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Extras that I'd pay for

T

Theresa

Novice
We're still in the process of deciding just which details we need/want, and here's what I think I'd be willing to pay extra to have:

- The very best mattress possible.

- More storage space for "outdoor items" such as chairs, canopies, etc.

- Cabinet-style drawers instead of reach-down containers in the kitchen; however, many of the other teardrops I've seen online appear to be "too deep" -- being short, I'm afraid I might end up kneeling on my knees on the edges to reach the top shelf. In that situation, cabinet-style drawers wouldn't be worthwhile at all.
 
Theresa,
We have found the mattress quite serviceable. We did add two inches of memory foam. We only did that because we had it. It is very cold and very hard in very cold weather. I camped when it was down to about 10-12 deg. After I set up in the state park and got the heater on I went to sleep. It took along time to get the memory foam to forget it was cold and hard.
We added the receiver hitch and cargo carrier to add outside stuff.
I don't like to bend down...back problems. If there were cabinet doors rather than the reach down style, I would have to bend farther over to see the back of the cabinets. The reach down style is easy on my back.
Hope this helps,
Steve
 
Like Steve said, we added 1" of memory foam and are quite comfortable.

I am normally not a fan of the 'bottomless pit' style of storage, but with the addition of some custom shelving designed by Charlie the reach-down containers work well. And the integrated mini-gutters are one of my favorite features to show off. :)
 
Theresa said:
- Cabinet-style drawers instead of reach-down containers in the kitchen; however, many of the other teardrops I've seen online appear to be "too deep" -- being short, I'm afraid I might end up kneeling on my knees on the edges to reach the top shelf. In that situation, cabinet-style drawers wouldn't be worthwhile at all.
Click to expand...

I am partly to blame for the storage design of the galley. When Craig was designing our first teardrop, one of my concerns with the set up of the galleys in traditional teardrops was just what you are thinking. The hatch came all the way down to the floor & the kitchen cabinets were recessed. Being 5' tall & having lower back problems, I didn't want to have to lean forward or kneel & reach in to access the galley. So, that's where the "half hatch" & countertop location came from. On that first tear, there were no "lift up/undercounter storage bins." It was one big pull out drawer under the countertop. That was nice but needed some improvements to make it practical for production. Thus the undercounter storage bins were born. Personally, I like them better than the storage drawer. And they are nicer than cabinets because you don't have to remove stuff to get to the back of the cabinet and you don't have to worry about stuff falling out when you open the cabinet door. :)

:cool:
 
Evan,
I also show off the easy remove hinges for cleaning. That is one feature I use to indicate the attention to detail of the builders.
This makes me think of a poll....What is the single feature you show to interested people every time. Some people will show features others don't have for one reason or another.
 
I didn't mean to imply that I think the beds are uncomfortable -- after all, I have no personal knowledge on the subject YET -- but I meant that the bed is the most important item to me, and that's the single thing I'd want to be sure was PERFECT.

On second thought, since Betsey says it's good for short people, I take back the thought about cabinets vs. "reach in storage".

What hinges remove for cleaning? The under-cabinet storage hinges?

And I will add another thought: I'd like to have a TV in the galley, a TV that could be enjoyed sitting outside. I wonder if one could sit in the "above the utensil drawer" area. How wide is that shelf?
 
Theresa,

I agree with you, the comfort of the bed is most important to me. I have not slept in one yet, but will probably follow the recommendations of others and get a topper in order to make it more comfortable.
 
Yeah, the hinges that are quick detach are the one on the under counter storage in the galley. It makes clean up very complete when you take time to remove them. I also like the idea of a TV in the galley. I think I would use a small flat panel on the stand that comes with it. I would set it on the counter or fashion a way to hang from the kitchen cover.
Steve
 
Glad to hear this input. I'm one for just loving little drawers, cabinets, unique storage and the like. The icebox style reach in storage really turned me off for awhile. I'm actually conceding to it because there are so many other wonderful things and I figure I'll get used to it.

Being 5'4", I kind of get what Betsey is saying. However since the tops of those "cabinets" are your counter as well doesn't it get old to have to move stuff to get into the cabinet for things? Since these seem to be your main deep storage I would think one would be using these alot. I would like to hear people's experiences on that.
 
Paula,

This leads into the story about how the dining table was first created. When Craig and I first put the sink in the location everyone here is familiar with Betsey got a bit ticked at us (well, Craig mostly) because she felt that we were taking away so much of her precious countertop space. For those who have witnesses her amazing cooking skills you can see why this was important to her.

So, Craig and I started working on a solution. The dining table as you all know it was not created to be a dining table. It was created to be the main work surface in the galley. Primarily to settle Betsey down about losing countertop space. While we we were at it we also made it so 2-3 people could sit and eat at it also as a secondary function.

This is one of the reasons over the years Craig and I always have strongly recommended the dining table, even to the point of making non optional for 2011. It is a key piece to the function of the galley by design. The concern of the accessing the lids when working in the galley is not near as much hassle as one thinks once using it because of the table being there.

One trick I have seen done that helps too is to always have a couple large cutting boards with you. Do all your kitchen work on these boards. Then if you are working on the galley countertop and have to pop into one of the lids for something you just pick up that cutting board with your stuff on it and set it on the table while you access it.

Hope that helps.

Cary
 
Cary,

The explanation needs to be on the website for those of us who enjoy lots of information and understanding of design choices.

Jean
 
We found that our first time out we were in and out of the bins and it was a little futzy. However, we soon learned to organize better: one bin is used for frequent access and the other for less frequent access. We have the side table but not the one Cary is talking about (we should have gotten one). We tend to be minimalists and are learning to use our table and the shelves efficiently. The really good thing about the bin style is how versatle it is. Different trips call for different "stuff" and with the bins we easily make things fit.

I like Cary's idea of the cutting boards. We have small flexible ones but maybe will move toward something larger and solid.
 
Watch out Jean...I second Jean again. I understand it would be tedious, but since most things are born of necessity, a brief narrative of what caused the changes to the Camp-Inn product would be interesting.
There are many factors that have lead to the product on the production floor today.
If I could have two questions entered they would be:
1)Did you consider a lighter frame and wheels? I like it like the way it is.
2)What took so long to upgrade the kitchen faucet?

Steve
 
Cary said:
Paula,

This leads into the story about how the dining table was first created. When Craig and I first put the sink in the location everyone here is familiar with Betsey got a bit ticked at us (well, Craig mostly) because she felt that we were taking away so much of her precious countertop space. For those who have witnesses her amazing cooking skills you can see why this was important to her.

So, Craig and I started working on a solution. The dining table as you all know it was not created to be a dining table. It was created to be the main work surface in the galley. Primarily to settle Betsey down about losing countertop space.
Click to expand...

Really? Didn't know I caused such a ruckus...in fact, I don't remember it at all...hmmm...but seeing as it resulted in such a good idea, I'll take credit for it! :D

:cool:
 
Yah, I use it as a work space too... works great...

MtRainier_0030.jpg
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in the background, but as you see, there's never enough counter space... heheh...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Frank,

Is the other table on the right side the cooler stand, or do you use something different? It looks different, and I can't see the leg...that is why I ask. Especially since your cooler is on the ground.

Thanks!
 
I use the Right side table for the cooler at times, or the water bottle or the TV when it's out. I tried a BBQ but it was too hot and started to bubble the sheeting. Normally, it's for the cooler unless I need more space. I put the cooler on what we use for Diving, tank separators.
maryhill08_0003.jpg

The purple Styrofoam circles/tubes tied with a nylon rope. Cooler sits on top, clean and dry. Some times I'll put my Kitchen bin up there, really depends, sort of an extra pantry top.
 
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