550 / 560 550 Versus 560

I am wondering is anyone with a 560 puts the mattress away and sits on the couch with their feet in the storage well? If so do you have a pic to share?

 

It's fun to go back through this post when so many of you were still "on the fence" about what to buy or were going through the process. Now you're all "veterans" and helping out us (we?) newbies!

 

Ninjamini,


I doubt that anybody has ever tried this. There really isn't a reason to do this. But it is perfectly normal to wonder about these kind of things, as I did before seing a 560 in person. I couldn't understand how the 560 couch could be comfortable with feet straight out. (I'm one of those people that can't sit cross-legged).

There is something magical about the angle of the couch. It can't be explained, you just have to sit on it. Love at first sit.

 

When I was in between the stage of "I want a teardrop" but hadn't yet moved to "I want a Camp-Inn teardrop", I thought about the mattresses that are available. I found that at foamorder.com, -->Here<-- you can completely customize a tri-fold foam mattress. Once I sat in a CI, I realized I didn't need that type of customization. But if someone were to find that they did require that their mattress moved out of the way--you could have a custom folded one made up so that it folds perfectly, and is the right thickness, to fit as well as possible under the cabinets.

I could see where it might be appealing for someone whose travel style on the road is to stow a lot of gear inside of the cabin; and instead of putting down a tarp to protect the bed, instead would rather fold the mattress out of the way.

 

But that was just for show. I don't think anyone slept in it.

Or do I err?

Sue

 

Our decision between a 550 and 560 hinged on many of the comments featured already. However it seems like most went 560 and we went 550 Disclaimer—we fall into the category of never seeing either model in person. So fingers crossed! We leave in 15 days to pick her up!

Obviously the couch / bunk beds are very cool. We have two dogs and no children but hopefully children down the road. We discussed it from a potential planning point but figured our kids will be like us and while they're small, they'll fit fine in the 550 and when they get too big, it'll probably coincide with when they'll be wanting to tent camp outside from us anyway. Kids, right?

We really loved the traditional styling of the 550 and its compact nature. We tent camp when we can but also just love to travel and as dog lovers know this can prove tricky on friendly hotels, the hotel proximity to featured point of interest, and associated costs. Leaving said dogs—not open for discussion.

Due to our passions and acitivies, we count on being outside more often than not. While the extra space of the 560 does bode really well for a rainy day—it still just wasn't enough argument for us specifically.

We recently began field trials/hunt tests for our dogs (more travel and long weekends) and love to duck and bird hunt. Waterfowl and even true wild migratory birds in South Carolina can be minimal to maintain through a whole season; travel is preferred. Enter again costs and ability to find more than a sketchy duck shack to stay in while still staying in remote locations and our 550 should really fill this gap for us nicely. We'll be doing a good bit more general ol' US of A sightseeing/state/national park touring but my hope is we'll be able to head out to some new states and areas for some beautiful family hunts and time afield doing what we love.

Dinner bell after sunset!

 

We are just back...home away from "home" (?) from Little Talbot Island State Park, Florida. We chose the 1 door 500 Special model because we weren't interested in all the water tanks and gas stove options. Nor, mostly camping in sunny Florida, did we want any extra windows pouring heat into our "cozy cabin". And, as of yet, we have not had any use for the 2nd door because when we back-in to a campsite the electric outlet post is right near where the 2nd door would be and the neighboring camper is 15 feet away and I like that view blocked...it's more private. However, when the grizzly bear, giant alligator, or rabid squirrels try to open up the only door our 500 Special has, my husband wants to know " Susan, how are we going to get out?" My response is always the same... "I ain't getting out there with no wild animals!!!"
Susan
I guess if a tree falls on us we'll really be stuck!

 

Our 560 is two years old.
It has a personality no other teardrop has by virtue of the design: Remember the Monitor vs. The Merrimack?
Stand directly in front, imagine you are seeing one of the ironclads. Ah, the Monitor.

Aside from the incredible workmanship and endless innovations, the extra room (read windows) is a blessing. Read above postings of instances in inclement weather -- rain! Being inside with the windows and extra room is welcomed.
Wendell Hanks

 

Well this has been on my mind for last three years.... trying to balance traveling light and taking what was needed. I like to go for at least a week at a time and have been gone for almost 2 and half weeks for longest. What I have found it that clothes take room !! Its just me but when you have to have a weeks worth that you don't have to wash and you need something that takes on the cold it dose not pack as light you'd think. I have a Nissan Frontier Nismo 4x4 and fortunately can put stuff in the back but it you have all your camp gear their it gets crowded !!! This is just me camping to boot. I can only imagine what it would be like with two people !! Throw in hunting and camping gear and you got a real problem. I think the 560 would handle it much nicer for me... pack all my clothes in the couch area when traveling which would free up the back of the pickup for hunting gear and camping accessories. I have to wait 4 years though... my home paid off then and then decide . I want very much to travel to Alaska and stay a month so packing and unpacking would like to keep to a minimum . Being able to jump into the trailer and not having to move stuff off the bed to sleep is so nice. Esp when stopping at rest stops on the way to destinations !!! I know nothing is perfect but sometimes just a little extra room is necessary . If you only go for a weekend then its not necessary or you can pack into one small carry on for a week go for it.

 

I ordered a 550 Ultra prior to NW Campout. I loved the style and since my TV is a Honda Element I ordered the lighter TD. At NW Campout Joan allowed me to sit in her 560. I fell in love but kept trying to convince myself to stick with the original plan of the 550. I finally decided that TVs will come and go but I will have the TD for a lot of years. I really want my TD to be ready to go so that all I have to do is pack some clothes and stop at the grocery store. When I stop for the night I don't want to have to move stuff off the bed before sleeping. I will be carrying a side tent and a shelter for the kitchen so I felt I need the extra space. The couch was really comfortable and the extra windows gave a real feeling of spaciousness. I can't wait till spring when I will be picking up my 560.

 

I'm sure that must have taken a lot of contemplation. They are both such incredible products in their own right. How fortunate that you were able to see a 560 in person and realize that's the one for you in time to change your mind! It'll feel like a long wait until Spring, but it'll give you lots of time to dream about your new Raindrop! Congrats!

 

Thanx, Its been loads of fun shopping and planning for the galley. I have most of what I need from tent camping but have purchased a few extras. The forum has helped a lot in making decisions. I can't wait till spring though.

 

Now that my order is in I'll chime in with a 560 Ultra vote for those still debating. I too have not seen a Camp Inn trailer in person but have studied the pictures/info on the web and I read this forum regularly. I know the 550 is the "classic" design but it seems to me the 560 looks to be from the same era. Flash Gordon first appeared in 1934! For all the "must have to go camping" stuff I am collecting the extra space will be nice. Also have some grandkids that will fit nicely when in bunk mode. Don't know how I am going to last until July but time does seem to go faster the older I get. Pat spring is just around the corner !
Mike and Denita
MDP

 

I Started with 9 months to wait. Just like having a baby. I have made good use of the time. I got a wool comforter and am in the process of making a duvet cover with material I got at Value Village for under $10.00. Fun shopping and dreaming. Can't wait to see my build pictures.

 

I know you are going to love lt. Looking forward to seeing your new "baby" Please share pictures.
Mike and Denita
MDP