550 / 560 Ordering Options...

[Jay & Valerie]

If the light bothers a person, add a shade of somesort over the vent.

Jean

The default trailer build looks like it has the fantastic fan and the upgrade just adds the sensor.

So, is there a light or something that comes with the sensor version? I am not sure what the "light" statement refers to...I think Jen is the one who originally raised the issue.

Iis there something different about the Rain Sensor version vs the non Rain Sensor version besides the sensor.

 

[Jean W]

There is no light bulb of any sort in the fantastic fan. The vent cover is semi transparent, which lets the sunshine in. Also if the vent is open, the sun can really shine in, thus some may need to put curtains over the vent.

The sunshine can be annoying when a person want to take a nap or sleep in past sunrise.

Only difference between the rain sensor and non-rain sensor is dollars and ability for rain sensor to automatically close itself in the rain.

Jean

 

[Jay & Valerie]

There is no light bulb of any sort in the fantastic fan. The vent cover is semi transparent, which lets the sunshine in. Also if the vent is open, the sun can really shine in, thus some may need to put curtains over the vent.

The sunshine can be annoying when a person want to take a nap or sleep in past sunrise.

Only difference between the rain sensor and non-rain sensor is dollars and ability for rain sensor to automatically close itself in the rain.

Jean

Ah, OK. The sunlight issue would be true of any vent then I assume. I am also assuming the tint on the cover is the same in both versions of the fantastic fan so the same amount of light would penetrate either vent cover.

 

[Chuckwagon]

Hi, I think Cary has said that the roof rack can be added anytime, but that it needs to be done at his shop, which can be inconvenient.

 

[Jay & Valerie]

If you were out hiking what is your goal for leaving the vent open?

We (mostly me) ride dirt bikes (sometimes in the desert, sometimes in the forest) and might be out and about and leave the vent open just to keep the cabin coolish so it is not stuffy inside when we get back from a ride.

Sounds like the rain sensing version would be the right choice for us for those unexpected rain falls that might come through. I guess I would rather have it now than want it later.

I think we are close to narrowing down our options list. Did anyone have any custom work or swaps done when they ordered?

I plan on switching the wheels/tires out as well as have the AC and switch along with the outside antenna work done but no TV as we will be using a laptop with TV Tuner instead.

I will probably put in my own solar charge controller and battery isolator as those are fairly easy to install. In fact, I will probably add a 2nd battery in my truck that can serve as aux power to the trailer when connected and put the isolator in the TV. Since I don't have any real world experience with the trailer at this point, I am a bit paranoid over battery life when dry camping.

So far we are thinking

560 Ultra
AC
SUV
Paneling
Brakes
Fan upgrade
AGM battery
Bumper
Back Up Lights

Really wish we could have ordered the sunroof...too bad that is not an option anymore.

 

[GhostOrchid]

We added the full-door screens at the last minute, and they've turned out to be our favorite optional extra by far.

Upgrade the cabin and galley lights if you can. That's been our only regret so far.

I can't see the practicality of the back-up lights, course I've never seen them in use. But, if I'm backing up and it's after dark, Adorable Wife is back there with a flashlight anyway.

 

[nwhiker]

I agree with Ghost. I have the back up lights and they serve no useful purpose. You can't see them if you are backing up as the trailer blocks your view. If you back up at night I would have someone with a flash light. Save your money.

Dave

 

[GinaNBob]

Isn't another reason for backup lights to let others know when you are backing up, say when you are not in a camp ground? Don't states require back up lights on all vehicles? We have them on our boat trailer. We also went with the new back up light option that can be manually turned on for some lower and ground lighting when you are in the galley area.
Gina

 

[mcjimjam]

All of this talk about the standard fan vs the rain-sensing fan reminds me of another solution that some of the newer members of the forum may not be aware of. Here is a link to a post we made 2 years ago.

http://www.campinnforum.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=1719&Number=15385#Post15385

We still are very satisfied with this Fantastic Fan vent cover, and bring it with us whenever we camp. It allows us to still run the fan, even if it is raining. It also darkens the interior, how much so depends on which version of the cover you get. Camping World usually has them on sale, a couple of times a year. Just something else to consider!

 

[Jay & Valerie]

I agree with Ghost. I have the back up lights and they serve no useful purpose. You can't see them if you are backing up as the trailer blocks your view. If you back up at night I would have someone with a flash light. Save your money.

Dave

Apparently they are replacing the standard back up light option with something new. Here is part of an email I got from Cary today...

Standard back up lights. We have something new! The new back up light/flood light option we just come out with is much much better. We will be deleting the current back up light option fairly soon actually Goes from about 40 lumens to 670 lumens. Plus the new setup has a switch allowing you to turn it on as a ground level flood light for camp site setup. Cost is $118.

I'm guessing the new ones kick out a lot of light. I'm not overly concerned about a couple of hundred dollars here or there...Once you hit 20K, your in for a penny, in for a pound so to speak. We are only buying this once so might as well get it the way we want first time out instead of having regrets later. At least, that is what we are trying to do with stuff that needs to be done at build time. If stuff can be added on later, then go without it for now and add it later if really need it.

Stuff like Screen Doors and Galley Wind Screen are things I expect my wife will want to make. She loves to sew, so I am guessing that will be part of her own personal touch she will want to add. Of course she also loves woodworking and has already asked if she could help build it...she has her own wood shop in our garage.

 

[GhostOrchid]

Wow. The pace of innovation in Necedah is nonstop. Still don't think I'd get the back-ups, but would love to see the new ones in action.

 

[Jay & Valerie]

Upgrade the cabin and galley lights if you can. That's been our only regret so far.

I think the Ultra's already come with the upgraded lights. Though I have been looking online to see if there are any good multicolored LED options for the cabin. The Xenon lights are 10W which could fill up the interior cabin with heat over time...I was hoping to find a good LED replacement that support multi color and still produces enough lumens to light up the interior. Have not found any good options yet...though these are kind of interesting...

http://youtu.be/B72FLHxl9XM

Think they are too thick and too small to properlight light the cabin. A surface mount option would be cool.

 

[Jay & Valerie]

To better fit in and follow the trend of others, I have changed our user name from JavaJack to Jay_n_Valerie. Actually, the Java comes from JAy and VAlerie but figured everyone else was using husband/wife names so we might as well join the crowd.

JavaJack signing off...Jay_n_Valerie reporting in.

 

[Betsey]

Still don't think I'd get the back-ups, but would love to see the new ones in action.

Here are a couple of pics of the backup flood lights in action. Picture quality isn't the greatest but you get the idea.

When you are close behind the teardrop, the light illuminates the ground.

This is standing about 4-5 feet behind the tear.

The further back you move from the teardrop, the broader/brighter the light appears. This is what makes it a good option for backing up in the dark.

This is standing about 30 feet behind the tear. There is about 20 feet between the houses.

 

[Jay & Valerie]

Well, its good to be seen, Susan_Alan.

I enjoy posting, but my experiences as a "full-timer" does not compare to those of "weekenders". We are worlds apart and growing greater in distance with each passing year. This forum was designed with the weekender in mind, particularly those contemplating on purchasing a teardrop and those who could still be classified as "rookies". I'm not blind to that. Over time it has been duly noted that little that this rambler has to share is beneficial to the primary demographic that corresponds through this website. Furthermore the Stagecoach (Serial #070) is ten years old, and in general nothing being produced today through the Camp-Inn factory is crafted the way it was a decade ago. This makes #070 a relic, as the campers are no longer produced in a hangar and no longer entirely handcrafted. The time saving device known as the CNC Machine is now doing the job of many hands, which for me personally is saddening when I think about it. For me personally it was the handcrafted that sold me on Camp-Inn before I ever met Craig and Cary.

So as I get closer to that ten year mark as a rambler (June 2015) there will be less and less to say. It will be saved for the trilogy (manuscript) that has already been written and will only need updating by that time. After June 2015, I will probably ride off into the sunset and just be a ghost within the walls of this forum.

But thanks for the warm sentiment. It was appreciated. ~BEAR

I respectfully disagree and think your insights are quite valuable and needed. In fact, I would argue that your feedback speaks to the durability of the campinn line (CNC machine or no). It speaks to the quality of the design, the care CampInn puts into their products.

I think your insight as a full timer also provides the benefit of wisdom of what works and what doesn't when camping for a weekend or full time.

There is a lot for us rookies to learn. I hope you would reconsider riding off into the sunset and continue to provide your insight and feedback.

Anyway, that is my thought on the matter as a rookie.

 

[Pick]

Well said Jay, keep on posting Bear the forum wouldn't be the same without you. And as far as options get everyone you can! I'm happy with all of mine.

 

[Mick'nSarah]

Bear, I think you and Jenn give some of us the best advice. Even though I mostly camp on weekends, I do go on longer trips, which I pack for in a different way and I have learned different techniques from you both. I know it still isn't the same, but the insight you two provide is invaluable. We all camp differently and do what works best. I know I am only a "middle-ager" in forum years (and very nearly in human years), but I learn new things constantly from you both.

I know you follow what your heart tells you from day to day, but know if you decide to ride away from us, you will be missed. I am just grateful we were able to cross paths at least once.

 

[jfocallag]

Still don't think I'd get the back-ups, but would love to see the new ones in action.

Here are a couple of pics of the backup flood lights in action. Picture quality isn't the greatest but you get the idea.

When you are close behind the teardrop, the light illuminates the ground.

This is standing about 4-5 feet behind the tear.

The further back you move from the teardrop, the broader/brighter the light appears. This is what makes it a good option for backing up in the dark.

This is standing about 30 feet behind the tear. There is about 20 feet between the houses.

Having backed up in the dark by myself, I can see where this option could come in handy. Is there an option to upgrade existing campers?

 

[pbaker2225]

I agree completely with Sarah and was pondering how to put it into words. Bear and Jenn Have been very helpful and have saved me a lot of frustration and money while I was making decisions on what to buy. I made a few mistakes but not many.
I do understand how they would lose interest as we beginners don't have much to give back to them. I would love to see more people stick around and write about their trips and advice on places to camp and travel.
Bear, I'm looking forward to your book and have enjoyed your visits. If you are in my neighborhood just pop on by. I don't guarantee what shape the house or I will be in but I don't care if you don't. lol.

 

[Chuckwagon]

Bear, I think you and Jenn give some of us the best advice. Even though I mostly camp on weekends, I do go on longer trips, which I pack for in a different way and I have learned different techniques from you both. I know it still isn't the same, but the insight you two provide is invaluable. We all camp differently and do what works best. I know I am only a "middle-ager" in forum years (and very nearly in human years), but I learn new things constantly from you both.

I know you follow what your heart tells you from day to day, but know if you decide to ride away from us, you will be missed. I am just grateful we were able to cross paths at least once.

I totally agree. I have learned a lot and have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts.