Photo: Second Wind Trailers LLC
Travel campers come in all shapes and sizes. But when an American crew takes on the timeless teardrop camper, you can bet your bottom dollar we’re in the news. With that said, let’s take a closer look at Second Wind Trailers and their flagship, the Freedom Max.
Guys, Second Wind Trailers, or Second Wind Teardrops as they are also called, is a group that has been active in the American RV scene since 2014. But it seems like they have gone unnoticed because, since that date, this group has only amassed 1,000 followers on Facebook. However, once you get to know the Freedom Max a little better, you may find yourself traveling to California to commission your own Second Wind RV.
Now, to kick off today’s unit, let me point out that Second Wind makes units inspired by old American military cues. As a result, the classic teardrop design we are used to is more robust when expressed by Second Wind hands. More on that later.
Another big reason to consider a Freedom Max for your next RV purchase is none other than its price. According to the manufacturer’s website, the Max starts at no more than $18,500. For a few thousand dollars more, you’re looking at a compact but mean machine for off-grid living.
Photo: Second Wind Trailers LLC
Overall, we're looking at a steel chassis with independent torsion beam suspension as the basis for the Max, which should be the standard for any unit suitable for off-road use, but isn't always the case – some manufacturers try to save money by simply modifying the tyres.
However, it’s not the steel frame, the torsion axle setup, or the 15-inch wheels with off-road tires that make the Freedom stand out, but the shell that sits atop it all. To ensure a warm, safe, and lightweight shell, Second Wind uses multiple layers to compose the habitat.
The first is the attractive aluminum exterior. Not only is the alloy excellent at fighting the elements, but it’s also lightweight. Best of all, that raw, unfinished look is clearly intentional and a pleasure to behold, especially after a cool rain, as it gleams majestically in the sun and all.
Photo: Second Wind Trailers LLC
In addition to the aluminum panels, insulation lines the walls and ceiling, followed by cedar panels inside. Marine-grade plywood is used, so don't worry about some of the usual RV-destroying suspects, but do perform periodic checks on any unit you own. Maple hardwood is also thrown into the mix, but it's not visible as it forms the structure of the shell.
Before we climb inside to explore the sleeping quarters, let me highlight a few more 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 couldn’t locate any images with a roof tent, so this may be a couples-only tent; be sure to contact Second Wind and ask any questions directly. Additional cargo capacity is provided by the nose cone storage compartment.
In the back, we find the single kitchen, as is typical for this style of camper, protected and accessed by a huge rear hatch with integrated lights and air springs; pretty standard stuff. But, what I want to emphasize is the simplicity that the Freedom's kitchen offers. In that simplicity, we will be able to add the kind of features we want, beyond the standard ones Second Wind offers. That includes a large countertop, a dedicated sliding refrigerator, 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 on spending a day or two away from every other soul on the planet, that’s possible. In total, there’s 15 gallons of fresh water available, as well as a 100Ah LiFe PO4 battery, a 10A charge controller, and 100W of solar panel power. Of course, these systems can be further expanded by simply investing more money in the problem.
After cooking a meal and enjoying it under the side awning, with birds chirping in the trees above, you may find yourself crawling into the Freedom for a nap. Since the mattress here doubles as a seating area (tri-folds), you may need to prepare the interior for sleeping first. Anything you need to store or have access to will all be in the storage system at your feet. It shuts down, even if it’s just 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 treasures in your area, the odds of which are pretty low, or call Second Wind and drive to California to see one of these treasures in person. Just make sure you bring your truck or 4×4, because you could leave the lot with a new RV.