepeck Grove Campground
Winklepeck is a primitive campground in a large shady grove. It is beautiful, but does not have flush toilets or showers. However, nüCamp brought in two shower trailers and a large number of VIP portable toilets. The portable toilets were okay until the last day before they pumped them. So we were going into town and using the public restrooms near the fire station on that day.
The campground split the electricity among two campers for each site and it split the water as well. However, we had all that we needed, including running the air conditioner and microwave.
Winklepeck Grove Campground
Rally Activities
There were many fun things to do during the rally, but it seemed that everyone’s favorite was to walk the campground and meet fellow nüCamp trailer owners. Also, it was cool to talk with those who had the same size camper and see their modifications and how they were using theirs. Lastly, it was nice to see the larger models and maybe even consider an upgrade.
Several meals were provided, plus great entertainment the last night featuring two local sisters called Kodachrome Babies. They were very good and sang some amazing oldies.
Rally ScheduleSome meals and events under the big tentWine and cheese night
Factory Tour
The highlight of the trip was the tour of the factory so we could see how these tiny trailers are made.
nüCamp Factory
The factory is in the heart of Amish country and many of the employees are Amish. The quality of the work is evident and well-recognized within the industry.
Amish Buggies at the last night’s dinnerScott Hubble, nüCamp CEOAssembly line for T@GsReady for Delivery
We were on the second tour. Scott Hubble, the CEO, gave a presentation at the beginning of the tour about the history of the company and its current initiatives. He then answered questions. After his presentation, he turned everyone loose to explore the facility. Our friends told us that Joe Mullet, the founder and President of the company, gave the first tour. They said he shared about his personal struggles at the beginning of the company.
The factory was immaculate and seemed very well organized. We left with an even stronger impression that this organization really cares about its customers and making a quality product.
Conclusion
In my opinion, üCamp 18 was a huge success. It was a well-organized and a thoroughly enjoyable event. We were sad to leave this wonderful gathering of tiny camper owners. Many had commented to us that this trip was the highlight of their year and I would have to agree.
Sunset at Winklepeck
Mandy Lea is a well-known photographer who has lived in several nüCamp trailers and has produced YouTube videos about them. She presented the large panoramic picture below to the Company’s leadership on the last night and had some beautiful things to say about them.
Mandy Lea’s gift to nüCamp
So we loved üCamp 18 and hope to be there again next year! If you would like to follow us, here is a link.
A bathroom was on our list of “must haves” for a camper. We ultimately purchased the NuCamp T@G for many good reasons, but having no toilet required a major adaptation on my part.
Purchase of Camper with No Toilet
I am a newly-retired, former accounting professional, newbie camper who has never been particularly outdoorsy. We wanted to give camping a try, but did not initially consider campers with no toilets. I felt that having no toilet was just too much sacrifice. However, we settled on our T@G, which has no toilet. We chose it because it fits in our basement and is easily pulled by our tow vehicle.
For some readers, this post may be TMI, but I would have liked to have read something like this when we first considered our camper and in the early days of our camping.
The biggest challenge for me would be to adapt to very uncertain and varied bathroom options. I was not worried about showering at campsites, but I was worried about how I would handle getting up in the middle of the night, which happens often.
We have been on nine camping trips to ten different campsites and I can honestly say that I am far more comfortable with camping in our T@G, but it has been a process.
Worst Nightime Experience
This occurred on our first camping trip. On the first night, I had a flashlight handy and had checked out the bathhouse location in the daylight, so felt I was as ready as I could be for my nocturnal trip. The bathhouse was down a trail with a couple of turns. It was well-lit, so I had no trouble finding it. Coming back, I took a wrong turn and ended up in a different area. I could have wandered around for quite awhile, but recognized one of our friend’s campers, which helped me navigate to ours.
The next night I used a five-gallon bucket filled with kitty litter and topped with a toilet lid. (This was our very low-tech solution.) It was in a tent on our campsite and was far better than hiking in the woods. Despite the convenience, I did not like the cleanup.
New Strategy—Camp Near a Restroom
This strategy actually worked very well! Compared to hiking through the woods, walking a short distance to a bathhouse you could see from your campsite was easy. I stayed with this strategy through several camping trips and will use it again whenever it is a good option.
It was not a good option on a trip with a group of our friends. We booked our sites early and they had prime spots. I chose not to stay in their area because it was not near a restroom. Our area was not as shady as theirs, had far more bugs, and we were not able to be where the action was with them. This got me to thinking another option was needed.
Next Strategy—A Porta Potty
A friend had been suggesting that I get a porta potty since we began camping, but I had been resisting. Concerned that dealing with cleanup would be gross, but ready to give it a try, I bought one on line. Also, having discovered that we did not always have the option to set up a tent, we bought a privacy tent.
I was also a little bit intimidated about how they worked. However, I will go into some detail here for those who may be unfamiliar with them. The one we purchased seems pretty standard. There is a top section where water is stored for flushing and a bottom section for waste. We also use holding tank deodorant and it works very well; there is no unpleasant smell.
Disassembled Porta Potty
Our Setup
The photo above shows the potty we purchased disassembled. Upon arrival at campsite you just fill the section on the right with water and the attach it to the section on the left. Then toss in one of the deodorant packs into the bottom section. When utilizing it, you pull out the lever on the bottom and when finished, you press the waffle valve on the top to flush. You then close the lever on the bottom.
Cleanup was not bad at all. My husband volunteered to handle it, but as I am the primary user, I felt I should do it. It was far easier to use and clean than I feared. The assembled product is below.
Assembled Porta Potty
This gave me such flexibility! I no longer worried about being near the restrooms. We always brought the new equipment when we were uncertain about the closeness of campsite facilities, though sometimes we did not take it out of the box. We could camp at the best sites with our friends. Our little privacy tent goes up and down very easily and we were set.
Privacy tent/toilet
You would think that with our new equipment and my adaptation to using them that having a camper with no toilet would be a non-issue. However, we have encountered one other situation that is not resolved. Here is a link to a tent identical to the one we purchased.
The No Tents Dilemma
We recently camped with friends at a beautiful RV Resort. Upon arrival, we learned that no tents were allowed, not even a privacy tent. I raised it a couple of times with management and they were not budging. We were not near a restroom, but we were only there a couple of nights. We were with friends and I decided to just make the best of it. It was a pretty far hike for the middle of the night, but it was well-lit and easy to navigate. Fortunately, my previous trips trekking to restrooms has made me flexible about nightime walks.
Summary
The fact that our camper has no toilet is no longer a big deal. I could not have said this at the beginning of this journey. We love our T@G and the economy it brings to our camping trips. For those who are first considering camping with no toilet, I offer the following recommendations:
Be open to new experiences. If you want to adapt, I believe you can. Also, this is camping, not luxury travel. It has its own kind of special beauty, but it is not primarily about the comfort.
Remember that you are getting a lot on the plus side with a teardrop. Light, easy towing and the ability to conveniently store in your garage. That was worth a lot to us.
Always look for the close restroom option when it works for you. No bathroom to clean at all; how cool is that?
Don’t wait to get a porta potty. They are easy to set up, use, and break down.
When booking campsites, always get a clear understanding of any restrictions related to tents. I suspect this would be primarily related to RV resorts. You may want to go anyway, but it is a good idea to know what to expect.
Enjoy your camper and embrace new adventures!
We now have a camping resources page for new campers. You might want to check it out.
