Research/ Experience &Concern about Trailer Manufacturer Response

[waveone]

I would consider the Teton X hybrid in a heartbeat if it was an aluminum framed box structure. I just dont know how well a wood framed trailer would hold up the the extreme humidity and salty environment for as many nights as I would be using it for.

Have you researched the TetonX in terms of build material? If it is wood frame that's a deal breaker because of limited shelf life. The Chasis is powder coated steel and it is touted light- weight so it is assumed that construction is some form of aluminum or steel. Yet assuming doesn't cut it. I do not see on the website where body construction material is stated.

EDIT: I read an review article that stated it was built out of tube steel but that is stated no where on the website

 

[GkraneTX]

Have you researched the TetonX in terms of build material? If it is wood frame that's a deal breaker because of limited shelf life. The Chasis is powder coated steel and it is touted light- weight so it is assumed that construction is some form of aluminum or steel. Yet assuming doesn't cut it. I do not see on the website where body construction material is stated.

EDIT: I read an review article that stated it was built out of tube steel but that is stated no where on the website

I have an inquiry out to them on the Hybrid but have not heard back. Their other trailer models have wooden frames. One thing you will notice with these trailer builders is that they always like to mention the powder coated steel chassis or "frame" but they like to leave out that the main structure rigidity is a wooden skeleton just skinned with aluminum. I don't see any value at all in a wooden trailer of any type, and quite honestly I find it unacceptable for commercial trailers. The trailers manufacturers who have the skill to make an aluminum frame usually state it on their websites.

 

[GkraneTX]

From Teton X just now referring to the material used for the cabin frame:

We use an Italian poplar hardwood. Sheeted with laminate on the inside, and skinned in an .040 aluminum on the outside.

Maddening just maddening I tell ya! 10 month wait time, 50% due 30 days before build start date and remainder on pickup.

 

[waveone]

I have an inquiry out to them on the Hybrid but have not heard back. Their other trailer models have wooden frames. One thing you will notice with these trailer builders is that they always like to mention the powder coated steel chassis or "frame" but they like to leave out that the main structure rigidity is a wooden skeleton just skinned with aluminum. I don't see any value at all in a wooden trailer of any type, and quite honestly I find it unacceptable for commercial trailers. The trailers manufacturers who have the skill to make an aluminum frame usually state it on their websites.

It is safe to assume then that you have verified the other models? If those are wood frame then it stands to reason that the Hybrid is also. That combined with what appears to be a year long wait and a 50% deposit eliminates what I considered to be a great design and reasonably priced camper - if all true.

Two points on construction though:

1. Wood is stronger than aluminum predominantly. If it is pressure treated along with solid exterior construction, and insulated properly, I would have little problem with it.
2. Aluminum must be welded properly- tig welded to be exact. It must also be riveted properly. Otherwise welds can fail and rivets can become loose.

Being a Builder, my perspective is a bit broader than most. Yet I've never seen or heard of trailer construction utilizing pressure treated wood framing. Most likely because of increased weight

EDIT: One caviat on wood vs aluminum strengths generally speaking . It depends on wall thickness of aluminum and climatic conditions too. Continual expansion and contraction due to heat conductivity in aluminum can affect it's strength and rigidity.

 

[waveone]

From Teton X just now referring to the material used for the cabin frame:

We use an Italian poplar hardwood. Sheeted with laminate on the inside, and skinned in an .040 aluminum on the outside.

Maddening just maddening I tell ya! 10 month wait time, 50% due 30 days before build start date and remainder on pickup.

That is disheartening, very disheartening. They get crossed off the list then.
If- poplar were to be utilized at all it my preference is always domestic. Italian poplar is lightweight and not certain it has the properties of domestic poplar. In either condition, poplar is not a structural wood. To be fair it is also being reinforced via the aluminum and laminated plywood on interior.

Personally speaking, threads such as this should become prevalent wherein each manufacturer is scrutinized at every level to raise the bar and cull the herd of entities just in it for love or profit, if their product and practice is substandard.

Try these guys:

https://coloradoteardropcamper.com/

 

[GkraneTX]

That is disheartening, very disheartening. They get crossed off the list then.
If- poplar were to be utilized at all it my preference is always domestic. Italian poplar is lightweight and not certain it has the properties of domestic poplar. In either condition, poplar is not a structural wood. To be fair it is also being reinforced via the aluminum and laminated plywood on interior.

Personally speaking threads such as this should become prevalent wherein each manufacturer is scrutinized at every level to raise the bar and cull the herd of entities just in it for love or profit if their product and practice is substandard.

Try these guys:

https://coloradoteardropcamper.com/

I have had some long conversations with Dean from Colorado Teardrops. Great trailer but doesnt have any A/C option other than the climate right.

 

[waveone]

I have had some long conversations with Dean from Colorado Teardrops. Great trailer but doesnt have any A/C option other than the climate right.

Wow the beat down continues. Have you asked him about this even on his custom option?

 

[GkraneTX]

Wow the beat down continues. Have you asked him about this even on his custom option?

Yes, they just do the ports for the climate right. At least thats all they did 6 months ago.

 

[waveone]

Things change, so you never know. In any event, after this latest set of zingers I'm about to start sounding as cynical as John61ct. Teardrops are quirky in many regards- no offense to teardrop aficianados,
The TetonX Hybrid started to make me change my opinion. That is until you dropped the sterling bit of news about their build materials.

Coloradoteardrops are or appear to be well constructed but the A/C unit is quite a necessity in our hotter climes. I'm from Texas too btw.

The only trailer camper now that checks most of the boxes for me is the Conqueror series , and only their 440 or specifically the 490 Extreme. Unfortunately there is a $50k price tag that goes with it.
It appears that I should wait a while before purchasing anything to see what the next year brings in terms of changes and innovation.

On another note however, it would be good practice for folks to raise the accountability level on all manufacturers ranging from communication, build quality , functionality and service though and after the sale. This would go along way to mitigate nightmares such as what I've read about certain manufacturers like Moby1.

 

[john61ct]

wherein each manufacturer is scrutinized at every level to raise the bar and cull the herd of entities just in it for love or profit, if their product and practice is substandard.

What you seek is an extraordinarily level much higher than the shoddy quality that is standard.

 

[waveone]

What you seek is an extraordinarily level much higher than the shoddy quality that is standard.

Not necessarily. Many of the trailer builds I've reviewed have considerable value and innovation. They just happen to be of teardrop variety which does not suit me. Other than that, with the Conqueror being the exception- for my requirements, I would have to agree with you. Australia and SA notwithstanding of course. Those manufacturers do not see the necessity or value to come here in the US either. Pity.

 

[changed4ever]

We have used the climate right on a couple of our demo trailers and a few customer's trailers. They have been pretty good overall and have been nice for supplying AC and heat. The big item is to isolate the unit from vibration as they are not designed to take much abuse.

We had one on a demo toyhauler trailer die in the middle of a big trip. They sent a new one to us when we returned, but it sucked during the trip. Keep in mind they may not warranty the unit out if the install is not to their liking to isolate vibration


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[GkraneTX]

We have used the climate right on a couple of our demo trailers and a few customer's trailers. They have been pretty good overall and have been nice for supplying AC and heat. The big item is to isolate the unit from vibration as they are not designed to take much abuse.

We had one on a demo toyhauler trailer die in the middle of a big trip. They sent a new one to us when we returned, but it sucked during the trip. Keep in mind they may not warranty the unit out if the install is not to their liking to isolate vibration


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I have heard way too many bad stories and read too many bad reviews on them to even consider using one. I learned a very long time ago that buying substandard anything just ends up costing more money in the long run. I really don't know why a lot of these builders make that junk their only option. My guess would be because the only design plan they need to do is cut 2 4" holes in the trailer and voila they offer an A/C option. It just doesn't serve the customers in the south or southwest very well at all. Would love to see something like a dometic cool cat offered in some of these aluminum trailers.

 

[changed4ever]

I have heard way too many bad stories and read too many bad reviews on them to even consider using one. I learned a very long time ago that buying substandard anything just ends up costing more money in the long run. I really don't know why a lot of these builders make that junk their only option. My guess would be because the only design plan they need to do is cut 2 4" holes in the trailer and voila they offer an A/C option. It just doesn't serve the customers in the south or southwest very well at all. Would love to see something like a dometic cool cat offered in some of these aluminum trailers.

I hear you. Currently researching myself


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[john61ct]

Topic is full height, off-road capable.

Personally I would only be concerned about wheels, axle / suspension, hitch / A-frame or 5th-wheel, chassis framing, box framing the skin and entry door(s).

Just getting those right at reasonable pricing in the USA would be fantastic, even call it a miracle.

All the rest can be easily built out for the individual customer, after-market even at home, DIY or with basic easily recruited tradesmen.

Stuff like aircon is trivial, icing on the cake not even worth mentioning in the same thread as what I feel the fundamentals of this topic should be about.

So, a challenge, just the elements I mention above, done right - what do you think is a fair price? I'm thinking 25K, maybe 30K in aluminum.