I installed the Froli travel bed system purchased from Nickle Atlantic under my teardrop matress and it is super wonderful, supportive and comfortable without robbing us of headspace when we sit up. They are made for the yacht industry. Great video!
Might look for a good used one, only because I’ve been down this road before I turned it cargo trailer into a camper, and I never used it, so if I buy something used I will make sure to throw the mattress away 😂
Very informative! Last weekend we camped in ours for the first time and I had to laugh since some of the things you mentioned we experienced also. One of the things we liked a lot was the filet table we bought from Bass Pro shops to use for rinsing veggies, washing dishes, etc. but also, we hung one of those brackets from the side of it that holds a trash bag. I know the table is not small but we love it.
Camp and Camera I got it from Dicks Sporting Goods. It is called a Trash-ease portable trash bag holder. Might not be what you are looking for but we like it.
I really like your videos and approach to your build...we built the “7th Inning Stretch” in 2016 and we use it every chance we get. We’re 3 hours from the Pacific Ocean and 2 hours from the mountains. Keep recording and we’ll keep watching 😎
I have been kayak-camping for about ten years, and have had a camper shell on my little Nissan Frontier for about three years. I have learned that every single camping trip is an experiment to find what works best, what doesn't work, and what could work better. I used to think that I would eventually figure out a smooth system for all aspects of camping, but the truth is that I always end up thinking of ways to improve my camping experience on the next trip. It has become something I actually look forward to, along with all the other reasons to go camping.
I use a 5 gallon bucket with lid such as from Home Depot for trash. The lid keeps the flies away. It can double as a seat. Put it in the tow vehicle at night or when you’re away to keep critters out. I loved my teardrop, I tried to have almost everything I packed have more than a single use. The bucket is great for storing stuff in the TV while traveling on the road.
Love your channel. Just one piece of advice... On the coffee maker, always buy Stainless Steel percolators or pour over water heating pots. Much better for you in the long run. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel Water and the acid in coffee can leach out some really bad things out of aluminum.
Like you say, there has been plenty of talk over the years about aluminum being connected with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. But when you dig a little deeper you’ll find there is very little science backing those claims. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, “Although initial studies linked aluminium toxicity with Alzheimer's disease, the link has not been proven despite continuing investigation. Importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that aluminium exposure increases your risk of dementia.” In addition, it’s worth knowing a few facts about aluminum and our exposure to it. First off, it is the third most common element on Earth. It’s everywhere...in the soil and in the water, and in the fruits and vegetables we eat every day, albeit in small quantities. As for exposure in the home, it is found in buffered aspirin, some antacids, antiperspirants, and even in pickled and processed foods. And yes, if you make coffee in an aluminum brewer, you’ll likely be exposed to a very small amount of the metal. But let’s put this in perspective. According to Cook’s Illustrated (January 2012), after lab tests were conducted on tomato sauce cooked in aluminum for two hours - tomato is very acidic - and then stored in the same pot for several hours, the sauce contained only .0024 milligrams of aluminum per cup. That’s really not very much when you consider that a single antacid tablet may contain more than 200 milligrams. If you are super-cautious, stick to stainless steel. But if you follow the science, it looks like there is pretty much no risk to brewing your coffee in aluminium.
First of all, your garage looks more interesting than a candy store. Second, I would LOVE to camp in a teardrop like yours. My brother in-law and I started to build one a while a go but it’s far from finished. Lastly, it’s so cool to see it coming together and listening about your latest additions and moods.
Hey thanks! I have a big camper too, but really love this little one. If anyone reads this comment, check out the “RV East Coast” channel. Excellent videos there!
I tend to camp with a lot of 3 gallon buckets because they double for seating. I keep a Coleman lantern and some rags in one. Once camp is set up, a Walmart bag or 2 makes this a great trash can. The rags come in handy for everything and protect the lantern as we travel. Other 3-gallon bins house grilling stuff (long handled grilling tools, oven mits, even a 1-burner propane stove and some gas). Another has become our 1st Aide Kit with bandages and bug spray. We also store cooking oil and a few tall things in there too. We have bought a toilet ring that will fit on top of the 3-gallon bucket. I am extremely careful to line it with big contractor-type trash bag for protection and then double or triple Walmart bags for the “duty” so that the bucket is still usable for other things. Clean as a whistle.
As tent campers, we usually hung a trash bag in a tree and carried it to the bearproof containers before we went to bed. I've just finished the aluminum frame on Timbren axles with electric brakes and LED lights for what will be our 'square drop' variation on a teardrop, so we're still weeks away from having an actual camper (I'm working on it pretty much full time at the moment), but for trash I've been thinking about something like the Trasharoo I've seen some of the 4x4 offroaders hang on their spare tires (probably lined with a trash bag). If we can't empty it in a bearproof container where we are camped, we will likely stash it in the back of the Subaru (our wagon is an L.L.Bean edition with the flat-6, so we shouldn't have any trouble pulling the lightweight trailer) or in the Yakima 'pod' on the roof rack at night. We've really enjoyed your videos, and, while our plans are probably a bit more Spartan, we've learned quite a bit from watching the construction of yours. One thing you might be interested in that we're doing has to do with the bed. My wife found a wooden frame assembly at IKEA that will go under our bedding and act somewhat like a very thin set of box springs and provide airflow under our mattress (our plan at the moment is to use the queen size version of one of the fold-up mattresses, but that's subject to change). The sides/halves of the wooden frame are separate, so they can be stacked to clean under each side (and so we can turn them on their sides to slide them out the doors if needed). I haven't taken them out of the box yet, so I haven't actually seen them. Assembly required & modification of length/width is supposed to be possible - according to my wife. (I believe that during the 33 years we've been married she has come to believe that I can 'build anything out of nothing' so long as she tells me what she wants it to do when it's done - so far, I've managed not to disappoint her.) We've nicknamed our trailer the 'Beddy Bye Basket' as a working title (from a scene in the Disney movie 'The Aristocats' that our grandsons love), but my wife is embarrassed when I call it that in public. So I believe we've finally settled on the name WilderNest (an obvious play on wilderness, and I suppose still subject to change).
I’m glad you commented! Sounds like you guys are building a nice camper. It’s especially nice that you’re making it a team project! I was pretty much alone on my build and would have loved the company. Happy building!
We make our own bug repellant, as here in Qld Australia we have very small flys called midgies.so mix up equal parts Epson salts, mouth wash (just a cheep blue kind) and flat stale beer. I didn't have any flat stale beer so I just sacrificed a stubby of full strength. We spray it on our deck, chairs and fly screens, works a treat.😉
in my humble opinion, i would have attached the mirror to the outside of the cabinet door. I'm the biggest cluts on the planet and would hit my head on the open door every time! Second, i never have a problem checking what's behind me when i'm concentrating on something I'm working on, especially when it's outside. Excellent video. Happy camping! =)
I just set up command hook on my hatchback for the trash, and hang a plastic grocery bag from that. I then either just put it on my counter at night before closing up, in my vehicle, or take a nighttime stroll to the trash bin, looking up at the stars there and back. I also have 2 small command hooks inside, tucked down by the feet area, to latch the handles of a grocery bag. This keeps it fairly flat. Then we have somewhere to put trash in the evening.
such a incredible build man, cant tell it was home built at all its crazy, mine is very obviously homebuilt looking lol cheers man your videos helped me alot even know we had way different designs
Mosquito netting can be velcroed over door openings so can plastic/vinyl screening just put a fabric binding to sew the Velcro to cut to fit larger than door openings
For our trash we throw it up in our rooftop carrier on our car. If you don't have a rooftop carrier adding a cargo box to your tongue or attaching one to your receiver in the back of the teardrop would be a great solution for hiding that trash. Thanks for the great video! This was really fun to watch and very informative.
Thanks for the tips and kind words. I’m looking forward to your next episode. By the way, I have a channel for you to check out. It’s not teardrop camping, but the guy and his wife do an incredible job on their videos. It’s called “RV East Coast”. Have a good one!
@@CampandCamera We are so glad you turned us on to RV East Coast. There content is incredible. We are just sitting here scratching our heads about why they have a low view count. The algorithm can be strange. His content is like watching a movie. Thanks again, much appreciated!
As for the mosquitoes, up here in Alaska we use citronella candles, but they are not that effective. We have heard from many forums and Creators on RUclips that the Thermacells work really well. We want to try one out, but are waiting for May (my wife) to have our next child in September before using one. Beings it is a fairly new product we wanted to play it safe in case years down the road they find it negatively impacts growing children in the womb.
I believe we’ll try the citronella first. Yep, I don’t like to try chemical stuff right away. I’ve heard too many bad stories from folks that do. Speaking of Alaska, I have a friend living in a DIY camper van up there this summer. He keeps sending the most beautiful photos!
Vitamin B12 3 days before you go keep taking while camping and mosquitoes won't bother you. I get the odd bite but the people around me are way worse off.
Firstly, a very beautiful camper. My concern is that you are drinking distilled water. It's not for consumption, that's why many stores sell it next to the detergent. It is so pure it can leech minerals from your body.
Remotely possible if that's all you drank (varying opinions), but not a problem for weekend camping trips. However, spring water is about the same price and may taste better.
Glad you had a good first trip. I keep my trash in the back of my truck and use the tailgate as the extra table. Instead of water jugs have you considered the dispenser type? No need to pick it up. Just dispense off the edge of the counter. Build a holder for it to be an extra shelf on top so essentially you do not lose any counter space.
You might look at ThermCell brand mosquito & insect repeller. It is similar to the old Zippo brand pocket warmers in operation. It is fueled by a clear plastic sealed fuel cell about 3" L x 5/8" diameter (lighter fluid). Has a 2" x 2" "hot plate" over which you insert fiber pad impregnated with repellent (comes with the kit). Has a push button igniter. About 8" long x 3" wide x 1-1/4" thick. Can get a canvas sheath for it to hang near the kitchen hatch lid on the tear drop or anywhere else that is convenient. If the wx is not too breezy, it will clear pesky insects from about a 30' diameter circle. Guys in the Southeast use them for deer hunting when sitting on stand during season and they are quite effective. Think you can find them at WalMart, or most outdoor sporting goods / hunting stores. Good luck.
For the bedding situation we would suggest a thinner inflatable on the bottom like a "Therm-a-Rest." I think you have seen our bedding video, but we basically have the same setup as you minus the 8" Coleman. In the video we test the Coleman style, but had the same issue as you with sinking in and moving my wife and child around when they were sleeping. I bet you can find a backpacking style inflatable that will come pretty close to fitting your teardrop.
We use a round collapsible laundry hamper with a trash bag inside. I have seen some in the same style that are intended for trash but are usually on the small side.
You asked about camper trash in a teardrop. I discovered a lid at Ace in the paint department that had an outer ring that snapped onto a 3 gal or 5 gal plastic paint bucket. That snap on ring was threaded so the rest of the lid system threaded inside. So much easier than hassling with the snap portion that is almost impossible for me to get off with my arthritic hands. What I discovered during use is that I can put a 13 gal garbage bag in and draped over the edge and screw the screwable part of the lid on several times without damaging the plastic bag. And it is odor proof! I use it boondocking where there are no trash cans. I can toss in a few nights use of wag bags and not get driven out of my teardrop, vehicle or side tent. So useful I don't worry about the space the 5 gal bucket takes. Hope others can benefit from this tip.
My all-time favorite camping ideas are frozen jugs for drinking water (fill them up and freeze at home) a frozen container filled with water for the cooler (zero mess when it melts and you can drink or use the water) and if you usually camp with power, a 20 to 50 quart hot water peculator for having instant hot water for everything. Some days a fire can’t happen. And sometimes just having hot water for coffee, dirty dishes or just to wash up is awesome!
problem; the aluminum coffee pot. Aluminum is BAD for your health, it is linked to alzimers ( can't spill it) bad stuff. get stainless steal. Just found your videos. I like it.
@@CampandCamera the aluminum studies are only a few and there are also other studies that debunk it as a myth. So you can keep your pot. Some of the original studies used dehydrated brains which would concentrate the metal in the study. alzheimer's has a lot more to do with hypocretin levels.
I'm not a fan of air mattresses because they very soon leak but I do have a pair of 50mm thick high density polyurethane self inflating mattresses and if they don't inflate fast enough, a few breaths of air will get them just right. I'm a side sleeper so I tried 2 of them out on my kitchen floor overnight and I found I only needed 1 to get comfy. With memory foam on top the sleep should be bliss. The added bonus is that you can roll the lot up, bungee them up and poke into the back corner for those rainy days that only occur when you go camping, so you can set up inside with low camp chairs/stools/etc. and a little hiking table for drinks, etc. I have a knock off of the Helinox Chair One ( www.helinox.com.au/lightweight-camping-chairs/chair-one/chair-one ) that cost me $20 AU and a knock off of the Helinox Table One ( www.helinox.com.au/camp-tables/table-one ) also about $20 AU and between the 2 they weigh less than 1.7kg in total. I don't know if anyone else has mentioned it but consider installing super heavy duty mud flaps behind your back wheels of your tow vehicle so that the mud flaps deflect stones and rocks down instead of letting them bounce off the front of your camper van and through the back window of your tow vehicle. Also, use a pair of chains or multi strand cable from each side of the bottom of the mud flaps to the rear bumper of the tow vehicle so if you have to make a 30 point U-turn in the bush/forest/scrub/etc. the mud flaps don't contact your tyres when you are backing up through that crap and allow the mud flaps to be ripped off. I said two chains/cables per mud flap because if you only attach one in the centre of the bottom of the mud flap it can twist can contact the tyre when you are backing up and hook into the tyre tread. When you move forward the tread can grip the bottom of the mud flap and rip it off. I have had 2 rear mud flaps ripped off from my 4WD because of bad chain configuration and my father had lost 3 rear windows on his 4WD dragging around a caravan because he didn't have super heavy duty rear mud flaps on his 4.5 trips around Australia. As for super heavy duty mud flaps, if your dealer does not supply them, you can go a truck spares shop, buy a mud flap for a semi truck with dual wheels and cut it up into quarters and use those instead. I did that.
I like the Velcro curtain idea , gonna have to use that one . And yep the wife requested a mirror also. Good tips . The state parks here in Texas have lantern poles at the sites , we just hang a heavy duty garbage bag on it instead of lantern.
You got my name right😁Thanks for the plug for my facebook group! (DIY Teardrop Campers Community) Its an honor to have our group sticker on your build!! Thank you for all that you contribute to the group. I hope to meet you one day at a campground somewhere. Your build is undoubtedly one of the best DIY builds I have seen to date. Thanks so much for sharing with us and again for the the plug. Have fun and safe travels my friend!!
By the way. If anyone wants to join our FB group, we have 2 questions you must answer for approval. This is our way of keeping the group full of active members. My admins and mods have been instructed to not approve anyone that doesn't answer both questions. In sure Michael will agree that we are active and 100% drama free so its worth the couple seconds of your time to answer the questions. Thanks again!
Almost makes me want to join up on the facepage. I'm doing my best to not get into that social doofloppy at all. Watching the few guys on boob here is about it. Glad you guys have a good group though.
@@jaypoore773 I am not on fb but would be interested in finding out about your camping club as we have a home made tear drop camper, I subed to your channel so you can find me easy.
@@jaypoore773 I may attempt to join later today and check it out. I'm building a Vardo (not quite a teardrop, I understand) but I'm sure I'd learn a thing or two from the community. Sounds like a good group from the look of things.
Hey there, Thanks for the videos! Since you asked: For bugs- we use wick- style hurricane lanterns with citronella oil- helps keep the bugs out and gives nice site lighting in the evenings. We also usually take a couple multi- wick citronella candles that are sold in their own "metal bucket"- usually put at least one of these on the ground upwind from the site- these methods together have pretty much taken care of the bugs every time. 'love the voltmeter suggestion- thanks! Keep up the great work!
I started with a air mattress and learned the hard way they are not reliable. They will leak at the worst possible time (3 AM and raining) and you are on the floor. I switched to a futon mattress with a memory foam topper this is heavier but just as comfortable and more reliable.
Great to hear you had a good camping. We have DIY teardrop camper and we use popup trash can and put it in the tow vehicle at night if I don't take it to campground trash. We also keep any left over foods in our car.
@@traveling_with_sunny We use the same trash can and love it. We just throw a large rock in the bottom of the can during the day and it stays in place.
randomly found your channel, great vid, the rechargeable thermocell works great for bugs and a 1 gallon sprayer with permethrin mixed in it (tractor supply) trash bag on a hook next to the kitchen (big black yard bag) and most importantly love the Bronco RC car (I have a 71 my dad bought in 77 and passed onto me)
Hi, I saw your idea for folding washing up basin, I just thought I would let you know that here in Holland ( Nederland ) were everyone is camping crazy you can get folding buckets,ketels,pots + pans + even a teapot. Roy.
We also had problems with insects especially at meal times which is really irritating, last year I saw on line/tv something called "mug molen" (mosquito windmill) works with batteries the blades sit on top like a helicopter. I,d recommend getting one. No mozzies etc. Roy. Just put it in the middle the table.😁😅
You did a wonderful job on this build. I was gonna build my own from the suspension up, but decided to go with Bend Teardrops for my base build then I'll DIY the cabin and portions of the galley. I want a fold out couch with table setup, drop down TV from the ceiling, and storage around the TV with a Dometic toilet just under that wish a hatch (blending in withe the cabinets) to open up for it. Easy to empty, even if I need to dig a ditch being nice with nature. Still can't figure out where I'm gonna put my Dometic cooler. I'd prefer the galley but might get stuck with it as a pull out on the tongue. Also figuring out my burber scenario. I love your side table setup above the propane tank.
All paper gets burned in the campfire and the rest goes in a trash bag in the bed of my truck. I already have a 40-foot 5th wheel toy hauler but I'm thinking of doing my own small camper build like yours but my camper will just be for hunting etc so I'll be towing with my truck because I'm obviously not going to put my Geese, ducks, grouse, pheasants, deer, bear or elk inside an SUV or car. Seriously though, if I was just going camping in an SUV for like a weekend or so, I'd just bring a 12x12 canopy, a stove or fire grate, some folding camp chairs, and then sleep in either a tent or, (most likely), the back of the SUV itself, and not even deal with the maintenance/maneuver/parking problems associated an actual camper.
We use collapsible trash cans. They’re barrel shaped, made from canvas, with a metal wire coil that runs around the outside. Works great for us. You could also just leave a trash can in the bed of the truck.
We use colapsable laundry bags they are cylander shaped and have a lid that zip closed. We just close pin the trash bags on so it wont slide down and thy work great
glad it sounds like you had a great time, a bonus of building it yourself is you know how to change things to fit you better later. now that you have a place to hang your hat you can officially call it home. seems like a mirror os something many people don't think about. that trash question is a good one. maybe plan enough ahead of time that you don't have allot of trash after a trip that would fit in a shopping bag and they could set it in the sink in case it leaked?
Hey, it’s always great to hear from you! You know, you’re right. We as a society generate way too much trash. That’s the better solution. Try to scale back. I like the “hang your hat” reference! Be well!
What to do with your trash? Get a Large mesh laundry bag, tie a small diameter rope trough the bag and hang it from a tree limb. Too, this will keep most animal and predators out of your garbage. You then can wash it with soap and water and ready for the next camping trip.
To use the stabilizer jacks as you described, (and get them to actually lock, and not slip), just get some small bungees, drill holes in the appropriate spots, (1 hole, (or eyebolt), up top & 1 hole in the lever itself), and use the bungees to apply extra tension on the slide stop levers. You can even use the square tube itself for the top bungee attachment point. You can easily shorten each Bungie to your desired length by pushing the knot out of 1 hook and re-tying the knot at a shorter length. Easy-adjust Bungie's, (from places like Harbor Freight, etc...), work even better because they can be adjusted for the desired length/tension for each different campsite. Play around with what strength bungees you need to securely lock those stops in place and your problem is fixed. I have done this on my 16-foot Motorcycle trailer and locked the braces enough to even lift the tire completely off the ground and still been able to drive my bikes in and out of the trailer with no problem with stand slippage.
Enjoyable vid! Command strips for the win!! Sorry for the out of context question, but wife and I are considering small teardrop (similar to yours) and are wondering what you all do to change your clothes in the morning/ evening? We’re in our middle 50’s and am wondering how difficult you find changing while not being able to stand up (or even sit properly) Am I over thinking this, or dies it just happen easily while slightly laying down? Thanks!
ron davenport We have a $30 pop up changing booth that we use for changing clothes. We also have a bucket potty in the booth. It takes about 1 minute to set up when we arrive, and maybe 3 minutes to put away before we leave.
Trevor Johnson Trevor- mind if i ask how old you (and a travel partner) are? I’m in my mid 50’s and am finding each year gets tougher to reach the floor!
@@CampandCamera Check out "under camper storage container" in this article: www.cooltears.com/post/after-you-buy-5-simple-modifications-for-a-t-g My wife found this a couple of days ago and it is officially high on my short list of mods for our teardrop!
For trash, stitch a large canvas bag with drain holes with hooks on the pantry door to hang it. Put all the trash in the bag, hang it drive to the nearest trash disposal point and empty the trash without opening the vehicle. Fold the canvas bag and tuck it under your seat and drive away
You can get paper type filters for those coffee pots i have one like yours and its about 60 years old and its still cooking? Brewing? Lol Good products never go out of style
@@CampandCamera ive never gotten sick from mine and it was my mom and dads before i got it lol at home if i drink coffee its an espresso from a drive through place but camping its brewed and it tastes so much better than any other coffee maker great looking teardrop have great adventures
We might get one of those little 2-4 cup drip coffee makers. Hubby and I both like coffee in the morning when camping. Ours will be cozy, 4 ft wide. AC /fan is in the plans for us. IL summers practically require.the AC, even at night, especially while being cozy! Reason for 4ft width instead of 5? We are recycling the utiluty trailer that we used to haul our mower on, when mowing the lot we ended up building our home on 27 yrs ago. Just gotta get the teardrop done, now!😏 Glad to find your site! Lots of great ideas on here!
Wendy Wilson Hey, I’m so glad you found us, and I’m happy to hear about your project! You are really going to like your teardrop. It’s so much fun using something you built! Best of luck to y’all!
build a folding box that fits on your tongue box. build it so the first side up and the last side down sits at the front of the box. You can use a door hook and eyebolt to lock the sides together. (or use Velcro and straps ??) that way you can have it down while traveling and up in the camp ground. OR you can buy a small rolling trash can with a top that would hold your trash and keep the bugs at bay and the smell down
Using a hook, similar to the hook you used to hang your hat, we placed one in a convienent location. We then used the plastic grocery bags that you get while buying groceries, as are disposable garbage collector. It just hangs on the hook. Takes very little space, and works perfect.
I don’t know if you check comments this far out from when you posted it, but I find that it’s sometimes worth bringing a dining tent (screen tent) to get out of the bugs and eat outside. An amazing attachment would be something that attached to the galley with enough room to fit a picnic table underneath as well.
I like your coffee pot. You’re right, coffee makes the morning. I have used, since 1973, an aluminum drip pot that comes in three pieces. Mine makes 12-15. Cups. It has a top section that you pour into, the center section is the strainer, and the coffe wind s up in the bottom section. The cap fits the top and bottom sections. Very light and fits well almost snywhere
if you're having problems with bugs inside the camper a bug-a-salt gun can be a lifesaver. And it's pretty satisfying to blast em out of the air! Not as helpful outdoors though.
I saw a pickup camper a few years ago that went to Goodwill and got an old vinyl suit clothes bag with zipper and put their trash in it. Out of site and no smell. Hung it on back of camper while camping.. easy to fold inside out and hose out when home.
I have camped in Ontario in May, this is the beginning of bug season. There is no product that works like a Thermacell. I have had one for 15 years and as long as it is not windy you can sit outside and have no problem with mosquitoes or black flies. It is essentially silent and inexpensive to run. I take it when we go canoe tripping and it keeps them away to about a 20 foot square area. If really concerned you can get 2 or perhaps the newer patio version. I have not tried it but I am pretty sure it will do at least as good a job.
@@CampandCamera Very inexpensive , you buy refill packs that have the butane cylinder and the pad that dissipates into the air from the heater. Here in Canada you can buy 2 sizes of refills and they are very economical in my opinion. Its been a while since I bought so off the top of my head I can't give a dollar figure. Bottom line is they work great.
For the trash issue: I didn't see a spare tire on your trailer but... I have a "Trash-a-roo" that mounts to the spare tire of the Jeep (or any other vehicle with a rear mounted spare) Very tough. Keeps it away from your sleeping area. Can hold quite a bit of trash.
I installed the Froli travel bed system purchased from Nickle Atlantic under my teardrop matress and it is super wonderful, supportive and comfortable without robbing us of headspace when we sit up. They are made for the yacht industry. Great video!
Thank you! I’ve seen the Froli mentioned, but never tried one out. It looks like a great product. Thanks for the info.
Thermacell. For mosquito repellent is the best.
Might look for a good used one, only because I’ve been down this road before I turned it cargo trailer into a camper, and I never used it, so if I buy something used I will make sure to throw the mattress away 😂
Very informative! Last weekend we camped in ours for the first time and I had to laugh since some of the things you mentioned we experienced also. One of the things we liked a lot was the filet table we bought from Bass Pro shops to use for rinsing veggies, washing dishes, etc. but also, we hung one of those brackets from the side of it that holds a trash bag. I know the table is not small but we love it.
Hey, I’m glad you guys had a great time! I’m interested in that bracket. Do you have a link?
Camp and Camera I got it from Dicks Sporting Goods. It is called a Trash-ease portable trash bag holder. Might not be what you are looking for but we like it.
I really like your videos and approach to your build...we built the “7th Inning Stretch” in 2016 and we use it every chance we get. We’re 3 hours from the Pacific Ocean and 2 hours from the mountains. Keep recording and we’ll keep watching 😎
Wow, you’re in a great place!!
Brilliant video thanks for sharing.love your tear drop you made a great job of building it .👍
Thank you! It was a pleasure to build! Thanks for the kind comment.
Thermacell for bugs
Trash in the tongue box would work to keep animals out of it.
I have been kayak-camping for about ten years, and have had a camper shell on my little Nissan Frontier for about three years. I have learned that every single camping trip is an experiment to find what works best, what doesn't work, and what could work better. I used to think that I would eventually figure out a smooth system for all aspects of camping, but the truth is that I always end up thinking of ways to improve my camping experience on the next trip. It has become something I actually look forward to, along with all the other reasons to go camping.
Stephen Schwake Hey, interesting notion! I like the way you think.
Great to hear about that constant eagerness to solve and invent.
Stephen Schwake ... it’s not just camping. It’s an adventure 😃. I definitely agree with you
I imagine the cavemen went through the same process of finding a longer spear when hunting wooly mammoths!
I use a 5 gallon bucket with lid such as from Home Depot for trash. The lid keeps the flies away. It can double as a seat. Put it in the tow vehicle at night or when you’re away to keep critters out. I loved my teardrop, I tried to have almost everything I packed have more than a single use. The bucket is great for storing stuff in the TV while traveling on the road.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I use one of those 5 gallon bucket, toilet seat lids as my trashcan because it’s easy opening and seals really well for bugs as well
Love your channel. Just one piece of advice... On the coffee maker, always buy Stainless Steel percolators or pour over water heating pots. Much better for you in the long run. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel
Water and the acid in coffee can leach out some really bad things out of aluminum.
Like you say, there has been plenty of talk over the years about aluminum being connected with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
But when you dig a little deeper you’ll find there is very little science backing those claims.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, “Although initial studies linked aluminium toxicity with Alzheimer's disease, the link has not been proven despite continuing investigation. Importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that aluminium exposure increases your risk of dementia.”
In addition, it’s worth knowing a few facts about aluminum and our exposure to it.
First off, it is the third most common element on Earth. It’s everywhere...in the soil and in the water, and in the fruits and vegetables we eat every day, albeit in small quantities.
As for exposure in the home, it is found in buffered aspirin, some antacids, antiperspirants, and even in pickled and processed foods.
And yes, if you make coffee in an aluminum brewer, you’ll likely be exposed to a very small amount of the metal.
But let’s put this in perspective.
According to Cook’s Illustrated (January 2012), after lab tests were conducted on tomato sauce cooked in aluminum for two hours - tomato is very acidic - and then stored in the same pot for several hours, the sauce contained only .0024 milligrams of aluminum per cup.
That’s really not very much when you consider that a single antacid tablet may contain more than 200 milligrams.
If you are super-cautious, stick to stainless steel. But if you follow the science, it looks like there is pretty much no risk to brewing your coffee in aluminium.
First of all, your garage looks more interesting than a candy store.
Second, I would LOVE to camp in a teardrop like yours. My brother in-law and I started to build one a while a go but it’s far from finished.
Lastly, it’s so cool to see it coming together and listening about your latest additions and moods.
Hey thanks! I have a big camper too, but really love this little one.
If anyone reads this comment, check out the “RV East Coast” channel. Excellent videos there!
I tend to camp with a lot of 3 gallon buckets because they double for seating. I keep a Coleman lantern and some rags in one. Once camp is set up, a Walmart bag or 2 makes this a great trash can. The rags come in handy for everything and protect the lantern as we travel. Other 3-gallon bins house grilling stuff (long handled grilling tools, oven mits, even a 1-burner propane stove and some gas). Another has become our 1st Aide Kit with bandages and bug spray. We also store cooking oil and a few tall things in there too. We have bought a toilet ring that will fit on top of the 3-gallon bucket. I am extremely careful to line it with big contractor-type trash bag for protection and then double or triple Walmart bags for the “duty” so that the bucket is still usable for other things. Clean as a whistle.
Its hard to beat a bucket. Self-contained, waterproof, and strong.
Distilled water is attractive due to price, I don't recommend it because there are no minerals left in it, which we need.
We can get plenty of minerals from our food
@@jewelsbug927 Please provide evidence of this. And which foods. You can't just make a blanket statement like that.
As tent campers, we usually hung a trash bag in a tree and carried it to the bearproof containers before we went to bed. I've just finished the aluminum frame on Timbren axles with electric brakes and LED lights for what will be our 'square drop' variation on a teardrop, so we're still weeks away from having an actual camper (I'm working on it pretty much full time at the moment), but for trash I've been thinking about something like the Trasharoo I've seen some of the 4x4 offroaders hang on their spare tires (probably lined with a trash bag). If we can't empty it in a bearproof container where we are camped, we will likely stash it in the back of the Subaru (our wagon is an L.L.Bean edition with the flat-6, so we shouldn't have any trouble pulling the lightweight trailer) or in the Yakima 'pod' on the roof rack at night.
We've really enjoyed your videos, and, while our plans are probably a bit more Spartan, we've learned quite a bit from watching the construction of yours. One thing you might be interested in that we're doing has to do with the bed. My wife found a wooden frame assembly at IKEA that will go under our bedding and act somewhat like a very thin set of box springs and provide airflow under our mattress (our plan at the moment is to use the queen size version of one of the fold-up mattresses, but that's subject to change). The sides/halves of the wooden frame are separate, so they can be stacked to clean under each side (and so we can turn them on their sides to slide them out the doors if needed). I haven't taken them out of the box yet, so I haven't actually seen them. Assembly required & modification of length/width is supposed to be possible - according to my wife. (I believe that during the 33 years we've been married she has come to believe that I can 'build anything out of nothing' so long as she tells me what she wants it to do when it's done - so far, I've managed not to disappoint her.)
We've nicknamed our trailer the 'Beddy Bye Basket' as a working title (from a scene in the Disney movie 'The Aristocats' that our grandsons love), but my wife is embarrassed when I call it that in public. So I believe we've finally settled on the name WilderNest (an obvious play on wilderness, and I suppose still subject to change).
I’m glad you commented! Sounds like you guys are building a nice camper. It’s especially nice that you’re making it a team project! I was pretty much alone on my build and would have loved the company. Happy building!
We make our own bug repellant, as here in Qld Australia we have very small flys called midgies.so mix up equal parts Epson salts, mouth wash (just a cheep blue kind) and flat stale beer. I didn't have any flat stale beer so I just sacrificed a stubby of full strength. We spray it on our deck, chairs and fly screens, works a treat.😉
That’s a new me to me. Thanks for the recipe!!
For curtains I used a wooden dowel, command hooks and a t-shit, double that and each widow is covered and I have two spare t shirts
The Dutch Cool idea!
Brilliant tip - thx!
Love that idea
in my humble opinion, i would have attached the mirror to the outside of the cabinet door. I'm the biggest cluts on the planet and would hit my head on the open door every time! Second, i never have a problem checking what's behind me when i'm concentrating on something I'm working on, especially when it's outside. Excellent video. Happy camping! =)
Thanks for watching and for the suggestion!
I just set up command hook on my hatchback for the trash, and hang a plastic grocery bag from that. I then either just put it on my counter at night before closing up, in my vehicle, or take a nighttime stroll to the trash bin, looking up at the stars there and back.
I also have 2 small command hooks inside, tucked down by the feet area, to latch the handles of a grocery bag. This keeps it fairly flat. Then we have somewhere to put trash in the evening.
When me and my wife camp we bring a pop up laundry basket to put a garbage bag in. You can always bungee it to something if it's windy.
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
Trasharoo that hangs on the back of my vehicle is a great option for trash. It keeps it off the ground and away from most of the livable area.
Thanks for the suggestion!
such a incredible build man, cant tell it was home built at all its crazy, mine is very obviously homebuilt looking lol
cheers man your videos helped me alot even know we had way different designs
Joseph Terry Thanks a bunch! Glad the videos helped!
Mosquito netting can be velcroed over door openings so can plastic/vinyl screening just put a fabric binding to sew the Velcro to cut to fit larger than door openings
don't forget the area between the trailer bottom and ground
For our trash we throw it up in our rooftop carrier on our car. If you don't have a rooftop carrier adding a cargo box to your tongue or attaching one to your receiver in the back of the teardrop would be a great solution for hiding that trash. Thanks for the great video! This was really fun to watch and very informative.
Thanks for the tips and kind words. I’m looking forward to your next episode. By the way, I have a channel for you to check out. It’s not teardrop camping, but the guy and his wife do an incredible job on their videos. It’s called “RV East Coast”. Have a good one!
@@CampandCamera We are so glad you turned us on to RV East Coast. There content is incredible. We are just sitting here scratching our heads about why they have a low view count. The algorithm can be strange. His content is like watching a movie. Thanks again, much appreciated!
I agree. I’d love to have those editing skills!
As for the mosquitoes, up here in Alaska we use citronella candles, but they are not that effective. We have heard from many forums and Creators on RUclips that the Thermacells work really well. We want to try one out, but are waiting for May (my wife) to have our next child in September before using one. Beings it is a fairly new product we wanted to play it safe in case years down the road they find it negatively impacts growing children in the womb.
I believe we’ll try the citronella first. Yep, I don’t like to try chemical stuff right away. I’ve heard too many bad stories from folks that do. Speaking of Alaska, I have a friend living in a DIY camper van up there this summer. He keeps sending the most beautiful photos!
find my comment for near free mosquito control :)
Vitamin B12 3 days before you go keep taking while camping and mosquitoes won't bother you. I get the odd bite but the people around me are way worse off.
@@revivalgirlheavenbound6661 Thank you for this suggestion. Next summer when they come out in full force we will be prepared!
In regard to the mosquitoes. You could try a collapsible screened in gazebo. I have a couple and they do a good job of keeping the bugs at bay.
Good tip!
I got a set of collapsible bowl with a colander at Ikea. Best money I ever spent. Those things rock.
slowpokebr549 I think I’m gonna grab a set of those collapsible bowls!
I failed to mention how much I like your craftsmanship. You did a beautiful job!
JZ WakkiZakko That really means a lot. I appreciate it very much!
Take your jug of water freeze it the night before your trip giving you cold water for good couple of days.
Good idea!
If those were the only issues you had I would say that you absolutely nailed it (no pun intended) on the planning and build!
Fisherman in Canada use Skin So Soft original bath oil, for Miskitos I use to sell it by the bucket load
Louine Franco Now that’s one I hadn’t heard. If it works in Canada it surely would work anywhere. You have lots of mosquitos up there don’t you?
For mosquito and bugs like black flies consider getting a thermocell.
Firstly, a very beautiful camper. My concern is that you are drinking distilled water. It's not for consumption, that's why many stores sell it next to the detergent. It is so pure it can leech minerals from your body.
Thanks for the info!
Yes! I’m so glad you said something.
Use the 1/2 gallon jug, refill them, freeze them and set it in your yeti cooler instead of ice
Remotely possible if that's all you drank (varying opinions), but not a problem for weekend camping trips. However, spring water is about the same price and may taste better.
Many many many people drink only distilled water and are healthier for it. You just have to watch the plastic anything goes into.
Glad you had a good first trip. I keep my trash in the back of my truck and use the tailgate as the extra table. Instead of water jugs have you considered the dispenser type? No need to pick it up. Just dispense off the edge of the counter. Build a holder for it to be an extra shelf on top so essentially you do not lose any counter space.
Great idea!
You might look at ThermCell brand mosquito & insect repeller. It is similar to the old Zippo brand pocket warmers in operation. It is fueled by a clear plastic sealed fuel cell about 3" L x 5/8" diameter (lighter fluid). Has a 2" x 2" "hot plate" over which you insert fiber pad impregnated with repellent (comes with the kit). Has a push button igniter. About 8" long x 3" wide x 1-1/4" thick. Can get a canvas sheath for it to hang near the kitchen hatch lid on the tear drop or anywhere else that is convenient. If the wx is not too breezy, it will clear pesky insects from about a 30' diameter circle. Guys in the Southeast use them for deer hunting when sitting on stand during season and they are quite effective. Think you can find them at WalMart, or most outdoor sporting goods / hunting stores. Good luck.
Danny Buck great advice!
For the bedding situation we would suggest a thinner inflatable on the bottom like a "Therm-a-Rest." I think you have seen our bedding video, but we basically have the same setup as you minus the 8" Coleman. In the video we test the Coleman style, but had the same issue as you with sinking in and moving my wife and child around when they were sleeping. I bet you can find a backpacking style inflatable that will come pretty close to fitting your teardrop.
I’ll check into that. Laying down, it’s great, but setting doesn’t exist!! I’m certainly not gonna video it!
yup, the 8" thick ones are great in a big tent, is about it.
We use a round collapsible laundry hamper with a trash bag inside. I have seen some in the same style that are intended for trash but are usually on the small side.
Roger Evartt we use a collapsible hamper as well and just toss our trash at night
I live in Louisiana mosquito repellent with deep. Also use vanilla extract in sprayer for nates.
Being from Louisiana, you definitely have to deal with bugs. Thanks for the tips!
You asked about camper trash in a teardrop. I discovered a lid at Ace in the paint department that had an outer ring that snapped onto a 3 gal or 5 gal plastic paint bucket. That snap on ring was threaded so the rest of the lid system threaded inside. So much easier than hassling with the snap portion that is almost impossible for me to get off with my arthritic hands. What I discovered during use is that I can put a 13 gal garbage bag in and draped over the edge and screw the screwable part of the lid on several times without damaging the plastic bag. And it is odor proof! I use it boondocking where there are no trash cans. I can toss in a few nights use of wag bags and not get driven out of my teardrop, vehicle or side tent. So useful I don't worry about the space the 5 gal bucket takes. Hope others can benefit from this tip.
Fantastic idea!!!
Use a Thermacell for mosquitoes. There are different kinds, I have one I wear on me when doing yard work. Works great!
My all-time favorite camping ideas are frozen jugs for drinking water (fill them up and freeze at home) a frozen container filled with water for the cooler (zero mess when it melts and you can drink or use the water) and if you usually camp with power, a 20 to 50 quart hot water peculator for having instant hot water for everything. Some days a fire can’t happen. And sometimes just having hot water for coffee, dirty dishes or just to wash up is awesome!
problem; the aluminum coffee pot. Aluminum is BAD for your health, it is linked to alzimers ( can't spill it) bad stuff. get stainless steal. Just found your videos. I like it.
Charles Blake Oh no! I love my little coffee pot! That’s bad news!
Charles Blake is correct, Aluminum used in high heat scenarios are linked to Alzheimers disease.
@@sixshooter4570 He's correct...Look for stainless or ceramic. I use ceramic and not made in China...
@@CampandCamera the aluminum studies are only a few and there are also other studies that debunk it as a myth. So you can keep your pot. Some of the original studies used dehydrated brains which would concentrate the metal in the study. alzheimer's has a lot more to do with hypocretin levels.
Your coffee pot adds flavor and character.....like jail time.
I recommend the Trasheroo on your spare tire.
I'm not a fan of air mattresses because they very soon leak but I do have a pair of 50mm thick high density polyurethane self inflating mattresses and if they don't inflate fast enough, a few breaths of air will get them just right. I'm a side sleeper so I tried 2 of them out on my kitchen floor overnight and I found I only needed 1 to get comfy. With memory foam on top the sleep should be bliss. The added bonus is that you can roll the lot up, bungee them up and poke into the back corner for those rainy days that only occur when you go camping, so you can set up inside with low camp chairs/stools/etc. and a little hiking table for drinks, etc. I have a knock off of the Helinox Chair One ( www.helinox.com.au/lightweight-camping-chairs/chair-one/chair-one ) that cost me $20 AU and a knock off of the Helinox Table One ( www.helinox.com.au/camp-tables/table-one ) also about $20 AU and between the 2 they weigh less than 1.7kg in total.
I don't know if anyone else has mentioned it but consider installing super heavy duty mud flaps behind your back wheels of your tow vehicle so that the mud flaps deflect stones and rocks down instead of letting them bounce off the front of your camper van and through the back window of your tow vehicle. Also, use a pair of chains or multi strand cable from each side of the bottom of the mud flaps to the rear bumper of the tow vehicle so if you have to make a 30 point U-turn in the bush/forest/scrub/etc. the mud flaps don't contact your tyres when you are backing up through that crap and allow the mud flaps to be ripped off. I said two chains/cables per mud flap because if you only attach one in the centre of the bottom of the mud flap it can twist can contact the tyre when you are backing up and hook into the tyre tread. When you move forward the tread can grip the bottom of the mud flap and rip it off.
I have had 2 rear mud flaps ripped off from my 4WD because of bad chain configuration and my father had lost 3 rear windows on his 4WD dragging around a caravan because he didn't have super heavy duty rear mud flaps on his 4.5 trips around Australia. As for super heavy duty mud flaps, if your dealer does not supply them, you can go a truck spares shop, buy a mud flap for a semi truck with dual wheels and cut it up into quarters and use those instead. I did that.
Thanks for taking time to provide all the great tips. I already have some paint chips on my fenders, so mud flaps would be great!!
I like the Velcro curtain idea , gonna have to use that one . And yep the wife requested a mirror also. Good tips . The state parks here in Texas have lantern poles at the sites , we just hang a heavy duty garbage bag on it instead of lantern.
Lantern poles...the campground I was at had one of those. Great idea! I have to give props to my bride for the Velcro. I’m not that smart!
I went a bit more complicated, but using button snaps works really well too!
Bungie cord a trash bin on your tongue... When you are back on the road, put it inside. It should fit by your utility box. Ma 2
Linda Lannon Thanks for the suggestion!
Great tips. It’s amazing the little things you learn with experience.
Agreed!
For trash use those dog food sqare bins with a lid. I put 24 lbs of dry cat food in it. Keep it fresh
You got my name right😁Thanks for the plug for my facebook group! (DIY Teardrop Campers Community) Its an honor to have our group sticker on your build!! Thank you for all that you contribute to the group. I hope to meet you one day at a campground somewhere. Your build is undoubtedly one of the best DIY builds I have seen to date. Thanks so much for sharing with us and again for the the plug. Have fun and safe travels my friend!!
By the way. If anyone wants to join our FB group, we have 2 questions you must answer for approval. This is our way of keeping the group full of active members. My admins and mods have been instructed to not approve anyone that doesn't answer both questions. In sure Michael will agree that we are active and 100% drama free so its worth the couple seconds of your time to answer the questions. Thanks again!
Almost makes me want to join up on the facepage. I'm doing my best to not get into that social doofloppy at all. Watching the few guys on boob here is about it. Glad you guys have a good group though.
Its a daunting task sometimes to keep it that way but I think it's worth it overall.
@@jaypoore773 I am not on fb but would be interested in finding out about your camping club as we have a home made tear drop camper, I subed to your channel so you can find me easy.
@@jaypoore773 I may attempt to join later today and check it out. I'm building a Vardo (not quite a teardrop, I understand) but I'm sure I'd learn a thing or two from the community. Sounds like a good group from the look of things.
Lavender bugs don't like lavender you can get candle air spray or oils
Hey there,
Thanks for the videos! Since you asked:
For bugs- we use wick- style hurricane lanterns with citronella oil- helps keep the bugs out and gives nice site lighting in the evenings. We also usually take a couple multi- wick citronella candles that are sold in their own "metal bucket"- usually put at least one of these on the ground upwind from the site- these methods together have pretty much taken care of the bugs every time.
'love the voltmeter suggestion- thanks!
Keep up the great work!
So many great ideas.... Thank you❤️
I started with a air mattress and learned the hard way they are not reliable. They will leak at the worst possible time (3 AM and raining) and you are on the floor. I switched to a futon mattress with a memory foam topper this is heavier but just as comfortable and more reliable.
Good idea!
Best sleep I ever had camping was on an army folding Cot....and alot of beer
Love the curtain
Take Vit B 1. Apparently it leaves something in the skin. Take about 2 wks before a trip. I have told this to missionary workers. It does work.
Great to hear you had a good camping.
We have DIY teardrop camper and we use popup trash can and put it in the tow vehicle at night if I don't take it to campground trash. We also keep any left over foods in our car.
Someone else mentioned a pop-up trash can too. I’d better check into that!
This is what we use.
Coghlan's 1219 Trash Can, 19 X 24-inches www.amazon.com/dp/B006EHAJSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3sCbDbBXC3BQW
I like it! Looks like it zips closed on top too.
@@traveling_with_sunny We use the same trash can and love it. We just throw a large rock in the bottom of the can during the day and it stays in place.
randomly found your channel, great vid, the rechargeable thermocell works great for bugs and a 1 gallon sprayer with permethrin mixed in it (tractor supply) trash bag on a hook next to the kitchen (big black yard bag) and most importantly love the Bronco RC car (I have a 71 my dad bought in 77 and passed onto me)
6:42 Just watching this today (3-19-24) after watching a LOT of your newer stuff, i have to call out past you!!! Walmart brand k-cup guy!! 😂❤😂❤😂❤
Hi, I saw your idea for folding washing up basin, I just thought I would let you know that here in Holland ( Nederland ) were everyone is camping crazy you can get folding buckets,ketels,pots + pans + even a teapot. Roy.
We also had problems with insects especially at meal times which is really irritating, last year I saw on line/tv something called "mug molen" (mosquito windmill) works with batteries the blades sit on top like a helicopter. I,d recommend getting one. No mozzies etc. Roy. Just put it in the middle the table.😁😅
For jacks on my teardrop, I went to a salvage yard and got 4 Subaru jacks for 10.00 , then welded one in each coner.
That’s a great idea!
You did a wonderful job on this build. I was gonna build my own from the suspension up, but decided to go with Bend Teardrops for my base build then I'll DIY the cabin and portions of the galley. I want a fold out couch with table setup, drop down TV from the ceiling, and storage around the TV with a Dometic toilet just under that wish a hatch (blending in withe the cabinets) to open up for it. Easy to empty, even if I need to dig a ditch being nice with nature. Still can't figure out where I'm gonna put my Dometic cooler. I'd prefer the galley but might get stuck with it as a pull out on the tongue. Also figuring out my burber scenario. I love your side table setup above the propane tank.
Dryer sheets in your pocket will keep bugs away from you
Donna Freeman Cool tip! Thanks!
Do the free&clear ones still work for this? The family is allergic to the regular ones
There are lid locking 10 gallons cans on-line for trash, keeps critters out of them.
Good idea!
So I think it would help us getting something called a trasharoo which would strapped onto the back of your car for trash
All paper gets burned in the campfire and the rest goes in a trash bag in the bed of my truck. I already have a 40-foot 5th wheel toy hauler but I'm thinking of doing my own small camper build like yours but my camper will just be for hunting etc so I'll be towing with my truck because I'm obviously not going to put my Geese, ducks, grouse, pheasants, deer, bear or elk inside an SUV or car. Seriously though, if I was just going camping in an SUV for like a weekend or so, I'd just bring a 12x12 canopy, a stove or fire grate, some folding camp chairs, and then sleep in either a tent or, (most likely), the back of the SUV itself, and not even deal with the maintenance/maneuver/parking problems associated an actual camper.
We use collapsible trash cans. They’re barrel shaped, made from canvas, with a metal wire coil that runs around the outside. Works great for us. You could also just leave a trash can in the bed of the truck.
We use colapsable laundry bags they are cylander shaped and have a lid that zip closed. We just close pin the trash bags on so it wont slide down and thy work great
This is exactly what we do. Collapsible trash can, sits under the kitchen during the day, and in the truck bed at night
I use the large citronella candles made by Off, in my 8 man tent. They keep the bugs out. Should work for your camper.
5 gallon bucket with a screw tight lid
Those gamma seal lids are fantastic.
5:05 small, smokey campfire seems to help w/ bugs
It sure does!
glad it sounds like you had a great time, a bonus of building it yourself is you know how to change things to fit you better later. now that you have a place to hang your hat you can officially call it home. seems like a mirror os something many people don't think about. that trash question is a good one. maybe plan enough ahead of time that you don't have allot of trash after a trip that would fit in a shopping bag and they could set it in the sink in case it leaked?
Hey, it’s always great to hear from you! You know, you’re right. We as a society generate way too much trash. That’s the better solution. Try to scale back. I like the “hang your hat” reference! Be well!
What to do with your trash? Get a Large mesh laundry bag, tie a small diameter rope trough the bag and hang it from a tree limb. Too, this will keep most animal and predators out of your garbage. You then can wash it with soap and water and ready for the next camping trip.
To use the stabilizer jacks as you described, (and get them to actually lock, and not slip), just get some small bungees, drill holes in the appropriate spots, (1 hole, (or eyebolt), up top & 1 hole in the lever itself), and use the bungees to apply extra tension on the slide stop levers. You can even use the square tube itself for the top bungee attachment point. You can easily shorten each Bungie to your desired length by pushing the knot out of 1 hook and re-tying the knot at a shorter length. Easy-adjust Bungie's, (from places like Harbor Freight, etc...), work even better because they can be adjusted for the desired length/tension for each different campsite. Play around with what strength bungees you need to securely lock those stops in place and your problem is fixed. I have done this on my 16-foot Motorcycle trailer and locked the braces enough to even lift the tire completely off the ground and still been able to drive my bikes in and out of the trailer with no problem with stand slippage.
Awesome information! Thanks for taking time to post this.
Enjoyable vid!
Command strips for the win!!
Sorry for the out of context question, but wife and I are considering small teardrop (similar to yours) and are wondering what you all do to change your clothes in the morning/ evening?
We’re in our middle 50’s and am wondering how difficult you find changing while not being able to stand up (or even sit properly)
Am I over thinking this, or dies it just happen easily while slightly laying down?
Thanks!
ron davenport We have a $30 pop up changing booth that we use for changing clothes. We also have a bucket potty in the booth. It takes about 1 minute to set up when we arrive, and maybe 3 minutes to put away before we leave.
Trevor Johnson Yep, I’m finding shoes to be a bit problematic as well.
Trevor Johnson Trevor- mind if i ask how old you (and a travel partner) are? I’m in my mid 50’s and am finding each year gets tougher to reach the floor!
@@CampandCamera Check out "under camper storage container" in this article: www.cooltears.com/post/after-you-buy-5-simple-modifications-for-a-t-g My wife found this a couple of days ago and it is officially high on my short list of mods for our teardrop!
For trash, stitch a large canvas bag with drain holes with hooks on the pantry door to hang it. Put all the trash in the bag, hang it drive to the nearest trash disposal point and empty the trash without opening the vehicle. Fold the canvas bag and tuck it under your seat and drive away
You can get paper type filters for those coffee pots i have one like yours and its about 60 years old and its still cooking? Brewing? Lol
Good products never go out of style
Deplorable Whiteman I love my little percolater. Folks keep telling me it’s gonna make me sick being aluminum, but it makes great coffee!
@@CampandCamera ive never gotten sick from mine and it was my mom and dads before i got it lol at home if i drink coffee its an espresso from a drive through place but camping its brewed and it tastes so much better than any other coffee maker great looking teardrop have great adventures
We might get one of those little 2-4 cup drip coffee makers. Hubby and I both like coffee in the morning when camping. Ours will be cozy, 4 ft wide. AC /fan is in the plans for us. IL summers practically require.the AC, even at night, especially while being cozy! Reason for 4ft width instead of 5? We are recycling the utiluty trailer that we used to haul our mower on, when mowing the lot we ended up building our home on 27 yrs ago. Just gotta get the teardrop done, now!😏 Glad to find your site! Lots of great ideas on here!
Wendy Wilson Hey, I’m so glad you found us, and I’m happy to hear about your project! You are really going to like your teardrop. It’s so much fun using something you built! Best of luck to y’all!
Deplorable Whiteman , you can’t beat camp coffee ☕️
When camping only percolated coffee will satisfy for some reason.
Magic mesh screen cut and put on door will keep bugs out
You can use a screen door spring for curtains also
Put that side table over the propane tank..no need for a “kickstand”..
Exactly what I thought. Looked like the bracket was almost there as it was.
build a folding box that fits on your tongue box. build it so the first side up and the last side down sits at the front of the box. You can use a door hook and eyebolt to lock the sides together. (or use Velcro and straps ??) that way you can have it down while traveling and up in the camp ground. OR you can buy a small rolling trash can with a top that would hold your trash and keep the bugs at bay and the smell down
Very clever!
Cheap, old-fashioned mosquito coils from DG work great for bugs.
Thanks!
beat me to it Jeannette C.
Use a trash a rue...it attached to the back of your car..keeps animals out
we dint tune in to see an antique coffee pot but how to build a camper!
Using a hook, similar to the hook you used to hang your hat, we placed one in a convienent location. We then used the plastic grocery bags that you get while buying groceries, as are disposable garbage collector. It just hangs on the hook. Takes very little space, and works perfect.
I tried that a few days ago. It worked great! Thanks for the tip!
They make a spare tire trash bag that the Jeep guys use which may work out pretty well for you
I don’t know if you check comments this far out from when you posted it, but I find that it’s sometimes worth bringing a dining tent (screen tent) to get out of the bugs and eat outside. An amazing attachment would be something that attached to the galley with enough room to fit a picnic table underneath as well.
Great tip! My wife has been asking for one.
I like your coffee pot. You’re right, coffee makes the morning. I have used, since 1973, an aluminum drip pot that comes in three pieces. Mine makes 12-15. Cups. It has a top section that you pour into, the center section is the strainer, and the coffe wind s up in the bottom section. The cap fits the top and bottom sections. Very light and fits well almost snywhere
That was some of the best coffee I’d had in a while! Thanks for sharing your own experience. I really appreciate it!
I put mine trash bag inside the trunk of the vehicle
Glad I found your videos. Kind regards from Slovenia!
Welcome to the channel!
Mosquito Deleto . Google it . Also burn trash .
I put a command hook on the outside of my camper to hang trash on.
if you're having problems with bugs inside the camper a bug-a-salt gun can be a lifesaver. And it's pretty satisfying to blast em out of the air! Not as helpful outdoors though.
The Wind Blows Thru Us That would be so much fun!
I want to know how you keep the bears away from your food and your trash.
Where did you purchase the frame?
Lynn Buck I designed it and had a trailer manufacturer weld it up for me. It was Mastiff Trailer in Gainesboro, TN.
Mine too Joseph and I got a lot of help from right here on my build as well, this is a stunning example of what a person can do at home.
M Langford I really appreciate that! Your camper is nothing to shake a stick at either. You do good work.
I saw a pickup camper a few years ago that went to Goodwill and got an old vinyl suit clothes bag with zipper and put their trash in it. Out of site and no smell. Hung it on back of camper while camping.. easy to fold inside out and hose out when home.
Frank Mooney That’s a slick idea!
I should trade you steps, mine is 5945 green. We have a folding trash can, but because we camp in bear country off to the bear safe cans at night.
"5945 green"....I love it! I'm gonna have to use that name in a future episode!
I have camped in Ontario in May, this is the beginning of bug season. There is no product that works like a Thermacell. I have had one for 15 years and as long as it is not windy you can sit outside and have no problem with mosquitoes or black flies. It is essentially silent and inexpensive to run. I take it when we go canoe tripping and it keeps them away to about a 20 foot square area. If really concerned you can get 2 or perhaps the newer patio version. I have not tried it but I am pretty sure it will do at least as good a job.
John Jackman That’s great advice. Is it very expensive to run?
@@CampandCamera Very inexpensive , you buy refill packs that have the butane cylinder and the pad that dissipates into the air from the heater. Here in Canada you can buy 2 sizes of refills and they are very economical in my opinion. Its been a while since I bought so off the top of my head I can't give a dollar figure. Bottom line is they work great.
For the trash issue:
I didn't see a spare tire on your trailer but... I have a "Trash-a-roo" that mounts to the spare tire of the Jeep (or any other vehicle with a rear mounted spare) Very tough. Keeps it away from your sleeping area. Can hold quite a bit of trash.
Cool idea. Thanks!