Featured Teardrop: Gary's Full-Time Teardrop Trailer

Last weekend I was at the bank and noticed a small wooden teardrop sitting in the parking lot. Before the poor owner could open his car door and pull out of the space, I ran up to him and began to ask him about his small, wooden trailer. It turns out that the owner, Gary, lives full time out of his home-built Hickory Nut Camper.

"I have not lived in an actual house in 22 years," Gary told me. "I really just wanted to simplify and this custom teardrop trailer only took about five weeks to build. It's perfect for me."

His trailer is made of hickory and alder wood and includes a single door and a small window. Gary has a twin mattress inside so there is room for his clothes, but the trailer can fit a full-size mattress. He mentioned how impressed he was with the beautiful wooden spars along the ceiling. Gary's galley is very simple and includes a ton of storage under the kitchen workspace. He tucks a small bucket in the back to use as a temporary toilet when he's on the road.

Gary has been living this summer down in the Mammoth Lakes area and spends his winters working at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park.

Hickory Nut Campers are built by Glenn in Sparks, Nevada. The trailers have both 110 and 12 volt power, are only 680 lbs. and have a 1,720 lb. capacity. Prices for the Hickory Nut start at $3,300 and the wood for each trailer can be customized.