Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have anything ready immediately for sale?
Generally speaking, no we do not. All of our trailers currently are built to order just for you, and our build queue is structured as a first-come first-serve basis, and building trailers for inventory would adversely affect our lead time. If, in the future, we are able to build trailers for immediate availability, we will have them listed on our website. If you are interested in a used trailer, we recommend joining the Facebook group, Timberleaf Trailers Community and keeping an eye out for any for sale posts.
What is the current lead time?
Our current lead time for all new orders is 6-8 months. We will keep this updated as that changes.
When can I expect my trailer to be completed?
We strive to maintain a very high standard of quality and do not wish to rush the production of trailers and risk releasing a sub-par product into the wild. We ask for your patience during the waiting period and appreciate your support. We cannot guarantee a completion date for your trailer; we do our best to move the trailer through production as expediently as possible, but there are many possible delays that are out of our control. We strongly recommend that you do not schedule any travel plans with your trailer until your trailer is completed.
How long does it take to construct a trailer?
Our build time from start to finish is approximately three weeks. However we plan well in advance and will begin ordering supplies and components several months in advance for your trailer.
Can I make changes to my build after I have submitted my deposit?
Yes. We can accommodate most changes until approximately 5 months prior to the build start, at which point we contact you to conduct an order review to confirm the order details. After that time your order details will be locked in and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate further changes.
How do I get started? // Ordering Process
We have worked to streamline our process for you. Simply click here to begin by filling out our interactive build form, once you have reached the last page you will be asked for some contact information, and simply select the “Yes” for the final question before clicking submit. We will be in touch with you within 1-2 business days after your submission to follow up with any questions you may have. Once you are happy with your build details and ready to finalize your order, we require a deposit and signed purchase agreement to secure your position in the build queue. Your trailer is added to the build queue once we have received the deposit and purchase agreement; the queue is a first-come first-serve basis.
How much of a deposit is required?
Each model of trailer requires an even deposit regardless of the options and accessories. This amount is due up front in order to secure your position in our build queue, and the balance is due upon completion of the trailer. The deposit amounts are:
- Kestrel // $2,500
- Pika // $5,000
- Classic // $10,000
Do you offer any discounts?
We are proud to offer a $500 discount to active duty and retired military personnel, as well as active duty first responders*. Documentation is required, contact us if you have any questions.
*Qualifying first responders fall into three categories:
Law enforcement personnel who are eligible for the discount include: police officers, sheriffs and their deputies, correctional officers, state troopers and federal law enforcement officers.
Fire service personnel include career and volunteer firefighters.
Medical staff who qualify for the discount are EMTs and paramedics.
Is there financing available?
Yes! We cannot provide you financing in house, but the trailers can be financed through Rock Solid Funding (click here), your current bank or credit union, or a number of other financing resources. The trailers have a VIN number and can often be financed similarly to a vehicle or RV.
Can I set up a payment plan?
We cannot accommodate a payment plan. We require a deposit up front to secure your position in our build queue, and the balance is due upon completion. We do not accept intermediate payments.
Is there warranty on my trailer?
We offer a one-year warranty to the original owner on all Timberleaf-made components, including the frame, body, cabinetry, etc. One year on plumbing and electrical components. Many of our products, including the water pump, roof racks, tires, etc., include their own manufacturers warranty. The warranty does not cover wear and tear, road or trail damage, neglect, or misuse. We will strive to support you to the best of our abilities outside of the warranty, if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Do I need to insure my trailer?
You are not required to insure your trailer, but we do recommend adding it to your policy so it is covered. Most insurance policies will extend liability coverage from the vehicle to the trailer, however that does not provide coverage if your trailer were to be involved in an accident on the way to camp, or if something were to happen to it while in camp or parked at home.
How do I register my trailer?
When you receive your trailer, we provide you with temporary registration and a 60-day temporary plate, bill of sale, any and all necessary tax documents, as well as a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MSO). You will need to bring these documents to your local DMV to register the trailer and apply for the title. Unlike your vehicle, insurance is not required on a trailer to register it. We are required to collect tax for any municipality that we share (Grand Junction, Mesa County, State of Colorado), but if we do not collect taxes for your jurisdiction, you will be required to pay those at the time of registration.
What do I need to do before pick up day?
Your tow vehicle must be set up to tow prior to your pick-up day. You will need a tow hitch professionally installed on your vehicle, capable of pulling the weight of the trailer, a ball mount with a one-inch hole with the appropriate drop for your trailer, and a functional 7-pin trailer connector. We ask that you confirm the function of your vehicle’s trailer wiring before arriving, we are not able to assist in repairing your vehicle’s wiring. If you ordered a trailer with the Standard package, your ball mount will need to have a two-inch ball installed on it (or you may bring the ball for us to install); if your trailer is equipped with the All-Road or Off-Road package, no ball is needed, simply the mount with a one-inch hole, we will handle installation of the Max-Coupler for you. Other than those few things, you simply need to be ready for the best camping experience of your life!
What happens if I have to cancel my order? // Refund Policy
We offer a 100% refund on your deposit until your Order Review is completed, approximately 5-months prior to completion of your trailer, we know that you are placing a great deal of trust in us with your deposit and want you to rest assured that should you need to cancel your order for any reason before this time, we will refund 100% of your deposit.
Can I still purchase accessories from you after I pick up my trailer?
Yes! We are happy to help get you squared away with accessories after you have purchased your trailer. Many of our accessories can be added after the fact, however the big ticket items, such as side color, laminate, and suspension package must be done up front.
What should I expect on pickup day?
On pickup day, please set aside between one and two hours for orientation on your new trailer. We will guide you through the features and nuances of your teardrop trailer, as well as help to ensure your hitch height is correct and all set for the adventures that lay ahead.
Can you ship my trailer to me?
We are not able to arrange shipping for you, but the trailers can be shipped! There are a number of shipping outfits that can handle the logistics for the transportation of your trailer for you, a couple that we have heard positive feedback on in the past are: Uship.com and ShipLux.com. Average shipping rates can range from $0.75 and $2 per mile.
What kind of electrical hookup do I need?
Our trailers require a 7-way blade connector, which is most common for non-commercial trailer applications. If your trailer has a 4-pin connection, or no connection at all, you will need to have the appropriate wiring installed prior to picking up your trailer. We also recommend testing the functions of your trailer connector before you arrive to ensure that everything is still functioning correctly. We are not able to fix or install wiring on your trailer, so please be sure it’s fully operational before arriving. The minimum functions for a 7-pin connector will allow your vehicle to provide power to the tail/running lights, stop lights, and turn signal lights to your trailer’s lighting. Additional functions include: trailer brakes, charge line, and auxiliary (typically reverse). If your trailer is equipped with a 7-pin connector, it may not be set up with the additional functions listed here.
To view the equipment recommendations for towing any of our trailers, please visit our Preparing Your Vehicle To Tow blog post.
What kind of hitch do I need?
We recommend a 2-inch receiver hitch installed on your vehicle, most two-inch receiver hitches are capable of towing the weight of our trailers without issue. While some 1-1/4-inch receivers are able to carry the load, the options for ball heights are much more limited. If you are uncertain if your receiver hitch is rated to tow, be sure to consult your dealer or mechanic before towing with it. For more information on hitch heights and ball mount specifics, see our article on calculating drop/rise hitch height.
To view the equipment recommendations for towing any of our trailers, please visit our Preparing Your Vehicle To Tow blog post.
Do I need trailer brakes?
The 7-pin electrical connector allows for the control of trailer brakes. Trailer brakes are not required for our trailers, but they are included in the All-Road and Off-Road packages, as well as available as an upgrade to the Standard package; trailer brakes give you additional control over your trailer in various conditions, road surfaces, and help in an emergency stopping situation. You will need a trailer brake controller to be installed in your tow vehicle in order to utilize the brakes on the trailer — we recommend a proportional brake controller over a time delay controller for the smoothest braking experience. Note: most vehicles do not come with a brake controller pre-installed.
Can my vehicle charge the battery while I tow?
One of the functions that the 7-pin electrical connector offers is a charge line from the vehicle to the trailer’s battery. Every one of our Classic and Pika models are pre-wired to accept a charge from your vehicle’s charging system. In order to utilize this function, you may need to have a mechanic install a charge line from your vehicle’s engine bay back to the 7-pin connector.
Will my vehicle be able to tow it?
With our trailers starting out just under 1,000 pounds, there is a very good chance that we offer a trailer that is within the towing capacity of your vehicle. There are two important ratings to know, and both of which can be found in your vehicle’s owners manual, or by consulting your dealer. The weight ratings are overall towing capacity and tongue weight. Tongue weight is typically 10% of the overall towing capacity. It is important to be sure that your vehicle’s towing capacity is greater than the expected weight of your new trailer. Often times vehicles with lower towing capacities will have a higher capacity if the trailer is equipped with trailer brakes, this information is always as easy to find when searching online, so consulting your owners manual is very helpful here. To calculate the total weight of your trailer with the options you are considering, visit out Dimensions page to find a weight calculator.
To view the equipment recommendations for towing any of our trailers, please visit our Preparing Your Vehicle To Tow blog post.
What towing tips do you have if I am new at this?
Towing can often be a daunting task if you’ve never towed before, but this is one of those times where the “practice makes perfect” adage really rings true. Pulling a trailer will affect your turning radius as well as the distance required to stop – even with trailer brakes. Our trailers are very compact and won’t impact your turning radius as significantly as a large cargo trailer, but it’s a good idea to approach turns a little wider than you would otherwise. Because your braking distance will be affected, it is important to begin slowing down a little sooner than you would otherwise, and give a bit of additional space between you and vehicles in front of you.
When entering tight roads, parking lots, and unknown pathways, be sure to consider if you have enough space to turn around, or be prepared to back out. The most difficult aspect of learning to drive with a trailer is backing up; whether parallel parking or simply backing out of / into the driveway, backing up a trailer is one of the least intuitive parts of trailering, especially when towing a short trailer like a teardrop. We recommend taking your time, go slow, practice, but most of all: don’t forget that you can just pull straight forward to correct any mistakes you’ve made and try again – we have all been there! If you notice your trailer wandering to one side or the other, turn your steering wheel toward the mirror you see your trailer in, and it will begin to correct its direction.
I am looking for a customization that I don't see on the website, can I request a custom feature?
We can often accommodate custom requests, please feel free to contact us and we will work with you to see if your customizations are possible with our design team.
What are the exterior dimensions?
We have full trailer dimensions listed on our dimensions page.
Classic vs. Pika, what's the difference?
The Classic is our designation for the original teardrop that we have been building for over two and a half years now, with features such as a 5-foot by 10-foot frame, Colorado Queen mattress, fully insulated cabin, cabin cabinet and headboard storage, larger galley with sink, water supply tank, space for a 55-quart cooler, and space for a slide-out stove; the Classic is a larger, more spacious model. The Pika, our newest offering, is designed to be as compact as possible, without sacrificing quality.
In order to obtain the smaller size, but maximize the available space and keep the price point more affordable, we went from a torsion-box style fully insulated wall structure to a thicker single-layer Baltic Birch plywood wall, which saves significant time and materials cost over an insulated wall, while maintaining structural rigidity. The reduced square footage also left us with a debate of what to do about storage, the longer Classic model allows ample in-cabin storage without sacrificing the roomy feel, but in order to continue that with the Pika, the available space to sit up and relax inside became uncomfortably tight, and eliminated the ability to have two side windows.
In addition, the sink and plumbing, and underbody storage box were all costly and space-consuming additions that we feel a more compact model trailer may not require. Our goals with the design of the Pika are to maintain the highest quality of craftsmanship and construction that we have become known for, while keeping the open and comfortable feeling to the cabin – two windows, two doors, and our signature large curved skylight were all key components to include.
How do you build the trailer?
Our trailers are built by skilled craftsmen throughout every step of the process. We start with an overbuilt fully-welded and powdercoated steel frame to create a durable and structurally sound base for the body of the trailer. From there, our walls, ceiling, and interior structures tie into the frame to form a rock-solid unibody, where the body gains immense strength from the rigidity of the frame. Our approach to the woodworking of the trailer employs a variety of tried and true centuries old joinery techniques with modern technology to create a trailer that is not only beautiful, but structurally sound and will last for many years to come.
Am I too tall to fit comfortably in the bed?
The Classic features a full-length queen size mattress, measuring eighty inches long, or six feet and eight inches. The Pika and Kestrel both feature a full mattress, measuring seventy-five inches long, or six feet and three inches.
How are the trailers insulated?
Yes! The Classic is insulated in both the walls and ceiling, while the Pika and Kestrel are insulated in the ceiling only.
What is the dry weight? Loaded weight? Tongue weight?
Please see our dimensions for weights. We have even built a weight calculator form, located on that page, to estimate the total weight of your trailer with various options and accessories.
What is the clearance at the lowest point?
We have full trailer dimensions listed on our dimensions page.
Can I buy plans and/or a kit from you to build my own trailer?
We do not offer kits or plans of any kind.
How big of a space do I need to store my trailer? Will it fit in my garage?
Our trailers can fit into most garages! The Classic, our largest model, is only a touch wider than most mid-size SUVs, while the Pika and Kestrel are often comparable in size to your average crossover SUV. Full dimensions including overall width, height, and length, can be found here.
Can my trailer be stored long term outside?
Absolutely! The trailers are water tight and can withstand long-term exposure to the elements. However, like most things, the paint and exterior finishes, along with gasket materials will hold up much better if protected by a protective cover, carport, or garage.
What do I need to do to maintain my trailer?
We recommend an annual maintenance cycle for average trailer use, but if you use your trailer frequently throughout the year, performing maintenance tasks on your trailer semi-annually may be necessary. These include things like: greasing the hub bearings, suspension components, coupler, and jacks, cleaning the water tank, checking tire pressure & wear, having the suspension aligned. Other items, such as replacing items from wear and tear, will be neccessary at less frequent intervals. These include, but are not limited to: replacing gaskets, vinyl trim strips, tires, wheel bearings, water pump and/or water strainer, battery. It is important to always make sure that your trailer’s battery is fully charged, if the battery’s charge is not maintained, it can suffer damage to its capacity resulting in premature deterioration of the trailer’s battery. We will continue to work on providing instructional videos and how-to articles on these maintenance items.
Is my trailer safe if I leave it at camp?
Our trailers are securable in a number of ways; both of the cabin doors lock with a deadbolt and handle lock, the windows latch from the inside, and the hatch is lockable at both handles. We offer a custom made high-security tongue lock of our own design for use when the trailer is not connected to your vehicle in camp or at home. Simply remove the trailer’s coupler, and insert the tongue lock for a quick and easy security solution. If you would like additional security measures, lowering the trailer jacks, using wheel locks (boot locks), and even removing the tow chains are all extra precautions you may take in addition to the use of one of our tongue locks.
Is it possible to see one in person before I buy?
Absolutely! We have a showroom at our location in Grand Junction, Colorado, on the western side of Colorado along the I-70 corridor. We are open Monday-Thursday from 9am-5pm, and ask that all visits be scheduled shortly ahead of time, we can generally accommodate same-day appointments. Please contact us to schedule your appointment.
Where are you located?
We are located at 507 Fruitvale Ct. Ste C, in Grand Junction, Colorado, 81504. Grand junction is located in the western portion of Colorado near Utah along the I-70 corridor.
Do you rent trailers?
We do not currently rent trailers. Check back in the future as we may have rental options available at a later date.
Can I schedule a time to come look at a trailer?
Absolutely! We graciously accept visitors by appointment, please call or email us to schedule an appointment. We can usually accommodate same-day appointments, but a little extra notice is always appreciated.
Do you have any dealers?
We do not have any dealers at this time.
What is the difference between the 2 roof racks?
The standard 3-bar roof rack is all that you’ll need for attaching most roof-mounted accessories like awnings, RoadShower, bike and/or kayak mounts, or rooftop tents. The full platform roof rack option incorporates an additional 5 crossbars, allowing you to secure smaller items (firewood, containers, duffle bags, etc.) to the roof rack easily without the need for additional mounting provisions, but is not needed for most users roof rack needs. The 3-bar option provides the greatest visibility through the skylight when in bed. Dimensions and weight capacities for the roof racks can be found here.
Is the roof rack compatible with all things? Yakima? Thule?
Our cross bars on the roof rack are 1-inch tall and 2-inches wide; they are compatible with most roof accessories on the market today that are designed for the aero-style cross bars. Older racks that are designed to attach specifically to a round bar (such as Yakima) or a square bar (such as Thule) are not compatible, however most newer accessories are more universal in fitment and should work.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of the clear and tinted skylights? How do I choose?
The clear skylight is best suited for nighttime visibility, they are 100% clear with no tint, and allow you to view the night sky as if you were laying out below the stars. The tinted skylight has approximately 30% tint, and does the best at preventing excessive heat buildup when the skylight shade is open and in direct sunlight, however it will significantly reduce the night sky visibility from bed. The clear skylight will allow the cabin to feel warmer when in direct sunlight with the skylight shade open when compared to the tinted.
Can I choose my curtain color?
We order our curtains in bulk and do not have alternative fabric choices available at this time.
How much light do the curtains block out?
The curtain material isn’t quite a 100% blackout curtain, but they significantly reduce the light coming in by approximately 85%, allowing you to sleep in past sunrise, or lay down for those quick midday naps. The skylight shade reduces light coming in by around 60-70%.
Does the storage box lock? (if so is this key compatable with trailer doors?)
The tongue storage box is locking and water resistant, they keys are not matched to the side doors as the locks are of different designs from each other.
How much can I fit in the storage box? What do most people store there?
The tongue storage box is 6-1/2 cubic feet of storage and is entirely available for your own uses! Our battery and electronics are all housed inside the trailer behind the axle. We wanted to ensure that our tongue weights can be as light as possible, and did not want to place your 75-pound battery on the tongue of your trailer. The tongue box is perfect for storing anything! Extra clothes, luggage, utility items, extra fuel, water, leveling jacks, awning accessories, firewood, propane tank(s), even a small generator! You can even attach fuel and water cans to the sides, or recovery boards for added versatility.
How big is the propane tank?
We offer an optional 5-pound propane tank, but you are not required to use our tank & mount. In the Classic, a 5lb tank fits nicely in the cabinet below the sink, in the tongue box, or carried in the tow vehicle.
How efficient is the heater? How quickly will I go through propane?
The heater is very efficient; it is designed for larger spaces such as vans and larger campers, coupled with the insulation in the trailers it does not have to run for very long to bring the cabin up to a comfortable temperature. We have not found an exact limit to how long the Propex heater can run on a 5lb tank of propane, but our calculations suggest approximately 14 hours of nonstop heating on a full tank. The heater is thermostatically controlled, and can run for as little as 20-30 minutes at a time to get the cabin up to temperature, kicking on periodically throughout the night to maintain the warmth.
How easy is it to move the trailer with the dolly? Can I do it by myself?
Generally speaking, if you’re using the trailer dolly to move the trailer around a garage or driveway that is primarily flat and smooth surface, your average adult can fairly easily maneuver the trailer into position. If using the dolly to position the trailer on uneven, sloped, or rough ground, typically two people are needed.
Can I have an awning off the side and the back of my trailer?
Yes! We offer a variety of side awnings, and a rear-mounted awning. The side mount options vary from model to model, due to the overall size of the larger awnings; we offer the Rhino Rack Sunseeker 2000 and 2500 awnings, as well as the 23Zero Peregrine 180 and 180r awnings for the sides of the trailer, you are not limited to just one awning – we can mount an awning to both sides for optimal versatility and protection! For protection in the rear of the trailer, we offer the MoonShade from Moon Fabrications, it is a dome-shaped awning that sets up in minutes, and includes a custom telescoping bracket that mounts to the hatch.
Do I need special bedding?
Nope! Our Pika and Kestrel mattresses are full (or double) size – full size sheets, blankets, and pillows fit like a charm! While the mattress in the Classic is our custom Colorado Queen, measuring three-inches narrower than a standard queen, we have found that most queen fitted sheets will fit well. If you prefer a more form-fitting fitted sheet, a fitted sheet for a full-size mattress often will work. Depending on your climate, we have found that a good comforter that you might use at home will keep you comfortably cozy down to the mid-40s, sometimes even lower! For colder temperatures, layering wool or fleece blankets, and even an insulated camp blanket will help keep the extreme cold at bay (when not equipped with the heater option). When camping regularly in colder climates, we have found that flannel sheets help to retain the warmth even more.
Do the interior shelves have a specific placement or are there options?
The interior folding shelves are located below the window on the walls of the cabin, they cannot be placed elsewhere.
Do the exterior shelves have a specific placement or are there options?
Our standard placement for the exterior side shelf is on the back right side (passenger side) of the trailer, and are approximately the same height as the countertop. As a standard, we typically only install the shelf on the passenger side as the 5lb propane tank & mount will attach to the back left side (driver’s side) of the trailer, adjacent to the cook stove on the Classic; as such the propane tank blocks the ability to utilize a shelf. If you do not want a propane tank, but do want a second side shelf, or wish for your side shelf to mount on the left side of the trailer, we can certainly do that!
Can my wheels & tires on the trailer be matched to my tow vehicle?
Yes! Well, nearly always. We can accommodate most standard bolt patterns on our trailers. Whether you provide the wheels and tires, or we do, additional costs may be incurred to fit your wheels to the trailer axles. Trailer hubs and vehicle hubs are very different, and often times OEM wheels or aftermarket wheels do not bolt directly to trailer spindles. Please contact us for more information.