Greg and Marcia's Teardrop Privacy Screen

Greg and Marcia Pacetti, of Fairbanks, Alaska, have been camping in their homemade teardrop (nicknamed Sylvia) for over six years. After some time, Marcia put her foot down and said something had to be done about including a changing room with privacy. 

Greg (a freelance carpenter) turned their teardrop travel rack into a simple, but effective privacy curtain that can be used for showering, changing and the occasional potty break. He used a 1/2 inch conduit pipe with elbow connectors and a cotton shower curtain with clips to create the space. The curtain also protects the bed area from rain and sun. A bungee cord is used to stabilize the curtain against winds.

"The curtain does get dirty and wet so we spread it out somewhat in the car and it drys out," Greg said. "We then shake the dirt off and then start over."

The couple recently went on a monthlong teardrop trip of the American Northwest and Greg's favorite area was Jedediah Smith State Park in Northern California — famous for its redwoods.

"I've been dreaming of them my whole life," Greg said. "We got to sleep with the giants. This big trip was when we fell in love with the shower curtain. Because of this trip we've become very much in love with the Teardrop. The privacy curtain just might be a revolution....

Photos courtesy of Greg Pacetti

Friday Teardrop Photo

This teardrop is owned by Tommy Doran of Fitness by Tommy in Louisiana. This homebuilt trailer advertises his personal training business and gives him a place to rest up after long workouts. There will be an interview with Tommy about his build next week.

Do It Yourself RV

If you want to build your own teardrop trailer, check out the website, Do It Yourself RV for some inspiration, step-by-step instructions and examples of how many different handmade teardrops are on the road. Check out Larry's teardrop, made from recycled materials. His guide comes with explanations for each step. For other trailer ideas, do a search for "teardrop trailer" on the site.

Not only does the website have home built teardrop trailers, but it includes small trailer and campers and some great ideas on how to make your own vehicle more camp ready. For example, Joe and Eric of Minnesota wanted to take a break from work and travel the U.S. They outfitted the back of their SUV with a wooden storage area that looks very much like a teardrop galley.

The site also has news and information on how to RV full time, how to back up and tow a trailer, RV gear, fun vintage photos, and modifications to commercial trailers and campers.

Photos courtesy of Do It Yourself RV

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.