Are You a Hunter Shadow Owner?

[San Diegan]

Well said, Sarge. I like the part about the 15" wheels. That grabbed me as well. I don't know why. And I went for the spare. My model of Dodge Magnum tow vehicle has 18" wheels, low profile tires, and a real spare tire and rim, so using that for both the car and trailer was out. The RT AWD can tow 2000 lbs. Other vehicles with less horsepower tow more, but the factory lowrider suspension (I do have the "towing option" ) is limiting. The smaller unit HU-1 just looks like it would work out better for me.

And now I will reveal the secret reason I opted for the Hunter over the Camp-Inn. Had I bought a Camp-Inn, nothing less than a 550 Ultra would have been good enough for me. Full tilt boogie. It's a darn fine unit and definitely top end. It's like buying a Mercedes and not feeling good about it unless you get the top model. I would be pulling a $12000 teardrop (after options and transport) and fear doing anything to it.

I felt the Hunter's price point and it's basic features were better than the lower end Camp-Inn models and that I would not be afraid to customize with factory modifications and my own endeavors. I am pretty clear about the galley modifications and adding a cabinet in place of the lower shelf in the rear of the cabin. I will also add an under cabin water tank and electric pump as per the Kuffel Creek plans for the Cubby. I don't want to lose galley cabinet space for pots, pans, and basic cooking items. Adding a side mounted table, hinging the underfloor storage cover, struting the underfloor storage cover, and installing a charger with an external plug appeal to me as fun projects.

Beyond that, I am going to let experience dictate what works and what does not. I respect Jolene's voice of experience with both units. Most of the problems are resolved for me with the exception of that condensation issue. I have been following the other thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=2474 and don't see a clear consensus yet.

Would anyone like to see an HU-5? An HU-1 in 5' width.

Tom

[dguff]

One of the earliest Hunter owners is Michael Burton. He has a very nice website featuring the Shadow at http://teardropblogicalthoughts.com

I'm surprised he is not a member of this site yet, he has been to the Dam Gatherings for several years.

Jerome

[San Diegan]

This might be a better link for everybody. http://teardrop.blogicalthoughts.com/

Tom

[campadk]

Oops! I had forgotten about Mike. He got his a bit before me. His site is an excellent resource for Hunter info.

[campadk]

I felt the Hunter's price point and it's basic features were better than the lower end Camp-Inn models and that I would not be afraid to customize with factory modifications and my own endeavors. I am pretty clear about the galley modifications and adding a cabinet in place of the lower shelf in the rear of the cabin. I will also add an under cabin water tank and electric pump as per the Kuffel Creek plans for the Cubby. I don't want to lose galley cabinet space for pots, pans, and basic cooking items. Adding a side mounted table, hinging the underfloor storage cover, struting the underfloor storage cover, and installing a charger with an external plug appeal to me as fun projects.

Beyond that, I am going to let experience dictate what works and what does not. I respect Jolene's voice of experience with both units. Most of the problems are resolved for me with the exception of that condensation issue. I have been following the other thread http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=2474 and don't see a clear consensus yet.

Would anyone like to see an HU-5? An HU-1 in 5' width.

Tom

Hey Tom,

Did you hing your underbunk similar to what I did? Now all you need is to add a lift system for it I just say this since my wife doesn't like having to lift it up with all the bedding on it. I don't mind. Its an excellent place to store stuff.

That whole condensation issue is mute. Any trailer will have some dew on it in cooler/damp weather. If need be a quick towel wipe in the morning and life goes on as normal.... don't sweat the small stuff!

An HU-5 or HU1-5? My ideal tear would be an HU-4.5x10.

[Sarge]

I was asked earlier if I had plans to attend the DAM gathering this year. Unfortunately, no. We're expecting our second 'little Sarge' around that time so we're hanging around the homestead.

Enjoy,

-Sarge

[Mike B]

One of the earliest Hunter owners is Michael Burton. He has a very nice website featuring the Shadow at http://teardropblogicalthoughts.com

I'm surprised he is not a member of this site yet, he has been to the Dam Gatherings for several years.

Jerome

I have news for you. I AM a member of this site. Have been since the beginning. I just haven't had any time to participate.

I'm not exactly one of the first to have a Hunter teardrop, but I am fortunate in that I live about 11 miles from the Hunter manufacturing facility. Which is how I could take all the construction pictures.

Mike
Hayden Lake, ID

[San Diegan]

Dave,

I got the idea of hinging the storage compartment door from you.

I originally proposed the modifications I wanted to Hunter by editing some pictures from Mike B's site [with his permission]. The picture above is from the Hunter site. The construction pictures on Mike's site are great and give some good information as to "what went where".

Thanks,

Tom

[capsu78]

I guess it is time for me to stand up and be counted. I too am a Hunter owner. I actually purchased an Eddie Bauer floor model last September.
My first pictures of it are in the actual store display in the Deerpark IL EB store, where I talked my wife into letting my buy it.
I have kept all of the EB markings on it and intend to unless they start to deteriorate. My original plan was to tow with my yellow new Beetle. My plan got scrapped when a comprehensive search of Tow Hitch companies came to the same conclusion that VW did not want hitches installed on Turbo VW's. The bottom line is that if I were to suffer Turbo problems, VW could void my warranty just by seeing I had a hitch. I have no doubts my Turbo could tow my Hunter... but the purpose of buying the trailer was to simplify my life, not layer it with other concerns! Anyways, plan B is still acceptable and we tow it with my wifes convertable Sebring.
Dave at Camp ADK's posts has given me a great basis for thinking about every modification I could ever think of. (Thanks Dave) I will be hinging my storage doors in the next couple of weeks. As far as my plans for change, I have come full circle and will opt for the time being with keeping the original Hunter galley plan intact. I am the camp chef and find that the stock set up from Hunter is still well thought out and chef friendly. I did take out the right side cabinet door and use that area for the water jug storage, per Daves design and it has worked out great so far.
Sure, I like the Camp Inn but I agree it would be difficult not to get up to the high end by the time I was finished specing out my model.
I find the quality of my Hunter to be very high, but then again, I think that the fact Hunter knew these would be store displays most likely resulted in a couple of extra quality checks prior to leaving the factory. It tows like a dream and I am looking forward to getting it out in the next month or so.

[campadk]

Hey Mike, how about suggesting Phil at Hunter join T&TTT. I'm sure he would have lots of great input, and feedback from members.

Capsu78... not sure that the Eddie Bauer version was any different than the stock Hunters of late... does it have anything you haven't seen on Mike's or my tear?

[San Diegan]

[tongue in cheek] Now wait just a darn minute, Dave. My Hunter is still on order and Phil Wilson needs to finish making it. If he comes in here, it's going to take a notch out of his time and I (it's all about me) will have to wait longer to get my HU-1![/tongue in cheek]

In all honesty, the modifications I have chosen came from you, Mike B.'s pictures, and, a lot of reading in this forum. Beyond that, I am just going to see how things work out after a few trips. Interestingly, I did get to talk to Phil and, in turn, he talked me out of a few of my more hairbrained ideas.

Participation in a forum, blog, wiki or newsgroup can be a risky business for anybody that produces something. It can be a tremendous opportunity to promote your product. On the other hand, it set's one up for attack by the occasional sociopathic individual who leans into the internet's anominity rather than honest confrontation with real issues. In turn, this forces the Moderator into a very unpopular and sometimes heavy handed traffic cop mode of operation. I would hate to see that happen in here, with all of the good information that is forthcoming.

Having said that, I am going camping tomorrow, sleeping in the back of the Magnum. Our Anza Borrego desert is teaming with wild flowers and the germination of life gone dormant for too many dry years. It's been very wet and there is a lot to see that is not usual.

I just wish I had my HU-1 to enjoy it.

Tom

PS: I suspect all of the manufacturers are watching what goes on in here. If they want to lurk, that's a good thing.

[Sarge]

San Diegan,

From what I've seen, with one exception, everyone pretty much says what they like about his/her own teardrop without bashing any other teardrop. We all have preferences and reasons for doing things and they differ. Variety is the spice of life. It would certainly be boring if we all owned the exact same teardrop.

Ok, so that being said I did want to find some people who DO SHARE the same manufacturer, sort of an island of commonality in a sea of diversity.

You do raise an interesting point....if I have a problem with my teardrop and I voice it here, how does that affect the manufacturer? Will someone else look at one person's experience and assume it applies to all products from the manufacturer? Seems to me that if a person were to build his/her own trailer, it would be much easier to say, "I'm having this problem..." Of course, if we expected perfection all manufactured trailers would come with lifetime warranties. None does.

I hope the reason we refer to this collection of teardrop enthusiasts as a community is that they will share the good and the bad and not be judgemental.

Ok, I'm off my soapbox.

-Sarge

[campadk]

Good points... hey I want to complain about my tear... I can't use it in the winter! Whats with that!??? Not so cozy in -25C and I need the 'Saltwater' version to handle our northern road salt

Oh well... by my calculations I'll have it out for a spring polishing around April 30th, and back on the road doing duty about May 9th.

[Rob]

I started out looking strongly at the Hunter - saw it at Eddie Bauer. Then, after lots of research, started leaning toward the Camp-Inn. Then began reading this, and previous, threads here and started leaning back towards the Hunter. Today had an up close and personal tour of a HU-4 (thanks Sarge) and am still leaning toward the Hunter. Tomorrow will get a tour of a Camp-Inn 550Classic. We'll see which way the pendulum swings. Anyone have a Cozy Cruiser that wants to chime in?
Rob

[campadk]

Oh what a rotten position to be in Rob!

Enjoy it, you can't go wrong with either choice.

One of the main differences I found was the galley layout. If you like the basic layout of the Hunter, you can easily customize it as we have done. Others prefer the Camp-Inn layout. You'll have to think about how you will use this area (or consult with your cook).

I've noticed perusing galley photos that a lot of folk seem to just use it as storage more than anything, others like Gage are setup to feed a banquet with their fancy layout.

It would be great to put an album together showing galleys 'in action'... I would think that would be useful for those designing their galley. We just found that the whole use of that area isn't something we even thought about, or realized what we wanted until we actually used it camping over several trips.

Ooops! Think I'm getting off topic here...