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New teardrop camper for vibe
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 10:24 am
by ned23
Picked up the new "Little Guy" teardrop camper. This is their widest model and model as equipped weighs about 1100 lbs. The 2.4L (5 spd. auto) barely broke a sweat pulling it. I even maintained speed up an 8% grade. I could probably have pulled two of these. On flat ground it ran in 5th ok without shifting but I kept it in 4th most of the time. Gas mileage was about 21 mpg. I was surprised how much power the car still had.Here's a youtube video of a quick walk around.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7WYixfF2A Had a hitch with the wiring (no pun intended) and ran a little late this weekend so the only place we could test it out was at a nearby R/V park. I think it's gonna work really well. It's big enough for up to 3 people or 2 people and a board game on a rainy day. Has self-contained power. ALso came with a heating / AC / dehumidifier unit ("Pet cool" brand, it's for dog kennels, LOL!)Here's a photo of the car and camper:
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Re: New teardrop camper for vibe (ned23)
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 10:27 am
by ned23
It also fits in a 2 car garage, with the car and lots of other stuff:
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Re: New teardrop camper for vibe (ned23)
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 8:59 pm
by beemerphile1
Congrats, it looks great. I was just on the "net" last night researching small trailers to pull with my Vibe.I pull a full size Weekend Warrior toyhauler with my van but only get 8 m.p.g. towing. I hope to get something small to pull behind the Vibe for short (weekend) trips.Here is one that I am considering, it is (removed) ugly but only has a dry weight of 700 pounds. Actually has a kitchen, seating area, and cassette toilet.Let us know how it works when you use the teardrop and tow it more.
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 12:42 am
by Sublimewind
Wow, i love them BOTH... lol... The tear drop would look BA behind my Subie... That other one is ungangly but would offer more than the tear drop..
Re: New teardrop camper for vibe (beemerphile1)
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:08 am
by ned23
Quote, originally posted by beemerphile1 »Congrats, it looks great...Here is one that I am considering, it is (removed) ugly but only has a dry weight of 700 pounds. Actually has a kitchen, seating area, and cassette toilet.Let us know how it works when you use the teardrop and tow it more. Wow, yours is actually lighter than mine. I have to think that the gas mileage is going to have almost as much to do with the aerodynamics as weight when you're in the 1000 lb. range. The model I got was extra wide, which I think noticeably impacted the drag. I like the bathroom in the model you're considering. You know, when I was younger, I used to think having a bathroom was silly - but the older I get, the more I seem to be modifying my view on that subject, for some reason. lol.
Re: (Sublimewind)
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:15 am
by vibolista
+1 Sub. Teardrop (aka Little Guy) is very cool.Don't know if the cassette toilet on the taller camper is going to be very useful if you only use mp3s or even CDs for that matter.
Re: New teardrop camper for vibe (ned23)
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:06 am
by beemerphile1
Quote, originally posted by ned23 »Wow, yours is actually lighter than mine. I have to think that the gas mileage is going to have almost as much to do with the aerodynamics as weight when you're in the 1000 lb. range. The model I got was extra wide, which I think noticeably impacted the drag. Yes those Little Guys are very aerodynamic. That other one would be like towing a solid wall down the highway. The main headquarters for Little Guy is only about 30 miles from my house, maybe I'll stop in there.I like to have a unit that I can park and sleep anywhere I want. I don't think I'll be setting up a pop up camper in a Walmart parking lot or a truck stop. You can park that Little Guy just about anywhere.I like the red graphics with the red car.A guy in my motorcycle club pulls the Little Guy Rascal behind his bike.
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:47 pm
by Zig
Get mud flaps on that Vibe. I speak from experience. Ya know we like ours! Vibe and Little Guy to Alaska and back!
Re: (Zig)
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:53 am
by ned23
Quote, originally posted by Zig »Get mud flaps on that Vibe. I speak from experience. Ya know we like ours! Vibe and Little Guy to Alaska and back!Thanks for the tip. Any recommendations for ones that are durable and wont possibly damage the fender?
Re: (ned23)
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:07 am
by KNINE
I bought a set of used GM ones from somebody here on genvibe. Might have been Blue Crush. They're great. I drive gravel roads, and they really keep all the muck off the car. I have a 2006, so I can't speak for the 2009 Vibes, though.
Re: (K-NINE)
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:21 am
by ned23
Good info. I'll stop by the dealer. Thanks.