Off-road Teardrop: Adventure Trailers Overland Teardrop

[CLK Foxhall]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Chris & I'm thinking about purchasing an Overland/Off-road teardrop.

I was originally considering the AT Horizon trailer, but I live in the PNW (rain/cold) & think I'd be more comfortable w/ a teardrop trailer,.. instead of a trailer with a tent on it.

I'd like to use it for extended exploration road trips & some off-roading (mainly forest service trails/ light 4x4 stuff - nothing really hardcore). I'm a bachelor & have no kids (girlfriends will have to rough it). So the teardrop is mainly for me & perhaps a small dog.

I've spoken with Martyn @ AT,... & he's been very helpful in answering my questions. I understand it's a new product (so probably not that many in the field), but am hoping to hear from owners, or people who've used them

Does anyone here own an AT Overland Teardrop?... Or has anyone here had experience with the AT Teardrop?

Based on what I described my intended use (above), what particular things should I be aware of,... or consider? How rugged are they really? Are they really built for moderate off-roading? Opinions on their chassis & suspension?

Apologies for all of the questions - I'm a newbie,...know very little about teardrops,... & have never trailered anything!

TIA!


Cheers!
~CLK

[Rexsname]

They are quite rugged. I would have no hesitation about taking one off road at all. I have a grand total of ONE(!) nights expirence sleeping in one. It felt a little stuffy inside when all closed up, the small windows in the doors didn't feel like there was enough ventilation to me. That being said, I believe you can ask that a roof vent/fan be added when they build it for you.

They look cool, they sleep well, tow well and women love them.


REX

[jim65wagon]

Can't help you on the AT Teardrop (but, man, does it look sweet!) nor can I help you on teardrops in general. We (wife and I) plan on building our own teardrop and if you want to learn about them you need to visit the Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers site. Absolutely tons of info and some very helpful people there can answer your questions.

[CLK Foxhall]

They are quite rugged. I would have no hesitation about taking one off road at all. I have a grand total of ONE(!) nights expirence sleeping in one. It felt a little stuffy inside when all closed up, the small windows in the doors didn't feel like there was enough ventilation to me. That being said, I believe you can ask that a roof vent/fan be added when they build it for you.

Thanks for the reply & info REX - I appreciate it!

I'm not a hardcore 4x4er, so no need for it to be capable of the 'extreme' (at least not for me). However I was told, that unlike the Horizon & Chaser,... w/ the Teardrop, crossing streams & creeks is not a good idea (because of the wood construction). Also, both the Horizon & Chaser are better suited to endure dings, abrasions & basic body damage (they're steel!! vs aluminum skinned wood) & would be easier to fix. So, perhaps the Teardrops is capable to travel off-road, it is a bit more fragile than the other AT Trailers. For me, I'd use it sort of as a 'cross-over' habitation - some off-road, but also for extended road trip explorations.

As a single traveler, the quick setup & simplicity of the Teardrop vs the trailer/tent option is very compelling, plus the hard-shell enclosure sounds good for the cold & rain in the PNW.

However, it would also be nice, if it have some sort of small enclosed space, outside the Teardrop (living space outside the teardrop in bad weather, plus a place to change out of wet/muddy cloths, before going inside). Finally, I'd like to have more awning coverage, particularly above the back kitchen (again, PNW rain) Perhaps something like the RhinorRack Foxwing awning.

They look cool, they sleep well, tow well and women love them.

If that line's not in the brochure,... It should be


Cheers!
~CLK

[CLK Foxhall]

Can't help you on the AT Teardrop (but, man, does it look sweet!) nor can I help you on teardrops in general. We (wife and I) plan on building our own teardrop and if you want to learn about them you need to visit the Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers site. Absolutely tons of info and some very helpful people there can answer your questions.

Thanks Jim.

I actually started over at T&TT,... & a regular suggested I try posting over here, too.

I agree - Lots of good people & info over there. Unfortunately for me, I'm not that mechanically inclined, nor do I have the tools & space to do my own build. For those who are able - My hat's off to you! I've seen some great & creative builds, during my brief research.


Cheers!
~CLK

[Borrego60]

Not a tear drop trailer but I own a Horizon and love it.The same quality goes into what ever AT builds. The skin of the TD would be some of a concern but you stated no hard core stuff. I just did a offroad trip 228 miles in the horizon and not one problem and that includes a 3ft deep water crossing. AT puts out good stuff,just depends on what your needs are.

[1speed]

I have not had any hands-on experience with an AT teardrop. I can tell you the concept of an off road capable teardrop is a good one though. A few years back before there was anything on the market I built my own. My wife and I have spent up to three weeks at a time living out of it and my Jeep and loved it. Crawling into a warm, dry bed without setup is priceless. Plus some women, my wife included, don't feel secure in a tent regardless of it's height. My trailer is nowhere near as sophisticated or capable as the AT product but I have drug it through some pretty gnarly terrain.

If you are leaning toward an off road teardrop, I have kept on on what's available and have not seen a better one than than the AT product.

[CLK Foxhall]

I have not had any hands-on experience with an AT teardrop. I can tell you the concept of an off road capable teardrop is a good one though. A few years back before there was anything on the market I built my own. My wife and I have spent up to three weeks at a time living out of it and my Jeep and loved it. Crawling into a warm, dry bed without setup is priceless. Plus some women, my wife included, don't feel secure in a tent regardless of it's height. My trailer is nowhere near as sophisticated or capable as the AT product but I have drug it through some pretty gnarly terrain.

If you are leaning toward an off road teardrop, I have kept on on what's available and have not seen a better one than than the AT product.

Thanks 1speed!

I checked out your Teardrop - Sweet! There's a guy in my area (Spokane) named Mark, who also built his own teardrop,... & it too, looks really well done. I haven't conversed with him yet, though.

I see you're from Florida - Have you had any problems with mold/mildew? How about wood damage? As noted, I'm from Seattle (rain) & am curious if either have been a problem, particularly mold.

Also, I would consider adding a vent/fan/skydome,... but the potential of a leak scares me. What's your thoughts/experience with this (or anyone elses' thoughts/experience).

Finally, thoughts on spare tires? I have one for my tow vehicle, & would have the same tires on the Teardrop,... but is an addition spare needed? I would like to take long trips (including a combo of trails & surface roads/hwys). Any thoughts on how the AT Teardrop would trailer on long hwy travel?


Cheers!
~CLK

[XJBANKER]

Read through this thread. I think this would definatly be worth waiting for. Price and options seem great. http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...=44964&page=17

[05liberty]

I built my own teardrop ....LOVE IT ..... Its not quite as off road capable as the AT but I have towed it down some unmaintained fire / loging roads with no problems ! The best part IMO its not a tent !
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...0&d=1258079468