Oregon Trail'r Do-Drop Alpha

Zack and I field test my new tear drop trailer in the desert north of Las Vegas.
The Do-Drop Alpha is made in Eugene, Oregon by Oregon Trail'r.
www.oregontrailer.net

[@Narx9]

Super jealous of your rig. Its every man's minimalist, survival, mobile living dream!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Noah. Prior to the trailer I could outfit myself for maybe a week at max. Living in the desert, water was the main issue. Now I can easily outfit myself for 3 weeks plus living in relative comfort.

[@gsuggett]

My son and I really love your setup. He's still little and we haven't done any camping yet, but this gives us ideas. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@ATLbench]

Cool Rig Rick! We share the same name! I built my own teardrop on a John boat trailer. I’m 6’5” and can stretch out well. It’s not as fancy but it was cheap to build and I love it!

[@nivid01]

Howdy Rick from Australia. Good onya mate: Great setup, nice looking teardrop trailer, great scenery, nice weapon, nice dog, good video work. All in all, a great video to watch. I am looking to do that myself as I am 66.5 years of age and need to urgently get out of the house as I am just sitting around without a purpose. Thanks mate, for sharing and the inspiration to get out and do something like you.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Nijel. I hear ya, I too am getting a bit long in the tooth and getting out and exploring makes me feel like a a kid again. Good for the soul, and the body. Back in the day I did a few jobs in Oz over the years. Mostly out of Perth, Darwin and the Bass Strait area. From what I saw a great country for going off roading and exploring the bush.

[@edjrmorgan]

Started watching your video for more info on trailer, I’ve been looking and in my research I think you have the best for price and being practical for towing behind Jeep, love the rhino lining as well for durability. Got everything you need without all the extra weight. Anyway enjoyed your video enough I found myself watching them all or at least working on it. Great videos, love the dog. Keep on keeping on! Thanks, Washington State fan.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks. I'm pretty happy with it. I didn't want the type of trailer that has a roof top style tent so this pretty much suited me. It does however require extra care on rough terrain.

[@andredesaintphalle]

Grateful Dead, Golden Retriever = already a winner !!!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Ha! Can't go wrong with either! :)

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Great video.... Great set up... Great location... Thank you for the video.. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸✌

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks John

[@jetcarddude]

Very sweet set-up and your dog just completes your campsite. Happy Trails. I am so jealous.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks for the kind words. I have to say ol' Zack is turning into a pretty good dog :)

[@OdySlim]

Hi Rick. You snuck one in on me. I missed this one. It is amazing you packed all of that gear into the Jeep & trailer. I noticed you even have room for the Sausailto, Pepperage Farm cookies . Perfect.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi. The storage space is really nice. I can go out for a few weeks now when before I was pretty much maxed at 5 days.

[@kengreene3308]

Nice rig, hope you and the pup have a lot of good times in it! Glad to see you keep a semi-auto nearby.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Ken. We have been using it quit a bit, just got back from a week in DV visiting the parts off the pavement. Good spot on the gun :). It's a Walther PPQ 9mm.

[@larryj8924]

Nice outfit for getting off the beaten path. Always enjoy the drone footage showing scenery and towing the trl. looks great.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Larry

[@christiannavarro1261]

Man that's a setup right there. Love the Alpha Do-Drop

[@sum2automation]

Yup, vary nice way to go. Happy travel's :) Thanks for sharing...

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Appreciate the compliment :)

[@81eagle]

That's a sweet setup. I went the home made route, and it really got me out a lot more. The summer I finished it, I camped 15 weekends. The ability to not be sleeping on the ground, have a secure, and a weather tight structure is game changing.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, I like it so far. I started to think about one after the dog growling woke me up. In the morning I found mountain lion tracks all around the tent. Plus set up time , and even more breaking camp time is a fraction of what is was. All around much better than sleeping with the scorpions and snakes. I have a lot of respect for one that builds their own. Believe me with my welding skills that was not an option. :)

[@SergioIbarraZ]

How much did it cost you to build your own?

[@81eagle]

@@SergioIbarraZ Not counting the trailer I saved my receipts and it came to just over $500. I did put a diesel air heater in last year and a solar panel so I am up to around $800 now.

[@SergioIbarraZ]

81eagle that’s super cool man! Wish I had the knowledge to be able to do something like this

[@81eagle]

@@SergioIbarraZ You could do it dude! Just start building. If it's not perfect (and none are) rebuild, learn, redesign. You can do it I have no doubt!

[@toxictabasco]

Great video. Those drone shots at sunset are amazing. And very cool camper you have.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, the drone definitely has a learning curve

[@1biggun712]

Wow...this is pretty sweet! Happy travels to you 😎

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Eric.

[@jefflunt9615]

Enjoyed your video. You are doing what I love doing...heading out with my dog. And your camp setup was so inviting to me...just fantastic. Your laid back style is so much fun compared to all the hyper folks showing off their rigs, or worse, the sales folks jabbering on. I will be checking back to see how you and your pal are doing. Sincerely, Jeff Lunt

[@Narx9]

I do bushcraft and the more and more I think about survival and mobility I think about putting together a rig like this. I wish solar cars were better, because if they had a jeep that could be purely electrical it'd be perfect, but we are a long ways off from that.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

I agree, that a pure solar powered Jeep would be awesome. I'm afraid though we are decades away from that. Solar and battery technology would really have to improve to achieve it.

[@OdySlim]

@@RickZackExploreOffroad I agree with you Rick. I see your are well.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

@@OdySlim Hey Ody. Sorry for not responding sooner. I have taken a break from the whole KZbin thing. Planning on getting back into it shortly.

[@randallscott8501]

May the four winds roll you safely home!

[@scottyg9167]

Thanks for the great vid. And thanks for not having your background music eardrum-blowing blaring loud.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks for the kind words Scotty. If the video was done 30 years ago the decibel level may have been a tad elevated :)

[@donzimmer4616]

Nice rig. I too have a JK and a teardrop out here in Apple Valley. Enjoy!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Don. The same too you

[@iTrove]

Congrats & great tunes

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, I always enjoy the Dead.

[@danwhiteman2529]

Nice Rig! Happy Trails!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Dan, so far i'm pretty pleased with it.

[@azdakrowflyz5963]

Great setup, nice shoot, awesome music and your editing is very well done.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, I appreciate it. :)

[@bfranco1519]

Awesome! The dog lol. Eyes!

[@JeepAroundTexas]

Enjoyed your video. I like your rig and setup, keep them coming.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, where in Texas you from?

[@JeepAroundTexas]

Rick & Zack Explore Offroad Waxahachie, 35 miles south of Dallas.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

@@JeepAroundTexas Nice area. I worked for years for an oil exploration company based in Houston. I have many fond memories of Texas.

[@arloupepino9387]

Nice place to stay

[@RedefineLiving]

That's cool. It's sure nice to not deal with a tent especially when it's windy out side or when weather changes.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

So far I like it. It does limit where you can go but allows me to outfit myself for a few weeks in the bush. One big plus is the time it takes to setup and break camp. That and sleeping comfortably on a soft mattress. Damn I must be getting old :)

[@randomeyes497]

Great vid. Very cool set up.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks

[@jlopes68]

that is a sweet set up, i thought we brought a ton of stuff! lol

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks. When I moved off the sailboat into a house. I felt I had so much room and I would never fill it up. Now with the trailer it's the same thing. I was wrong in both cases. :)

[@davidluster6877]

Great set up 👍

[@clusterguard]

all in all, a hell of a kit, man. best from Greenland.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, I hear Greenland is beautiful, stay warm :)

[@staceystory3695]

Nice just what I was looking for one with solar

[@guitarist4life00]

Awesome video. Trying to find a decent one to tow behind my 2017. But it's for my wife, kid and I.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

This particular model would be a bit tight for three people. But it is easy to tow.

[@bodhioverland9158]

Great set-up and music! We are a Dead-Head, a Golden, a T4R, and soon to be off-road trailer (still deciding).

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, I look forward to watching your videos!

[@swashbucklingadventures9929]

@1:40 I'm pretty sure the dog is thinking the same thing about you since he's watching you talking to yourself 😳🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chetmakowski463]

Great setup!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Chet

[@exoplanetnomad]

That's the life!!!!!

[@geralddy1022]

nice video!

[@icarrrv]

Great video, thank for making me jealous... I miss all that since I moved back here to Ireland

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, I saw the trailer you built, nice. I can see why it would be under utilized in Ireland. It would make a nice trailer out here in the deserts of the southwest.

[@ceheisler]

Nice little off road rig you have and perfect size for the jeep. Compared to some others the price is not bad either.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks! I looked at a lot of off road trailers and this one was competitively priced.

[@insaynbcr]

You could have someone build you a longer 2" bar for your articulating hitch setup. Looks like you have a few feet of clearance between the backside of the hitch and the front of the aluminum box to be able to slide an extra two feet of 2" tube through. When you need to open the back, just unpin the hitch where it is at and then slide the trailer back and repin it further back on the bar.

[@ThomasTribeTrails]

Great looking rig. What is your Jeep geared at? What year Jeep?

[@altairtime]

Very neat looking camper! Wish there was a way to mount a small duel purpose motorcycle at the front.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

That would be cool! In the back might work with a little engineering.

[@robertb4455]

I wonder how hard it would be to get a flatter battery that could be mounted under the trailer without giving up much clearance? Then you could use the storage box on the tongue more. I do like how the shelves/ window covers work. Since they start out at 550 lbs, people that do not want to go that far off road, could have their crossover vehicle tow it easily. I basic aluminum pole and some elbows could give you an side tarp frame or one that is at an angle of 30 degrees to give you some protection from the rain, sun, and wind. You could even get the types of poles have bungees inside like for some tents, and then collapse them down to less than 2 or 3'. You then could mount them to the spare tire area on the back.

[@mollymallone8125]

Wow!! Home from home.... in the middle of nowhere!!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

No need to "rough it" whilst visiting the middle of nowhere :)

[@superywz]

Thanks for sharing, great view and set-up! Just wondering if you have any trouble with dust suck in the cabin when you drive in dry dirt/gravel roads? and how you resolve the issue if you do. Thanks!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi Mike. I haven't really had an issue with dust, except the time I left the windows open :( A small amount gets in through some tiny vents that allow condensation to pass to the outside. Not really an issue but could easily be solved with a small piece of tape.

[@cg7509]

Nice set up, any changes? still happy with the trailer? What kitchen set up is that? Thanks for sharing

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Yes I'm still happy with it, no real complaints. The kitchen setup is here. www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabelas-deluxe-camp-kitchen

[@ronnierebhan229]

Bad ass set up bro. Looking to get a black one for jeep gladiator. How much was it, dare i ask? :)

[@xbpbat21x]

I am torn between between the do drop and the higher end trailers. I have found a company out of Utah called Escapod. They have the equivalent to Oregon trailer's terra drop for $26,000...i like the looks and functionality of their trailers...and they are a bit cheaper without sacrificing quality. My question to you is, does a guy need the propane tanks and stove, the water tank and pump, the hot water heater and shower? It seems to be a lot that can break...but would be nice to have also. I also would be pulling it with a lifted JK. let me know what you think. Thanks.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Good morning. I considered the Terra Drop (amongst others) when I was looking to purchase a tear drop. One of the things I didn't like, aside from the extra cost, was that the Terra Drop was actually wider than my Jeep and I wanted one skinnier. Of course that means a slighter smaller mattress. I think the Escapod and the Terra Drop are both really nice trailers and very similar in size, weight and features. If memory serves the Terra Drop was about 1200 lbs. dry. With supples for a week you could easily add 400 lbs. to that. Jeeps are not the best tow vehicles so weight should be considered. When using the trailer having the full galley in the rear would of course be easier and more convenient. As would a water heater with the full pressure system. They also will complicate the system dramatically and there will be extra maintenance issues. In saying that a good quality marine grade water pressure systems are very reliable. With a pressure system you will use more water. For me the extra weight, cost and increased size are not worth it. One reason is I always keep my 50 qt ARB reefer mounted in the back of the Jeep. That way it is always with me even if on day trips or away from the base camp. I also can throw my 2 burner Coleman stove in the back if I am just out for the day and want hot soup for lunch. An on demand hot water shower system would be sweet, no doubt. Is it worth the cost? That is a judgment call. I either heat some water and take a "marine shower", or use a suspended bag. I also have the 7 gallon pressurized solar heater on the trailer which has a shower attachment. Though to be honest in the winter it is not hot enough. For me the larger size, hence less agility, coupled with the extra weight and cost was not worth the undeniable extra convenience. All in all setting up base camp with the Do Drop probably takes probably an extra 20 minutes then setting up one with the galley built in. Most of that is unloading the water jugs, food etc. I also carrying a lot of stuff in the space that a galley would take. My fully loaded weight is probably close to the dry weight of the Terra Drop or Escapod. If I was wheelin' with the "Ex" I would probably have gone with the larger tear drop. With just me and the dog though I don't really need the extra convenience. It is still pretty luxurious camping when in the middle of nowhere. Sorry for the long rant.

[@xbpbat21x]

@@RickZackExploreOffroad Thank you for the reply. It holds a lot of weight since you are a bit of an expert and have enough experience to formulate a reasonable opinion. One more question...i live near the mountains and would take my trailer on some pretty rough trails. How much impact does the trailer have on the jeeps ability to off road? Thanks again!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

@@xbpbat21x Your welcome. I'm not sure about the "bit of an expert" thing. I'm pretty new to the towing the trailer off road bit as I picked up mine only last summer. I wouldn't try to take the tear drop on the Rubicon or King of the Hammers trails. It will limit you, of that there is no doubt. Serious rock crawling aside, your agility is going to be compromised. Tight turns, switchbacks etc will be more "interesting". When choosing which one think about departure angle and things that are exposed. I'm looking at fabricating some sliders for mine. One thing I found myself doing is being more cautious. in picking trails. I no longer see a trail and go "let's check it out", at least when towing the trailer. Before I could always turn around or back out. That may not be the case with a trailer. I tend to either disconnect and see what up the road or fly the drone to see whats ahead. The extra weight will be a factor also. Recently I went up a grade of loose shale and needed to go into 4WD. Never had to before on the same grade. One thing I wish I would have put on when I purchased the Do-Drop was electric brakes. Though there is no legal requirement they would be handy when going down a steep incline.

[@jamesray3920]

Buy a extended 2inch hitch they come in many different lengths very strong I bought a 2 foot one because of my spare tire wrap around platform

[@leftystrat62]

No joke man,finally someone with some good tunes. Love the trailer. I'm looking to go cross country with my wife in a 2 dr JL and although we know how to camp super light-I'm starting to consider towing a trailer. Your trailer and the Tentrax seem like the best light weight/compact options I've found. Any rough idea how much the extra options added to the overall weight (as I'd probably want to do the same)? And if you don't mind- how much does that send one back:) cheers

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, can't go wrong with Jerry's Kids. I chose most of the options relevant for off road use. The priciest was the independent suspension. All in all it set me back about 16K. The dry weight is about 750 lbs. Fully loaded, with all the supplies needed for a week in the desert, my guess is about 1200-1300 lbs. Water is the biggest single item, in both weight and bulk. I carry at least 21 gallons which is about 180 lbs by itself.

[@leftystrat62]

@@RickZackExploreOffroad Thanks for the reply. That information will be very helpful to us in making our decision. I don't see folks with those kinds of set ups here in New England,but it sure does appeal to both of us , and it looks worth the investment to me. cheers

[@garythomason5605]

nice set up

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Gary, appreciate it.

[@allenfinlay4993]

I really dig your Teardrop Trailer. Have you ever used it for touring the Great full Dead? If you did I bet it was a beautiful thing

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Allen. I've only had it since 2018. The last time I saw any of the reincarnations of the Dead was the Dead & Company in 2017.

[@mikescallon4069]

What is the brand of your cooking table with sink?

[@vbvini]

I like your dog.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks, he's a pretty good boy, 'cepting when he's digging holes in the garden:)

[@luckybrownmusic]

Nice soundtrack

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Obviously your a man with a refined taste in music :)

[@MrElbory360]

Thanks for the video , I'm looking for small trailer and yours loos great, i also have a wrangler , were you able to fix the spare tire opening issue?. Besides that I looks great. Thanks for sharing.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks. I added a tongue extender that solved the horizontal clearance issue, the tire carrier now clears the silver utility box. However my issue now is the weight. When I open the tire carrier the weight of the spare, fuel cans, and hi-lift jack causes the suspension to sag to the point I need to manual lift the the spare carrier over the tongue. It is still a pain a it weighs over 160 lbs. I will replace the tire carrier that now hinged on the bumper with one attached to the tail gate. This involves beefing up the tailgate hinges but it will raise the whole assembly a few inches.

[@bobballard5075]

What other trailers did you consider buying? What was the deciding factor(s) on going with the Oregon Do-Drop Alpha? Now you have used the trailer, is there anything you would have done a bit differently at all? Great videos BTW.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi Bob, initially I was looking at trailers like the Turtleback but started to lean toward teardrops because of the hard shell (after waking up with mountain lion tracks all around my tent) and they are more secure concerning locking up my gear when out exploring or hiking. I picked the Do-Drop because it was the smallest one out there with off road capability. I really wanted something skinnier than my JK. Of course price was also a consideration. As far as doing things differently I would have had electric brakes put on it. Not that you need them for any legal reasons but just to put some drag on it whilst going down steep inclines. I plan on adding some at a later date.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I wonder if anyone makes something like this but that slips in the back of a pickup bed. My Bed is only a tad over 5 foot long so a canopy is a little short for my 6’1” body when sleeping. I don’t want a huge heavy camper.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

There are a few companies that do conversions geared toward over landing and expeditions. They might be worth looking into.

[@MrRayMac1963]

That’s a nice rig! Where did that kitchen table with the sink bowl com from? I been looking for one like that. Thanks for sharing.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi, I picked that up at Bass Pro. It folds up pretty compact and seems to be a decent quality. At least I haven't broke it yet :)

[@terrywbreedlove]

Wow you pack a lot of stuff.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Ha! Seems like the more space you have the more crap you being :)

[@terrywbreedlove]

Rick & Zack Explore Offroad like a woman’s purse 😝

[@lindahoffman1864]

Nice snacks (cookies), tiisue and pain relief what more do u need. Water?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Ha! I usually bring a touch of whiskey also, in case of snake bites of course. :)

[@TheRambler-pz1gx]

Do they make these empty inside ?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi, yes. They are built to order so you can pretty much have them built to any level.

[@1uniqueguy]

What’s your MPG towing it? Awesome set up!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks. I haven't really noticed a difference when towing. When I drove up to Oregon (from Las Vegas) to pick it up I averaged 18.3 mpg.On the way back I averaged 18.5 mpg, The slight increase with the trailer on the return trip was probably due to the slower highway speed limits. I drove up to Oregon via Nevada and back via California. My gear ratios of 4.56 may play a role also.

[@SilverfoxJKUR]

Are you located in the Las Vegas area? My friends would really like to check your trailer out.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Jarad - I live in North Las Vegas. I have no problem with showing the trailer. On my channel on the "About" tab is my e-mail address, drop a line. :)

[@walterblackledge1137]

Hi, Very cool trailer and setup. Question, what is the brand of the table you have setup with the sink, etc.? thanks. UPDATE : I see the label. Bass Pro Shops. How do you like it?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks for watching Walter. The kitchen setup I got at Bass Pro. It is actually longer than shown on the video as i didn't extend the left side pantry. Here is a link: www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-deluxe-camp-kitchen

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

I do like it though I usually only set it up if I'm staying at the same place for more than a night and plan on making a "proper" meal :)

[@walterblackledge1137]

thanks. Its on my birthday list! I've got a black 2018 JKU! Do you have yours lifted at all? (I'm not planning on lifting mine).

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

@@walterblackledge1137 I do have a lift but nothing radical. It's only a 2.5 inch lift running on 35s. I had to upgrade the suspension because of all the extra weight I put in it when overlanding. Currently I have Old Man Emu coils and shocks. Congrats on your JKU!

[@walterblackledge1137]

Great rig and kit. I'm jealous. maybe in 2 years when I retire.. ;-)

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Do you have backup lights? How does that wire? I'm building one.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi John. Yes it does have backup lights. I use a standard 7 pin plug. I went the 7-pin route in case I decide to put electric breaks on it in the future. There is no legal requirement for breaks (at least here) but they could be handy off road. When attached to the Jeep the battery is charged by the Jeep, and of course so are the running lights. It has a AC shore hookup to charge the battery along with a 90 watt solar panel.

[@onasledoverland]

🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 😎

[@stevendhanjal3679]

Pretty Bitchen !! Thanks for sharing your story..

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Steven.

[@GENECARP]

Nice shirt

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Just showing my support for Jerry's kids :)

[@GENECARP]

We appreciate it

[@easterntacogear443]

How much for the setup that you have?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

I'm into it for about 16K. The base price is about 5K but all the off road stuff adds up. It sounds like a lot but in reality it is at the lower end for off road trailers. campers like the Patriot will go as high as 50K.

[@raysova7666]

What's the base price of the dew drop trailer ?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

The last I checked it is about 5K.

[@rjroscoej]

What did they price you at for the trailer? That’s a pretty bad ride! It’s got all the bells and whistles!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Thanks Ross. I believe the base price is about 6K but I'm on the dark side of around 16K. Taking it into the mountains in the next day or two to see how well it behaves in the cold rain and snow.

[@rjroscoej]

That’s not to bad! I was looking at the Terra Alpha, but that things gonna cost some dough! I’m getting a quote! But that thing looks like it’s gonna handle them mountains just fine!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

@@rjroscoej I looked at a lot of different types of off road trailers. The things that sold me on the Do-Drop was it's size and ruggedness (and it's cost of course). I can tow it pretty much anywhere I can take the JK. Say "Hi" to the Anderson bros for me :)

[@bobballard5075]

@@RickZackExploreOffroad That's a big price difference between the base model and what you ended up paying! What did you get for the extra money?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

@@bobballard5075 Howdy, The two biggest added costs were the independent suspension and the Rhino coating. I went kind of hog wild on a lot of "extras", larger tire, solar water heater, extra USB ports, upgraded fan, solar power, inverter, deep cycle battery etc etc. It added up amazingly fast :)

[@Beachcraft48]

What's the $$ on that setup/configuration?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi Ian. I'm in it for about 16K. The base price last year was around 6K if memory serves. The bells and whistles add up fast.

[@Beachcraft48]

@@RickZackExploreOffroad Great; thanks for the info. Love the setup!👍

[@confettihunterminus1]

What brand of solar panel?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Good morning. Both the panel and controller are made by Zamp Solar. The panel is pretty clever, folds in half and has a built in stand.

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

How much?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi again. I'm into it for about 16K. I believe the base price is about 5K. The "extras" add up pretty quick :)

[@tomdavis8757]

You would think a guy using a small teardrop camper would travel lighter.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Hi Tom. Actually the lack of space in the JK was one of the main factors in purchasing the tear-drop. Prior to the purchase I could only outfit myself for about 5 days max. Now I can easily kit myself out for 3 weeks in the bush. Just as an example 21 gallons of water takes over 3 cubic feet of space and weighs about 175 lbs. That is the bare minimum of water needed for 3 weeks.

[@bwdenman]

5:51 not really 'roughing it' with that setup.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Ha!. No it is definitely not roughing it. But hey I'm 65 years old and like sleeping on a mattress warm and cozy, away from the the scorpions and snakes. The biggest advantage is it allows me to outfit myself for 2 weeks in the bush as opposed to 5 days in the Jeep alone.

[@raysova7666]

Be like a u s marine, wear your weapon,in case you need it.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

I see what your saying, if I'm away from my base camp I do. But the reality is i saw one person on that trip in 5 days. And I saw him coming a good 45 minutes before he arrived to say howdy. Coyotes aren't an issue until sunset and mountain lions don't get down to the dry lake.

[@lowlifechris5833]

So the back doesn’t open? This is trash and ur 10k in to it.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

I opted not to purchase a more traditional rear galley teardrop for a number of reasons. First is the size. I have not found any teardrops with the rear galley that were narrower than the Jeep. Since my off road style is not on maintained gravel roads or visiting RV parks I needed something that I can drag anywhere the Jeep can go. To me a rear galley is a waste of space and weight. I keep my 50 qt reefer in the Jeep so I have access when away from the base camp. This allows me to outfit enough supplies to last me 3 weeks in the bush. In the space allocated for a galley I can carry 21 gallons of water, 10 gallons of fuel and still have room for a foldable galley, table, chairs and food. The weight fully loaded is under 1300 lbs. Thats about the starting dry weight of a larger teardrop with a rear galley. The cost of these is mostly due to their off road capability and ruggedness. They are strong and can handle the abuse thrown at them when off the beaten path. To me this is far more important than a built in sink. But it basically boils down to what ones priorities are. This allows me to carry a lot of supplies and still sleep away from the bears and mountain lions (and rattlers and scorpions) 10K is cheap, I paid 16K and that is the low end for good quality trailers designed for off road. Oregon Trail's make a larger off road teardrop called the Terra-drop that has the aft galley but it will run you about 25K and like I said, it is wider than the Jeep, which is a showstopper for me. Patriot makes a trailer that will set you back 50K, they are nice, really nice, but your still sleeping in a tent.

[@Jollyprez]

That awning is a joke. Worse than useless. A batwing would make more sense.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Jollyprez, I looked at batwings but they didn't make one small enough. I like the idea of 270 deg. shade but was not practical considering the size of the trailer and the spare tire mount location (I'll be adding two jerry can brackets on each side of the tire). The awning is made by CVT and is small but good quality. I have rigged a small tarp with a few extra poles that acts as a nice wind screen and provides shade when the sun is low.

[@Jollyprez]

@@RickZackExploreOffroad This caught my eye a few months ago, I intend to get it when my trailer is ready: www.overlandpros.com/index.php/product/wraptor-2000/

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

@@Jollyprez I looked at a awning very similar to your link . It was however the next size down (2000 vice 2500). The main factor that swayed me against it was the overhang when mounted. That and the spare tire mount location. If the teardrop was "normal" sized I would have gone that route.

[@wesleymartin6506]

What a joke!

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

How so Wesley?