SoCal Tear Drop Owners! Post up!

[MikeH]

I second the fridge. Best purchase we made. There is a learning curve. Remember it's not ice. Don't pack the fridge with drinks. Stock it with a few and replace them as you use them.

I'm not big on having all my solar mounted. Reason being I like the trailer in the shade so it stays cooler, more comfortable and the fridge has to run less. If you solar is mounted on the trailer it won't be in the sun. Use quick disconnect plug wired to the battery and the panels. And yes my batteries are in the front also.

We use our inverter for charging laptops and camera batteries. That's about it. Never used shore power. Hopefully I'm never that close to a plug.

Good luck you'll love the trailer.

 

[Semi-Hex]

Thank you for the info. There are so many things on the decision list that we need to make up our minds on. I have a really nice solar power setup on my currant trailer that has a remote control to run exterior lights and other things. This way, if you come back to the trailer in the dark, I have the fob and I can turn the lights on from 50 meters away. I want the same with this trailer. I was going to get the rack and make a quick connect mount for my panel, so it can charge while we're driving with my controller next to the battery.

Mike, We just have iPads and iPhones which just need 12v DC. I'll think on the fridge.

 

[Yulli]

I have my battery in the front box. I hook up to shore power when needed or to a generator if needed. I have a portable solar panel I set up as well during the day. I prefer the portable solar kit so I can just fold it up and store it.

I have an ARB fridge mounted in the galley. I take it out sometimes for other uses but a fridge beats having a regular cooler.

 

[mizeide]

For those with the Propex heater installed, where do your vents enter the cabin? I'm going to be installing one soon, not sure if putting them near the feet (but below the shelf) would allow them to get blocked by bedding.

Here is how So-Cal and we run ours in custom ducting. Hope this helps!

 

[Semi-Hex]

So, if you all like refrigerators, do you have a large set of wires going from your battery to a fuse block in your galley, branching off to your various appliances?

Re: Solar panel. Since we tend to drive from day to day we charge our system on the road. We also can go about seven days without using the panel if need be. With the refer, that will all change drastically.

 

[bodynmotion]

Hello. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Socal 510 with Canyon Country. Does anyone have a RTT on top of thier Socal? If so, any mounting problems or suggestions? Lookinh at one of the bigger CVT or Tepui tents. Would like my rig to be able to accomodate 2 adults on the bottom and 2 to 3 on top, not sure if this will even be realistic.

My build list includes:
Socal 510
Method 18 wheels to match the truck
Toyo 295 70 18
Water tank
water heater
Propane heater
Galley to include fridge and stove
external sink
possible water heater
internal underbed storage
full power package
Socal or Hannibal awning

The only problem you might have is if you want to do the Fantastic fan (recommended, we had the little 6" fan to start) it will not be able to open fully due to mounting height unless the RTT is mounted higher (mounted higher is bad for being top heavy). We put our RTT on our jeep instead.

 

[MikeH]

So, if you all like refrigerators, do you have a large set of wires going from your battery to a fuse block in your galley, branching off to your various appliances?

Re: Solar panel. Since we tend to drive from day to day we charge our system on the road. We also can go about seven days without using the panel if need be. With the refer, that will all change drastically.

The fridge doesn't draw that many amps. If you're traveling during the day and camping at night, as long as your 12V feed is working, you probably won't need to hook up the solar. If I'm only camping for a day or two, I don't use the solar. I usually have the radio, lights and water pump using power in addition to the fridge.

 

[Semi-Hex]

The fridge doesn't draw that many amps. If you're traveling during the day and camping at night, as long as your 12V feed is working, you probably won't need to hook up the solar. If I'm only camping for a day or two, I don't use the solar. I usually have the radio, lights and water pump using power in addition to the fridge.

Mike from Wanderlust Overland said almost the same thing about the draw. I have a 4Runner which are notorious for having weak charging systems. I have a dual battery setup in my rig and I will put solar on the trailer and not use the 12v line from the rig. It's worked for me pretty well for four years, so it should work on the trailer.

Since my trailer won't be ready for the Overland Expo West, I might look at the refers while there. All of the big vendors are there and the they are all on sale if you buy there.

So far I am getting:
XS-510
Extended tongue
Pneumatic wheel jack
Expanded metal cage
Front storage box
Rear bump rails
Fan with thermostat
Interior lights
Porch and ground lights
I'm not at all sure about wood work options
I'm not sure about LP
Under mattress storage
30 gallon water tank but I might change the pump
Rhino rack or just the brackets. I have to be able to mount things up there
I want an awning but am not sure which
Tear totes

So far, we are really happy with the conversations we've had with Michael.

 

[Semi-Hex]

So, I was looking at some of the lesser known options and found this one. I like it quite a bit since all of our stuff wouldn't be flying all over the place while we were driving.
What has been your experience with the standard shelving? I also saw that nice mod for your books and maps.

edit, I have no idea why this pic is showing up twice.

 

[Yulli]

I have the bottom closing doors in my teardrop. The other shelves are just left open. I just use it to store stuff once I'm set up for camp and clear it off when I'm back on the road.

 

[MtnToSea]

Just spent the last 4 days exploring the Mojave. The trailer worked great and sure makes camping easier and much more enjoyable. The dark picture was under the super moon.

 

[Semi-Hex]

That is a nice looking setup you have. We spend a bunch of time in Mojave and the place just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Is there anything you would change to you setup if you had to do it again?

 

[MtnToSea]

That is a nice looking setup you have. We spend a bunch of time in Mojave and the place just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Is there anything you would change to you setup if you had to do it again?

So far I'm really happy with everything. We have it fairly well equipped, so as of now, I wouldn't have done anything different. A couple of the things I really like are the ARB frig and the on demand water heater, worth every penny.

 

[Semi-Hex]

If/when I get a fridge I'm leaning towards the snomaster brand. I like that I can adjust both temps. I've also been going back and forth between the expanded metal storage or a solid watertight box behind the battery box. Have you anymore pics of your rig?

 

[DELAV]

After months of research, planning and anticipation, we just picked up our new trailer from the fine folks (Michael Zeiders) at Wanderlust Overland in Beavercreek, OR. Thanks to the owners here for the help and tips!

We went with a custom 509 trailer with off-road frame upgrade, cargo basket, 31" tires, and a few normal upgrades (fridge slide, lighting, cabinet doors, double-sealed doors, brakes). Balancing size, weight, cost and capability were important to us, and I think we ended up with a keeper!

We don't think it could have turned out any better, and can't say enough good things about Michael - his attention to detail and craftsmanship are top-notch, and we're thankful to have had him as our builder. Can't wait to get it fully outfitted and begin roaming the PNW in our new camper.

More pictures to come as goodies are added and the weather clears.