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

[SargeDiesel]

This is a good option if your still undecided.....rent one before you purchase....

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Thank you, I'm just waiting for a custom build to be completed. Great idea though !

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[SargeDiesel]

I have an Off Grid Pando. Until recently I pulled it with a JL. Upgraded to a Gladiator for better towing capacity and extra room for cargo.

Wow ! I love your galley set up... lots of storage and well laid out.... really nice.

 

[SargeDiesel]

The build was completed and the sale was finalized

It is a complete custom build by an individual, not a known brand name. This was his first. He is in the process of incorporating and starting a business building them.

It does have a make/model name. It was manufactured under the name: CMR manufacture (cry me a river)
The model is: Soque River (a river near the builders location)
Weight: 900lbs / Tounge: 150lbs (or so)
GVWR = 2000

It tucks right behind and inline with the tailgate.
It does not obstruct the mirror views at all.
It rolls/rides really smooth with the torsion suspension.
It tracks straight as an arrow. You really don't even know its there.

I have a few outside pics, I will update with some additional detailed interior/gallery shots.

I have tentatively nicknamed it: Michaelangelo ... (I'm a TMNT fan... ha ha )

 

[Deadpool392]

The build was completed and the sale was finalized

It is a complete custom build by an individual, not a known brand name. This was his first. He is in the process of incorporating and starting a business building them.

It does have a make/model name. It was manufactured under the name: CMR manufacture (cry me a river)
The model is: Soque River (a river near the builders location)
Weight: 900lbs / Tounge: 150lbs (or so)
GVWR = 2000

It tucks right behind and inline with the tailgate.
It does not obstruct the mirror views at all.
It rolls/rides really smooth with the torsion suspension.
It tracks straight as an arrow. You really don't even know its there.

I have a few outside pics, I will update with some additional detailed interior/gallery shots.

I have tentatively nicknamed it: Michaelangelo ... (I'm a TMNT fan... ha ha )

That is sweet looking! We are going to need some more pictures of the storage and interior. If you don’t mind, what was the ballpark price for it?

 

[DBravo]

Typical ones I've looked at are 4 x8' or 5x9'. Definitely a one/two person or a couple still on their honeymoon...

Thirty years and 4 kids since the honeymoon - still happy and yet so true... Things you never hear in a teardrop camper: "I'll be in the other room reading until the coffee's ready..."

 

[Benbean66]

Wow! I love that build! I have a real soft spot for the DIY builds and that one looks awesome. I built mine out of a 4x6' enclosed trailer and we love it. But, if I was to do it again, I would definitely go the tear/square drop route and simplify the entire setup. I have 200w of solar, 21 gallons of water and an on-demand hot water heater on board. It also rides on a Timbren suspension, which I feel is a must-have for a smooth ride on and off the blacktop. Anxious to hear more about your new trailer, and definitely post up some more pictures.

 

[Benbean66]

And purely just my $.02, and may not affect you, but I would probably see about lifting the suspension up a few inches for two reasons.
1. I underestimated the suspension travel on my first trailer, then again on my current build, resulting in both sets of fenders being broken, or severely rubbing the tires to the point that they made the tires hot.
2. A small lift on the trailer would eliminate the need for such a drop hitch, and help reduce the amount of dragging and scraping of the hitch. I scraped our hitch several times and in dirt it doesn't hurt much, but hit a rock and it could damage some components.

Again... Just my opinions from what I saw in your pictures.

 

[SargeDiesel]

And purely just my $.02, and may not affect you, but I would probably see about lifting the suspension up a few inches for two reasons.
1. I underestimated the suspension travel on my first trailer, then again on my current build, resulting in both sets of fenders being broken, or severely rubbing the tires to the point that they made the tires hot.
2. A small lift on the trailer would eliminate the need for such a drop hitch, and help reduce the amount of dragging and scraping of the hitch. I scraped our hitch several times and in dirt it doesn't hurt much, but hit a rock and it could damage some components.

Again... Just my opinions from what I saw in your pictures.

Great suggestion. Believe me, it has already entered into my brain housing group... I need to research more, but I'm hoping I can just add solid aluminum blocks(drilled for the bolts) to each side, raise it maybe 2-3". The suspension is buit on torsion half axles. The solid axle is built into and goes through the body. We did this to eliminate anything hanging down underneath the shell. The theory was less to snag on a stump, rock etc.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Keep an eye on that suspension and where it’s mounted. I started out with that setup and ripped it off the frame. If you don’t offroad it much it may be fine, but if it starts to wear I would definitely suggest Timbren. It’s also axle-less, so there’s nothing hanging down and they can be bolted or welded on.

This build was for me to basically test the waters without dropping 25k. Currently my plans are on the mild side, looking at KOA, National, State parks and such (shorepower locations). The other main use will be overnighting at rest stops , cracker barrel, Walmart parking lots... or wherever on road trips. True off grid or heavy offroad isn't on the radar as of now.
Great tip though. Thanks for looking out ! Even still, I will definitely keep an eye on it.

 

[SargeDiesel]

What are you guys doing for security ?
Both while towing / attached to the vehicle and while unhooked either parked long term(think at home in-between trips) and while on location unhooked (think leaving the camper behind while going to town for supplies or going trail riding)

Just researching, I've seen a couple of things

 

[bd100]

For security: If we leave it then it's in a paid campground, locks on the hitch and latch, valuables removed. Plus cable locks for the propane tanks and spare, and a bracket lock for the battery.

When towing, the hitch is locked to the vehicle as well. Trying to avoid prankster problems during stops.

While camping inside it, we use a sliding bolt which I added, and have certain items which I suppose must not be mentioned here. And keep the keys close for the vehicle alarm. Bonus points if you can trip exterior lights from inside. And we mostly camp around other people.

I used to camp by myself, and took more risks back then. With the family, safety is more important.

 

[SargeDiesel]

For security: If we leave it then it's in a paid campground, locks on the hitch and latch, valuables removed. Plus cable locks for the propane tanks and spare, and a bracket lock for the battery.

When towing, the hitch is locked to the vehicle as well. Trying to avoid prankster problems during stops.

While camping inside it, we use a sliding bolt which I added, and have certain items which I suppose must not be mentioned here. And keep the keys close for the vehicle alarm. Bonus points if you can trip exterior lights from inside. And we mostly camp around other people.

I used to camp by myself, and took more risks back then. With the family, safety is more important.

Locks on the hitch and latch

Is the latch, the lock on the door ?

When towing, the hitch is locked to the vehicle as well. Trying to avoid prankster problems during stops.

What type/types of locks are you using ?

* family always comes first !

 

[TheSolarWizard]

I wouldn't have a trailer that standing up inside was impossible personally

 

[SargeDiesel]

I wouldn't have a trailer that standing up inside was impossible personally

Well, we each have our needs. Certainly nothing wrong with wanting to stand up. I would consider standing up a luxury for an offroad unit. I would think a "camper" that you can stand up in would put you in a whole different class of unit and probably a different style of "camping". What I have also found, for each additional want, there is also an additional cost.

What type of unit do currently have ?

 

[Blade1668]

I've seen a few people here showing off their Casita and Scamp trailers. I think that's what I'd be wanting to get if my wife and I ever decide to pull the trigger on finally getting a travel trailer. Small and light, and seem to be pretty decent build quality for the world of campers.

Dang, I need to wash n wax my Scamp and post it here now too.

That is my current issue... I have a small space heater, but I am still trying to figure out the cooling/air-conditioner. I dont want a window unit permanently hanging out the side, I don't want to cut into the shell. So I mostly have looked at portable units, but they take up a lot of space and need ventilation and drainage. An outside model would be preferred.

I got a portable A.C. that plugs into regular outlet, it would probably be like what your looking for. It's not a bad unit to cool a small camper or T.T. I used it briefly to cool the "tiny house" cabin I built last year. If I was going to build or buy a teardrop trailer I would possibly use it for that now.
FYI, before I moved from Georgia I was building a teardrop trailer. My move to AL. was the point of my buying my Scamp T.T. and cutting away with a lot of things.
In GA. a home built trailer wasn't a big deal, just swing up to tag office with specs on trailer with a possible P.D. check. Get a V.I.N. plate to install and tag. If a H.F. or any other trailer it has a title paperwork with them. Been there dozen times or more. 6 utility trailers, 4 boat, few home built, Scamp.
A place to get ideas on how and what to pack is in many camping and T.T. forums. It's easy to over pack stuff you don't use or need. I was "full-time" in my Scamp for over a decade, so I experienced more than some just camping time. That made a bathroom and inside kitchen necessary. I've "lived the pack light freeze at night" life as a infantryman.

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