16 Lessons Learned After 9 Months of Teardrop Camping

[@stephanieborkowicz7946]

I started watching this video for the camping tips, I finished watching this video because of the dog. I was cracking up on how relaxed that dog was.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Haha! Teddy is building up quite a fan club! Thanks for your great comment. 🐶🤗

[@Bubbaforrest]

I have a 1985 Fleetwood bounder yes the one from breaking bad I’ve turned it into a food truck and living quarters. I travel all over the place with this including Canada and Mexico. I make money with it and I also live in. It’s the best idea I ever had. Thank you Vince Gilligan.

[@MarkDummy-z6g]

I watched a lot videos and i noticed that the guy does everything from setting up the camp, cooking, etc. hats off to you sir! Hope you dont get burned out with the routine.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi there, in order to make our videos, Kristin is behind the camera most of the time, filming Mike. Otherwise, there wouldn't be much creative content to share for our channel. As you noted, Mike certainly does a lot. He's a wonderful guy. Thanks for watching our videos.

[@gravityslave6277]

What a nice campground. Id also recommend you put a cover over your A/C unit. It'll prevent bugs, debris and moisture from getting in.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you. Yes, we usually have the AC covered when we're not using it. It might be a good idea to cover it even when camping. Thanks for watching, and thanks for your tip. :)

[@debbied9740]

Dog so beautiful.

[@Chubbydippin]

Great segment. What a beautiful dog. It's obvious he's fully aware of how much he's loved and a member of the family/pack. Thanx for sharing.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks for your nice comment. Teddy is indeed very loved. :)

[@barbshubert9667]

I really like your videos. Your dog is funny. He knows right where his blanket is. Thanks for the great tips. I just sold my 27ft camper and just starting the research process on teardrops. Your videos really help.

[@mikekeller2885]

First hand accounts are worth millions, good luck on collecting. Great review.

[@grantbriggs3777]

Your dog looks like he is relaxed and enjoying the tear drop camping lifestyle

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Yes, he's a good travel companion! We love bringing our dog with us camping. 🐶

[@Donna-v5t]

Just revisited this video. I have to say I miss you guys. Your videos are really good. Hope you are all well.

[@beno.9958]

Teddy seems to be comfortable wherever he happens to be. Great tips.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Teddy is happy as long as he's with us. Thanks for watching!🐶 🤗

[@johnw65]

Wife and I have talked about camping in our microtrailer here in the yard... And learn our lessons close to home! hehehe

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

We've done that! It can be fun to camp in the backyard! Good plan. 🤗

[@johnw65]

@@HighwaytoHoeftland Thanks, I'll reassure the wife with your good advice

[@Donna-v5t]

Thanks so much for sharing. Great chair for your baby!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you! 😊 👋

[@frankwolf9187]

RTIC is just as good as a YETI and half the price!! Thanks for a great video!!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks very much! We've had the RTIC cooler for about a year now, and it's been great. 🙌

[@mikecrawford7352]

Great video like always. We had a White Water Retro JR. we had under cabinet access from a small hatch below the cabinet door. We kept a few things I there however it was primarily for the 13 gallon water tank and pump. Our sink had a stove combo really to small for either but it worked still cooked on the colmen stove anyway. We had an insulted cabin and with 2 people with in 15 to 20 it was definitely warm even in below freezing temps no heater was required I still cracked my window at night. We had white and blue aluminum siding it always got dirty. Just wish I got the suspension lift I dragged the hitch a lot and a roof vent.

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Interesting video! Thank you for the tips ❤

[@secondwindtrailers]

Many good tips to follow while I build my teardrops for my customers!!! Thank you!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

We're glad to hear that, Nathan. Thank you!

[@davidpatrick1813]

I think it is most important to use LiFePO4 chemistry battery. Jackery doesn't use it much if at all. Look at the charge cycles ... first one gets thousands and the J not plus cobalt in batteries is dangerous too.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks for your tip, David. We will look into that.

[@jeanneannvalfre9581]

2018 we did a 2 months across America and upper Canada (home made teardrop) queen real mattress…amazing time.

[@estilodevidaoverland]

Thanks for video nice to meet you is a very nice tear drop! from Brazil.

[@aliasecho64]

Thanks for the lessons. I’m near Portland! Looking for campsites recommendations for my Bean teardrop, do you have a list of your favorites in Oregon?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi Alisha, how do you like your Bean teardrop? Those look nice and well made. Some of our favorite campsites are in the Central Oregon area. They include Crooked River Canyon, Little Crater Campground, and Camp Sherman. Other favs around Oregon included Cape Blanco State Park, camping in Maupin and Lost Lake outside of the Portland area. 👍🤗

[@Nwtripfinder]

Thanks for the tips and videos! I just ordered our Bend Teardrop and can't wait to take it out this winter for camping on birding and clamming trips. We had to get the 6x12 because our son is suddenly taller than I am and the 5x10 would have been too tight for the three of us plus our dog. We live in Western Washington so much of our off-season camping will be in the drizzle. We'll need to get some kind of additional shelter to sit around in because the awning probably won't be big enough for the three of us. I'm definitely going to order one of those den dry mattress underlays.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Congrats on your Bend Teardrop purchase! We have been happy with ours. We are wondering if the Quickset by Clam might be a good option for you to keep out of the drizzle? You can also add side panels to them. Welcome to the teardrop club! 👍🙂

[@bikingal4283]

yes yes and yes.. I have the venture quikset clam (solo 71yrs old female) and would not travel without it... great for keeping me out of inclement weather and also for those buggy areas.. the side panels are nice either for rain and/or cold weather.. most times I will leave them in place and drop down the top half after the rainy weather has moved out... one big word of caution though.. if it gets really stormy and windy I usually put a tarp over the front door area after I zip it shut and then wait out the storm in my TD... heavy winds went thru the front door area once and about lifted the clam up like an umbrella, the winds got trapped inside... thank goodness I had it staked down really well.. sorry to be so long but cannot stress enough how wonderful the clam is.. also can sleep inside at night if needed/wanted...

[@danmark4038]

Beautiful dog!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Teddy says thanks! 🐶🤗

[@maryanndeke4253]

Can You please share more about the Den Dry and exactly what mattress and size you got? We actually have the same camper and can't figure out what to get.

[@Ken_Poe]

I'm really looking into a Bend Teardrop 6x12. any thing i should know? we just want to get one a little bigger than our 5x8.. we're bigger people (6'7"). how is the AC working out for yours? assuming you need shore power for it.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi, sorry for the late reply. We've had positive experiences with Bend Teardrop. Mike is 6'2" and feels a little cramped at times. We have the 5x8. The AC is ok. We're wishing it didn't stick out of the side of the trailer. It doesn't look that great in our opinion. Dave changed the AC in future trailers so that it's inside now. Much better. Ours only works on shore power. We've had our Bend Teardrop for a couple of years, and everything still works fine. A larger one might work well for you. Good luck and happy camping. :)

[@stephtraveler7378]

Consider a square-drop with fiberglas sides like the Boreas. Comes w/ kitchen and refrigerator in a tear-drop (square-drop) design.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you for the suggestion! We will look into the Boreas and square drops.

[@paulsccna2964]

Great tips video. Simple and straight to the point. How hard was it to drive and tow, and did you ever leave the trailer, unattended? Was that concern? ever?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hello, Thanks for watching the video. The trailer is easy to tow. It's very light, and it tracks well. We leave the trailer unattended at campsites. We have a few different safety measures that we use, such as a tire boot, a ball lock, and a hitch lever lock. We are not concerned about leaving it. It's also insured.

[@CampingTherapy]

Can you put a cabinet door on the front of the lower galley section, to give access that way?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

That is a very good idea, thank you! We could probably also take it back to Dave at Bend Teardrop and ask them to modify it as well. 👍

[@joycejohnson1396]

Love your dog.

[@kimcunningham8019]

Thanks for the tips 👍🏼

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks for your support. ❤️

[@Junie-i3o]

Maybe this is a dumb question,but how do you keep bears from being attracted to your trailer kitchen area off grid?

[@GMJM23]

Good tips. Thanks

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks, Jim!

[@richardocain8299]

Is this unit your in a 6x12 by Bend teardrop?? Both wife and I are tall about 6 foot 2. You guys look tall. How well do you fit?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi Richard, sorry for the late reply. We just got home from an Alaskan cruise. We have the 5x10 Bend Teardrop. Mike is 6'2", and I'm 5'7". We fit in it just fine. Hope that helps!

[@darmatm9416]

how well does that mu heater work to heat the interior up? Great video

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you! The MyHeater works great. It doesn't give off a ton of heat, but it sufficiently warms the space so that it's comfortable and cozy.

[@FieldWorxoverlandadventures]

I know one of those hamburger patties went to the dog👍 thanks for the video that was fun, I think I’m getting a teardrop trailer to tow with my jeep it’s for my dog and myself for our adventures I just don’t know what kind to get, I prefer something that’s more strict down model mainly I would use the back for my backpacks cooler Coleman stove, in the main compartment just for sleeping, having heat and air conditioning would be really nice and for sure an outside shower I just don’t know what brand to go with that’s going to be durable for off road travel crossing creeks something that’s watertight etc. I think it’s awesome you bring your dog with you that’s the best

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi Jon, we have been pleased that Teddy is enjoying the camper with us. You and your dog will have so much fun! Do you watch the Playing with Sticks channel? He has been sharing a lot of different teardrop campers lately and taking tours of them. You might find one you like there. Our Bend Teardrop Trailer seems to go off-road just fine and has a high clearance. You can learn more about the Bend Teardrops at bendteardrop.com/. Dave is a nice guy and will answer any questions you have. We haven't had any problems with our trailer yet, and we've had it since October 2021. Happy camping! Thanks for your comment, and we hope you find one you enjoy soon. :)

[@genericwatcher2439]

I LOVE camping with my 30' camper, but no my wife doesn't want to anymore, I tried car camping and that was great, right up to the point it rained for 2 days, then it was miserable, I missed having all the extra room when the weather is bad. What do you do during bad weather? Move to better weather or hunker down and just deal with it or... is the camper large enough you are okay?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Sorry for the late reply. This is a good question. Over time, for us, this camper isn't ideal in bad weather because the space is so small. However, lots of people in the teardrop community love it and find ways to add tents and covers, or they don't mind being cozy in the smaller space. Honestly, we're eventually going to get a little larger trailer, but not by much because we also value easy towabilty. There are pros and cons to all the camping setups. We hope you guys can find something that works well for both of you.

[@randyk7699]

Love your dog!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you, Randy! 🐶

[@RhinoVenturesOutdoors]

Thanks for the tips and insights! I'm supposed to pick up my teardrop in September and very excited! I struck the Propex heater from my build as it was a very expensive upgrade ($1500). I think I'm going to heat with the small 200w/power station option like you guys. Does it get the job done? The camper I'm buying is supposed to be very well insulated, and I hope that once I get it warmed, it will maintain for most of the night.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

That is good to know about how expensive the Propex add on would be. Indeed very expensive. That's the challenge with these teardrops; we can keep adding amenities, but then they're no longer affordable. It's still perfectly doable without the installed off-grid heater. We also appreciate having a heavy duty sleeping bag for the super cold nights. Yes, if you have electricity, the small portable heater should work just fine in most cases. Your teardrop will be ready before you know it! Exciting!👍🤗

[@margaretwandel5660]

I lived in my teardrop for almost a year. My teardrop is not well insulated. I found a sleeping bag with a heavy wool quilt I made from old wool scarves and a wool poncho pkus one dog heat was comfortable.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

@@margaretwandel5660 It's amazing how well a good sleeping bag will work, not to mention the snuggles from our pups.

[@margaretwandel5660]

@@HighwaytoHoeftland It was only tough when getting out of the bag. I used a buddy heater under a Coleman canopy to warm up my food area. During the day I was out and about, in and out of heated buildings. I wasn't in a remote location.

[@michaelhoeft9638]

There are probably some items we missed like the quickset by clam and the bathroom tent that are very useful.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Good points. Those are also helpful camping aids. 👌

[@carolburkholder9351]

Hello from northern Alberta Canada. I have some suggestions that work for me and my teardrop Invaluable is my pop up gazebo Fits like a glove over the hatch at the back and is screened or you can add outer walls if weather is inclement. My Acopower fridge/freezer. charges or runs with AC Solar or twelve volt and has a 12 hour battery back up built in. A company called Vevor sells the most cost effective gazebo but Clam company are the original makers. Happy camping. Love my teardrop

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you for the tips, Carol! Happy camping :)

[@Bartonsrving]

New subscriber great tips we could use some of those, really like that propane fire pit

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks, we're glad you liked the video. The Sequoia Camp Chef firepit works great. 👍👋

[@bryman31]

great video. was that AC unit pre installed or did you guys do that?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you! The AC unit was installed by Bend Teardrop. It was the first one he installed on the trailers. He does things a little differently now. It looks like now he installs portable AC units that sit inside the trailer.

[@bryman31]

@@HighwaytoHoeftland thanks

[@toriafloria]

Yay, love the analysis! Omg Teddy.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you! 🐶

[@kevinhannah8636]

Hi, Dave from Bend Teardrop mentioned in one of his videos that he sometimes uses Weiman Stainless Steel cleaner and polish. I haven't used that but use Wash Wax All by Aero Cosmetics. It is a product developed for the aircraft business for cleansing planes. I have used it on my old Lazy Daze Class C as it was aluminum and it worked wonders in keeping it shiny. I now use it on my cars and just started on my Teardrop. It is environmentally friendly and you can use it wet or dry. I also have the Clam Quick-Set Traveller with 2 sets of panels and just bought the Lumberjack SJK Roadhouse tarp to put over the back of the teardrop to give shade or rain protection when using the kitchen. I love learning from you guys. Kevin

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi Kevin, thank you, those are great tips about the specific products to use to clean the aluminum siding; we will definitely give the one you use a try. We also like the tarp idea over the back galley for shade. Thanks again and we hope you're having a wonderful weekend! 👍🤗

[@FieldWorxoverlandadventures]

I recommend carrying a small blower or something like a Dewalt with extra batteries this way when you get out of your vehicle before you open up your trailer or any other doors on your vehicle you can blow everything off this way the dust stays to a minimum getting inside. I spend all my time with my teardrop in the back country where everything just gets covered with dust. Your trailer does not have a gas heater? 👍

[@VictoriousOvercomer]

Great tips! Thanks - it helps the rest of us. :)

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thank you, Ross! We appreciate your nice comment. Thanks for watching. 🤗

[@Jacqueline-e1j]

Hi guys you can get your teardrop treated by the dealer they coat it with something that protects the paint decals due to fading and bugs I’m just having mine done!!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

This is a good idea! Thank you!

[@billleland957]

Good job guys. I can't speak for the real cold weather. I keep 2 eleven degree sleeping bags handy just in case. Our teardrop is built differently, but one cabinet above the stove is nearly emptied every time we cook that's why you see a 2'x4' fold out table near our kitchen. It's a minor pain but we have accepted it as teardrop life.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks, Bill! We forgot to mention that it's also good to have sleeping bags on hand. We have one tucked away in the teardrop as well, rated for 20 degrees. 👍👍

[@DianeDowneyYardFairy]

Great video as always. We are heading out this weekend with our T@G. I’m rethinking the grey water bucket we have - thank you and happy camping!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

We like those T@Gs! Thank you and happy camping to you as well! 🌲🤗

[@modaud6509]

We use a 1 gallon arrowhead? water jug & empty it regularly. They are easy to find at the dollar store & if you remove the long extension pipe (on the Bend TD) & just use the short crinkled hose it fits down in the jug perfectly & is at the right height. Really worked well this season.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

@@modaud6509 We will look into the arrowhead 1 gallon jug, thank you! 🙌

[@davidf9630]

Nice video… we’ve been Teardrop camping since 2016, and have experienced problems here and there but nothing that an open window or extra blanket can’t fix. When I built my trailer, I never put in any electrical. Now we’re ready to add the vent fan and a battery with solar panels. Also, here in central California every season is camping season. So we really need to plan ahead…

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi David, oh yes, good points, living in California likey presents different opportunities and challenges for campers. You've been camping for many years with your teardrop - that's awesome! You could give everyone lots of tips with that experience. We do agree that having a simple, no frills set-up has big benefits as well. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching our videos. We appreciate it. 🤗

[@bikingal4283]

cheap titan heater from walmart, 12v, thermostat.. use it with my jackery, uses very little power...my heater is easily 20 yrs old and gets hot as the dickens, good thing it has a thermostat.. I run it at lowest temp at night, crank it up in am just to get dressed... also sherpa heated blanket is a must.. low setting also, also on jackery...low wattage usage

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks for the tips!

[@cchiavetta413]

Question How do you keep the no seems away?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi, are you referring to bugs? If so, we use our day tent when needed, incense, and sometimes mosquito repellent and citronella candles. At this particular campsite at the time we were filming, there were very few bugs around. That might be one advantage to camping in Oregon (less bugs to contend with, except in the middle of summer, and in certain areas, such as near lakes or marshy areas).

[@lady_kas7825]

BISON BURGERS AND BEER!?!?!? I LOVE YOU!!

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

Can you provide a link to the heater you would prefer having?

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi there, the electric heater we use when we're connected to shore power is here: Lasko 106 Space Heater, Compact, a.co/d/idDZeKD

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

@@HighwaytoHoeftland thanks but I was asking about the heater that you said you would prefer having instead of the little space heater.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Oh! We were referring to a Propex heater. Unfortunately, they are expensive to install. Here is a link to more info: www.propexheatsource.com/camper-van-furnaces-heaters/

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

@@HighwaytoHoeftland thank you!

[@annej5699]

Other drivers might appreciate a bit of dust to cut the glare from your shiny exterior. Too shiny an exterior can blind others with reflected glare, causing unsafe road conditions for everyone, including you. Clean after you get where you will be for a while. Leave the dust on when moving.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi Anne, we never thought of that. Good point, thank you.

[@charlesfaulkner8653]

If you’re going to upgrade your cooler why spend the money twice? Bite the bullet and get the Jackery and 12v cooler. Just my thoughts. Yetis aren’t cheap.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi Charles, You're probably right. That would have been the best plan to just go for it and get the set-up that works the best with how often we go camping. 🙂

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

We ended up getting the more affordable RTIC cooler for now. Mike's preference.

[@myokielife]

Awesome video! Some good tips! Thumbs up and a sub!

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks so much! 🙌

[@handyhippie6548]

paint the exterior with rhino liner or a similar bedliner product. it will help to weatherproof the camper, make cleaning easier, and make for a tougher exterior to prevent scratches and damage from branches when camping in an out of the way place.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks for the helpful tip!

[@munson791]

If Teddy did a video, it would just be him sleeping and titled: "How to Enjoy Teardrop Camping (Dog's Version).

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Haha, yes, you are probably right about that! 🐶🤗

[@traceynickerson4548]

Love see the 🐶 enjoying the outdoors

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

We love Teddy so much! Thanks for your nice comment. 🐶

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Bison! I was nearly killed by one in Yellowstone in '89.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Yikes! Glad they didn't get you. They seem pretty big and strong. 🦬😯

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

@@HighwaytoHoeftland I narrowly escaped - a few seconds later and I would have been dead. Harrowing to say the least. Some visitors each year aren't so lucky.

[@tomking5358]

A good dog makes everything better...esp camping!

[@bear4locos]

I would get a wrap done if you don’t like the aluminum anymore

[@mikeandre9027]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks, Mike! 🙂

[@bryanwindover9859]

Wipe down your stainless with industrial pledge. It will stop the marks on it.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Thanks, Bryan! We will give that a try.

[@bossman6174]

I have a tip for you. Don't use disposable dishes . Just get your own bowl and wash it. The world is already awash in garbage. Nice vid.

[@micharlflynn4404]

I could live on it

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

You could live in a teardrop? We could see how people can make that work.

[@TSunshineful]

Isn't some of that just plain common sense? Was burgers and beer one of the tips?

[@dnnsmtchll]

uneve audio level bad !!!!

[@Surfmus]

5:35 Nope. Do like me, Carbon Fiber and Fiberglassed on top.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi, we had a fiberglass Casita and liked it. Thanks for your comment.

[@diegoforest]

You really need to learn how to record and mix audio.

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

We're just doing this for fun.

[@michaelcarman4875]

don't advertise such horrible food, please.

[@mikec.8556]

Jackery are overrated there are better for cheaper

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

Hi Mike, which ones do you prefer? We're still undecided. Thanks for your input.

[@mikec.8556]

I have the ecoflow it hasn’t failed me . I’ve had two bad experiences with jackery won’t try them a third time

[@HighwaytoHoeftland]

@@mikec.8556 Good to know. Thank you!

[@brendamw7895]

Brian uses a bluettie. He gives a great explanation. We have a jackery with solar panels which has been useful out camping and at home after severe weather conditions left us in the dark for an extended time. Good luck!