NetDep's Teardrop Awning

NetDep is a reader of the Tiny Yellow Teardrop blog and recently sent me some photos of his 6x10 Little Guy Silver Shadow teardrop trailer. Right away, I and several other readers,  noticed the cool awning that he had over one of his trailer doors and I asked him more about where he got it.

NetDep ordered his Silver Shadow with a Rough Rider off-road frame and also had the factory install a roof rack. A local auto shop,that has done some custom work on the trailer, ordered an ARB awning and attached it to the rack. The ARB is a retractable awning that fits onto any vehicle or trailer roof rack and can be stored away in a roof-top bag while driving. They are designed for harsh sun and are waterproof and UV protected. The awning and telescoping legs are stored away in a PVC bag and then deployed and installed in just a few minutes. Optional mosquito netting is available for the ARB.

"I could not be happier," NetDep said. "ARB is an awesome manufacturer of all things Expedition and the camp chairs I use are also ARB and I love them. My favorite ARB dealer is Sierra Expeditions."

His rugged, off-road Silver Shadow was custom ordered from Little Guy and contains a sink and stove but no refrigerator since he uses a Yeti cooler for storing food. Other additions include a solar panel with plug-in and an upgraded entertainment package. He also wanted the color and the tires to match his 2011 black Toyota Tacoma.

How do you change your clothes in a teardrop?

One of the biggest issues that teardrop campers have is changing clothes in a teardrop trailer. I've been slightly successful at putting on my underwear and tops while inside the trailer, but pants are more of a struggle. I usually wiggle into my jeans while lying down on the bed and then open up the door, step out to pull them up the rest of the way and zip up my zipper. It's not the most elegant way to put on pants, and some camping neighbors have gotten a nice view of my undies early in the morning.

Over the years, I've seen an interesting variety of screens and changing rooms made or purchased by other teardroppers. Some are attached to the top of the teardrop trailer and some are freestanding. It's most efficient and convenient to have a changing area right outside a teardrop door.

Here are a few ideas from the T&TTT forum and around the interwebs on how to get a little privacy while dressing and camping in a teardrop trailer:

 

A simple shower curtain on a rod can work if there is no wind. (Photo by boomboomtulum)

 

This awning is attached with bolts to the top of the trailer. (Photo by gage)

 

This could be great for changing clothes, hiding a porta-potty or as a dog house. (Photo by Tiny Camper) 

 

If you are interested in this type of teardrop trailer awning, you can visit the website of Marti Domyancic and her husband Bob. They make custom fabric awnings and shades for new and vintage trailers at their company in Northern California. (Photo by gage)

 

I've sometimes used our shower pop-up tent to change clothes. (Photo by oasismaker)

 

This is a brilliant, little setup using PVC pipe. (Photo by oklahomajewel)

 

This changing area creates wonderful shade. (Photo by toypusher)

Top photo by Wood  N' Mirror