Paleo — Carolyn always wanted one of these, and I’ve done some looking-around. The smaller ones, like T&B, you can’t stand upright in and are too low-slung to haul on rugged backroads. The only one we found that looked really good was the R-Pod, which has a 4×4 lift kit and a metal frame and is super-strong and roomy inside. But we ultimately decided against any trailer because of our style of camping, which involved a lot of enjoyable exploration down public-lands roads and often up logging roads to their ends. Found some fantastic spots doing that over the years, which we’ve revisited often. And that could not have happened while hauling a trailer, which limits you to fairly good roads and prevents going down an unknown side-road where you may not be able to turn around with a trailer. While they also have disadvantages, a pop-up slide-in truck camper is, in my experience, far superior for the adventurous hunter and vacationer. Of course there are large areas of the country that have no public land and you’re stuck camping in campgrounds, and for that a trailer could be good. I have come full circle and am back to tent camping. The dogs haven’t complained about it so far.

To me hunting = tenting! Where we camp you couldn’t get a camper of any sort in there. My Jeep barely fits in spots. Judging by some of the back roads here, your trailer would be beat to crap after one season.

I’ve considered the idea in the past. We have an A-liner popup that is mighty handy but too large for most hunting destinations I can envision.

These folks might have it solved. Haven’t seen one in person: Little Guy Off Road teardrops. (Make sure you click on their “Off Road” link.)

If you search online for “Jeep” and “teardrop” and “trailer”, you’ll see lots of discussion, some plans, and some plans that are actually worth considering.

And a front-mounted ball hitch could go a long way toward dealing with tight spaces. RV dealers and others use them constantly for a similar reason.

Paleo

Having spent most of my outdoor life in a tent(at best), then hauling around a 36′ fifth wheel and then driving a 25′ class C around the country for two years–I can safely advise–tent is best.

Fit out the pickup with all the kitchen and living room stuff, tent out back with tarp to cover the above items and your set and if it turns real bad you can crawl in the truck.

And you only have one vehicle to maintain.:D

Mike

Maybe our Duncan will respond to this one. Or maybe you can prompt him with a PM…

Duncan made a sweet camper of the style you are considering. It’s a real beauty. Maybe he could share his plans / experience with you.

Have you considered one of these:

http://www.eeziawn.com/eeziawn/rooftents.html

Never used one myself but they are very popular with the adventures folk the world over.

Mark.

Dude. You need one of these. Heck, everyone needs one of these!

I saw the ta-da trailer looked nice . Tent camping is the best but I know what you mean. I can tow my tin tent in Sept and camp from there and if it snows or rains can get back to a warm dry space , it’s like having a cabin.

Just saw this and yes I did build a classic teardrop camper.

Here is a pic from “Dew Drop-N” 2014 at Jordan Lake.

It was an adventure as no one builds these in my area so I had to rely on what I could find online. There are some very good resources and there a number of things I would do differently on the next one. I would be glad to share information if you want to PM me.

paleoman wrote: Anyone ever use one of these “traditional” little campers? They are basically a “hard tent” as I heard them described somewhere. A heck of a lot easier than an old 16′ I used to tow around on the gas bill I’m sure. I still like a tent but it is a PITA to get stuff together vs having it ready to go in a little unit like that maybe?

Paleo,

The tear drop trailer is exactly what you said. Like a tent with out having to deal with a tent. I store most of our things inside the trailer while transporting with things like carpet, chairs, the grill or extra cooler goes in the truck bed. But you could simplify and reduce what you carry to just what will fit in the trailer. I wish I had it 20 years ago when I was tent camping or sleeping in the back of the truck on hunting trips.

Duncan