Questions... Off Road Teardrop or Off Road Tent Top???

[Septu]

Well I've been lurking for a while now (and admiring/ogling many of the off road tear drop builds - and evening drawing a few of my own). But it still comes down to size/weight, and whether I want that behind me on the trail. I don't do a lot of hardcore wheeling, and don't play in the rocks at all. But I do not want to spend 7-25k on something only to have to leave it at the campsite and sleep in the jeep (or ground tent) while on the trail in the hills. Although, (being honest) I likely don't wheel enough where this would be a massive issue (but still... to spend the money and not be able to use it would drive me nutz). Most of the wheeling I do is trails with trees/branches.

After wasting a few days of my bosses time and some late nights looking at all the TearDrops builds, the SoCal Krawler seems to be the closest to what I'd want (or rather that I can buy - vs having a custom build). However then I remembered the Maggiolina tents. This would be the only tent I'd consider - due to virtually no setup/take down time. And this got me thinking... One could get a properly outfitted trailer and put one of these on it. That with a bit of custom work to fab a setup that would allow one to quickly get a tarp/awning above the tent, one could almost be completely out of the elements (I'm thinking mainly rain - as we seem to get a lot up here and in BC where I primarily travel). The weight would be less, and it would be all together smaller. I've seen a couple of these trailers on the trails and they were not an issue at all. Yes I'd lose the ability to just park and crawl into it... but with a 4 door jeep I could likely live with that.

The tow vehicle will be a 2012 Jeep JKU. I'm basically looking for thoughts/advice from those that have used these. And if you could offer some insight that I'm missing... This is just for me, and perhaps a companion.

Pros (Teardrop vs Trailer w/ Maggiolina Tent):
-Virtually no setup
-Can stealth sleep (no outward change in appearance - this is appealing, but not critical)
-More protection/space out of the elements
-More storage (not really an issue, as I don't haul that much crap...)
-No ladder (could be a pain over time, or when drunk)

Cons:
-Size (will be slightly larger than RTT)
-Weight (will be heavier)
-Price (likely 30% more - I would buy not build it)
-Durability (or rather susceptibility to occasional trail damage, due to size, etc)
-Might have to remove gear to use bed

 

[skersfan]

One question, who will be using the tent/trailer? How many years young are you?

Your off roading desires should be handled by any of the tear drop manufacturers. They are not that much heavier than a standard military type, when both are set up for serious camping in the woods. My box trailers fully loaded were close to 1400 pounds with RTT, 25 gallons of fuel, 25 gallons of water, two solar batteries, spare tire, fridge and assorted camping equipment. My tear drop( I hate that look) weighs in at just over 2000 pounds with 28 gallons of water, 8 gallons of fuel, 8 gallons of propane. Creature comforts are what my wife required, so there for everything but an indoor potty and shower were provided. Mine have considerably more standard features than the normal camper would need, but the princess needed them. lol. The key was the Restava 8 inch memory foam mattress, she loves that. The warmth, the security and the quietness of it all have made her a very happy camper.

Our reasons from changing from a box type trailer/RTT was that she absolutely hated the ladder, the small kitchen, the tent and the barely suitable mattress in the tent. Felt it was the ugliest thing on earth and it cost too much. Saw no value in it what so ever, basically refused to go on any trips more than two days long.

I built her some thing that she actually goes every time I ask her, with trips planned for cruise Moab, Kokopelli run, Overalnd Expo in Flag, FJ Summit in Ouray, all camping, and in excess of 4 days each. That made my life easier, and happier.

Those are the pros and cons on my family choices.

We are both in our mid 60's so comfort is important.

But most of the tear drops will go pretty much anywhere the to vehicle will pull them, mine was designed for serious off road trails, with rock crawling capabilities, but still a base camp model. We camp at 10K normally well off the beaten path, on roads that are rarely driven, if the truck can get there, normally the trailer will.

 

[kai38]

I have a M416 that I've used with a RTT for over 10 yrs, I bought a teardrop for an Alaska trip.
After testing it out on a Sedona AZ trip I sold it and went back to the M416 set up.
The reason was with the tear drop trailer I had to unload all the gear to set up the sleeping area. The way the M416 is set up all the gear stores under the tent and can stay inside when I get to camp and depending on which tent I'm using on the trailer its a very fast set up.

 

[Septu]

I turn 30 this summer. It will primarily be my self, and perhaps a GF/future wife.

I can see the ladder part being a pita at times (perhaps when drunk), but that's not a big issue - I don't think.

I have little doubt any of the off road trailers would work. But the larger the trailer is (height/width/length) the trailer is the easier trees/branches could cause wear and tear or worse damage.

Yes the weight difference might not be that much, but 600 lbs is still 600 lbs that I have to pull down the highway and up the hills before I get to the trail head (wherever that may be). As I said... I want to try and get this right the first time around... I don't want to spend a small fortune, only to not get the use I'm hoping to get, or having to replace it down the road for something else.

On a side note, Skersfan, your Pod build is amazing.

 

[skersfan]

I understand your concerns, mine worked just the opposite.

Your the age that every thing is and adventure, I envy you. Getting old really sucks.

As to the post regarding unloading everything, I do not have that problem. Everything fits in or around the trailer, the sleeping compartment is normally clear and will have areas for clothing storage soon. I use the FJ for storage of things. We basically open the door and crawl in. Warm, no wind blowing us around nor rain getting in. We did the Surf and Turf this year. It was 37 degrees, right on the ocean, raining like crazy and sleet with 40-50 mile and hour winds. Almost all nearly froze or were soaked on Saturday nite. Dry and warm the whole nite, had no idea the wind was blowing as hard as it was until morning. Devastation everywhere. There are plus and minus on everything.

I used my trailer this weekend on a off road trail, was able to go everywhere with it. Had to winch once, but I was 13th in line over an obstacle and it was destroyed, most likely could have made it, but did not want to hold people up, a picture was posted in my build thread. Mine would be a problem on the Rubicon, but could do John Bull and that level I am sure. Not the hardest, but far above what most would do.

Wish you luck on what ever you decide.

Thank you for the kind words on my build.

 

[JPK]

I am awaiting delivery of my offroad teardrop. The reasons I went with a teardrop were pretty well covered by skersfan in his first post. We're not so old as skersfan and his wife, but the ease of use and comfort are important. An ~8' Hannibal awning with three side enclosure is mounted on the teardrop roof rack to provide privacy for changing or for the portable head. I'll mount a roughly 1'x1'x6' box on the rack for camp chairs and roll up tables.

The kitchen and a refrigerator are in the rear, ready to go at a moment's notice, a feature I look forward to.

Also, my teardrop has A/C and heat built in and ready to go when needed (the A/C requires a 1kw generator.) Heat for a RTT is an issue that can be reasonable easily addressed, but A/C is a tougher issue.

For our two kids I put a Hannibal RTT on the rack with the "Jumbo Touring" package which provides a fully enclosed changing room, with floor, for the kids and for additional space for their friends. If I didn't need to accomodate four I would use the rack to store any additional gear, carry a conoe, etc...

Clearly, I had a base camp in mind when the kids and wife are along, but for when I'm alone the features I look forward to are the zero set up time and breakdown time for both sleeping and eating.

For solo or short trips where I'm moving a lot, I also want to mount a Columbus Variant Magioline on my Jeep, like the one shown on kai38's FJ,or maybe a less expensive RTT. I currently use a ground tent, and I'm looking to cut set up and take down time. I have a small fridge in my Jeep which is sufficient for a short trip to keep the beer cold and a few grocery items as well. Around here, if I'm moving a lot re-supply isn't an issue.

I thought about a military style trailer, like an AT Chaser or Sierra with a large enough RTT/changing room set up for when my family is along, but to me it's not enough advantage over the teardrop as far as mobility to make up for the disadvantages of not having a set up kitchen or ready to climb into bed. A Magiolina or Columbus Variant in lieu of a canvas RTT would be an improvement on set up time though.

JPK

 

[skersfan]

One important thing to remember, far above anything you want or need.

A happy wife/girlfriend (warm and dry + a hot curling iron) make camping a million times better!!!! Trust me, young or old makes no difference, the hen wet and cold is not a good day for any of us.

 

[BroncoHauler]

...The reason was with the tear drop trailer I had to unload all the gear to set up the sleeping area. The way the M416 is set up all the gear stores under the tent and can stay inside when I get to camp and depending on which tent I'm using on the trailer its a very fast set up.

That's an interesting point that I hadn't considered. I've been leaning towards a tear drop, but the ability to store things out of the rain is something to consider.

Then again, if the XpoTRAIL Extreme OffRoad Camper were ever to be built, it would be the best of both worlds.


Herb

 

[matthewp]

Septu, do you have the ability to build your own trailer? I currently have a trailer with a ground tent. It has gone through several stages of modification due to adaptation to our (my wife and I) needs. The next step is a teardrop. I will tear the off-road trailer apart and rebuild it as a chassis for my teardrop style trailer with the specifications I want... including storage space under my mattress.

If build your own is not an option, see if you can find a manufacturer that can make the design adjustments you need, either way you go.

 

[Septu]

Septu, do you have the ability to build your own trailer?

If build your own is not an option, see if you can find a manufacturer that can make the design adjustments you need, either way you go.

Sometimes I wish I did, unfortunately I don't. I have a limited ability with wood (will be putting on a new roof and building a carport this summer), and no experience with metals. Additionally I have no shop or garage for a project like this. There's people who I know who could help, however I wouldn't go to them for a complete build. I don't mind paying for quality, as long as it'll do what I want/need it to do.

I have no issues asking for a couple of things to get customized, and would almost certainly do this to make it work for what I want/need.

 

[STREGA]

In the last 4 years I've had a homebuilt teardrop, then a used AT Horizon and went back to a teardrop.

Although the Horizon was a good solid offroad trailer, I just like the teardrop design better. I like the quick set up/pack up (fastest of anything I have used over the last 40 years). Making a quick lunch when on the road is easy, pull over, lift rear hatch, eat, go. Stealth camping is a snap. Both teardrops have towed great with about as small a hit on mpg's that you will find with trailers.

I don't carry to much in the cabin when traveling, but what I do have in it only takes a couple minute to remove so that is not in issue for me. The new td (So-Cal Krawler) has a rack on it so I will be carrying more stuff up there although that will hurt the mpg's some. Storage is a td biggest problem IMO, I also carry extra stuff in the FJ like Bob does. I feel that a td is a good choice for older couples/empty nesters.

I found the Horizon was more capable offroad than I really needed, the Krawler will go where I want without problems.

I also noticed that women are a lot more receptive to teardrops than Horizon trailers.

 

[skersfan]

septu, you have mail.

So far I have found that my tear drop will go anywhere my box trailer would go. Again, not on the Rubicon, only because it is too wide, but pretty much anything out there other than truly black diamond Plus.

 

[Septu]

Yeah received those. Looks good. Now just need the new JK, new roof and carport and then I can get the trailer. I hate waiting for things. I should just win the lotto... or find a rich GF to be my finance.

 

[skersfan]

Find a nurse, they always have a job, get paid well, and normally pretty good girls. Been married to one for 43 years, I used to make more money than her, but recent promotions are allowing me to slip into retirement (building trailers) while she makes the big bucks, I guess it is her turn.
Either way no rush, just wanted to get that to you.

 

[Papa]

One question, who will be using the tent/trailer? How many years young are you?

I built her some thing that she actually goes every time I ask her, with trips planned for cruise Moab, Kokopelli run, Overalnd Expo in Flag, FJ Summit in Ouray, all camping, and in excess of 4 days each. That made my life easier, and happier.

"Happy wife, happy life" ain't it the truth!