Our good teardropper friends, the Stargazers, recently moved up from their teardrop trailer to a Jayco Jay Flight 14 foot camper. While they still like their teardrop, they needed something that would protect them from the elements during longer trips in their retirement years.
I've never been a fan of manufactured, boxy campers, but I've got to say that the layout of the inside of their Jay Flight is ideal. They have more than enough room to store food and clothes for longer trips, a queen bed, a bathroom, heater, and a delightful kitchen that can be used in 60 mile an hour winds and sideways rain.
My husband and I have been in the discussion phase of what we would want to upgrade to when he retires. While we like our friends' camper, the discussion has revolved around gas mileage, cost, size and our most needed amenities. I love the Sunflower and it's ideal for long trips with great weather. It's when we get into bad weather that we have to look at something different.
The thing is, we want to keep it simple. All we need is a comfortable bed, an inside kitchen, a place to store food and clothes, and maybe a table. A bathroom would be nice, but after years of not having one, we know exactly what we need to do. However, if a future camper had one, we would use it.
Finding all the items on our list is proving to be very difficult. We've looked at the T@B, the MeerKat, the RPod, the Chalet, the PaloMini, the Scamp, and the Passport ROV. These choices are either too expensive, the bed or the storage is too small, or there is just too much...stuff. Quality seems to be an issue as well and I don't feel like getting 12 miles to the gallon hauling around items we don't need.
We are sticking with the tiny yellow teardrop for now, but will be keeping our eyes out for small, efficient campers to be our future road warrior. Manufacturers, keep an eye on our list.
Showing posts with label small. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small. Show all posts
Friday Teardrop Photo
This great retro teardrop setup is from Michael Knox of Knox Retro Campers. He builds several types of tears including a bright yellow standy. Keep an eye on Do It Yourself RV for a post on his fun Ailettear.
Featured Teardrop Trailer: Serro Scotty Lite
The Serro Scotty name is synonymous with classic American camping trailers. The company now has a retro style teardrop trailer called the Serro Scotty Lite. This 960 lb. camping trailer can be towed by four-cylinder vehicles and features the classic Scotty decals. However, it does not include the classic teardrop galley. Everything is self-contained inside the living area.
The trailer is made of industrial grade .040 aluminum with baked on paint residential grade vinyl flooring and American birch wood. The interior includes a couch that opens up into a queen bed a Fantastic Fan, three opening windows, two interior lights, cooler, five gallon water tank, portable toilet, window valences and shades. A simple shelf is located above the bed for storing items and two cubbies are located under the couch for the potty and other gear.
Other standard features on the Serro Scotty Lite include:
- Exterior porch light
- City water hook
- 13” heavy-duty trailer radial tires
- Baby moon hubcaps
- Marine battery
- 7-way plug in cord
- Two rear stabilizer crank jacks
A factory direct Serro Scotty Lite costs $9,995 with additional options like electric brakes($350), A/C ($250), and a spare tire ($150).
Photos by Serro Scotty and Randy's Trailer Town
Featured Teardrop: The Gidget Retro Teardrop Camper
Quite a lot of interesting, tiny campers are coming from Down Under. This includes the unique Gidget Retro Teardrop Camper that features a front slideout—essentially doubling the space inside the sleeping area. The bed inside this surf-inspired trailer also converts into a lounge and a dining area.
The Gidget comes in two models: the Bondi and the Noosa Longline which has even more space for a compact shower and toilet. Inside each trailer is an entertainment center with a TV and DVD, craftsman cabinets, LED lights and a skylight. The galley includes a roll out cooler, a sink with a glass cover, water storage tanks, a two burner stove, USB and 12V outlets and even safety features like a fire extinguisher and smoke detector. The Gidget is powered by a deep cycle battery charged by Slimline solar panels.
The Noosa Longline currently sells for $23,250 AUS which is about $18,400 US and the Bondi sells for $18,450 or about $14,600 US.
The Gidget comes in two models: the Bondi and the Noosa Longline which has even more space for a compact shower and toilet. Inside each trailer is an entertainment center with a TV and DVD, craftsman cabinets, LED lights and a skylight. The galley includes a roll out cooler, a sink with a glass cover, water storage tanks, a two burner stove, USB and 12V outlets and even safety features like a fire extinguisher and smoke detector. The Gidget is powered by a deep cycle battery charged by Slimline solar panels.
The Noosa Longline currently sells for $23,250 AUS which is about $18,400 US and the Bondi sells for $18,450 or about $14,600 US.
Photos by The Gidget Retro Teardrop Camper
Little Guy T@B Goes Off Road
Starting in 2015, the popular T@B trailer by Little Guy Worldwide will be going off-road. The new concept trailer is not available yet, but the upgrade package will be available if you order and purchase a new T@B from Little Guy.
The new T@B Outback will have a five piece ABS off-road assembly package as well as a pitched axle, off-road tires and rims. Other features will include:
Photo and information by The Small Trailer Enthusiast
The new T@B Outback will have a five piece ABS off-road assembly package as well as a pitched axle, off-road tires and rims. Other features will include:
- Roof rack with cargo basket and off-road spare tire
- Custom diamond plate tongue storage box
- Aluminum front utility platform
- Cargo netting above windows
- Tough Marmoleum flooring
- Radiused diamond plate LP/battery box
- Solid gray couch/bed cushions
Photo and information by The Small Trailer Enthusiast
Teardrop Trailer Camping with Children
My husband and I don't have children, but I always admire teardrop campers who bring their small children to gatherings or on regular campouts. While camping can be simple, it gets a little more complicated with children included – especially in a very small trailer. I decided to ask the parents and grandparents on the Teardrops n' Tiny Travel Trailers forum about how they camp with their own little ones and what things they keep in mind when packing up the teardrop for the whole family.
Where do the children sleep?
How do you keep them entertained?
How do you avoid the "yucky food" face?
Some (extra) tips…
Photos by vwool, Overland Trailer and 48Rob
Where do the children sleep?
"I am getting ready to spring camp with my wife and our three-year-old daughter in our Five Wide Platform Little Guy. We have glamped in it recently to see how we fit. My daughter uses about half of the queen sized bed and must be re-positioned during the night for our comfort. I see napping during the day as the way to supplement our somewhat broken sleep during the night. I am concerned about rattlesnakes here in the Southwest as being a danger to talk to them about. They are excited about camping and I think this is going to be most enjoyable."
Tucguy
Tucson, Arizona
[Mark Janke of Overland Trailer built a 10 foot long trailer with a bunk bed for the "Assistant to the Senior Manager" who celebrated her one month birthday in a teardrop trailer.]
"The little Assistant to the Senior Manager celebrated her one month old birthday on a camping trip in the jPod. Since this family arrangement is new to us, Senior Management and I thought it would be wise to camp someplace near our home-base and someplace that had bathroom facilities. Little baby did well. She woke up once in the night and I got to change a diaper in the jPod. I am thankful for the Fan-Tastic roof vent that I installed when building the jPod. It pulls enough air to make the windows whistle. It also pulls enough air to flush the soiled diaper smell out of such a small space! Without that fan, teardrop camping with a new baby would be too much of an adventure for us."
Overland Trailer
www.overlandtrailer.com
"We put our three girls in one tent and the boy in his own right next to them so they can talk."
rowerwet
Merrimack River Valley
How do you keep them entertained?
"The campground we plan on going to with just our kids and the teardrop has playgrounds and a beach. My kids have never been bored at a beach."
rowerwet
Merrimack River Valley
"A bicycle, small car/truck toys, use of the campground playground and Saturday morning cartoons while I showered kept my 4 1/2 year old great nephew occupied."
Verna
Indianapolis, IN
"I've seen a group of kids spend five days digging a hole. I've seen a five-year-old perfectly entertained with a spoon and a bucket for a full day. You don't need to bring every toy, or buy a ton of stuff. They have imaginations. With that and attention from their parents, they will have fun. Have a backup plan in case the weather goes bad, but keep it a secret. If you tell them you brought the iPad, they will want to play with that instead of being outside."
Socal Tom
"Camping is simple! Keep it that way! Kids will find lots to do on their own in almost any circumstance."
Vedette
Westbank, British Columbia
How do you avoid the "yucky food" face?
"Food needs to be familiar. To get kids ready for camping out, cook a few times in the backyard using your camp cooking gear to make sure you can turn out kid-friendly foods outside of your own kitchen. Everyone needs to start the day with some protein. Sugary cereal leads to a sugar crash and whiny-ness."
Catherine+twins
Northern New Mexico
"We make sure there are snacks but don't offer them all the time, meals are a group effort, we all chip in for food and then one person does the shopping."
rowerwet
Merrimack River Valley
"I made sure I had food that he would eat, and he played so much that he was hungry. And he fell asleep quickly, too."
Verna
Indianapolis, IN
Some (extra) tips…
"When you arrive at camp everyone has a specific job to do so you can settle in very quickly. Even very small children can be given a camp setup chore to do. We can bug out of a camp area fast too because everyone has a task to complete."
Teardrop Nanny
Northwestern Coast of California
"At night I tie a string with a glow stick on it around their necks. You always know where they are. Haven't lost one yet."
cherokeegeorge
La Crescenta, California
"For us camping is about keeping them covered with sunscreen, making sure they are eating enough, and then following them with a camera for all the memories."
rowerwet
Merrimack River Valley
Photos by vwool, Overland Trailer and 48Rob
Friday Teardrop Photo
The Sunflower at a truck stop in Pocatello, Idaho. The photo was taken to show the size difference between big rigs and little rigs.
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.
"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.
Little Guy Spring Sale
I am finally back in the U.S. and ready to start the spring teardrop camping season. This weekend I will be giving the Sunflower a good spring cleaning and will document it for this blog. In the meantime, I thought I would mention that Little Guy Worldwide is having a spring sale on their Little Guy teardrops, T@B Camper Trailers and the ALiner camper.
I received and email from Eric at Little Guy and several truckloads of Little Guy teardrops have been scheduled to be delivered to their southern California location and they are still taking orders for any of their models. In addition, if you purchase a Little Guy trailer, the company will include a portable solar panel for free.
Photos by Little Guy Worldwide
I received and email from Eric at Little Guy and several truckloads of Little Guy teardrops have been scheduled to be delivered to their southern California location and they are still taking orders for any of their models. In addition, if you purchase a Little Guy trailer, the company will include a portable solar panel for free.
Photos by Little Guy Worldwide
Featured Teardrop Trailer: Vistabule
The Vistabule teardrop trailer by Bert Taylor makes great use of its accessibility to the outdoors with large skylights and windows, a few portholes and even the ability to turn the bed area into a dining room. The Minnesota made teardrop trailer is actually being called the "Airstream Teardrop" because of its style, shape and features.
What makes the Vistabule different from other teardrop trailers is that your feet don't hide under the backside of the galley. Instead you have a floor to ceiling headboard for stashing all your clothing and gear. In the headboard there is a pass through opening that provides a clear line of sight from your car’s rear view mirror to whatever is happening behind you when driving. The doors are wide for lounging half in and half out, and they have convenient fold up tables that double as privacy covers at night. One of the best things about this cab forward concept, though, is the semi-automatic sofa mechanism. By simply sliding a small catch, the bed magically rises to create a comfortable sofa.
The trailer comes with the following:
The $12,895 The Standard Package adds to the Basic Package with two porthole windows, pull out two burner cook top, 10 lb. low profile propane tank, Fantastic 3 speed ceiling fan (upgrade), pull down picture window shade, two fold-up tables/privacy covers, two porthole privacy covers, heavy duty 12v deep cycle gel battery (upgrade), battery charger, two reading lights, sink, faucet and sprayer, water pump, fresh water tank, queen size mattress, sofa bed fold-up apparatus for couch mode, collapsible coffee table, under floor storage bins, carpet board inserts, dishes cabinet with wine bottle insert, paper towel cabinet.
The $13,995 The Deluxe Package includes the features of the first two packages as well as a gray water tank, door windows w/screens, porthole windows w/Screens, Two leveling jacks, 14” aluminum alloy wheels (upgrade), xxterior side table for cooler and electric brakes.
The trailer comes with the following:
- Large vista windows
- Extra wide doors
- Queen size sofa bed
- Under the bed storage
- Popup table
- Privacy screens / swing up tables
- Clothing storage
- 2 burner cook top
- Sink with running water
- Grey water holding tank
- 3 speed fan with 2 air vents
- Storage for dishes, food and gear
- Lighting and electronics charging
The $12,895 The Standard Package adds to the Basic Package with two porthole windows, pull out two burner cook top, 10 lb. low profile propane tank, Fantastic 3 speed ceiling fan (upgrade), pull down picture window shade, two fold-up tables/privacy covers, two porthole privacy covers, heavy duty 12v deep cycle gel battery (upgrade), battery charger, two reading lights, sink, faucet and sprayer, water pump, fresh water tank, queen size mattress, sofa bed fold-up apparatus for couch mode, collapsible coffee table, under floor storage bins, carpet board inserts, dishes cabinet with wine bottle insert, paper towel cabinet.
The $13,995 The Deluxe Package includes the features of the first two packages as well as a gray water tank, door windows w/screens, porthole windows w/Screens, Two leveling jacks, 14” aluminum alloy wheels (upgrade), xxterior side table for cooler and electric brakes.
What would I have instead of a teardrop?
Even though I camp in and love my teardrop trailer, I also enjoy checking out other types of camping trailers. I think the design, space efficiency and personalization of other trailers says a lot about the people who own them. When given the chance, I will go up to a random owner of a small fiberglass trailer or an Airstream and ask if I can peak inside. Rather than getting kidnapped, I make a new friend.
So what would I have if I didn't have a teardrop trailer? Here are my top six picks for an alternative camping trailer or vehicle (if money was no object):
Airstream Sport 16
This quintessential camping trailer would be the height of camping luxury. I would not want one of the larger Airstream trailers because I would need a truck to tow it, but one of the smaller new or vintage trailers would be just fine, thank you. I would specifically want the Airstream Sport 16 foot with that tiny wet bath, dinette and an actual closet.
VW Westfalia Vanagon (1985 with Poptop)
There's something so secretive and self-sustaining about a VW van. You can discreetly park them anywhere, haul a nice load of food and water and still have some room to stand up. Every time I see a Westfalia in a campground, I can't keep my eyes off of them. I chose the 1985 because of the more plush interior and an optional automatic transmission.
Thor or Little Guy T@B
I've been in love with the T@B ever since I saw it at an RV show about ten years ago. They are limited when it comes to a bathroom and water storage, but for their size and weight, you can fit a lot into them. They are cute and colorful with everything you need to stay warm and comfortable while camping. The T@B used to be made by Thor Industries, but is now being manufactured by Little Guy.
Sportsmobile 4x4
My husband really likes the Sportsmobile 4x4 van and every person I've met who owns one are so cool and friendly. This is the type of camping vehicle you want if you intend to head out into the deserts of Baja or Nevada. They are tough and expensive, but can hold up to about a week's worth of food and water. It's the ultimate bug out vehicle.
Trillium 1300
The fiberglass Trillium was originally built in the 1970s and it making a comeback. The best version of this lightweight trailer is made by the Trillium RV company in southern California. They have a 4,500 lb. trailer with a wet bath and a 1,300 lb. trailer without a wet bath. The 1,300 would be easier to tow, but the 4,500 would be nice for longer trips.
Knaus Schwalbennest (Swallow's Nest)
This tiny speck of German ingenuity had me at willkommen. The Schwalbennest was built the first time in the 1960s and was briefly brought back by the Knaus company for their 50th anniversary. If I had had enough time and money to jump on a plane to Germany and hire a shipping company to bring one back to the U.S. for me, I would have it in my hot little hands now.
So what would I have if I didn't have a teardrop trailer? Here are my top six picks for an alternative camping trailer or vehicle (if money was no object):
Airstream Sport 16
This quintessential camping trailer would be the height of camping luxury. I would not want one of the larger Airstream trailers because I would need a truck to tow it, but one of the smaller new or vintage trailers would be just fine, thank you. I would specifically want the Airstream Sport 16 foot with that tiny wet bath, dinette and an actual closet.
VW Westfalia Vanagon (1985 with Poptop)
There's something so secretive and self-sustaining about a VW van. You can discreetly park them anywhere, haul a nice load of food and water and still have some room to stand up. Every time I see a Westfalia in a campground, I can't keep my eyes off of them. I chose the 1985 because of the more plush interior and an optional automatic transmission.
Thor or Little Guy T@B
I've been in love with the T@B ever since I saw it at an RV show about ten years ago. They are limited when it comes to a bathroom and water storage, but for their size and weight, you can fit a lot into them. They are cute and colorful with everything you need to stay warm and comfortable while camping. The T@B used to be made by Thor Industries, but is now being manufactured by Little Guy.
Sportsmobile 4x4
My husband really likes the Sportsmobile 4x4 van and every person I've met who owns one are so cool and friendly. This is the type of camping vehicle you want if you intend to head out into the deserts of Baja or Nevada. They are tough and expensive, but can hold up to about a week's worth of food and water. It's the ultimate bug out vehicle.
Trillium 1300
The fiberglass Trillium was originally built in the 1970s and it making a comeback. The best version of this lightweight trailer is made by the Trillium RV company in southern California. They have a 4,500 lb. trailer with a wet bath and a 1,300 lb. trailer without a wet bath. The 1,300 would be easier to tow, but the 4,500 would be nice for longer trips.
Knaus Schwalbennest (Swallow's Nest)
This tiny speck of German ingenuity had me at willkommen. The Schwalbennest was built the first time in the 1960s and was briefly brought back by the Knaus company for their 50th anniversary. If I had had enough time and money to jump on a plane to Germany and hire a shipping company to bring one back to the U.S. for me, I would have it in my hot little hands now.
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