Braxton Creek Bushwacker Teardrop Trailer - Owner Review
I bought a Braxton Creek Bushwacker teardrop trailer in April 2020 and I have used it now for 9 months. Here is my review on why I bought this teardrop trailer and my description of the features that I like as well as the features that I dislike.
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Very nice indepth review! Thanks for taking the time to put this up and helping me make decisions on what I want.. Happy travels!
thank you for the tour and the details of the different features. We're looking at one of these, and I appreciate your non-biased review of its pluses and minuses.
My wife and I are looking at a 21 Bushwhacker and your review is very helpful. Thank you!
Very good vid. I bought mine in March 2020. I immediately found that the Dexter axle/brakes were faulty in that the electric brake on the passenger side self adjusted outward causing the drum to overheat. The dealership was never able to repair or fix the problem even after replacing the complete unit. I cut the wires and have had zero problems since. The spare tire carrier was very flimsy. I had a welding shop add some structural supports. It's solid now with zero wiggle. I also had a propane gas leak under the two burner stove. The copper line was barely into its fitting which uses a compression ferrule. The ferrule was bent and leaked gas because there wasn't a proper seal. The rear hatch hinge was installed so that any time the hatch was open and it was raining, the water would drain into the rear of the trailer kitchen. I had to place cups under each end to try to catch the rain water. I've since purchased a longer hinge and installed it with much better results. The water drains out over the sides of the trailer now with very little water coming into the rear. There are fresh air vents on each side of the trailer that are ducted to each side of the AC unit. There's no way to close those vents. There is a large fresh air screened opening under the trailer. This supplies a "draft" when the AC is running and supposedly vents the hot air through two circular vent openings directly behind the AC into the rear kitchen area. There is no way to close the screened opening under the trailer. I travel down some very dusty roads and the "fresh" air intakes are nothing but dirt catchers and represent poor engineering. The plywood used for the floor and mounting surface to the frame of the trailer was not sealed around the perimeter of the the trailer. I repaired all of the items I've listed above. I've followed the RV industry for over 5 years now and what I've experienced is, unfortunately, not unusual at all. I also own a 29' trailer that I bought new, 32k. I've had many problems with that I've had to fix including damage caused by RV techs. If you can buy a new motorcycle or small side by side for 11k and they need nothing, fill with gas, turn the key and off you go with no problems, why can't we buy RVs that will function the same way?
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
Fortunately I have not had a problem with the brake drums, just with the 3rd party brake controller. Are you now towing without trailer brakes? That would be too much with my little SUV. Yes, the spare tire carrier could use extra support and the dust will collect inside on dusty roads. I am looking for a solution to cut down on dust entering the sleeping area. I have not traveled in heavy rain and I have not experienced leaking that you describe. The teardrop is made in a production facility so I did not expect high quality as with a custom trailer so I can accept some of the flaws. It is half the price of a comparable custom made teardrop, so I figured I’d need to upgrade or repair a bit over time.
Very informative and thorough review of the features of the Bushwhacker. Well done, thank you.
Thank you for the review. I'm considering the bushwhacker, but wasn't sure of the quality. This was very helpful , safe travels .
A very thorough review... Thank you
Awesome review good sir! In fact it’s the only one I’ve seen from an actual owner. I’ve been considering this trailer for weekend getaways with my grandson...seems it would certainly fit the bill for our needs...again thanks for the info!
Just picked up our new 17fl bushwhacked plus camper. First trip had a little problem but was immediately taken care of by dealer. Very happy with the bushwhacker. Very easy to haul. Very nice choice!!
Looks like a nice choice in teardrops. Very nice tour of your camper! ~ Maria
Thank you for this video. I'm glad you like Braxton Creek. We just bought the larger tear drop Plus 15FK. Did not want to pay a high end price to try out a tear drop. This was a good solution. Everything inside and set up for off-road. Our Tacoma should have no problem with 1900lb. Just the two of us doing minimal camping/ weekend visits. Enjoy your off road adventures!
Thanks for the detailed review and feedback. Very useful
I got my Bushwhacker in October of 2020 and have only been able to use it in cold weather (utah). The heater is great though I agree with earlier comments that the vent is a bit too low. Also mine is the 10SS which is a single door, thinking a little more secure and I’m pretty much a solo camper. I’m old enough to know better but still able to try.
Thank you for your honest opinion
Great job on honest review. Thinking of purchasing unit myself. Good value at 10000 dollars.
Great video! Very informative
Very good and thorough review, thank you,.
Great review. Thanks!
Great information. Thank you!
glad to see someone reviewing theirs, i bought mine in january of 2020, yours is a first run model, the stove/sink have been upgraded as well as now having a 24 gallon fresh water tank. still comes with the dinky little cooler. i found that the smittybilt 6.5 ft awning is a better fit than the 8 ft awnings incase you are considering one and one thing i really like is the slumberjack roadhouse tarp. i rig it up off the roof rack extended out over the galley, gives a ton of shade and a nice place out of the weather to cook/eat. but if you choose to use one you will need to make corner covers for the hatch, it can tear the tarp if not protected, also i put an interlocking padded floor mat under the mattress, you can still get at the storage spaces but it makes a difference, you dont sink thru the mattress on the shoulders and hips onto the wood flooring, a bit softer feel. enjoy, thanks for posting
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comments and your experience with the awnings and the mattress. I bought my Bushwacker in April 2020.
@lcatalla7292
Жыл бұрын
Hi, is there a storage space on both sides?
Good review
My tow vehicle is a 2018 4Runner. I can tow up to 2900 lbs without trailer brakes. From 3k on up it's required. I'm just going to seal the side vents some how and I may put a hinged cover over the bottom air intake and open it when I'n stationary and using the AC. Thanks for your response.
Nice well spoken review. I’m more on grid and like to sit up inside. I prefer my $8K Sunset RV SunRay 109.
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
Sunray 109 is also a great choice.
I’m in about the same ballpark as you cost, low weight (small suv), off grit. I’m looking at Teardrops now but want to stay near that $10K and everything is going upward. I’m in the SE and will do most of my traveling there and enjoy to mountain bike.
I like my Bushwacker even though there are tweaks to do. Like you mention, typically we tweak whatever we buy anyways. It seems they tweaked some things in my model from yours but essentially the same. I need to upgrade the USB ports to a higher voltage USB, I'm sure you do too. The factory USBs are very low voltage and it will take FOREVER to charge anything. I've added solar to mine as well. They have ditched the electric cooler and now only provide a cooler. When I get around to making a video (on Rumble, not KZread), I'll post here again. Thanks for your video.
Great video! Thanks!
The basic Bushwacker/Braxton Creek trailer is a great design but the problem is where they’ve cut corners and how they put it together, here in California mine cost me out the door a little under $15,000 and I feel for that kind of money there really shouldn’t be any issues or any problems, The night I brought it home I put it in my garage & the water tank flooded my garage it had a crack around the output of the tank and they put glue around it, someone knowingly knew it was cracked flooded my garage then the tire carrier I wanted to see how it worked it was completely stripped out and you could not get The tire to lower down so I had to basically cut everything out and replace, a couple days after I purchased I wanted to wash it and detail it and the kitchen literally got flooded from leaking on the seals and that’s with just a hose no pressure, on the front of the trailer were curves underneath they used something similar to housewrap basically plastic tarp wrapping where it curves under and under that wrap are screws which pop a hole in the plastic which means in the winter time or if you do a shallow Creek Crossing it will destroy the wood and probably leak into the camper it’s absolutely ridiculous so I had to modify that and seal everything, the axle was not parallel/centered we had to redo that to get the trailer to go straight down the road the igniter‘s on the stove top would not work and the first time using the water tank after it was repaired the pump stopped working and I was on my first trip out in the middle of nowhere in the wilderness, I think the base is good and if you’re a mechanical person you can build this up to something you really want, I installed a 2.75 inch lift and 33 inch tall BFG mud terrain tires I custom built a very large tongue box and modified a few things so it’s definitely much more capable now and better & having these problems I’ve learned alot about this unit so at least out in the field if something goes wrong I know what to look for immediately, but if I was in the market again to get something for off-road back adventures I think I would go with the smaller companies on something custom where they take pride in their work, The reason I’m writing this is because of Braxton Creek customer service was awful and with all my problems I’ve called many times I talk to the same guy and he said he would follow up that same day with my dealership to make sure I got a quick repair because I purchased this and was planning a trip within a few days after purchase I had to cancel two trips because of the problems, Not once did the guy at Braxton Creek that handles these problems contact my dealer as he promised nor did he return my phone calls, basically saying yes yes we will take care of this I will call blah blah blah they did not call so it’s got me pretty pissed off, I expect someone to do what they say they’re going to do especially when you spend this kind of money, so I would say before purchasing examine your unit thoroughly and make sure you have a good dealership with the ability to do repairs quickly.
@MySeniorMoments
Жыл бұрын
I bought the first year model, probably one of the early builds. I think the quality was much better on my early build than on later versions. I've had problems, but not the extent so many owners have expressed. Yes, I've modified mine a bunch and I agree the basic premise is great. I would also recommend buying instead a basic kraft build teardrop and modify it with my needs. It may cost a bit more but you get what you need that way. Good luck and safe travels.
Thanks so much for such detailed video. I’m also a tent camper looking into this one, as you mentioned bathroom and shower are not essential for experienced tent campers specially us that do dry camping. Personally for me is a step up with a bit more comfort since I’m getting older and I’m a solo woman camper. Question, how does it handle in heavy gusty winds, does it feel stable while driving? Also, have you been in heavy rain and how did it handle it. Thanks for all the effort you put into the video explaining the cons and pros in such detail.
@MySeniorMoments
2 жыл бұрын
I tow with a small suv. A hyundai tucson. No problems with wind or rain. I am glad it has trailer brakes.
Wonder if making a counter top that covers the stove for more room and just use a portable stove when needed
Nice to know about your take on the refrigerator, however, thanks to you and most likely many others, it doesn’t come with fridge. This, I am not happy with. I believe the dealers should offer either the fridge or the K2 cooler. I would have taken the fridge, so now I am spending more $ on the Coleman because mine came with the cooler. (I, like most, already had a cooler).
Great informative video, thanks for your opinion regarding the pros and cons of the Bushwhacker 10FB. I'm seriously considering this model, but I've recently found out that the dealer that I plan on buying from, doesn't include a battery or a propane canister. In your opinion, was the battery adequate that was supplied from your dealer, or did you have to purchase one after the sale? What model battery did the dealer supply, or if it wasn't included, what was your choice of battery? I've heard that a battery brand and amp hours are an important choice in a teardrop trailer, especially if you are doing a lot of boondocking. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
A deep cell battery and propane canister was included in my purchase. I don’t have the battery make or amperage handy, but I ran out after 2 nights on a trip last year with a single battery. I now have a second deep cell battery that I run in parallel to double the amperage and I usually disconnect the Coleman cooler at night as it seems to draw a lot of electric. I keep a tray of ice in the cooler when it is unplugged. I recommend getting 2 batteries if you boondock.
What is that adapter you have bungie corded to the electrical connection for. I have never seen one and not sure what the purpose of it would be, do you have regular brake controller in the cab of your vehicle, is this some sort of inline plug in controller, I don't understand what it is doing unless its an inline type of break controller for the trailer brakes.? if it is how to do you adjust it for the trailer, do you have to get out and change the settings on it?
@MySeniorMoments
Жыл бұрын
it is an Echo trailer brake controller. It plugs into the 7-prong trailer electric socket. It is operated using an app on my phone. The bungie is to hold it in place as the first one I bought fell out and was lost while I traveled on bumpy dirt roads.
Great video...thanks. We're considering the 17BH as our first trailer for road tripping around Canada and the US in the summer months. Any long term feedback?
I appreciate your review. In our area, people who bought this teardrop, have been experiencing very poor construction problems. Actual horror stories of things falling apart quickly with little or no support from dealer or factory. It sounds like you have a good one, and are happy. Have you heard of these problems at all? Maybe just a change in quality control lately? Thanks for any insight you can offer, and for the videos.
@MySeniorMoments
2 жыл бұрын
Being built in a production factory the Braxton creek doesn’t have the quality of custom-made teardrop trailers. However it is quite a bit less expensive to purchase which is one of the reasons why I bought it. The quality is OK just like any other production trailer made in a factory. You can expect some parts to not have good quality construction. Mostly I’m OK with it and I enjoy the trailer after having to replace some items like brakes and a get a new better sleeping pad.
Just saw your review. I’m also a senior & am considering the Bushwacker now. However, my tow vehicle is a Subaru Outback, 2.5, 4 cylinder. Manufacture says it will tow 2700lbs, but / ????? Was wondering if your tow vehicle is 4 or 6 cylinder? Thank you so much for your GREAT review. I truly enjoyed your experienced views. Safe & happy travels my friend.
@MySeniorMoments
9 ай бұрын
I tow with a turbo charged 4 cylinder hybrid. Limit is 2000 pounds if equipped with trailer brakes. If you have more than 225 HP you will probably be OK.
Really sweet little sleep trailer...nice job of hacking
A great objective review, thank you. Where in Nevada did you get yours please?
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
RV Country in Sparks, NV
Good information and a great video, thank you! You mentioned there are a couple of other trailers you would look out instead of the Bushwacker, would you share what they are? Safe travels
@MySeniorMoments
Жыл бұрын
There are a lot of newer design teardrop trailers on the market since i did this review video a couple years ago. My main criteria was a teardrop under 1500 pounds and less than $15000. Now. I would probably buy a very basic teardrop and then add amenities as I need such as stove and refrigerator. I don't need AC or radio that came with my Bushwacker.
I bought mine in February 2020, the teddy bear mattress were pittyfull. I bought a couple Milliard trifold memory foam mattress's 1-4" 25" wide 1-6" 36" wide They are a lot more comfortable. I was not sure which would be better the 4" or 6" either one is nice!!!
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
Yes. The stock mattress provides minimal comfort. If you use the heater, the 6” mattress may block the heat vent. I am upgrading as well.
The brake controller. Is it the BLUE TOOTH configuration? We are having a manual brake control installed. If that is what you have, I will ask for a safety strap. Thanks!
Does the stereo have wifi/bluetooth that you can connect your phone and listen to your music play list?
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
The stereo has Bluetooth so you can use your smartphone to control the station selection, volume, etc, but I’m not sure if you can listen to your music from your phone. I have not tried that.
nice, Those are selling for 12k plus nowadays
I was wondering with that size trailer do you have to register and plate it or is it not mandatory
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
I my state (Oregon) it needs to be registered/tagged as it is considered an RV, even though it weighs less than 1500 pounds, which would not need to be registered if it were a utility trailer.
Some questions I have about the bushwhacker teardrops I have are: 1. I'm afraid to lose value on resale, if I sell in 1 to 5 years just in case. This is all new to me. How much would I lose in money selling it. 2. Durability and longevity. If I store in garage and only travel on asphault roads how many years should this last? 3. Will a bushwhacker teardrop ruin my 08 honda crv small 4 cylinder engine in anyway does the tranny or engine take a toil from towing it?
@MySeniorMoments
2 жыл бұрын
I would not tow the Bushwacker with a Honda CRV. It is too heavy for a CRV. The Bushwacker will lose value over time as well.
Does the stereo have Bluetooth? I’m looking at one...still a couple weeks delay.
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
Yes. You can use an app on your phone to control it.
Are you still enjoying it? My wife and I also live in Oregon & we're thinking of purchasing a 2nd smaller trailer for weekend getaways or single overnighters during the winter. This is definitely in the price range of 10-12k.
@MySeniorMoments
Жыл бұрын
I enjoy it. I've done modifications like removing the AC and using the space for a 12volt TV, adding 2 more inches of mattress foam, replacing brake shoes, and using a 5 gallon water jug instead of the large installed tank, and adding a second battery. It's not high end, but good for going boondocking.
Where would I buy one in nevada. I thought I had to go to california.
Nice video! I love mine, same pros and cons as you. However, I have no idea why they have your brakes set up like that...?? I use my Bushwacker with two different vehicles, one had the brake control already, and I had it installed on the second vehicle. Wires were run from the 7 pin to battery and taillight.... no need for giant add on module device that cost $200??? Maybe some else knows if I’m missing something... Be well, safe travels!
@davidoconnell7975
3 жыл бұрын
I believe that is the Curt Echo wireless brake controller. It seems that others have had it fall out as well. The big concern for me are the reviews that indicate the trailer brakes pulse when you use the hazard lights on your tow vehicle. Perhaps its' been fixed, but that sounded pretty scary to me (and to the ones who have experience this problem). Google the reviews and you should be able to find these concerns.
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that info. The controller works, but I am always concerned it will drop off, especially on bumpy roads. I didn’t know about the hazard light issue.
Yeah those are pretty sweet but the dealers near me are selling for $15k not $10k
@dianehall5345
3 жыл бұрын
Eric McAleeMcalee- 15K? Wow! Hubby and I just bought a new Bushwacker Plus 15FK for under 13K in N.H. , before options. We opted for a suitcase style solar panel. 1900 lbs/ wet bath/ off road axle/tires/ 6' height clearance.
The more I hear about this camper the more I concerns I have with it. Think they cut a lot of corners to keep the price low.
You said you bought it for less than 10 grand? They're running from about 11-13 now.
If I lived out west, I would buy a teardrop. Not many places in the Midwest that I want to camp at.
Hi, I'm planning of buying one of these trailer. What is the inside dimensions such as height, width and length? I didn't see this numbers on the manufacturers website. Thank you!
@MySeniorMoments
Жыл бұрын
I'm not real sure of the dimensions. I was mainly concerned about weight as I tow with a small SUV. The inside mattress is odd size between full and queen bed.
Just before the Coronavirus, in Coburg Oregon they were for $8,000 new for the Bushwacker. But I have two kids and wife to small, but I should have gotten one; my oops not buying it. I thought it is to small for the price.
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
Too small for 3. Works ok with 1 or 2, especially with dual doors.
Do you find the furnace outlet to be too close to the bedding?
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
A bit close. It sits just above the foam mattress. They could have installed it a few inches higher in my opinion.
@joseespinoza2210
3 жыл бұрын
I agree it’s a bit low. We have the 2021 model.
@BrianSmith-bw3hi
3 жыл бұрын
Def too low! I had to cut a chunk out of mattress topper...
Is the quality up to parr Did you get it in Reno?
@MySeniorMoments
Жыл бұрын
I bought it in Sparks, Nevada. I had the first year version. The quality is OK, but with later versions , owners were seeing poorer workmanship. After all, it's half the price of other teardrops, so I've had a few minor repairs.
@stephencrandellsr4915
Жыл бұрын
@@MySeniorMoments thanks for the review Im looking at the new 15re if they get one in vs the sun lite 16bh or 18rd the 15re is around 18k vs 26k for the sun lite 16bh or 18rd
looks like the bushwhackers have increased in price, they are now 13000
We get that cooler as well with INTECH teardrops and it sucks.. always killing your battery who is really bad on a battery, Guys replace that cooler as fast as you can. I had an Alpicool C20 who worked only 1 year ya wasn't too happy. As price of those 12 volts fridges are extremly high, I went with an Alpicool C40 this time who seems better for now it's been 4 months. We will see if it last this time if not I go back with ice and won't pay $1,000.00 for a tiny fridge who is only good for a year. No way!
What did you pay ?
@MySeniorMoments
3 жыл бұрын
$11K
I would like to pull one with an electric car some time down the road.
I have owned mine less than two weeks and so far it is garbage. Water pump will not prime, bolts falling off, hatch brackets failed roof leaked. This is unacceptable. If you buy this you're crazy. I can show videos of my experience.
@johncover9757
2 жыл бұрын
Did the dealership make the repairs? Would you still not recommend this unit?
The other reviews l have watched and read have been terrible. Ten thousand dollars is still a lot of money and why would you want to buy something that you have to constantly repair from brand new? Plus l heard that customer support is practically nonexistent. I would rather buy a lightweight, custom built trailer and build it up myself with quality materials. First of all, you get a much better trailer. Secondly, if you’re going off road and off grid all that extra stuff isn’t going to be useable as is. You will have to get a generator or solar to use most of it. Not to mention that this isn’t really an off road trailer with a 2200 lb axle and the way it’s set up plus the fact that it’s constructed so poorly l wouldn’t take it down anything more than a flat dirt road. You do get what you pay for and $10k gives you a lot more options than this trailer if you shop around and do the research.