Hi Everyone!

Because the space in my vehicle is small & limited,... I'm considering purchasing an off-road teardrop trailer, specifically - The one made by Adventure Trailers.

Intitially, I was considering one of their trailers - either the Horizon or Chaser,... but the more I've thought about it,... the more I'm liking the Teardrop.

I'm single & have no kids, so I'm anticipating most of my travel will be by myself (excluding travelling w/ a larger group). As noted above, my vehicle isn't very large, so space is limited. I'm interested in doing mild off-road travel, as well as, longer hwy trips. Finally, for a variety of reasons - I'm not that interested in a RRT.

The quick & easy setup of the Teardrop, compared with a trailer/tent combo is a big plus. Combine that will an enclosed/warm/waterproof sleeping area,... & it looks even better to me.

However, the TD does have some drawbacks, including; it's not as rugged as the trailers (aluminum skinned wood vs steel construction) & becuase it is wood construction, crossing deeper water with it,... is not advisable. So, the TD is more susceptile to exterior damage, & it's ability to cross water is limited.

I've spent some time browsing the site, including the photo section. I've only seen a few off-road trailers, & one teardrop trailer. Based on the types of regular trips done by the NWOS, how many would an off-road teardrop be able to handle with ease? I understand that on some of the more difficult trails, it probably would be more difficult. But based on the number of annual trips - How many could I expect to tow a Teardrop on,... wo/ too many worries & problems?

Finally, for those interested - I would've included a link to more info/specs on the AT TD,... but as a newbie - I don't know how (yet)

Cheers & Happy Thanksgiving!

~CLK

Yeow, I just checked the prices on those things. For that you can get another vehicle that would give you the room.

I would second what Nate has said. Check out a very serviceable x-military trailer. They come up on ebay often and you are relatively close to a military base that has auctions often. Stick with nothing bigger than the 1/4 ton M416 type (the trailer is 500 lbs but it will haul much more). Easy to modify and it can be unhitched and rehitched on those dead end trails. Several of the members have them and I'm sure will be willing to give you help with choice and mods.

I got mine several years ago for $700 from a private party.

Check this out if you want to build for less, it's a good sort of where to start plan if you can do the   work...http://www.asolidfoundation.com/

also here...http://www.webring.org/t/Teardrop-Trailers-WebRing?sid=64

Happy trails

Chris,

If you have seen pictures of a teardrop on thie forum, it is probably Mark's.  He built it himself and would be happy to discuss teardrops with you.  He might even be interested in building you a trailer.

Check out his website for more information: www.overlandtrailer.com and when I mean more information, I should actually say a lot of information.

If you don't get a hold of him on this forum, just contact him through his website.

Nathan

Chris,

I love off road camping with my teardrop trailer. I would be happy to help you find any info you'd like or to build one to your specs too. It is a convenient comfortable way to camp. It isn't anything to take on the Rubicon but still I can go most places without much trouble.

Here's an example video of a teardrop in action. We were at about 9,000 feet -if I remember correctly. On slate rock and pretty steep. The trailer did fine. Nathan Henson and Carl Greene were along for the journey as well.

http://www.overlandtrailer.com/2010/06/06/the-lolo-red-carpet/

Cheers,

Mark

 Chris,

Here are a few more places to look.  Some of my favs:

http://www.outbackteardrop.com/ - Probably the original website for off-road build.  WAY over built.

http://td.roughwheelers.com/ - Dave and Louise's 4X4 teardrop (pictured below).  They have tons of photos on their site and a pretty good design.  Still overbuilt by way too much but quite functional.

Grant - Thanks for the reply & feedback - I appreciate it!

In regards to the AT (Advanture Trailer) Teardrop, dust (so far) hasn't been a problem. Someone took one down to Baja for an extended & extremely dusty trip, with no dust getting into the interior of the trailer. As far as ground clearance, it has 24". Finally, I agree about the manueverability issue, plus the idea of having to be 'trailering something', & all the additional concerns that go along with that.

As noted above, the main reason I'm considering a trailer is because the size of my vehicle (an FJ40) & it's size limitations. I've also considered putting a Maggiolina on the roof, but would rather not. Finally, having a trailer does eliminate much of the packing & unpacking for a trip. Simply keep the trailer packed & ready to go,... hitch up & roll!

Thanks again!

~CLK

Hey nate - Thanks for the reply!

Re: the potential PITA's - No argument here.

I ordered this vehicle (TLC ICON FJ40),... then started getting more excited/interested in Overlanding. I really like the vehicle & am going to have/own it,... that said, I realize it's not the best platform for extended Overlanding trips. So, I'm looking for ways to make it work better.

Re: getting an Army trailer first - Because of where I live, I don't have alot of room to work on &/or store projects (no 3 car garage). I have a single enclosed garage (for my daily river) & an outside space, barely capable of fitting my ICON & a trailer. So, I don't/wouldn't have the space to store/keep a military tralier, should I decide not to use it.

Re: A RTT - I have considered putting a small Maggiolina Air Top on my ICON. My roof dimensions are 69" front-to-back &  59" side-to-side. The small Maggiolina is 51"x83",... So, I'd have about a 13" overhang. It could be done. However, it would create wind noise & change the weight distribution of the vehicle, & therefore, the handling dynamics. Aesthetically, it would change the lines of the vehicle. Also, it would be something that I'd have to leave on (see storage above,... plus I'm single & taking it on/off would be a hassle). Finally, my family (brother & his family, plus my parents) do occasional RV trips. For me, a Teardrop would work better (vs a military trailer, or RTT) for doing these types of trips with the family.

Thanks again for your take!

~CLK

If I get the "Overlanding Bug",... I just might have to get another vehicle!

Thanks for the info Morris!

~CLK

ps - Love your rig!

Hey Todd!

All fair & good points,... & I appreciate the "cool attitude",.. which this group tends seems to extend!

Since my vehicle won't be completed for about 6 months,... I have some time to try & figure out, "my setup". Other than purchasing my vehcile, I haven't made any other choices/descions yet. However, facts are facts, & for extended trips & Overlanding, the size of my vehicle, necessitates that I "add", at least sleeping space (if I don't want to sleep on the ground,.. which,... I don't think I do). That leads me to consider; RTTs &/or trailers. As noted above, a RTT (by necessity & laziness) would become a permenate fixture on the vehicle , which I'm not crazy about. Hence my leaning towards a trailer, which presents it's own issues & limitations. And finally, in the realm of off-road trailers, there's the option of the more traditional Trailer (an AT Horizon Trailer w/ RTT) or a Teardrop. And each have their own trade-offs - Most simply,... the Teardrop is more comfortable & convenient,... but the traditional trailer is more rugged (less suceptible to body damage) & probably has more range.

I'm just doing my "due diligence" on the different options, but personally have very little "real world" experience, hence my request for feedback, from the members here. And I appeciate all the replies, pros/cons & opinions from everyone!

Thanks again to Everyone!

~CLK

Yep - That was the one!

And at the time - After seeing it here,.. I did some more digging & found his website.

Thanks!

~CLK

Hey Mark!

Appreciate the info & offer!

I've come across you & your build while doing research. Seen the movie clips & read the blogs. I believe it was you that I followed over to the "Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers" site (I joined & posted a few questions!)

You obviously have alot of experience & info, which I'd like to tap - So thanks for offering your help!

As far as "production builds", I've mainly looked at the AT Teardrop. There are also alot of "custom builds" out there, as you know. I've gathered - You are one of the best!

I'm still reading, gather info & learning. I sincerly do appreciate your offer to help,... & will be taking you up on it! So, initially - What are your thoughts on/about the AT Teardrop? Things you like/dislike?

Thanks again Mark for replying to my thread!

~CLK

For solo trips consider a lightweight and easy to store Oasis RTT. Your FJ is huge compared to a backpack, so consider packing backpacker style for food/clothes/cookware, add in a dual sport kermit chair, recovery gear, and tools. After several years of a vehicle that was FULLY equipped with all the Overland gadgets I took several trips last year using this simpler method.  I was in a Jeep with my son and packing this way worked great for us. The simplicity of it meant we spent a lot less time fussing with gear and a lot more time enjoying our experience.

Thanks Craig! That may be a could solution, for short technical trips - which I wouldn't want to tow a trailer on.

I did a quick search, but couldn't find their (Oasis Tents) website, or where they're availble for sale. Any ideas?

Thanks again!

~CLK

Contact Marc Bowers on this website. He used to distribute them here in the US and may still know if/where you can get one. Otherwise you have to have one shipped in from France.
 

Edit:  search google with the term "Oasis Tent".  The first link looks promising.  http://www.everythingsuv.com/oasis_tents_main-esuv.asp 

Definitely not as sexy as the traditional tents, but they are small/lightweight but still off the ground.  I do want to point out that despite the similar appearance these are WAY better built than a tent cot.  Quite durable.

I'm going to put mine inside basket style roofrack and get a cover made that's black instead of cream.

Craig

Thanks Craig.

I found one (Oasis II tent) new, & locally.

Whether I get a TD or not, it will be nice to have a lightweight RRT,.. as an alternative, that I can take on more difficult trails (where I wouldn't want to tow),... or on short overnight trips.

I've read your positive comments about this tent, & that helped persuaded me to find one & buy it - So Thanks!

~CLK