The I never have time thanks to kids Tear Drop Camper Mods...

Sexy ass setup! Living my future dream HAHAAH!!!

 

Ha! Small world, I ran Track and Field with your wife at La Crosse back in the day. Did you go there as well? Love the camper setup, I'm looking to do something similar for us and our two toddlers.

 

That is definitely a small world! We actually met on a whim at cowboy bar in Cody, WY. We have a few test runs to see how it handles the family but hoping for the best! Are you still in the La Crosse area?

 

Nope, I'm in Asheville NC now mainly for the mountains...though I really miss ice fishing

 

Update June 2021
Completed the install of:
- Exterior lighting - In main cabin rocker switches control under-glow for the front, a light in the front toolbox, driver's side over head light, passenger side over head light. In the rear switches control under-glow for the rear, and over head lighting.
- Front battery set up complete and cover modified.
- Battery meter and display wired in F&R.
- Dual charger completed to front and rear batteries.
- Rear battery installed and system wired
- Rear shore-power lead run to power strip and instrument panel
- Rear back up camera mounted and wired
- Rear power lead for charge ports and LED's for tent completed
- Water tank mounted
- Water pump mounted
- Water hose connection, and filler caps installed
- Sink/faucet installed
- Drawer slide out build and installed.
- Water system piped (waiting on expansion tank and still need to pipe in hand held shower).
- Sold standard mattress - bought quad fold mattress

Yet to do before trip on June 18th
- Install plexiglass cover for rear battery bay.
- Install expansion tank for water system.
- Install hand held shower unit.
- Trailer maintenance - bearing grease, tire checks
- Rear galley shelf install

More pics to follow

Battery Bay install



Rear instrument panel complete


Driver's side lighting


Passenger side lighting


Toolbox lighting


Exterior lighting overview

 

As promised more pics:

RTT lighting and power box
LVT lined drawer slide
Under glow
Interior cabin switch panel and battery meter
Quad fold mattress
Water tank
Wire diagrams I drew up
Water system cabinet
Sink
Back up camera
Water proof wire port for back up cam and tent power
Roto pax for generator fuel
Inside tool box and front battery location

 

Wow that is impressive. I haven't been on TW in a few months and just randomly checked this thread. Love that galley instrument panel in particular. I punted on the built in water and use a pair of water port 8 gallon weekenders on the rack. I ran power to the RTT by poking a hole in the toolbox rather than the camper. Same general idea though. Your set up is fantastic. I may put in rock lights before the Great Sand Dunes trip next week but otherwise will use Hard Korr lighting. Nice work!

 

I appreciate the appreciation. I wasn't brave enough to punch a whole in the RTT but just made the lead with the water proof plug so when the tent is set up yo drop the lead out the side door, zip up the bug screen and be all set. The power for the tent is on the same side as the awning for the camper so odds are you won't be using that power side door for climbing in or out.

 

Can you elaborate on your backup camera setup? How does this camera display in your truck? Does it connect to the head unit, or is it a separate screen?

I'd really like a backup camera on my trailer, but I'd prefer not to add another screen to my dash.

 

I live about 1/4 mile from Escapade's new shop, I need to check them out.

 

I bought the back up in the link below. Wired it to the 12v rear battery setup and ran thru the water proof exterior wiring port. It runs full time for the time being but it’s draw on the battery is minimal. This particular camera puts off its own Wifi signal so you connect to the Wifi signal on your phone and then use the app provided. Video quality is really good you also toggle on/off with backup and proximity guides. Also, I didn’t have any issues connecting to it on the fly. I run my phone as a gps when necessary so that’s the only additional screen on the dash. I have a IRing on the back of my phone that comes with an adhesive hook I mounted to the dash so I can put it up and take it off in no time.

Wireless Backup Camera, LASTBUS Night Vision Wide View Angle IP69 Waterproof WiFi Rear View Camera WiFi Backup Camera for iPhone iPad Android Phone Tablet

$50 Wireless Backup Camera, LASTBUS 2.4Ghz WiFi Backup Camera Night Vision Wide View Angle IP69 Waterproof WiFi Rear View Camera for iPhone iPad Android Smartphone for Trailer Car Bus RV Camper Truck

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW368JG?_encoding=UTF8

We put the whole setup to the test with a 2000 mi road trip over 17 days and we had no issues with the setup. I actually found myself running the camera during heavy traffic covers the trailer blind spots and replaces a rear view mirror when the camper is hooked up.

 

Tell them we sent ya!

 

Wow, both of your trailers look really good! I love all the mods you are doing. Did you order the Backcountry with the "X" package?

I'm close to putting in an order for one of these Escapades and I've been emailing back and forth with Brianna. Are you still really happy with the trailers? I've currently got a Super Pacific popup camper. We put in the order right before I found out I was pregnant with our second child. The camper worked great for just the three of us. Our 10 year old didn't mind sleeping down below in the bed of the truck in his mummy bag. It really doesn't work so great with the baby though. My only concern is that it will be harder to get off the beaten track with the trailer.

Here's a photo of our current setup. I was thinking we'd keep the camper and two of will sleep in the trailer and two in the popup tent. I'd appreciate any feedback you have.

 

We ordered ours without the Backcountry X Package - I have plans to lift the trailer increase wheel/tire size.

We spent a 3 week road trip with two kids and two dogs this June. We split 50/50 dog/kid/adult in the camper and tent. Things worked well and had no issues. The function was less the problem, the kids and complications or breast feeding, pumping, making/cleaning bottles was tough.

If you really plan on going into the tougher trails I'd plan on putting a lock-n-roll hitch and getting whatever extra ground clearance I could out of tires. The timbren axles are key and give you a lot when creeping off road.

 

Thank you for responding. That great you were able to be out for 3 weeks. Being able to stand longer trips is one my goals. I think that is a good reminder that it's just hard until they get past the breast feeding, diaper stage, whatever the setup.

Probably the length of the trailer behind a long bed truck will hold us back more than the clearance. I think we'll probably end up ordering the "X" package, if we order the trailer though.

 

Did not go with the X package. The extra clearance and lock and roll wasn't worth the money for us. It all depends on how you camp. I've been able to go where I need with the base Timbren.

We got the 3rd bar and have a 4 person Tepui on top where the kids and their friends sleep. Also put a Waterport Weekender up there for showers and dishes. Works great.

The only negatives so far are the particularly cheap screen doors and door handles. I'd love to put Terns in there but won't fit of course.

Everything else is exactly what I hoped for. A fairly bare bones teardrop that I can upgrade as needed. Can't ask for much more at that price point.

My kids are a bit older (7 and 10) so I don't have those issues on the trail, but I still went through it, so I feel you on that. Good luck!