Canvas tent, tear drop or ?

I like to take weekend mountain bike trips and stay in state parks. I dont really want to stress the truck out bad so I considered a teardrop or smaller camper that wouldnt effect the MPG that bad. Has anyone moved up from a canvas tent to a similar unit ? and was it worthwhile ?

 

Billie bars, bed stiffeners and RTT would probably be a cost effective option

 

Why not a quick easy up tent? They are cheap (mega thousands less than even a small tear drop), comfortable, light weight, protect you from the elements etc.etc. It won’t stress your truck or you. Saves you lots of $$$ for other things.

 

My Topper Lift gives tent-set-up type ease, with a little more security and comfort of being inside something made of metal - and fiberglass. The canvass and top work well to hold in heat in the winter - haven't used it in AC-required-type weather.

 

I'm thinking a high quality 4 person tent may be my best option. I did look at a few of the rapid set up models but heard that they dont hold up in windy conditions as well

 

Nice set up, only issue I would see for me is I would have to lower top if I need to drive somewhere when a teardrop or tent is independant

 

We have a few “ gazelle” tents...hub design so quick setup/down but at a higher quality than any others we tried...a bit heavy but even this old fart can get it up on the rack...T4 plus overland for longer stays and the T4 overland for quick stays...

 

Wasnt familiar with the T-4, Looking at it now. Thanks

 

All the open air of canvas. All the luxury of a 24 foot trailer. Goes anywhere. Parks anywhere. Tows easy. Stores in the garage.

 

We went from a Napier Sportz tent:

To an InTech Flyer Explore mini toy hauler:


The Napier is a nice tent. It held up well. We used the screen room as a private bathroom with instant hot water shower and cassette toilet. It hooks to the truck so we would sleep on our drawer bed system which left the 10x10 portion of the tent for the grandkids or playing cards on nasty days. We both got tired of putting away a wet tent though. We love our Explore and have converted the full size tip out into a king with a little ingenuity. A camp cot and 4.5” self inflating mattress.

The Napier was around $400. A whole lot less than the Explore….

 

I went from bed bars, back to tent camping, and finally to my current all aluminum offroad camper trailer. It’s easy to tow, goes anywhere the truck can go, and it is so nice at the end of the day to not have any set up. You just open the doors and it’s clean and dry, has full solar power. The trailer also feels more secure for us than a tent. We sleep soundly knowing no animals or people can get inside. We love it, but with a baby on the way I’m actually selling ours. Construction is kind of similar to the Intech but the one piece roof and exterior siding are extremely thick.

 

Looks great. Ours was a compromise. I would have gladly settled for a trailer like yours but my wife wanted to be able to stand up and still have room for the grandkids. I’m very happy with our purchase.

 

Are you able to tow in regular drive or do you use S-4 ? nice set up though

 

How well does that tow ?

 

Thats kind of what I see myself looking at size wise. I really want something that tows well without taxing the engine.

 

S5 on flats, S4 on hills and mountains. I wouldn't advise regular drive for any size trailer.

 

It tows well. Dry weight is just under 2000 lbs. S5 flats S4 hills. It has a kitchen with stove and fridge/freezer up front as well as water tank. We don’t fill either until we are closer to our destination to save weight (both trailer and tongue). What I like about @Rock Lobster trailer is that the trailer is low profile so it doesn’t catch wind as much. And they tend to be a little more off road capable. What I love about ours is we can throw in our bikes, motorcycles, or my fishcat inflatable boat without it hanging off the back. Plus there is enough room for the dogs and grandkids to come along.

 

Thank you.

 

Thats a great looking set up

 

Can you you start a thread with a more in depth review? I am strongly considering this or something similar.