SoCal Tear Drop Owners! Post up!

[Frank]

I am currently working with Bryan at Midwest Teardrop, which is out of MN. I didn't find Andy until a few weeks ago, otherwise, I would have.

Bryan has also been top notch to work with to this point.

 

[Keith Starr]

Quite honestly, I have never seen a SoCal Teardrop in person except a sighting of one being pulled down the road 2.5 years ago while in Colorado. My thought process is purely based on reading reviews and watching some YouTube videos.

I had the same problem when I ordered mine in 2015. This thread didn't exist back then so I just put together a build and crossed my fingers. I would have changed a few things knowing what I know now. Modifications can always be made after the fact but it's nice to nail the build the first time around. I'm so glad you're getting all the useful experience from other owners!

On the note of seeing before buying: If anyone is considering a SoCal and wants to see a 510 XS first don't hesitate to PM me. Nothing quite like getting hands on to cement the damage to your checkbook. I'm in Albuquerque, NM.

 

[wiredinoc]

One year into owning our XS. Absolutely love it and had the family out on 28 trips in 2018. Kids love the James Baroud Grand Raid XXL and the camper is super comfortable. Its amazing how other campers constantly stream by an ask questions about the setup. Cool factor is +1000! DIY upgrades since purchase:

- Gutted front box electrical. Added Victron BVM12 Battery monitor, solar charger, and inverter.
- Replaced stock junk battery with a Renogy 150ah Lithium. Lasts days and days without charge.
- Costco mattress topper
- Water tank level sensor

I'm taking it in to SCT to have tank cages, hot water, and some diamond plate added.

Great investment for the unbeatible family time. Zero regrets.

 

[Frank]

I had the same problem when I ordered mine in 2015. This thread didn't exist back then so I just put together a build and crossed my fingers. I would have changed a few things knowing what I know now. Modifications can always be made after the fact but it's nice to nail the build the first time around. I'm so glad you're getting all the useful experience from other owners!

Tons of really great info in this thread.

Wiredinoc,

Very Cool! We had a JK identical to yours!

Thank you for the post and interesting about the battery. It seems everyone is moving to a Li battery.

Hopefully, I can pull the trigger in a few weeks.

 

[cneithardt]

Finished drawer fronts this weekend. SCT's craftsmanship is really amazing, tried to match best I could. Happy with the outcome and look forward to taking it out soon.

 

[JJMAC]

One year into owning our XS. Absolutely love it and had the family out on 28 trips in 2018. Kids love the James Baroud Grand Raid XXL and the camper is super comfortable. Its amazing how other campers constantly stream by an ask questions about the setup. Cool factor is +1000! DIY upgrades since purchase:

- Gutted front box electrical. Added Victron BVM12 Battery monitor, solar charger, and inverter.
- Replaced stock junk battery with a Renogy 150ah Lithium. Lasts days and days without charge.
- Costco mattress topper
- Water tank level sensor

I'm taking it in to SCT to have tank cages, hot water, and some diamond plate added.

Great investment for the unbeatible family time. Zero regrets.

Nice set up! Does the XS door hit the RTT stock ladder? Can you enter and exit the XS with the RTT ladder deployed?

Or are you using the ladder on the XS to get into the RTT? That would be ideal. Does the XS ladder line up with the RTT tent door?

 

[JJMAC]

For the XS or Krawler...Has anyone considered putttin the galley/kitchen up front like some of Buzz off models and using the back area of XS or Krawler for dry area and storage?

 

[JJMAC]

So cal owners. does your tow vehicle charge the teardrop battery when driving?

 

[Keith Starr]

So cal owners. does your tow vehicle charge the teardrop battery when driving?

Yes.

 

[Lucky j]

Not a SoCal owner, but still a TD owner, and yes about the charging.

 

[Ocho]

I am currently working with Bryan at Midwest Teardrop, which is out of MN. I didn't find Andy until a few weeks ago, otherwise, I would have.

Bryan has also been top notch to work with to this point.

Where are you in Indiana? We are up in Michigan and have a Krawler 459, if you want to check it out sometime, though it would be a drive. If it was summer, I'd just let your family borrow it to try out.

If you are looking to save money, I agree with an above poster and say skip the air conditioning. A fan goes a long way, and we have never wished for a/c. Our fridge is in the truck, though we have contemplated moving it to the camper.

I'm ready for summer. This is our favorite camping spot, along Lake Superior in the U.P. We go every year.

 

[Lucky j]

@Ocho, nice set-up and really nice camping spot!

 

[Frank]

Where are you in Indiana? We are up in Michigan and have a Krawler 459, if you want to check it out sometime, though it would be a drive. If it was summer, I'd just let your family borrow it to try out.

If you are looking to save money, I agree with an above poster and say skip the air conditioning. A fan goes a long way, and we have never wished for a/c. Our fridge is in the truck, though we have contemplated moving it to the camper.

I'm ready for summer. This is our favorite camping spot, along Lake Superior in the U.P. We go every year.

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Absolute paradise. I am actually 5 miles from the Michigan border in Mishawaka, Indiana. I will send you a PM.

 

[MtnToSea]

Does anyone have a recommendation for cleaning and treating the interior cabin wood?

 

[Gtboosted]

Montana two weeks ago...
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Two days ago in British Columbia.

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Nice! What size tires?

I have a road model 5x11 getting a couple upgrades at the SoCal shop. I got some 265/75r16 tires that I am adding it. Wondering what it will look like.