SoCal Tear Drop Owners! Post up!

[coastsider]

We are going to hit a few Nor Cal coastal spots over the Xmas break, Salt Point, Red Woods and a few others. Will be the first time using the heater. Hoping it doesn't rain, but we don't care so much. Also looking forward to the first outing of the fender clip on table I built.


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[MtnToSea]

A few months ago I put a down payment on a 510 that should be started in April. For those of you that have had your teardrop for a while now, I'm wondering what you would recommend as a must have and what you would you do without now that you have lived with your trailer for some time now. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Yulli]

I suggest the bigger fan(the Fan-tastic fan). That thing moves air like no other. I camped in 100+ weather this past summer and that fan really helped get it to cool down in the evening when the sun and heat went down.

 

[Chris Cordes]

THE BIGGER FAN like yulli said. The small one gets condensation out but thats it. Oh, and it sounds like a jet plane at night. My recommendation would be water system, heater, and heavier suspension option. I don't know if this needs saying but max coupler is a MUST. Electrical system you need a deep cycle battery, solar panels, and battery monitor. Also if you like space id recommend and ARB Awning and room. - Also yes thats a lot to purchase so let me break it down this way.

1. Fan first (has to be installed when built) - 2. Suspension and max coupler (immediate needs) 3. Battery 4. battery monitor 5. solar panel 6. Water 7. heater Awning is optional based on your needs.

 

[Yulli]

I still have the ball hitch on mine, though I haven't gone on any crazy terrain. That'll be upgraded later down the road when the time comes.

I have the better battery but I skipped on the monitor, but I could always wire one up later.

 

[Chris Cordes]

I find that the monitor is a key thing to have when you spend a lot of time in the back country. It gives you an instant view of your power consumption and when you need to start really being careful with what you're using. It prevents you from draining your battery on accident and gives you an idea of when to start troubleshooting if theres a drain or lack of charging. Obviously less of an issue the more you hit pavement

 

[MtnToSea]

Thanks for the recommendations. I think I'm getting everything you guys have recommended except a heater, I can't justify $2600. I use a Mr. Heater in my old pop up camper, so I figured I would get a small one for the tear drop to at least take the chill off. I will be ordering an awning, but I haven't decided on which one yet.

 

[Chris Cordes]

Be careful with those heaters and never run it while you're inside. you need to be aware that it's a confined space and those kind of gases can kill you.

Oh, and don't be discouraged by the OUTLANDISH list price of the better unit. I paid it and got totally screwed. The same heater RETAILS for 695 on most sites. http://www.westyventures.com/propex.html

If you can drill holes you can install this thing. I regret wasting so much money on install.

 

[BlackRubiX]

Thanks for the recommendations. I think I'm getting everything you guys have recommended except a heater, I can't justify $2600. I use a Mr. Heater in my old pop up camper, so I figured I would get a small one for the tear drop to at least take the chill off. I will be ordering an awning, but I haven't decided on which one yet.

I went with the Climite Right A/C and heater combo. It is an electric unit and works just like your central heat and air in your house. It has a wireless thermostat that you can use inside the cabin. It works great and much less than $2600 for the propane heater.

 

[MtnToSea]

Thanks for the info, it's good to know I can add the heater myself and save about $2000 if I find I need it. I like the Climate Right, but where I'll be using the trailer, there won't be power and I don't currently carry a generator. If that changes, the Climate Right looks like a great option. Thanks again everyone for the recommendations.

 

[Yulli]

My source of heat is more blankets. Haha

 

[mvbeggs]

Thanks for the info, it's good to know I can add the heater myself and save about $2000 if I find I need it. I like the Climate Right, but where I'll be using the trailer, there won't be power and I don't currently carry a generator. If that changes, the Climate Right looks like a great option. Thanks again everyone for the recommendations.

If you are thinking of adding a heater to the SoCal, you should take a look at one that has a heater installed. Mine is mounted behind the lower drawer, on the left side of the galley. The bottom portion of that drawer is made about 10" shorter on the bottom to allow room to mount the heater. The install is NOT as simple as drilling a couple new holes.

You might want to consider having the drawer fabricated to accommodate the heater. Then, the install may only require driving a couple screws and drilling a couple holes. Otherwise, you are going to have to cut apart and rebuild the bottom portion of the drawer or buy a new lower drawer. Just my $0.02.

 

[Chris Cordes]

If you are thinking of adding a heater to the SoCal, you should take a look at one that has a heater installed. Mine is mounted behind the lower drawer, on the left side of the galley. The bottom portion of that drawer is made about 10" shorter on the bottom to allow room to mount the heater. The install is NOT as simple as drilling a couple new holes.

You might want to consider having the drawer fabricated to accommodate the heater. Then, the install may only require driving a couple screws and drilling a couple holes. Otherwise, you are going to have to cut apart and rebuild the bottom portion of the drawer or buy a new lower drawer. Just my $0.02.

That totally depends on your model. You are right though, if you have a drawer it could pose a problem. i do not have the lower drawer and my electronics are run through the same space. Mine was screwed down, wired in, and three holes were drilled. done. You just need to make sure you know which options you have. Thanks for pointing this out mvbeggs

 

[Tombstone17]

AdvWife, Great films! Thank You, Did you notice at the 3:22 mark in your Calif. Trails, Rubi Creek there is a mtn bike in the trees on the passenger side of the road? Did someone crash or lock it or what?

 

[Counter Pull]

Beautiful. I am looking to buy a Krawler this spring but having never bought a trailer, RV or anything of the sort can someone tell me the protocol? Are the prices haggled over like cars?