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Photo: Second Wind Trailers LLC
Travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes. But, when an American crew takes a crack at the timeless teardrop camper, you can bet your bottom dollar that we’re on top of the news. That said, we take a closer look at Second Wind Trailers and their flagship, the Freedom Max.
Folks, Second Wind Trailers, or Second Wind Teardrops as they’re also called, is a crew that’s been active on the American RV scene since 2014. But it seems that they’ve been flying mostly under the radar because, since that date, this crew has only amassed 1,000 followers on Facebook. Nonetheless, once you get to know a bit more about the Freedom Max, you may find yourself traveling to California to commission your very own Second Wind camper.
Now, to kick things off for today’s unit, allow me to point out that Second Wind crafts units inspired by old American military cues. As a result, the classic teardrop design we’re used to is more rugged when expressed by Second Wind hands. We’ll talk more about that shortly.
Another big reason to consider a Freedom Max for your next camper purchase is nothing other than its price. According to the manufacturer’s website, the Max starts off at no more than $18,500. With a few thousand bucks more, you’re looking at a compact but mean off-grid living machine.
Photo: Second Wind Trailers LLC
Overall, we’re looking at a steel frame with an independent torsion axle suspension as the base for the Max, which should be standard for any off-road-inclined unit, but it isn’t always; some manufacturers try to cut corners just by messing with the tires.
However, it’s not the steel frame, torsion axle setup, or 15-inch wheels with off-road tires that are the Freedom’s strongest point, but rather, that shell we see mounted on top of it all. To ensure a warm, safe and light shell, Second Wind uses multiple layers to make up the habitat.
The first is the attractive aluminum exterior. Not only is the alloy excellent at fighting off the elements, but it’s light, too. Best of all, that raw unfinished look is clearly intentional and a pleasure to witness, especially after a fresh rain, glistening in the sun majestically and all that.
Photo: Second Wind Trailers LLC
Beyond the aluminum paneling, insulation lines the walls and ceiling, followed by cedar paneling on the interior. Marine-grade plywood is used, so don’t worry about some of the usual camper-destroying suspects, but do perform period checks on any unit you own. Maple hardwood is also thrown into the mix but isn’t visible as it makes up the shell’s frame.
Before climbing inside to discover the sleeping area, allow me to point out a few other exterior features and tricks the Freedom has in store. Starting at the top, we can see that the shell can handle the added weight, but I wasn’t able to spot any images with a rooftop tent, so this one may just be for couples only; be sure to get in touch with Second Wind and ask all your questions directly. More cargo-carrying capacity is provided by the nose-cone storage box.
At the rear, we find the one and only galley, as is typical of this camper style, protected and accessed by a massive rear hatch with integrated lights and air shocks; pretty standard stuff. But, what I do want to point out is the simplicity that the Freedom’s galley offers. In that simplicity, we’ll be able to add the sort of features we want, aside from the standard ones Second Wind throws in. This includes a large countertop, a dedicated fridge slideout, and the shelving system we see; “For everything else, there’s Mastercard.”
Photo: Second Wind Trailers LLC
Some off-grid features are also standard, so if you’re planning a day or two away from every other soul on the planet, it’s possible. Overall, 15 gals of fresh water are available, and so are a 100 Ah LiFe PO4 battery, 10 A charge controller, and 100 W of solar panel power. Of course, these systems can be extended even further by simply throwing more cash at the problem.
After you’ve cooked up a meal and enjoyed it underneath your side awning, with birds chirping in the trees overhead, you may find yourself crawling toward the interior of the Freedom for a siesta. Since the mattress here can also double as a sitting area (triple fold), you may need to first ready your interior for sleeping. Any goodies you need to store or access will all be found in the cabinet system at your feet. It lights out, if only for an hour or so; I recommend leaving the side doors open for a cool breeze while you nap.
All that’s left to do now is find one of these babies in your area—the chances of which are rather low—or give Second Wind a call and head out to California to see one of these babies in person. Just be sure to bring your truck or 4×4, as you could be leaving the lot with a new camper.
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Publish date : 2024-08-27 09:12:00
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