Potential TD owners

KathyBob

KathyBob

Junior Ranger
We've newly registered with the Forum and Evan suggested we introduce ourselves and ask questions we have. We're a somewhat newly retired couple living in the Puget Sound Washington area who have taken one long (7300) trip with some camping, some motels and lots of staying with family. We visited Nededah on this trip and are now really motivated to make a decision about buying a teardrop. We are comparing the 500 Special and the 550 Special. Two big questions are:
importance of having the front windows
need for AC and/or heater

We've learned so much so far from reading the posts - thank you!
 
Howdy Kathy & Bob,
I should revise my thoughts on the AC and Heater.
While I certainly support the heater as mentioned earlier, my friends C & R swear by the AC when they do trips so ... I'll be interested in what others recommend...

Front window act as a skylight.. kinda kewl.. you'll see..
 
OOPS - not great typing on my laptop: That was 7300 miles (not days) and I know that Necedah is spelled with a "c", not a "d"
 
Kathy, if you plan on doing winter camping I'd recommend the heater. It's very convenient and makes the difference between being comfortable or not. Some people that don't have the heater use a cheap Walmart portable one, but I think this only works when connected to shore power.

We have both the heater and the AC. We have used the heater lots and the AC just once (short, cold summer).

In my opinion, it's worth the extra money for these major items because you will have your Camp-Inn for many years.
 
Front Windows??? They are attractive. I like coming back to camp after dark with the lights on inside. The front windows look good with the lights on. As far as star gazing, only once every now and then. When it is raining, you can tell if it is still coming down.
Sometimes I wish we got the propane heater. I like to camp off-grid. Heat is good. I now use my Buddy Heater in the side tent on an Action Packer. It heats the cabin well, but I am the thermostat.
Hope this helps,
Steve
 
KathyBob,

The only option is the 550 because of the front windows! I am a person who loves light, so the front windows and 2 doors are absolutely a necessity.

The 500 can be produced with one door, which would be a big mistake: would have to crawl over partner to get in/out, only one escape route, making the bed would be difficult with one door.

As for the furnace and AC. The furnace in the TD will cook you out, just like any electric heater. Furnace takes up storage space in the front.

AC: where will you camp? If in hot, humid temps would strongly suggest. I purchased a used 2008 without AC because of the price point differences between new and used with no furnace or ac.

My plan for AC if needed is to purchase the smallest window AC, leave outside tear and pipe in thru the window. Mostly redneck, but hey, will provide AC as needed. Cary is just gringing.

In reality expect the need for AC to be very limited, but extremely important at times.

Regardless of what unit you choose, the fantastic fan is a must.

Comes down to your choice. Some options can not be added after, such as AC, windows. Easier to say we didn't need that versus we should of ordered that.

I would also recommend SUV height, much easier on the back using the galley!

Jean
 
We bought a used 550 Ultra SUV in 2009 without AC or built-in heat. One of our biggest concerns before buying was 'would it feel claustrophobic' inside that little camper? I think the front windows make all the difference in that regard and as Steve said, it looks nice when you get back to the campsite at night and the glow from your camper greets you. As for whether you should go with heat &/or AC, it really depends on the type of camping you plan on doing. We have a small electric ceramic heater to use on cool/cold trips that heats the camper in about 2 minutes. A hair dryer will work to take the chill out, too, in a pinch. But you need an electric hookup. AC would be nice on those really hot days for sure, but we usually decide not to camp on those really hot days. So it comes down to how/where you camp and how you tolerate hot & cold. We looked at it like - 'We never had AC and rarely used heat when we tent/pop-up camped, so why would we need them now?'
 
How fun to find your replies when I cranked up the laptop this morning. We found them helpful - thank you! Kathy
 
HI,
WE have a 550 classic with upgraded lights. We do not have heat or AC. So far the fantastic fan has been all we have needed. After 30 years in a tent, we find the fan to be all we need. BUT we have not camped east of the Rockies in the summer. We spent 3 weeks along the CA and OR coast last year. It was cool and damp. The 2 of warmed the trailer right up - we have a comforter and microfleece sheets that are very cozy. The state parks we stayed at have no electric hookups, so a ceramic heater would not have been help.
The front windows are worth every penny. We love the extra light.
Only you can decide what will work best for you and he kind of camping you are planning on do.
Keep us posted!
Eileen
 
KathyBob,

I bought a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy heater. This unit runs on propane (either 1 lb bottles or larger tanks) and is safe for inside use. Plus, you can use it back in the galley area as well to knock off the early morning or evening chill.

I haven't used mine yet, but I have read many consumer reviews on this unit and all are very positive for RV use.

Good luck in your decision making.

Hutch
 
If you plan on doing any camping in the South or Southwest AC is a MUST. We plan on ordering our WITH AC and WITHOUT the heater - the small ceramic works great - that and a good quilt snuggling up to my honey, not to mention the dog Jack right in between.
 
We also have the small Mr. Buddy and it works great for keeping the cook's hands from freezing out in the galley.
 
Evan said:
We also have the small Mr. Buddy and it works great for keeping the cook's hands from freezing out in the galley.
Click to expand...
See, that's why we're not getting the heater. If it's cold enough that you can't comfortably be outside, I'm going to stay home! I know we won't be out in weather where we'd need more than a touch of middle-of-the-night heat.

I sooooo belong here in the South!
 
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