Teardrop vs tent, break even point

In regards to crowded campsites, if you're in a lack-of-public land state like I am, check out the website Hipcamp. Some of those have been hands down the best camping I have ever experienced.

Keep a sharp eye on Craigslist this year. I bet you'll start to see some deals going on even before the end of winter.

Good luck.

 

Thanks very much, I appreciate it

 

I little bigger than a teardrop are Aliner trailers. They are a hard sided pop-up.

 

I thought about them but heard they had a lot of leaking issues. I liked that you can sit up in them though

 

We have an oddball little camper but it fits us to a T look up a Tiger. moth by Taxa

 

I see this all the time. Am I missing something? I’m not saying I never need to pee in the middle of the night but it’s not an every night occurrence. Also, it’s pretty easy to pee from the ladder. I think it’s easier than getting out of a ground tent to pee. But that’s just my opinion on the matter.

 

Taxa makes some cool trailers. I’d like to have on but I’m a cheap ass.

 

I have to pee every night, more so while camping from drinking beers around the fire. Maybe you’re the exception where you can wake up, have the slightest urge to pee and go back to sleep. I can’t fall back asleep until I pee. You’re a god among men.

 

No, I just pee. Just doesn’t happen every night. Ease of access to pee is not even on the list of considerations for my sleeping arrangement. Also, it’s pretty easy to just unzip the RTT, hang your legs out, and pee. I think it’s easier than a ground tent cause you don’t have to walk far enough away to avoid having your pee puddle get your tent wet.

 

Teardrop all day long. The Tacoma pulls it just fine in the mountains even with a dirtbike in the bed. It's super convenient and is literally ready to go right out of my garage. Everything is stored inside on the shelves in the back of the trailer, so all I really need to do is load up the refrigerator with food and drinks. I just added a 2nd battery, solar and a 12v fridge. We originally bought it because my wife was done with tent camping. But since I camp more often than her I've used it solo quite a bit. I rarely pay for campsites which is great and it gets me away from the crowds and the noise of some campgrounds. I've even used it at a highway reststop to get a few hours of sleep while driving a long distance.

 

Depending on whether you have the 4’ or 5’ bed.. I just saw a camper shell/bed buildout the other day that had a bed running diagonal and utilized the remaining space for a mountain bike. Not sure if that would work for you being 6 ft and all.

For me, the amount of nights I spend camping per year ~30, was worth deciding to move to a camper shell over tent (Looking to buy it now and start the build). The convenience of not having to takedown the tent, as well as security for some of the sketchy free camping spots I’ve stayed in also played a factor

 

That’s a good looking off road rig. Have you taken it on any trails?

 

How about this.

$200 Napier Backroadz Truck Tent | Pickup Truck Bed Camping Tent | Rainfly for Water Protection | Sturdy and Spacious 2-Person Tent | Easy 10-Minute Setup

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HXC4QZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_E1a9FbNQ3NQRW?psc=1

 

If you don’t want to run high rpms, you need gears or the mt. I can cruise around 2500 rpm and have no issues towing all over with the mt. The factory gearing with the auto, id plan on being 3000+ rpm depending on load and speed.

The stock auto isn’t geared well unless you plan to never go over 55 mph

 

I had considered this, but if I wanted to run into town and such would require me to take down tent. Wasnt sure if that was worthwhile. Having a hard cap/teardrop shouldnt have those issues, but then I'm back to debating if cost is worth it now

 

I read this as tent camping =~$0 (or $250 for a decent tent). Then... at what teardrop cost does it no longer make sense for the convenience and comfort. Somebody commented on keeping an eye on Craigslist. I think that's probably a really good idea as soon many of the Covid purchases turn out to be poor decisions for whatever reason. I'd have a teardrop in a heartbeat if the wife wasn't drawing the line in the sand over a wet shower and dry toilet. That puts me into the big boys. Once I'm there, it's Airstream all the way to satisfy my 30 year fetish with them.

Back to teardrops. It's been commented on already, they probably weigh from 800lbs all the way up to 2600lbs or so. Decide on if you just need sleeping and weather accommodations or if you want the full on kitchen, awning, queen-size, front atv tray, etc. Or something in between. Decide on all that FIRST... then go shopping.

 

The investment in my squardrop trailer was worth it just for the propane heater that I installed in it. With cold winter high desert nights in the mid 20s-30s, the dog and I can stay nice and cozy with indoor temps around 65-72F with the heater on the low 1600 btu setting.

 

It’s not a straight dollar for dollar compare. I’ve had/used multiple camping modes.
Tent -, simple, efficient most cost effect. Not very secure. Wouldn’t be comfortable in bear country.
Teardrop - better in bear country. Also in bad weather. Costs to tow, insure and register. Not as maneuverable as a truck with tent stored in the bed.
After years of the tent we moved up through teardrop, to larger teardrop (T@b Boondock), now moving up to Winnebago Hike.

 

I don’t see how there is a comparative break even point between them. The teardrop is a luxury, so is the tent (versus sleeping open air). Which you choose, and the value it represents, is entirely up to you.