The 2018 edition of Tearstock, an annual teardrop and small trailer rally, was the most highly attended Tearstock to date, according to organizers with Liberty Outdoors. Upwards of 275 attendees and 150 trailers converged on Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping in Mackinaw City, Michigan. The four day event attracted teardroppers from not only the Midwest, but as far as New Jersey and Texas.
Thursday night was an indication of how well the attendance was, with some not showing up until Friday. The Duke’s Dogs food truck on hand reported 243 people served, with those not eating could be found sampling various beers and wines provided from various locations by the attendees. Little Guy dealer General RV provided everyone with their choice of brats and hotdogs for the night, as well as having a Little Guy Max and Mini Max on hand to look over.
Friday morning kicked off what was supposed to have been a one hour Camper College, hosted by Girl Camper podcaster Janine Petite and Liberty Outdoors’ Chris Baum. However, thanks to an engaging group of at least 50 attendees, the seminar lasted two hours, and in all likelihood could’ve lasted another hour. The two spoke on not only some features of the Little Guy line of trailers, but also some general RV basics that everyone should know.
While Tearstock was hosted by Liberty Outdoors, which is the parent company of Little Guy Trailers, ParkLiner Trailers, and Serro Scotty Trailers, the event was open to any and all. While there were the expected Little Guy, T@B, and T@G trailers on hand, there were several other brands attending, including Vistabule teardrops, Scamps, and an assortment of other odds & ends.
As for the location, you could not have asked for a more picturesque setting than Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping. Many of their campsites have a great view of Lake Huron, the Mackinac Bridge, and Mackinac Island. I found that many of those who didn’t have a lake view simply brought a chair down to sit along the banks of their one mile of shoreline.
What was really enjoyable for this rally was there was not a lot scheduled in terms of things that were going on to keep you at the campground throughout the day. I talked to Chris Baum about this and he told me that was done on purpose. Mackinaw City is the quintessential tourist destination, and the Tearstock organizers wanted the attendees to get out and explore the area. And that went over very well. Whether it was taking a trip to Mackinac Island, crossing the Mackinac Bridge, or visiting a quirky tourist trap like the Mystery Spot, there was plenty to do. And the cuisine is pretty darned good too…I highly recommend the Mackinaw Pastie & Cookie Company and the Bridgeview Diner.
Liberty Outdoors will have a tough time coming up with a location for Tearstock 2019 (rumored to be somewhere in the Southwest) that will beat Mackinaw City. Then again, I’m a little biased as this has been one of our favorite destinations for many years. A big thanks to everyone at Liberty Outdoors for the great hospitality at Tearstock 2018!
