Honda Element
The reason for the 4WD Element EX was simple: It too is a very functional and affordable vehicle in the outdoors and lends itself to camping with plenty of interior cargo space, folding seating that allows for sleeping, Real Time four-wheel drive, and even a Honda tent (optional) that attaches at the rear of the vehicle.
The Element EX (priced in the low to mid $20,000 range) is an ideal runabout for low-impact stays, and it can get in and out of tight sites with ease. Its side doors swinging out a full 90 degrees, the Honda Element offers plenty of unloading and loading options for the camper on the go. There are also 64 different seating configurations.
Raney Ranch is a 120-acre...
Raney Ranch is a 120-acre private dog training facility that offered us some peace and quiet from the city. It is open to the public for private lessons in dog training. Log onto www.raneyranch.com for details.
With its side doors swinging...
With its side doors swinging out a full 90 degrees, the Honda Element EX offers plenty of unloading and loading options for the camper on the go.
There is ample space once...
There is ample space once the teardrop lid is opened for preparing meals.
Towing prowess is about what you'd expect: a mere 1,500 pounds maximum. But considering that the Element EX was towing a SoCal teardrop that weighed just over 900 pounds, it wasn't a big deal (trailer tongue weight was 150 pounds). The Element's in-line four-cylinder engine puts out 166 hp at 5,800 rpm, more than enough to tow a light trailer like the teardrop. It also has a five-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth acceleration and trouble-free driving in loose-dirt situations like we encountered at the ranch.
Another reason we liked the Element is that the seating can be removed for sleeping. It was so easy, and the effect was so dramatic and like no other van in its class that we've test-driven of late. It even has a portable cooler built in between the front two seats that holds about a six-pack worth of beverages.
Perfect Camp Companion
The Rover was one sweet piece of work, and it fit us to a tee. It came with a practical two-burner propane stove and plenty of storage areas tucked under the rear galley lid. We could see the meticulously crafted assembly in every detail.
Our weekend in the wilds was...
Our weekend in the wilds was perfect. The trails on the ranch were narrow and hilly, but the light trailer and agile Element handled the job just fine.
SoCal Teardrops built this...
SoCal Teardrops built this particular Rover as a promotion for Bass Pro Shops. It has lockable fishing pole storage in the rear bumper. This unit is not for sale, but you can have one just like it, just without the decals.
If you're looking for more...
If you're looking for more room than a teardrop, the Element comes with an optional four-person tent that attaches to the rear of the vehicle.
The single-axle Rover can be outfitted with many accessories like a propane/electric fridge, TV, and more. Our unit was simple and had a stereo, a foam mattress that sleeps two, interior lighting, and dual entrance doors with sliding windows that allow for air circulation when the weather gets hot. Other teardrop designs by SoCal are roomier and offer air-conditioning as an option.
The Rover has a seven-pin connector, spare tire, and on-board battery to run the appliances. Of course, you can plug in your generator to keep things charged, too. We brought along our Honda generator just for good measure and enjoyed a fine dinner, shared some tales, and got a good night's rest.
A spare tire and on-board...
A spare tire and on-board battery were enough to get the Rover anywhere we wanted to camp for the night.
Together, the fuel-efficient Element EX and the aerodynamic SoCal teardrop make for a roaring good time on the cheap. We were able to careen the hilly roads of this ranch with relative ease and never worried about how narrow the road became or even how twisty it got. In fact, we couldn't even feel the 900-pound trailer behind us most of the time.
At night, the small Rover became a warm and comfortable place to get some shut-eye; however, restless sleepers or a family of three might want to opt for a larger model. Teardrops are not for large families; they are designed for light camping, and if you are creative like we were the tow vehicle can also be transformed into a place to sleep or for storage.
The Element's tent option is a nifty idea that allowed us enough room for another 3 or 4 people to camp together. All in all, the time we had at the ranch served to remind us how much we miss when we take simplicity out of the picture and simply go camping to bring along a ton of conveniences.
To see more on the teardrop trailer and the Element EX that we used on our weekend trip, log onto www.rvmagonline.com, and check out the videos.