Comparing Hunter and Camp-Inn Galleys

[sftiggee]

Bev:

The vents on the doors are simply sink strainers (those little round ones with the washers built in) with a piece of aluminum "awning" over it to keep out water. They are always open.

Look here for close up shots of the door vents:

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sftigg ... .dir=/7917

Hope that helps

[campadk]

Uggh! This is not my night for computers. Both of mine crashed and I started entering a long response twice and lost both after about 20 min of typing so here is the REAL short version ...

Looks like Hunter has changed improved their design since 2000. We have 1/2" light birch crafted with CNC machines. No condensation problem (they are insulated and thicker walls?). Doors are very high quality and about 95% leak proof.

On another note I gather you went from a 4x8ft wide basic Hunter to a 5x8ft wide model with the deluxe upgrade to include front storage. This would be equivalent to a 5x10ft Hunter for comparison purposes which naturally is going to be a difference in both cabin space, cabin storage and galley area. Mind you, regardless I agree the Camp-Inn does provide more storage area.

A few of the inconvience you had with your Hunter are easily solved without much cost. Piano hings make the underbunk storage very functional (yes will still be a bit awkward but nice to have all your clothes laid out and organized - full underbunch area). By adding a few dollars for a cable from you battery to a plug, you simply attach your charger without removing the battery. A $30 inverter and your all set to plug in your patio lanterns, coffee grinder and portable DVD player.

This is a great comparison and I'm learning a lot more about the Camp-Inns. It was originally my first choice... loved those teardrop windows in the front and the quality, just didn't want to spend that much. The weight issue end up making the final decision for us.

I'm adding teardrop fenders to be painted the same color as our PT, but looks like that is on next years list now.

[sftiggee]

I'm glad Hunter improved upon their design, because mien had NO insulationalong the sides, and the insulation on the front was basic pink fiberglass insulation, and thin too. The electrical system had a big short in it whe I bought it, and my boyfriend at the time took off the top skin to work on it. Thats how we saw the super sparse insulation and the electrical wires were small and just poorly done. The ground wire was just sitting against a metal part of the trailer and that's where the problem was. We ended up putting in all new wiring and electrical conduit. I wanted to add and internal inverter/charger but we coudlnt' find one and we had already spend over $100 on the electrical upgrades. We also added a Voltmeter inside that could be turned on and off with a toggle switch so we coudl monitor how much power was left in our battery.

i couldn't imagine laying out clothes in the underbed storage part of my trailer. Like i said before, when i went to the Grand Canyon, i had so much condensation that I had PUDDLES of water in the underbed storage areas. That was the final straw for me and i sold my trailer to someone who was going to Baja and ordered my Camp-Inn.

As i said before, all trailers have their own advantages and appeal, and as long as folks are happy with the trailer they have, then they made the right choice. i wasn't happy with mine, so I opted for the one i really wanted, and now i'm happy as punch.

[mikeschn]

Hey Jolene,

I have to make a decision one of these days, about a trailer to pull behind the Jetta. I know why I am procrastinating... I just don't want to build a third trailer.

Of course, one option is to buy one from your buddies, the Camp-Inn guys. And I'm sure they'd love to build me one. But there's too many unknowns right now. For example, will I still have my job? Will I still have my Jimmy? Will I still have my VW? Can I get everything I want in a Camp-Inn? I'll let things shake out over time. I do like Rik's dropped floor, and have asked the guys at Camp-Inn if that's available. They are working on it. Good guys they are!!!

Anyways, I'll keep y'all posted!!!

Mike...

[sftiggee]

Mike:

Well, you already know a TDI can tow a Camp-Inn. Is your Jetta an auto? that would be even better. It's all the unknowns that make life interesting, but hopefully it all pans out the way you want it too. If you DO decide to get a Camp-Inn, let me know and I'll send you a brochure so you can get a free cooler (that spiffy stainless one). And if there are ANY more pics you want to see of the trailer bits, let me know.

Jolene

[R Keller]

Thanks Dave and Jolene for the really detailed discussion of your respective trailers. It's really helpful to get that kind of information about how different designs/features work in real life. Your discussion will be invaluable, not only for prospective purchasers of commercial models, but also for home designers/builders.

Since I "stole" the Camp-Inn's split front storage box idea for my own trailer, I was pleased to see that that they "stole" my idea for ventilation. The little teardrop-shaped "aluminum awnings" are vents meant for boats. You can get them at any marine supply store/catalog. Most are stainless steel. That was one of the first things I bought back last fall, when I was starting to acquire supplies. My plan is to install two in the galley and two in the main compartment. I'll be able to close the holes from the inside (for driving through heavy rain) with a small PVC piece with female threads that I can thread a cap into from the inside.

Rik

[campadk]

Great to hear it was helpful R Keller.

My wife and I were back analyzing our galley again this morning, deciding if we should do my proposed cooler built in, or make it storage. Were back to thinking maybe, making that storage for dishes etc plus a cutlery draw. Then adding cupboards up top. All without modifying the existing structures of the Hunter. Off course these will be customized for our particular 'stuff'. This may be the more practical way to go after giving it some more though. Thus on a moments notice, all we need to do is pack our Coleman cooler from the kitchen and toss it in the back of the car and voila, away we go!