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

[SargeDiesel]

I'm actually looking at an R-Pod. I'm old enough now that I really want a nice, un-public toilet! And they have a layout that fits my needs!

Not sure age has anything to do with wanting a clean private toilet, but I get what you are saying. I'm not sure what area you are in, but I just saw an R-Pod listed on marketplace, don't remember exactly, but under 10k... thinking 8-9k. They are really nice. I'm starting out small and as my needs and experience grows, I will trade up eventually. Typically I buy once, cry once, but I want to make sure this is something I really want and continue to do and not just a mid-life crisis.

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[SargeDiesel]

The trailer I had was equipped with a 5000 BTU window unit mounted through the interior wall that separates the sleeping area from the rear hatch. The back of the AC was within a double wall that allowed it to breathe / vent through an opening in the floor and through two side vents with vent fans. You'd never know it was there looking from the outside. The trailers could be optioned with or without it.

It operated fine but the space was so small the unit would cycle frequently. Because it was so frequent it did not have enough time to de-humidify the cool air it was creating, so I ended up with a very cold trailer with 100% humidity (had a temp/humidity gauge on the headboard to monitor). The AC made a bit of noise in such a small space but the real problem was the sudden jolt of noise when the compressor would cycle on or off that would wake me up. A soft start would have helped - but the temp and humidity issue would not have been any better.

Most of the time we used the trailer we camped in cooler months with the windows open. The windows had neat built in bug screens that pulled down.

Thats one of my biggest issues right now. It doesn't have an a/c but it does have plenty of vents and could handle a window unit in the rear galley. I don't want to cut the sides or front... so I haven't looked hard at window units. I have looked at portable inside units, but they need drainage and take up a lot of scarce realestate .... not much room to begin with.

I've seen some outside contained dual heat-A/C units, but need to research more.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Hiker does a good job on customization options, but I can do the install work. The option price for a truck box is $600, and $2000 for the big box that you store your fridge in (on a slider) with a rack on top.

Options add up. We had 3 options - electric brakes, roof rack, and door windows.

AMZN has a flame king w/ case 5lb tank for $115, less than the Overlander-endorsed Igniks. Like they say, $20 is $20.

I'll check the flame king out, THANK YOU

Edit, they had a 10%... dropped it to $103... not sure about Ship/tax.. haven't made it there yet.

 

[SargeDiesel]

2018 Oregon Trailer Do Drop upgraded to an Alpha with Timbren suspension. 8x4. It’s snug but wife and I fit fine. There’s no galley on it so our galley is in a CLAM screen shelter. Works for us and it will go anywhere the Jeep can go. I got slightly used in 2019.

Super cool !

 

[SargeDiesel]

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.

How do you like the Blackstone ? I was looking at the small combo unit. It has a 14" griddle and one regular burner. Its around $140.

 

[Woodturner]

I just bought an inTech Flyer Pursue Wednesday and so far, loving it. I’m retired military also but seldom roughed it during my Air Force career. I spent a good amount of time though in tent cities so I’m not totally foreign to roughing it.
im working on establishing a hot shower, water storage and toilet for the wife. I also have a RTT that I’ll move from the Gladiator to the camper soon.
The wife and I are leaving late July for a month to Glacier, Yellowstone and perhaps a couple of BDR’s…so looking forward to the getaway!

 

[SargeDiesel]

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.

Wow.... you got it down ! I'll take all the advice I can get. Really need to know what are the:
1. Mandatorys
2. Essentials
3. Nice to haves

I'm sure the first couple trips will be a steep learning curve.

 

[SargeDiesel]

For any DIY builders... I know it varies by state, but what did you have to do to get it registered ?

My state doesn't require a title, but they do make you apply for a VIN , then the state sends a plate that has to be attached to the frame. Then you can register it to receive a tag.
I'm not 100% clear, but there might be an inspection somewhere in the process

 

[Deadpool392]

How do you like the Blackstone ? I was looking at the small combo unit. It has a 14" griddle and one regular burner. Its around $140.

it is nice and works well, but it also heavy for what it is. It didn’t come with a stand/ legs so I bought them separate, I didn’t want to warp anything using it on the counter in the kitchen area. It also would block the storage cupboards if I cooked on the counter top.

 

[SargeDiesel]

it is nice and works well, but it also heavy for what it is. It didn’t come with a stand/ legs so I bought them separate, I didn’t want to warp anything using it on the counter in the kitchen area. It also would block the storage cupboards if I cooked on the counter top.

This one is supposed to have leveling "feet". I thought about getting a large cutting board to use it on. I could also use it double duty for several other things. I'm still figuring out the whole "space" thing. Once I actually get my hands on the camper, I can get the proper measurements and it will be easier to visualize the use of space and placement of the accessories.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Where did you find that? I looked on their site and it says sold out

there are several models to choose from. I'm not happy to shop at walmart, but other retailers might have it as well.
https://www.walmart.com/search?q=blackstone

 

[RubiNewbCB]

Thats one of my biggest issues right now. It doesn't have an a/c but it does have plenty of vents and could handle a window unit in the rear galley. I don't want to cut the sides or front... so I haven't looked hard at window units. I have looked at portable inside units, but they need drainage and take up a lot of scarce realestate .... not much room to begin with.

I've seen some outside contained dual heat-A/C units, but need to research more.

https://us.ecoflow.com/products/wav...h6PmtoTscNPZoBQdr5LVz7dikO_AVGlxoC4hIQAvD_BwE

 

[peteinaustin]

Ive never really needed heat inside a hardside tiny trailer other than a low voltage electric blanket under the bedding. Even then We've had to keep it turned way down. For AC we use a Zero Breeze portable unit that packs pretty well inside a Home Depot crate. I cut holes in the back of the crate for the tubing and just leave it in its crate. Made a plywood insert for the window using a dryer vent. I've seen others do the same with foam in the galley.

 

[KevinC]

If you are looking for something that you intend to take off-road with you, stop looking a the R-pods, Scamps, Cassitas and A-Frames. As nice as they are and well built, any rough terrain driving will result in screws and bolts coming loose and the camper will eventually start to fall apart.

The teardrop crowd sacrifice's being able to stand up inside but gains the fact they are built for rugged roads more so than regular campers. Even though something like a Winnebago Hike comes with an off road package, its just a taller wheel clearance and tires, the camper is still built the same.

Retired Army. I tent camp more than I want to admit. I retired and bought a tent I could stand up in. After a season I realized it was time to get comfortable when out in the woods. Having a camper with a bed, a A/C that will keep the inside at 73 degrees during the Florida summer and somewhere I can sit and eat a meal away from the insects all the while being able to walk around, I decided on a small Aliner. It is NOT designed for off road trails.

 

[dos0711]

I’m with KevinC and agree with his points.
Jayco 166fbs

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