550 / 560 Accessories

We have had some good fortune and want to add some stuff to our 550.
I would like input on the accessories we are thinking to add.
1) Bumper...Do you think it will protect the body from a light bump? Does it feel strong?
2) Screen doors...Do they seem to be in the way when not in use?
3) Wind screens for the galley. Does the hatch close easily with them in place?
4) Second side tent. I have read this has been done before? What do you all think?
5) Coleman water heater. Any input here will be useful. Has anyone used a Zodi and a Coleman?
Thanks for anything you have to say,
Steve

 

Steve & Ellen,

I have all of the above (except for the second side tent.)

1) I bought the bumper because we had already added just about everything else, and I figured that if it protected our investement from even one bump it was worth it. It is very sturdy - you could stand on it (not sure if that is recommended though). I am sure it would protect the body from a light bump - unless the object was higher up, of course.

2) We have only camped in rain and snow so far - never used the screen doors. They have been rolled up this whole time and never in the way.

3) My wife loves the wind screens for the galley. The hatch closes easily when they are rolled up. When they aren't rolled up, you have to watch them, but it's not difficult.

4) We would certainly consider a second side tent - but I wouldn't set it up unless we were staying for several days.

5) Have only used the coleman water heater once. (haven't stayed long in any one place yet). I have not used the Zodi, but talked extensively to Cary about it. He said the Zodi didn't work well with the Camp-Inn. If I remember right, the heater heats water 55 degrees above ambient temperature. Not so useful in freezing weather (that's when I set it up), but perhaps very useful other times.

 

Evan,
Thanks for your input. I am guessing the windscreens can be unsnapped and then rolled towards the hatch, then re-snapped when the hatch is up.
Thanks
Steve

 

Yes, you are right.

 

Wind screens proved to be a great addition for us. You'll like them. Installation isn't a problem.

We've found that screen doors are most useful when the side tents aren't set up (we usually put up two tents, so we don't use screens much).

As to a second side tent, you won't regret getting it.

 

We too added several of these items to our 550 build.

1. We bought the bumper because Cary said it would make our teardrop look "cooler". We like it.

2. This past weekend we spent two wonderfully quiet afternoons napping and reading in our 550 with the doors open and the screens zipped shut. They have the high-quality feel you would expect from something that the Camp Inn folks would select for their trailer. Good zippers, good fit. They roll up well out of the way with some velcro tabs to hold them. Took us a couple of tries to get the rolling right but it is easy to do. Very happy to have the screens.

3. I am a serious galley user and have cooked some nice meals in the four trips we have taken since picking up our 550 two months ago. I have used the wind screens several times, sometimes just one, sometimes both, to control the wind while cooking (as well as putting the two storage covers up). They can also provide a bit of privacy. Like the screen doors they are well designed and snap in and out easily. We have had no trouble with the hatch but do pay attention to how you roll them up.

4. We only have one side tent and that seems to be enough for us. We have only put it up once in four trips but when you need it, you do need it. Everyone would benefit from one tent. We don't think our needs would justify two (yet).

5. We have the Coleman water heater but have only used it briefly. We expect to be using it more in the future.

Don

 

Don,
I do think the bumper looks "cool" as does the entire trailer.
Thanks for the quality aspect of the screen doors. Good info on the galley screens.
To everyone else thanks for all the input. This forum has many pluses and getting good info from good people in short order is the tops.
Thanks,
Steve

 

Steve,
We've had our 560 for only 2 weeks and camped in it just once - so take my comments accordingly.

1. Bumper - the bumper is very sturdy and appears that it will protect the body from a light bump. Cary told me it will help protect against accidents while backing up, but won't necessarily help if you are hit hard from behind. Now seeing the bumper that appears to be the case. It's exactly what we expected and we would definately purchase it again. It's also very cool looking

2. Screen doors - my comments echo others. Very well built. It was very hot last weekend and we used the screens a lot, even with the side tent. Easy to use - not in the way at all when not being used

3. Wind screens - haven't had to use these yet - can't really comment

4. Second side tent - with limited experiance, our thinking is one will serve us well. We can see the advantage of having two, but not enough advantage for us to purchase another at this time.

5. Coleman water heater. We got the full package with our trailer(heater, water adaptor, case, shower hose). We love it. I had some reservations about whether we really needed this, but don't regret it at all. We set it on one of the tables and pretty quickly concluded that we want to get a separate small talbe for this, so we can remove the clutter around the kitchen. In the future we will set it up on the side near the water/gas outlets. The carrying case is well made and holds all the components, including extra gas tanks if you decide to use portable tanks rather than connecting to the trailer gas system - which is very easy to do. Definately recommend this. Cary told me they designed the trailer so you could run this entirely off the trailer. That's definately true.

Good luck with your decisions!

 

I would say you have already received some good advice. Accessories are one of those things that you either really want or don't feel are necessary. I don't think you would go wrong getting any of them.

As one who didn't/doesn't have most of these accessories, I will give my perspective.

1) Bumper - Ours doesn't have a bumper. It wasn't an option when it was built. I don't foresee us putting one on, HOWEVER, if ours had a bumper on it when it went to Alaska, it wouldn't have received the nice dent that it sustained in the roll pan when it was backed into a post. (BTW...it wasn't us who did it. ) You won't see a dent in it today, as Craig removed it when he did major renovations on the tear a year ago. So, yes, a bumper is nice & for some, a necessity.

2) Screen Doors - Screen doors are the one thing I would pick over any of the accessories you are looking at. This is another accessory which wasn't available when ours was built and because they used a different door construction & trim, screens could not be retrofitted to our tear. Our first teardrop had the "early" version of screen doors. They were made by me, in desperation, when camping for a week by myself with the kids, in humid, northern Wisconsin, in 104º weather, with lots of mosquitoes (also no fan or AC, as this was the early days). I went to Wal-mart & bought netting & sticky backed rolls of Velcro. Worked fine in a pinch but not very durable in the long run. I am delighted to say, that as a result of the renovations on our tear, new doors were installed, which allowed us to add the screens. I am truly a Happy Camper!

3) Wind Screens - This is a newer accessory, also. All of our customers who have these love them. Again, we don't have them mainly because for us, crosswinds haven't been an issue.

4) Second Side Tent - Again, one of those things where our customers who have a second one, love having it. We just got a side tent a couple of years ago & use it when we need it (camping trips where we are staying longer than a weekend, or when it's rainy/snowy, or in places where we want more privacy). A second tent is useful if you have dogs, a porta potty, and/or kids. Or if two of you each like your own dressing room.

5) Water Heater - Also one of those accessories that those who have it love it. We don't have one but on occasion, it would be nice to have hot water on demand.

Like I said previously, you really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

1. We had the bumper installed. It was on Jerry's list of wants when we purchased, along with the hitch.

2. We just added the screen doors this year to our teardrop....something I have been wanting and can't wait to use them this summer.

As to the rest, we haven't found the need for yet. I have seen some with water heaters. At times it would be nice to have hot water, but it doesn't take long to heat it on the stove.

 

Hey all,

Just my two cents.. !

I've had my " Raindrop " for almost a year now !

1. Rear Bumber & Hitch:I can't imagine anyone not getting both. Can anyone think of a downside ?
Okay,... they cost extra !! It may, also cost you more , to have it installed later!!

2. Door Screens: We spent a few warm ( Not hot ) sunny days camping. My girlfriend took a relaxing nap one afternoon with both doors open & the screens zipped-up,which kept the interior very comfortable.

3. Kitchen/Galley Wind Screen: They are a very convenient item.

4. Hot water Heater: Well,I haven't seen an immediate need, as I just put a pot to boil.

Or use a " Sun Shower ", which I've used for years, and carry one everywhere I go !! (Emergency/Earhquake preparedness item).

5. Side Tents: It's a must have item , in my opinion. However, I only need one at this time.

6. Air Conditioner: It's another must have item,as I will normally be on " Roadtrips/ Camping " in warmer weather conditions.


L.M.
560 Ultra

 

Betsey made a suggestion for hot water in another thread - use a large coffee maker with a spiget and just keep water hot that way. I was in Hot Springs at our leased house this weekend and had left ours there. The leasor uses it for church group meetings or I would have asked for it back....oh well, I have my small electric tea kettle for boiling water. But a lot of hot water on demand would be nice for washing dishes and the body parts as needed...