Incredibly STRONG yet LIGHT! Carbon Fiber Teardrop Camper
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- Опубліковано 8 бер 2023
- This full-size teardrop camper is made from carbon fiber, so it's tough and light enough to take on difficult trails, but roomy enough for sleeping two comfortably. Rift Carbon Camper has two models of this trailer. The first model is aimed towards getting off the beaten path with it's higher clearance and beefier components. This small camper trailer weighs in at only 660 pounds despite all the add-ons. The second model is built to be extremely lightweight at 480lbs, but also multifunctional. With a removing galley kitchen wall this lightweight teardrop trailer quickly converts to a cargo trailer measuring 4 foot by 8 foot.
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My first home, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, living and dining room on a corner lot within easy walking distance of both the University and shopping was $22,000. My first (and so far only) teardrop was purchased in 2013 for $8,000. Look at how far we have come when we are talking about $40,000 teardrop campers as if that is normal. I understand that carbon fiber is not cheap, I understand that they must make money but still...yikes.
Great point here! Just the fact that 80% of teardrop manufacturers raised their prices by $10,000 in the last 2 years is just crazy! Who would have ever thought?
Yeah, and at those prices, they don’t need to take cues from the big RV manufacturers. Then you are paying high dollar for poor quality.
Exactly what I was thinking! Thats NUTS for a price.
As soon as he said, "carbon," I knew it would be pricey. 😊
I completely agree!!! I bought a Forest River EPro fully loaded 19 ft with solar for 18k. That was a 2019 model, bought it in 2019, and originally it was 28k. (Yes I talked in a huge discount).
This little teardrop is worth a Mini RV? No way
I like the overall execution of the trailers and having the removable galley is a nice feature. One thing I would change is the doors. I like how they open but it would be cool if they had the ability to stop at 90 degree angle to create more of a porch in bad weather.
Agreed! I think that can be done and would be a nice touch.
Great input! They can stop at 90 degrees no problem. We can also put shorter struts on the doors to limit them there.
I'm sure you could tie them down when you want the rain shadow. The rest of the time it's just something to hit your head on.
What a great modern twist on the ol standard. I knew it would only be time before someone did this (carbon fiber) on a production scale. I have been building teardrops since 1994. All of our teardrops were under 750 lbs, and about half of them utilized removable kitchens. We even built some that had removable roofs that allowed you to haul a motorcycle. We did a couple motorcycle haulers that had a tonneu type covers with skylights. So much fun to get creative with these. You guys have done a great job!
I LOVE THIS!!! AND everything is done IN THE USA!!! American innovation/American made--way to go Durham fam!!! BLESSING you and your wonderful business, with love from South Carolina❤
Great video and I enjoyed the back-story on the father-son team and their enthusiasm and dedication to their industry.
Impressive trailer. Love the carbon fiber and sturdy design. Very streamlined and aerodynamic appearance!
A lot of great thought went into this trailer. Seeing that we were looking at the prototype, I’m certain they will make improvements, particularly after hearing how receptive they were to your suggestions. Definitely a niche market, niche price point, but I’m sure they’ll find enough buyers selling them factory direct as I assume they plan on doing. We’ll done!! Love seeing innovative people getting into this business.
I like this one. The ability to be a cargo trailer was always important to me. When I was deciding on how many doors to have, and their sizes, one of the most important design features was always to have a large rear door so I could use the trailer for (as an example) moving or helping someone else move. I dont have a galley but rather, my daughters removeable bunk/bed is right across the back behind the rear door. I guess it will serve as somewhat of a galley once she grows out of it. End ramble.
Anyways. Love the simplicity here. I did get the feel that the finish might not be top of the line, and you confirmed that. And thats ok, but not at 30-40K. None the less, this is one of my favorites you have covered recently.
I think I'm definitely getting this trailer I like that it's carbon fiber and light I like to know seems and I contacted the company and from what I gather it's completely customizable so I'll be able to have it do everything I want to do very excited.... and yes we love you Gus
Great Tear Drop. Some recommendations:
1. Install slide in shelf in the front where the solar equipment is housed @3:00 mark. Provides the option to use Solar generator instead of using permanent install components.
2. Add a window AC unit on top of the front tongue box. In the Southern part of the US, such as Texas, you really need AC.
3. Replace USB plugs with with 12volt adapters. USB requirements keep changing. This adds more flexiblity
4. In the rear add tow hitch. Provides option to mount bike rack or YAKIMA, EXO SwingBase, Hitch-Mounted Base Rack
Can additional mount options be added by the user, such as external fuel, water, table, tire mounts?
Great idea with the slide in shelf. On their website shey show a gas generator in their beak box. This would also be another nice place for a slide out. The beak box is also a great place for the ac like you mentioned. Low profile, aesthetically pleasing. Yes, a combo of USB and 12v is pretty standard in the industry. Good question about the mounts. I wonder if they would need an additional side wall between the carbon fiber walls (similar to what Bean uses). Basically something that those mounts can securely be attached to. This unfortunately is where a lot of that weight comes from with these off-road trailers. You basically are doubling the thickness of the cabin walls.
I really like this trailer, especially the removable galley wall.
Another feature I like a lot is that long tongue, with the two-compartment storage.
I agree with another commenter that the up-opening doors present a problem for those who would want a retractable awning mounted to the side, or a pop-up tent or canopy to hug the side of the trailer.
As far as the off-road capability, I think this trailer would easily handle any dirt road I’d ever attempt.
I think this trailer could easily get almost anyone way out into the woods, or the back country.
Thanks for the in depth review.
The pass through, coffee, yeah I love that feature. I would give up some of the tounge boxes for a Lil more inside space.
Very nice looking setup. Great video and great job.
Nice to see another innovative take on the tear drop trailer! I love simplicity and this trailer has it! Thanks for the vid Drew!
Agreed 100% with that simplicity comment Brad. AND WOW, YOU ARE AMAZING WITH YOUR CONSISTANCY HERE. Truly we feel blessed by these tips. We followed one of our best friends as she (a Filipina) married a Thai man over in the Philippines. We were over there the last couple of weeks. During that time we missed out on our Brad coffee dates. haha. We are so excited to get back into the swing of things tomorrow!
@@PlayingwithSticks I hope you guys had a good trip! Have you tried any interesting coffees lately? ☕️
It was a nice little trip. But it’s also nice to be back home. I’m in the jungle right now, with a mountain background and a blueberry smoothie in hand thanks to you. I dropped me and the boys off at a waterfall and I am at a nice little tucked away place catching up on comments. I’ve never done this before, but I probably should do it more often. As for unique coffees I haven’t done anything bold lately. About three weeks ago I tried a soda water 💦 iced Americano. It honestly wasn’t that bad.
Would really like to see you do a video on the Runaway trailers. The price weight and blank canvas nature of them seems like the best value on the market.
Between the runaway and the road toad, I think those are the two best values on the market right now. And yes, I’d love to make a video one day.
Try the “Camp In, Abode” at < $7K (Drew dropped it in Jan or Feb of 2023) . I would LOVE to have this TD as it seems to be made for very serious Over Landers which I totally respect. But at my age uhhh……no over-landing in my future so $7K vs. $40K……….uh…….. Great vid on a gorgeous TD. Thanks Drew!
That’s dope your in Tacoma. Great city!!! I live here with my family. Washington is the perfect place to go camping and enjoy nature, the trailer is absolutely what my wife and I are looking for
Love when somebody stumbles across a local option on here.
You can buy one of the largest airstreams campers for just under 6k more. Teardrop manufacturers are getting ridiculous with their "features" and pricing.
I agree on the pricing part. But, even an Airstream still is cutting corners. I would love the to see the large RV industry take some notes from teardrop manufacturing prices. Like you said the innovations is making the costs get out of hand, but at the same time we are getting quality trailers built to last.
I like that there is innovation in the small trailer industry and companies willing to try new things. I believe as companies get away from hand-built to more production line construction, prices will start to come down. I hope so, anyway.
Nice to see you again, Drew! 😊
Same to you. I now wake up expecting to see you every other Thursday. It is so crazy what this UA-cam channel has done for our family. I never imagined we would have friends that we have never met in person. Friends that love the same things we do! That is often hard to find as we tend to be the outliers.
@@PlayingwithSticks Yes, it is pretty amazing. And a little strange at times. Last month I attended the Runaway Camper Homecoming Rally. I talked some of my favorite UA-camrs there. You walk up to someone you've seen a dozen times on UA-cam and you feel you know them. But, of course, they don't know you from Adam, except for your comments! 😅
It's especially weird if you use a screen name and introduce yourself with your real name. 😂
You could tow that behind a Corvette. Damn, that is so cool!
Very nice
ThankQ
That really is a very nice trailer. It was tough to see the contact points between the cabin and the trailer frame. I could see that being a legitimate concern with carbon fiber. As a weekend getaway trailer it looks wonderful. Can probably tow it with anything.
A bit lacking in storage space. Always love the videos! Hope the family is doing great!
I was discussing the same thing with a friend this morning about the contact points. I also had a hard time seeing it. This comes up time and time again when I’m looking through my videos. This next season, I will make sure to spend more time under the campers to have a better understanding of what is under there. The tow with anything factor is what I love about this trailer!
I like the one with the removeable kitchen. I would leave it out all the time and make pop up tent panels for it.
Agreed, that’s the model I like as well.
Very Beautiful....
Nicely executed and designed trailers but I could never justify paying near it's prices but still great products..
They should collaborate with bean and make special model. Share the technology with each other and then continue on forward with healthy development, growth, and competition. Bringing the price down for the end user.
Epic. Love it. Price point - out of line though.
Comes with a trager! Let’s goooooo
Hello All. I came across this video and was quite impressed with the trailer. I drifted over to the comments, and was quite surprised by the criticisms around price. The way I see a camper is like a passport to the great outdoors. I see the purchase price as the cost of access. I simply amortize the price of whatever I pay over the course of time and usage. If the camper (at whatever price) gets you out into the wilds, then that's a good thing. If it just sits in the driveway collecting dust, twigs, pine needles, etc., and only gets used twice a year, then "forget about it." However, if I'm out two or three weekends a month, year after year, then the price is stacked up against that. And...well worth it. In other words, what's on the other side of the equation? If a lot of fun is on the other side, then it's all good. I have another example: I purchased a hot tub about 15 years ago after breaking my back. It was $9,000. That's a lot of money for a bucket of hot water. However 15 years later, having used the tub twice a day...and sometimes three times if it's raining, I've amortized the cost down to about $1.64/soak. I'm here to say that it's been a great expense for me. I imagine that I would enjoy this camper tremendously, and would amortize the price down to very little over the years....i.e., I'd be out in the wilds instead of sitting at home.
That's very pricey! If it were everything I was looking for, the price wouldn't be as big of a deal but it's not quite right for me. My biggest question: Can you close the door from inside the cabin or do you have to pull it down while standing outside, hold it while you get in then finish closing the door? Are the door hinges adjustable for where the door stops to make it an awning/easier to grab from inside the cabin? I'm so glad to see many builders coming to this market, especially building for standard low towing capacity vehicles.
I had very similar questions when editing this video. When filming I overlooked them. Yes, you can close it from the inside. It is not quite as awkward as it appears, but it still not the most convenient. As for adjustable I agree. Like he said in the video, you get a LITTLE coverage from the elements. If they could add a stop to get that door parallel with the ground they would have something really special there. And then while we are on the topic of doors adding gas struts just adds one more component that requires maintenance and wears out over time. I am okay with added components if they give an immediate physical benefit. But, something like this is probably more of a novelty. But, man does it look cool! And I am not trying to be saracastic here. It really adds to the look of the trailer. I completely agree with you. I have been predicting this emerging market would come. I am so glad folks are willing to go in a direction the opposite of what I call "overbuilt."
@@PlayingwithSticks Thanks for replying! I also wondered about the longevity of the gas struts and any maintenance that would be required. It does look cool and the adjustability would be quite wonderful to make it an awning. Keeping a low profile with the door not going above the trailer is helpful sometimes too.
Adjustability would be easy to achieve! Thank you for the feedback. We could also put an additional handle on the inside of the door to make it easier to close from the inside
I like the doors but like some people have commented having the ability to stop them at a preferred height to act more like a shade umbrella would be cool. The doors do open the possibility for conversion into a private shower or stand up changing area or even a mud room. I'm thinking about getting a teardrop camper as my first camper so thoughts like these may seem a bit out there. The removable galley is cool. I could see myself using that feature for access to swap out the foldable foam mattress for an actual residential mattress for greater longevity and better sleep.
Another great video on a spectacular option for small campers. We are enjoying our lightweight composite and customizable option from Runaway. In our 6x8 Range Runner we are able to use a lot of the gear we already had to build it out to our liking. The prices are budget friendly to those looking for something simple. Would love to see a video on the Runaway campers.
RUNAWAY! Love it. Not only do we love the Runaway and suggest it to people often. But I love their business model and the people behind the brand. I will do my best to get a Runaway on the channel.
Did you go to the Homecoming Rally?
I also own a Runaway. 😊
@@PlayingwithSticks Yes, Steve and family are awesome. They sure know how to put on a rally!
They are debuting a new camper that's a platform for a rooftop tent. Well, I shouldn't say it's a camper. You can't actually sleep in it. _Glorious Day Adventures_ did a video on it.
There are several Runaway owners groups that have meet-ups/rallies. We're planning to attend a rally this June south of Terre Haute, IN.
@@jeremyray1925 I think _Hangin With Herky_ will be there.
I would want to know more about reinforcements in the stress points. Carbon fiber failures can be quite sudden and catastrophic.
Still I like the new ideas that push the envelope, but I am partial to a lower price point of other trailers. One that gets more people into teardrop life.
I love most things about this. But. In the rain/snow is it just going to run off the door into the trailer?
In theory, yes. However, the amount of time a door is open in those situations it is very minimal. But, even with that little time you’re bound to get a few drips here and there. Unless they added nice rain, gutters and exit ports for the water. I didn’t look closely to see if they did or not. The things I should’ve looked at while on site are so much clearer in hindsight. 😆
I have a 2017 NuCamp T@g Boondocker which would be comparable in size and features. I would stay with my Nucamp after reviewing the features on the Rift since I got a bit more with mine over his. Hes not far off tho and I'd like to see him succeed but the gullwing doors, while nice, won't work with the yakima awning deployed. The fantastic fan won't work either with yakimas roof rack above it, there's no room to open the hatch.
For under the base price listed in the video I also got a 12v fridge, a 12v TV, and a 5000btu AC.
Renogy makes some nice stuff but I think he could use a more cost efficient supplier of PS wave inverters and solar controllers.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share this information. It’s always nice to hear feedback from Teardrop owners.
Been seeing carbon canoes for quit awhile, ice to see it used in a trailer.very well designed and happy to see better clearance.like the beak design too.sadly it's too expensive .the larger wing doors are good to see as well .hate crawling thru a tiny door and crawl around on my knees to get in and out of bed.i am 70,sorry,I wont spend that much money on one
Yet another interesting video by Drew. I think that one design feature that was not mentioned by Rift that they really should have, was the shape of the side doors. The fact that they open upwards, gull-wing style, is nice and cool, but what that actually allows is a door that is easily accessible with a wider opening for shoulders let's say. That is a very practical shape. This is a nice trailer.
Drew, I recently discovered the 'Hero Camper' from Denmark that is imported into the USA with all of the European running gear attached. Including overrun brakes (surge brakes, inertia brakes or however you prefer to refer to them). I would love to see what you think of that particular trailer in future video if that were at all possible.
A small request if it is at all possible. Being a non-American, weights and measures in imperial mean nothing to me and I have to keep pausing the video to do the conversions. I would appreciate it if you would consider adding the metric equivalents on the screen, if it isn't too much trouble for you. I appreciate that editing is already time consuming without having to do and add metric conversions also.
Hi Andrew, I think you may have missed that tiny portion. At 5:37 he talks about the opening width. And I agree. It is a very practical shape. Charles who is builiding our trailer has talked about surge brakes as well. It makes sense that these little trailers would have them. As for the Hero Camper, I can definitely do that for you. We got the chance to meet with the kind folks from Denmark. Unfortunately there are number of trailers in the queue before the walkthrough releases. I have them scheduled for a couple days after 4th of July. I had planned on adding metric conversions as well, I just keep forgetting to do it. So I am glad you requested this. I can see it slipping my mind again, so make sure you call me out for it next time if you don't see it.
That last section makes 2 of us trying to understand it better by pausing and running to google 😆
If it’s not to much trouble for you Drew I vote for the metric measures to be included as well. But in any case, I have to do it regularly as, at least half of the Rv’ers that arrive to our campsite uses them - I know, I should know better now. 😅
@@adventuresonwheels5272 Okay, you better hold me accountable to this. I am ready to do it! I just may need a reminder from time to time. Haha.
Neat trailer with a lot of nice things going for it. I feel like there is an identity crisis on what they are going for: lightweight/minimalist or something with lots of features/tech. It kind of shocked me when they opened the back and a traeger was taking up most of the room and my first thoughts were about storage and water. I think focusing this trailer on a more minimalist design would make it much more appealing and really help with the price point.
I could see this working both ways. But I agree with you either make it super simple or add the headroom, toilet, water, systems, that everybody else wants. Thank you for sharing this. I think rift will appreciate the feedback.
Ok tear drop type of trailers were around a long time. I remeber when we bought a farm they left a tear drop trailer at the farm. Dad was
disabled and mom decided to give the trailer away. A farmer took it. I remember it was made of steel. We had to bust open the door. there was a burlap bag of shelled corn i guess the trailer was used to haul feed. my question is did they make these out of steel like cars. I dont believe the trailer had insulation just steel walls. It was a two tone blue. Darker blue on the bottom half and light or skyblue on the top half. Probably màde in the fifties. It was 1968 when we found the farm and bought it. Summer break was just about over. i would think the trailer weighed a ton. Just a figue of speech. I would like to know more about these early tear drops. 73
Very nice! I run all the features through my full time filter. The doors are great but how would they do in the wind? And as light as thus is how would it do in 40 to 60 mph wind? You couldn't put a side tent up against those doors. For me I stopped using a side tent long ago but folks still want them. Storage is not obvious but could be worked out. I LOVE the look of this teardrop. I will look up where they are and maybe I can get over there to see this in person.
Thanks Drew!
I love seeing you run these through your "full time filter" Another thing to note about the doors is the use of gas struts. This adds an additional component that requires maintenance and wears out over time. There were a number of people who had the wind concern with the Road Toad. It isn't something I was intially worried about. But, I am now more intrigued to see if there is something to this concern. This summer with our trailer we will get the chance to see how a lightweight trailer does in the wind. We spend most of our time in a very windy region, so we will get the chance for sure. And yes, in my opinion the storage was definitely on the lower end of trailers we have seen. They went with that nice clean open aesthetic on the inside, which did feel nice in terms of space. And on the outside, very utilitarian in terms of storage solutions. Definitely a minimalist design here. Agreed about the looks. It is a really beautiful teardrop. And I have a feeling it will even be better by the time you see it based on our conversations regarding the fit and finish.
Kinda pricey but built out of that material it makes sense being that expensive. Love that suspension. I think the independent suspension definitely will help reduce the normal bouncing that occurs in some lighter weight trailers. Wish the Road Toad came with this type of suspension. I even think the independent/timbren type of suspension is "lighter" in weight than the typical axle built suspension normally used. Good thoughts in conclusion. Thanx for the segment.
One of the things that surprised Charles and I was the weight of the Timbren suspension. That is what we are installing on our new trailer. We both wish there was an independent suspension out there that weighed about half the weight. One of the biggest things with these light trailers is making sure the suspension is derated. Most of the suspension out there in terms of independent suspension is overkill for a small trailer. So what I find often times when I take out a new trailer on the market, the independent suspension doesn’t actually help because they didn’t derate it and now it just doesn’t have give to it. it almost feels like a poorly weighted leaf spring axle. Sorry for the bunny trail. It’s just something that’s been in the back of my mind that I haven’t been able to share with anyone lately. Beings you and I talk a lot. I thought I’d share it with you. 😆 I agree with you on the price. Obviously, something made with this material is going to cost more. But, it would be nice if we could get it at a more affordable price. I now I’m forgetting what the road toad came with, was it a torsion axle? I am a big fan of a torsion axle. If it’s weighted right, it makes a really nice ride with these small campers.
Loved it... until the price.
I had a feeling a number of folks would feel this way. It is a really great concept, but if you can't afford it...it remains a concpet. Haha.
Sounds $$$
its carbon fibre. you get what you pay
Yes, but at the same time with is being carbon fiber and glass it really isn't as high as I thought it was going to be. At $29K this is about $6K to $10K more than most trailers of this size and quality.
This is nice. I would love to see you design a larger model that you can stand up in w a bathroom like a Tab teardrop but lighter still towable by car like a Subaru Outback.
Cool idea!
This looks great! My only question is how would bug screens work on these doors? Bu screens are vital for me sanity lol
Very cool product. Carbon fiber makes a ton of sense for a teardrop. Eager to see what they're going to put on the market in the future. One suggestion I would have for the manufacturer is a little more headroom. Looks a little claustrophobic in there for the rainy days when you're stuck in the trailer most of the day. The BougeRV CIGS flexible panels might be a great solar panel to fit tightly and sleekly on the fiberglass on the top of the trailer.
Agreed with that headroom. Even just a bit more to make it the same as a Bean Trailer in terms of headroom would be nice. The beauty of using carbon fiber is you add all that extra space and you really haven’t increased your weight much, it’s more about aero at that point. Great shout out on those panels. Those are the exact ones we are installing on our new trailer. Not so much for the 360° bending properties, but more for the shade advantages over typical silicon. The flexibility is a nice bonus.
Thanks for the feedback! There’s more headroom that it may seem but you can never really have enough. The bed also has the ability to fold into a couch for those rainy days spent inside.
Very nice and seems like a grwat choice
The trailer is nice. However, the price is nice too. I am there with you about an off road/overland trailer. If they could do it and keep the price down, I think they could sell some because the off road trailers out there are usually imported and very pricey. Always like seeing what is out there. So, is jumping on your teardrop like jumping on your bed when you were a kid? 😂😂😂
Haha. I will admit when most manufacturers jump on their teardrop they look a little nervous. I have seen this done many times. But these guys look like they have been jumping on it day and night like when they were kids on their beds. They definitely trust the roof strength here. Good point on the imports. I didn't even think about that in terms of pricing. That is probably another reason the offroad trailers were able to fetch those prices so quickly. When the industry quickly expanded there was already a pricepoint people recognized from those overseas trailers. So they probably didn't have the sticker shock most of us non-offroaders have when we first see the price tags.
The doors remind me of a DeLorean.
_Back to the Future!_
EXACTLY! It made my heart skip a beat. Maybe not the most functional, but man it looks cool!
@@PlayingwithSticks Indeed. 😊
What did May think of it? Is it "too boy"?
Please give her my regards, by the way. 😊
The kids too, though they don't know me.
Teardrops are best for travel not really camping only. I had a homebuilt that weighed about the same for 10 yrs. I paid $3500, sold for $2500! Put about 50,000 km on it.
Very cool. I fear the price but would love carbon fiber anything.
Also covering the front part of the frame is clutch.
Yes, the carbon fiber has so many advantages.
Yes, that added protection was definintely worth the littlel extra weight. Especially if people push this trailer the way the manufacturer designed it to be used. They truly built this to get dirty.
If you can't put a motorcycle in it, I don't want it. My teardrop camper is a 2016 Prius. Fully air-conditioned and heated. 110 volts with built-in coffee maker with ability to use an instant pot and air fryer. I paid $22,000 for the Pruis, and I pull a 6 x 10 flatbed with my UTV and Grom on board. Less than $30,000 full price.
I like it! Very creative.
This kind of build made bigger so a bike could fit inside keeping teardrop shape would be nice , as long as it's under $18,000. I guess I'll build my own. I'm not paying more for a trailer than the towing vehicle !
In the slide through could it be made temporarily wider and enable a partial use of some of the galley eg gas rings so can cook a simple meal indoors?
The PRICE POINT 😅, totally 😮 KILLS IT 😊 ....
I think the doors are going to be problematic for reasons already discussed in earlier comments.
I understand your explanation about the aerodynamics of the gradual sloping rear, but it seems to have these drawbacks:
1. You lose volume in the galley.
2. I gives you less overhead coverage from the elements.
3. Most importantly, it pushes the galley deeper into the trailer. It seems like you would both need to bend over more and bang your ankles when prepping food at the counter.
1, 2, 3...yes, yes, and yes. We find there is always going to be tradeoffs. Better aero in the rear, less space. Simple design/more customization, less straight off the lot usability. Good points you have.
Great camper! Are these campers grounded to protect from lightning?
Yikes! At that price, it’s a quick no-go. I’ll never get a trailer that costs more than my tow vehicle. That’s insane.
Very nice execution using carbon fiber! We're still kickin around the idea of traveling again, now that my wife has retired. Our tow vehicle would be our Tesla Model X so weight is almost as important as aerodynamics. I realize our range would be affected so we'd need to stop more frequently to charge up but, then again, I no longer have a 300-mile bladder (wink). Is it feaseable to somehow skin the bottom of the frame to improve airflow/reduce turbulance? Also, is there some reason teardrops don't provide a 3rd brake light up high, maybe on the rack? Seems like it'd be a safety requirement. Thanks for your inovation!
Have you ever checked out the Hero Ranger? Would love to see a review on your channel about that camper :)
something this size should top out at 10k. and that is with all the bells and whistles
I haven't finished the video but take my money! Hey Drew I sent you a FB message last week. Mac in Peru.
Pretty amazing huh! I missed your message? Did you send it to our email or Facebook? I set up that Facebook account 4 or 5 years ago and never touched it once. I never use Facebook, but thought I probably should secure the username in caase I ever did need to get on there. Looking forward to finding your message. I would love to hear what you are up to. We are still over here. They haven't scared us away yet. Haha!
@@PlayingwithSticks I can just email.
@@dontfencemein-rving7439 That sounds great. Sorry for the hassle. I feel really bad about that.
Get thy dude off my camper...great vid
This is very cool! I’ve been waiting a while to see an all carbon fiber model, and this was awesome. Overall there are some aspects of the design that I think could be improved upon. But those will probably work themselves out over time with customer feedback. Also, it is too pricey for what it is. I’m definitely going to keep my eye on this company to see how they evolve over time.
Out of curiosity would you mind sharing some of those improvements that you see? Not only is it fun for us as a community to see, but I also think it’s good for the manufactures because often times they have blind spots as well.
Sure! I feel that the the minimalism is very appealing, however some type of secure storage would be necessary in order to safely stow some kitchen items or clothing. Open shelving is great in that you have flexibility with the layout, but you would almost have to fashion something with bungees, for example, to keep things from sliding around. Also the pass through really diminishes storage space as well. I think an interior cubby to keep clothing dry would be preferable. Also, I don’t care for the way the doors open because they kind of eliminate placing tents up against the trailer for extra interior/dry space unless you find a really really tall tent. It is difficult for me to tell in a video of course, but it seems like this trailer does not have as much vertical space on the inside for taller people like me. That could be a trick of the camera, but how it looks in the video seems smaller than a Bean, for example. And last, it may be that there is a lot of lighting and it simply wasn’t covered in the video, but I feel like lighting is one of those things that you don’t realize you need until night comes. I like to know I can see clearly if I need to exit the trailer safely at night, or find it returning from a late hike. I think the carbon fiber is gorgeous, but the styling and graphics do look more like an athletic piece (bike helmet or something) than a travel trailer, and I agree with you that they could do more with fit and finish to reflect what the community tends to go for. I have waited a long time to see an all carbon fiber option, and I’m happy they have entered this space. My in-laws designed and built an all-carbon fiber boat in the late 90’s, and when I discovered teardrops during the pandemic, I thought they were a great application for it.
Wow! You think so similar to us. We would’ve had the same feedback. If you check out our road toad video, which is also a composite trailer, but on the budget side, we gave very similar feedback to what you have here for the storage. And yes, the space is smaller in terms of height compared to the Bean. I believe I added the dimensions near the end of the video on the screen. I think they’re a little higher than a standard teardrop, but smaller than the Bean. I want to say they were similar to the original Tooo 1 from Escapod. And I can’t believe you picked that up just from watching a video, but you’re right it could use some additional lighting. And like you, we are more fans of a classic look. I will be interested to see what you think about our finished Carbon fiber trailer when it’s done. The story about the boat sound so cool. Sounds like you have some very fun In-Laws.
@@PlayingwithSticks I am eagerly awaiting the finish of your new trailer. It really wowed me. I mean you don’t see a whole lot that is new, but it really is. Not only does it seem like something I would love to have, I wish I had designed it. I mean it’s basically a beautiful home 🏡
@@teenieweeniestitches I am ridiculously excited to show it to you. Not only will it be fun to try something new. I also did a few things on the trailer that I have always wanted, but other trailer manufacturers said were not possible. So this gives me a chance to try out a few different materials and see if I can prove them wrong. One of them is having beautiful retro style fenders on a trailer that spends much of it's time on dirt roads. And I'm not just talking structural, but also paint adherence. I think we can do it!
Insane prices most people can't even afford a small trailer for under 10K. Great concept trailer though.
Hopegully they make sn off gtid of road traoler in yhe future
They talk about matching tires and wheels...I run 35s on my Jeep. It's my opinion only...but, I think a fender set up to allow larger tires would be nice. And a square fender gives you just that much more counter space.
This may be just an opinion. But I think it’s a good one. 👍
First impression: those steps right at the doors will hold pooling muck and water unless they have drain holes.
Good thought. Beings this is a composite material they are able to add water gutters and drain holes. However, I am not sure if they did or not in the location you are mentioning. I wish my eyes initially caught that like yours did.
@@PlayingwithSticks could you send them the feedback? This might actually be something they want to address sooner rather than later, and unless/until they take it out in sloppy conditions this might actually be overlooked.
I’m not sold on the door lifting upwards. What happens when it’s raining? It look as though it was angled up pushing all the water towards the hinges (cracks).
I have a feeling a number of folks are going to have the same question 🙋♂️
Also if parked inside a household garage with limited ceiling height with those upward doors (ie: Limitations from overhead ceiling rack etc) or possible side space from other parked vehicles or floor center aisle of household stuff.
Thanks a lot for the video Drew,
Is nice to have you back!Besides the obvious and trying to not fall in redundancy, I’d like to express something that can’t hold in my mind:
Does those “lambo” doors can be opened while the awning is deployed or you should decide where to be in case you add a shade on each side?
And 2: I loved the nice and simple interior. No electric ports though.
Saludos amigo!!
Good to be back! Good eye by the way. I never thought about the door interfering with the awning. But, in theory I think it would. I believe there was electric ports. I think I may have accidentally left it out in the edit. I can't imagine they spent all that money on a 2000 watt inverter and forgot to put in AC outlets. But, I may be wrong. And redundancy is great. I think the more people talk about things the better the conversation. Even if it is said over and over. The more we hear it the more we are aware. Great seeing you on here!
Very poor response!
That’s an odd response. Sounds like we have a bot here. 🤖
@@PlayingwithSticks Steve the Botty
I wonder what the cost and weight would be in straight fiberglass.
What the prices? I love it.
Good review, I'm looking for a camper that doubles as a trailer, do you have a playlist or guide on duel purpose trailers?
Check out what people have done with Weeroll trailers. That may help if looking for dual purposed cargo/camper type trailers.
I agree. I would start with weroll and other converted cargo trailers and then maybe the Intech Explore. A much more simple route is the jumping jack trailer. This and the Sylvan Sport Go are both neat options as well
The engineering is cool. That said, it’s a bit overkill, I think. I live in a state in which I have to pay annual property tax on vehicles and trailers so for me, an expensive trailer is just not worth it. Before buying, folks should take honest stock of how many nights they will actually be out camping (surveys have shown that campers average less than 8 nights a year in the US) and divide it by the total cost of ownership. I think people in this country have equated adventure with having adventure things and by doing so limiting the types of adventures they can do. If you’re paying $400-$500 a month on a $40k+ trailer, think about the travel you can’t do. It’s a big world out there, I think the obsession and focus on this type of stuff is sadly limiting people and the experiences they could have. My opinion, though, not worth much.
No, your opinion is priceless. These are really good points and something we should all consider.
I just wonder, who buys such small campers? even if I was only with me and my wife I could not see the use for it..... but now we need 5 beds :D
Hello gus
Are the beds more than 6' in these things?
It looks like the carpet cut around the ceiling fan was just open. There was no closure around the around the carpeting for the fan to continue into there. I'd would be afraid of possible leakage would it rain
I didn’t even notice that. I will have to take a look. It’s always fun seeing what other people catch that I don’t.
Really nice trailer and smart designing. At this price point they’re only going to sell maybe 100 of these. There will be competitors and come along and can get cheaper price on carbon fiber because they’re buying and such quantity, there will be trailers like this for $18,000. How can that happen, because there is a demand, if they look at the demographic the average people are driving a small SUV or a Subaru outback they intend to buy one to tow it. If they’re out that car a late model used car was only 20,000 to 25,000, why would they be spending twice that to buy a little teardrop trailer? I wish I had the money to do a start up company that should be a very easy blueprint to make a similar trailer with the same materials for usually $20,000 maximum retail price
I say the same thing as you about demand. So many people who study the industry disagree with me. They say when they do their research they find their is not a large Subaru market that needs to be targeted. I completely disagree with this. But obviously mine is anecdotal, I have never done true market research. But, I can't imagine there isn't a huge number of people who want a teardrop, but don't want to upgrade their daily commuter. It just makes sense to me. And typically people who like teardrops tend to lean towards smaller more economical daily drivers in the first place.
Not bad for carbon fiber - being able to use year around is a bonus. $29,000 isn't a bad price.
The price is stupid, I get it its an awesome built lightweight trailer. For some who have unlimited budgets and a Tesla or Subaru, I'm sure its a good fit. But what the small (especially off-road) camper space needs is a low cost, light (not feather) weight trailer. I don't need a Trager grill for camping, or a pair of Yeti coolers and Honda generator.
What I need is something water proof that can survive 300 miles of dirt and off road driving on the weekends and doesn't cost what my cars do (FJ Cruiser, TDI golf and TDI Toureg). A small enclosed cargo trailer is between 4-10K and I can stand up in that. A small camper should be in that kind of price range. Without all the bells and whistles.
I recently watched your video on homemade foam trailers. Is it a doable project for the average person to add the carbon fiber to that foam build?
What I find with carbon fiber is it tends to be expensive for individuals who are not buying it in bulk. A traditional fiberglass with resin would probably be the most realistic option for most of us. But, with that said, these are really small trailers, so maybe lining them with carbon fiber, wouldn’t be that expensive?
I agree this is a cool fun trailer, but the price tag is biggest issue. At 40k for the bigger, more built out unit, you can buy a escapod for 2 grand more.
Escapod and Bean is who I had in my mind when I was thinking about the price. Which is why I feel they may have a ways to go on the top dollar teardrop, meaning they could move it a bit more towards the off-road market. But their $29,000 teardrop I think they are really close to having that one right. that is a really special trailer with removable galley.
@@PlayingwithSticks yeah i was thinking the lower price model was the stand out of the two.
Agreed. Of the two the lower priced model caught my eye as well.
Seen one lighter but it didn't have a galley and it had no storage.
I bought a 2011 Casita Liberty deluxe 18', fiberglass, wet bath, refrigerator, heat and air, queen, kitchen. Plus a 2009 Crown vic police with 53k mi. to pull it with all for $16,000. So, why?
Nice🇨🇦
Agreed 🇺🇸/ 🇹🇭
I noticed a lack of a sink in the kitchen galley. Was that discussed or is that an option?
That’s a good question I never heard anything about plumbing or sinks. I also really didn’t get into detail with them about customizations. I will be really interested to hear what they say about it if they see this comment.
looking at the construction, fiberglass, carbon fiber, foam... and for some unknown reason my mind just went... Hmmm. Fiberglass, carbon fiber, foam, mylar, kevlar, mylar, foam inner carbon fiber, inner fiberglass. With Surmet Corporation's ALON windows.
Yes how to make camper safe for camping in some parts of the US. Yes I'm a nut job... Drew.. do NOT look up ALON.
Now for a 39,000 dollar "base" camper, without water systems, without propane heater, i'd expect a far more robust electrical system. A system set up to to HANDLE cold weather plug ins. Even if not "stock" a battery bay for example with pull out battery rack set to accept SEVERAL batteries.
What they have here is a "short legs" camper. Something made for going out for 1-2 nights at most. now adding extra weight at the tongue of the batteries would throw off the balance, so having an option for an external, maybe swing out, rear storage area to act as ballast might work. These could allow people who want to take the light weight trail out, to add maybe 50-75 pounds of batteries to the front, counter that with 50 pounds of gear on a swing out rack in the rear (propane tank, water, spare tire).
Finally the "gull wings" are cool, and i'm 100% about the rule of cool for campers BUT... they swing high, first might be a problem for people to reach them, 2nd they lost the option of having the doors act as a limited rain shelter for getting in and out, 3ed, swinging up like that removes the option of some door tents, and can be a problem for awnings. awinging stretched out and tight, then the doors opened smacked into that might damage it. I'd honestly see myself adding a "pull cord" that i could reach up and grab to pull down, to bring the door down to a level i could grab and shut with.
Oye, drews going to be mad at me for being late on this one.
There is actually one more teardrop that is lighter and that is the road road, which comes in between 400-450 pounds. While not as fancy at this model, it would be co soldered the lightest. Overall though, this is a sick trailer
We actually have a walk-through of that trailer. You know your trailers! I was very careful with the title of this video just in case people like you watched it (trailer enthusiasts) That’s why I put lightest and Strongest. It is the strength that really makes this trailer stick out. Besides the road toad you also have a really great light weight square drop, which is the runaway camper. But, both the road toad, and the runaway do not have anywhere near this sort of strength. This trailer is kind of in a class of its own. Not saying it’s better than the other two, just a completely different build process and end result. Pound for pound there’s no other trailer that is stronger than this. In hindsight now I’m realizing I should have wrote “Strongest Lightweight”
Can they make a trailer for a bike??? The lightest one is 5 kg aluminum tubes...most are 10 kg...
Nice. Gus is beautiful. Did I miss a heater in the trailer?
I only saw a fan in the ceiling.
@@bucktalesoutdoors7566 its carbon fibre.
yea i live in canada, 37c summers and -37c in the winters. temp control/power issue limits alot of things
Heat and air needed for Midwest winters and summers, but it’s already out of my $ range. I’d get a T@g or Vistabule in that case.
I love Gus! I had a few more amazing Gus scenese I probably should have thrown in. No heater in this build, but it easily could be added with that nice huge "beak box" as they called it.
At the beginning of the video I assumed $15,000 🤣💰
Sweet! But Daaaang...$$$😯
I have a feeling there will be a number of folks who feel just like you. It rerally is a SWEET trailer though.
Could and how could you add A.C.? Gotta have it!
I think they would do it for you. The best place in my opinion would be in the "beak box" as they refer to it in the video. It would look like such a nice clean install.
Whst is the approximste price and how do i purvhase this in csnada
The carbon fiber sounds good but the price is prohibitively expensive for me for a fairly stripped-down trailer.
What is the overall height with the roof rack? Couldn't find specs on the website.
Hopefully they chime in. I am not sure of the height.
how much is it does it have a/c
Very cool but $30k is just too much for my taste. Still cool though! I have a Runaway Cool Camp we paid less than $4k in 2018 (the newest ones are one piece fiberglass with no wood or seems and cost around $6k and up now). It gets the job done. It has been to 45 states in the lower 48 so far and will go to the other three, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin this fall. I still think the one they are showing is pretty cool though.