What's your take: TearDrop / SquareDrop / Micro-Camper/Trailer

[mpsoldier]

I had a 2018 NuCamp TAG Boondock trailer.

https://nucamprv.com/tag-trailer/

We enjoyed it. We were tent campers that wanted just a little more comfort. The AC was overpowered for such a small space and created uncomfortable conditions (loud/too cold/humid) to be useful and so limited our camping season. You don't camp in Louisiana between May and September unless you just hate yourself or like sleeping in incredible humid/hot conditions. That led to me selling it after my then GF and I separated.

Outside of that I'd own a tiny trailer again. By now I could come up with a superior cooling alternative for my environment. However my GF of the last couple years has three kiddos so we are more likely to get a well loved pop up now and lift it on larger tires to camp out of (need the space).

I LOL'd at the comment about not camping between May and September unless you hate yourself. Hilarious and true.

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[piroman683]

Sounds like you need a mobile home... seriously though I can see your point. I initially wanted/planned on camping with friends and bringing them along... but with the size of the squaredrop, they need their own tent.

Hopefully you will find something bigger that you like. I've seen some R-Pods thatvare perfect for what you are describing .

its been a tough hunt. I have not been happy with a lot of the solar/battery options out there, especially when they upcharge more than 2x for a larger battery. I also want to keep it under 4000 lbs due to the art stuff I do build and bring out to the burn. I also prefer an outdoor grill/kitchen which saves space inside, and am fine with a dry toilet to avoid carrying extra weight of the blackwater tank/sytem.

 

[Rabbi]

Those things look to me like one has to go outside just to change their mind

Really. Even with our 213rds Nano Off-Grid, you definitely have to decide your purpose BEFORE you go into the bathroom...

 

[Alpine Warthog]

I really lost interest in teardrops after spending 8 days in one during the 2021 King of Hammers, but it was still a good trailer, I just like having space to stand up and invite others to get out of the elements for a minute. We do lots of trips in the desert (including the Burn) so it is nice to have AC in the peak of heat.

I'm with you there. Tenting and tear drops are for people that live in the North. (West, central or East) nights are cool enough to sleep even in August.
Most of my camping time has been spent in Texas and, Oklahoma. Boy Camping in North (and South) Dakota was a treat. Could actually leave the AC off at night lol. Texas and OK are insane to tent camp in summer time.

That being said, I'm considering selling my 38' Class A and replacing with a much smaller tear tow behind since it's going to be down to the wife and I before long. I will say, the wife will miss being able to go to the bathroom while underway hehe

 

[Deadpool392]

I saw a few like that when I was looking. Mind sharing your $$ cost ? Looks great. I like the tent on top, more space if you have a family.

I got it from General RV for just over 15K, comes with a heater, AC (5K BTU), awning, rooftop tent, Camco fridge cooler, 22” Blackstone griddle with storage bag, and has Solar on the rear kitchen area to keep the battery trickle charged. Also has a 10 gallon water container with an outside nozzle attachment for rinsing off.

 

[PDXsarge]

Premium price with premium quality, but worth it!
https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/2021-patriot-campers-x3-additional-photos-added.236245/

 

[peteinaustin]

My wife and I have spent the last 8 years taking extended (5k mile, multi-month) trips in a Teardrop or now our Patriot X3. Lots and lots of lessons learned. One of the 1st lessons was about pace. Tiny trailer camping is good for about 3-4 nights dispersed before you need a night in a place with facilities to do laundry, re-power, resupply etc. Think of it as 1 refit day for every 4 days out. This will help keep the packing manageable.

Happy to answer questions otherwise I'll prob overwhelm you with advice you don't need.

 

[PDXsarge]

My wife and I have spent the last 8 years taking extended (5k mile, multi-month) trips in a Teardrop or now our Patriot X3. Lots and lots of lessons learned. One of the 1st lessons was about pace. Tiny trailer camping is good for about 3-4 nights dispersed before you need a night in a place with facilities to do laundry, re-power, resupply etc. Think of it as 1 refit day for every 4 days out. This will help keep the packing manageable.

Happy to answer questions otherwise I'll prob overwhelm you with advice you don't need.

Love the X3!

 

[peteinaustin]

Coming from a teardrop it took some time to figure out how to pack it, but now it fits like a glove. We have the original version which has more room than the new ones.

 

[PDXsarge]

Coming from a teardrop it took some time to figure out how to pack it, but now it fits like a glove. We have the original version which has more room than the new ones.

The Gen 2 X3s have less room!? Interesting
We're currently trying to sell our Gen1 so might use this as a selling point

 

[peteinaustin]

I like the button control and ease of set up with the Gen 2. I dislike the fact you give up storage space for the controls and because of the external support structure. Losing the storage space was a deal killer for me.

 

[PDXsarge]

I like the button control and ease of set up with the Gen 2. I dislike the fact you give up storage space for the controls and because of the external support structure. Losing the storage space was a deal killer for me.

Good point!

 

[WILDHOBO]

Works well for a family of 5 to get deep into the trails. It does take more work to setup than a tear drop but it provides more space for additional gear too.

We have the same trailer with a roof nest hard shell 4 person tent on top. We love it. It goes wherever the Jeep will.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I recently bought a Modern Buggy 12LRK, went to PA to pick it up for a great price. I will be taking it from NC to Moab (via Texas and Las Vegas) and then a long trip back to NC.

When our kids get bigger, I think that will be the natural progression. Meaning a sleep-in trailer for us, with a tent on top of it for them.

 

[SargeDiesel]

I carry an ignik 5lb tank. Has a pretty convenient carrying case too. https://ignik.com/products/gas-growler-deluxe?variant=44669484204258

Thank you, that's a really cool tank. Triple the $ of a more available tank , but it looks finished and rugged. The case and hose kit and the ability to store it is great.

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