A photo from 1926 of the original tiny house on wheels.
Showing posts with label tiny. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tiny. Show all posts
Featured Teardrop: Tiny Camper Company
If you are looking for a screaming deal on a teardrop trailer, check out the designs by Tiny Camper Company in Clermon, Florida. These handmade retro style trailers are not only custom built, but a few are on sale from the company's website.
Each teardrop trailer is handcrafted by carpenter Joe Tyquiengco and comes in three different styles. The Simple Sleeper Camper is 4x8 with a full bed, natural wood finish, lighting, and a basic shelf galley. The Simple Sleeper also has a wide range of upgraded features including AC, tongue storage bin and roof rack.
The 4x8 Scotty Replica has a flat back, a galley and plenty of headroom. The Square Back Camper is a simple square shape that is ready for customization. Each trailer is made with an all aluminum finish to give it a retro look. Joe is also working on a standy version of his retro design.
The campers range from only $2,500 to $3,400.
Photos by Tiny Camper Company
Caravan's Teardrop Trailer Rentals are First in Portland, Ore.
There are more teardrop rental places popping up around the U.S. and one of them belongs to a tiny house hotel in Portland, Ore. Caravan - The Tiny House Hotel rents out a Little Guy T@G Max trailer and two T@G Max XL trailers named Rosie, Miles and Sunny.
The owners of Caravan - The Tiny House Hotel found out how awesome teardrops are on a trip across western Canada last summer.
"We looked for a teardrop trailer to rent in Portland and discovered that no such rentals existed in Oregon," Kol Peterson of Caravan said. "Eventually, we found one. And after 12 days of traveling with the rental trailer, we were sold! The comfy bed and galley kitchen convinced us that we needed to launch Portland's first teardrop trailer rental company. We already had a good way to manage the rental fleet through the tiny house hotel."
The trailers can be reserved through the Caravan website. If one of the trailers is not available at the time, you can go on a waiting list. Any type of vehicle can tow a T@G, but you will need a 2" ball hitch that can tow around 1,000 lb. and a 4-pin or a 7-pin connector for the trailer brake lights.
Rosie, Miles and Sunny have great amenities including AC and heat (shore power needed), 19 inch TV with DVD player and Bluetooth and CD player and AM/FM radio. Miles and Sunny are extra wide and long and have a full length moonroof above the bed that opens and has a shade and screen.
Other features included in the rentals are:
The owners of Caravan - The Tiny House Hotel found out how awesome teardrops are on a trip across western Canada last summer.
"We looked for a teardrop trailer to rent in Portland and discovered that no such rentals existed in Oregon," Kol Peterson of Caravan said. "Eventually, we found one. And after 12 days of traveling with the rental trailer, we were sold! The comfy bed and galley kitchen convinced us that we needed to launch Portland's first teardrop trailer rental company. We already had a good way to manage the rental fleet through the tiny house hotel."
The trailers can be reserved through the Caravan website. If one of the trailers is not available at the time, you can go on a waiting list. Any type of vehicle can tow a T@G, but you will need a 2" ball hitch that can tow around 1,000 lb. and a 4-pin or a 7-pin connector for the trailer brake lights.
Rosie, Miles and Sunny have great amenities including AC and heat (shore power needed), 19 inch TV with DVD player and Bluetooth and CD player and AM/FM radio. Miles and Sunny are extra wide and long and have a full length moonroof above the bed that opens and has a shade and screen.
Other features included in the rentals are:
- Queen sized memory foam mattresses
- Soft pillows and luxury linens
- Plush blankets and colorful, warm comforters
- Double burner gas cook stove
- Pots, pans, knives and cookware
- Dishes and utensils
- Refrigerator
- Complimentary Fair-Trade and locally roasted coffee from Caravan Coffee Roasters
- Italian percolator-style coffee maker by Bialetti
- Organic olive oil, salt and pepper
- Cutting board
- Sponge, biodegradable soap, hand towels
Caravan also offers a few extras with their rentals including camping chairs, a folding table, tablecloth, battery-operated lantern
, maps and Oregon guidebooks and camping books.
Rosie rents for $80/night (two-night minimum) and is pet friendly. Miles rents for $90/night (two-night minimum) and is pet friendly and Sunny rents for $90/night (two-night minimum).
Photos by Caravan's Teardrop Trailer Rentals
Cool Tears and Tiny Campers Magazine January/February
The latest issue of Cool Tears and Tiny Campers is now available for viewing online. This issue features some very unique campers (including that wild pirate ship shown on the cover), a restored fiberglass U-Haul trailer, and an interview with Ted Fehrensen of So-Cal Teardrops.
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
Friday Teardrop Photo
I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been getting over a bad cold and catching up on some backlogged work. So, for those T@B trailer fans out there, here's a really tiny teardrop.
Trailer articles in the Tiny House Magazine
As many of you know, I write a weekly post for the Tiny House Blog. I also write a monthly article about teardrops and trailers in the Tiny House Magazine. This online magazine has some great articles on tiny homes and simple living as well as some awesome photographs. If you are interested in the magazine. It's available for only $2.99 an issue.
The Small Trailer Enthusiast
One of my favorite blogs about small trailers and the trailer industry is The Small Trailer Enthusiast. The owner of the blog, Pat, camps in a 15 foot 2010 Serro Scotty HiLander, but his blog regularly features teardrops, T@Bs and other small trailers. He also blogs about RV shows, technical updates to trailers and new small trailers by manufacturers and individuals. Pat was so nice to answer a few of my questions about his blog and why he loves small trailers.
How did you become interested in small trailers?
I guess my interest really started when my wife and I were in-between trailers. We bought a T@B teardrop that we soon realized after buying it that it was just a tad too small on the inside for us. We wanted to stay small, so my fascination with small trailers started when we decided to find something that was a little more functional for us while still staying small. While searching for its replacement, I researched just about everything on the market and soon realized I wanted one of everything I found! That research created a database of knowledge in my head that never really stopped growing even after we bought our replacement.
How did you decide on your own Serro Scotty trailer?
Our T@B had that "it" factor. It was red with white trim, sleek design, and was definitely not a conventional looking camper. We knew we wanted our replacement to be something that was an eye catcher. We didn't want just another white shoebox on wheels, but a little more roomy on the inside. I researched Scamps, Casitas, and R-Pods, but we kept coming back to the one we ended up with buying: the Serro Scotty HiLander. It was modeled after the orginals from back in the 1960's, but with modern technology and amenities. It was about the same length as the T@B, but it featured two dinettes, toilet/shower combo, and more headroom for me. Plus, it had the "it" factor, which is something we were looking for as well.
Do you have any experience with teardrop trailers?
Not long after we were married in 2002, we said one day we'd like to get a teardrop trailer. They were just cool, and we loved the coziness of them. It was one of those "someday" dreams we all have. Fast forward to 2009. We're fans of the fabled highway Route 66, and while on a cruise on Route 66 in Missouri, one of the participants in this motor tour had a Pleasant Valley teardrop trailer that was wrapped with a Route 66 scene, and they just happened to have it for sale. We kept talking about it while driving that day and discussed the pros and cons of a teardrop. However, that all changed when we stopped at a small town festival. A nearby Camping World store had a few RVs on display at the festival and one of those was a T@B. We were instantly hooked. It had the shape of a teardrop, but was one you could stand up in. We talked more on the way back to Indiana and decided that if we were going to buy something, it would be a T@B, since it gave us the best of both worlds. The following Saturday, we were in Elkhart, Indiana picking up a brand new 2010 T@B from Tiara RV, and the rest is history.
What are your five favorite small or tiny trailers?
That's a tough question! These are the trailers in no particular order:
Serro Scotty HiLander: Obviously I'm a little biased here! Right now the HiLander isn't being produced, but when I talked to the president of Serro Scotty earlier this summer, he was hoping to have found a manufacturer to restart producation, which ceased early in 2012. It's just a solid unit with an aluminum cage, thicker floors, and has that "wow" factor!
T@B: Although we only had ours for 7 months, if space and money wasn't a factor, I'd have one. Since Little Guy Worldwide took over the T@B brand after Dutchmen ceased production of them in 2009, the quality has been much better and Little Guy has done a fantastic job of working with the vast Dutchmen T@B owners.
Camp Lite: I said it in 2011 after my first trip to the RVIA trade show in Louisville: I saw just about every small trailer anyone had to offer at that show, and none of them were better than Camp Lite in terms of quality. You'll pay a little more, but you're getting a solid unit.
Gulfstream Vista Cruiser: When this first came out a few years ago, it was called the Visa. I can't really put my finger on why I like this, but it just has a really clean look to it. The 19' model with the RBS floor plan would be high on my list if we were looking for a trailer right now.
Scamp: Fiberglass campers have been a curious fascination for me. Scamps are one of the most well known fiberglass campers, and you could argue they've become one of the most well known small campers over the past 30 years.
Where do you like to camp? What are your favorite campgrounds or parks?
We generally camp in state parks since they tend to be cheaper and you generally have little more space between you and your neighbors. One of our favorites is Starve Hollow State Recreation Area in south-central Indiana. Several of the campsites are right on the shore. I used to vacation in Minnesota growing up and it reminds me a lot of it, with the water and pine trees. However, one of the most relaxing places I enjoy the most is an RV park. It's a place called Little Farm on the River in Rising Sun, Indiana. They have a section that's along the banks of the Ohio River, and there's nothing I enjoy more than sitting in my chair all weekend watching the barges slowly roll up and down the river.
Do you have any favorite camping gear or camping tips?
One of the most important pieces of equipment I would never do without is the BAL light trailer leveler. It eliminates the need for leveling blocks and is a breeze to use. I had to get the word out to the rest of the small trailer world about it, so I ended up putting together a post about it.
Photos by The Small Trailer Enthusiast
How did you become interested in small trailers?
I guess my interest really started when my wife and I were in-between trailers. We bought a T@B teardrop that we soon realized after buying it that it was just a tad too small on the inside for us. We wanted to stay small, so my fascination with small trailers started when we decided to find something that was a little more functional for us while still staying small. While searching for its replacement, I researched just about everything on the market and soon realized I wanted one of everything I found! That research created a database of knowledge in my head that never really stopped growing even after we bought our replacement.
How did you decide on your own Serro Scotty trailer?
Our T@B had that "it" factor. It was red with white trim, sleek design, and was definitely not a conventional looking camper. We knew we wanted our replacement to be something that was an eye catcher. We didn't want just another white shoebox on wheels, but a little more roomy on the inside. I researched Scamps, Casitas, and R-Pods, but we kept coming back to the one we ended up with buying: the Serro Scotty HiLander. It was modeled after the orginals from back in the 1960's, but with modern technology and amenities. It was about the same length as the T@B, but it featured two dinettes, toilet/shower combo, and more headroom for me. Plus, it had the "it" factor, which is something we were looking for as well.
Do you have any experience with teardrop trailers?
Not long after we were married in 2002, we said one day we'd like to get a teardrop trailer. They were just cool, and we loved the coziness of them. It was one of those "someday" dreams we all have. Fast forward to 2009. We're fans of the fabled highway Route 66, and while on a cruise on Route 66 in Missouri, one of the participants in this motor tour had a Pleasant Valley teardrop trailer that was wrapped with a Route 66 scene, and they just happened to have it for sale. We kept talking about it while driving that day and discussed the pros and cons of a teardrop. However, that all changed when we stopped at a small town festival. A nearby Camping World store had a few RVs on display at the festival and one of those was a T@B. We were instantly hooked. It had the shape of a teardrop, but was one you could stand up in. We talked more on the way back to Indiana and decided that if we were going to buy something, it would be a T@B, since it gave us the best of both worlds. The following Saturday, we were in Elkhart, Indiana picking up a brand new 2010 T@B from Tiara RV, and the rest is history.
What are your five favorite small or tiny trailers?
That's a tough question! These are the trailers in no particular order:
Serro Scotty HiLander: Obviously I'm a little biased here! Right now the HiLander isn't being produced, but when I talked to the president of Serro Scotty earlier this summer, he was hoping to have found a manufacturer to restart producation, which ceased early in 2012. It's just a solid unit with an aluminum cage, thicker floors, and has that "wow" factor!
T@B: Although we only had ours for 7 months, if space and money wasn't a factor, I'd have one. Since Little Guy Worldwide took over the T@B brand after Dutchmen ceased production of them in 2009, the quality has been much better and Little Guy has done a fantastic job of working with the vast Dutchmen T@B owners.
Camp Lite: I said it in 2011 after my first trip to the RVIA trade show in Louisville: I saw just about every small trailer anyone had to offer at that show, and none of them were better than Camp Lite in terms of quality. You'll pay a little more, but you're getting a solid unit.
Gulfstream Vista Cruiser: When this first came out a few years ago, it was called the Visa. I can't really put my finger on why I like this, but it just has a really clean look to it. The 19' model with the RBS floor plan would be high on my list if we were looking for a trailer right now.
Scamp: Fiberglass campers have been a curious fascination for me. Scamps are one of the most well known fiberglass campers, and you could argue they've become one of the most well known small campers over the past 30 years.
Where do you like to camp? What are your favorite campgrounds or parks?
We generally camp in state parks since they tend to be cheaper and you generally have little more space between you and your neighbors. One of our favorites is Starve Hollow State Recreation Area in south-central Indiana. Several of the campsites are right on the shore. I used to vacation in Minnesota growing up and it reminds me a lot of it, with the water and pine trees. However, one of the most relaxing places I enjoy the most is an RV park. It's a place called Little Farm on the River in Rising Sun, Indiana. They have a section that's along the banks of the Ohio River, and there's nothing I enjoy more than sitting in my chair all weekend watching the barges slowly roll up and down the river.
Do you have any favorite camping gear or camping tips?
One of the most important pieces of equipment I would never do without is the BAL light trailer leveler. It eliminates the need for leveling blocks and is a breeze to use. I had to get the word out to the rest of the small trailer world about it, so I ended up putting together a post about it.
Photos by The Small Trailer Enthusiast
Featured Teardrop: Small Home Oregon Teardrop Trailers
A few years ago I was in Portland to do a Tiny House Blog post on Walt Quade and his Small Home Oregon homes. His homes were beautifully built, but I was also surprised to see an equally beautiful teardrop trailer sitting in his driveway. He told me he was planning on creating custom, luxury teardrop trailers as well as tiny homes. He is currently offering several handmade trailers with different options and prices.
The Small Home Oregon teardrop trailers have queen size beds, extra reading lights, built-in sound sound system options, two inches of rigid foam for insulation, a propane tank in an equipment locker, a deep cycle battery, a 15 or 20 gallon water tank and a small electric pump that leads to the sink in the galley.
One option costs $9,000 and is about 1,000 lbs with a 100 lb tongue weight. It's 11 feet long overall and five feet wide. The interior is 1/2 plywood and the floor, walls and ceiling are all insulated. This version includes only one door on the right side and a window on the left, but there is a roof vent with a screen and electric fan. The interior has four storage cabinets and a 4 inch foam mattress. The galley has a counter and storage cabinets and a stainless steel bar sink with a cutting board cover. The entire trailer has two 12-volt outlets, but a 110 volt package can be added on for $335.
Another trailer option costs $11, 250 and is 13.3 feet long overall and five feet wide. It contains all the amenities of the shorter trailer. Options such as a CD player, a solar PV charging system, a built-in Coleman stainless steel cooler, custom curtains, a Coleman stove and an additional side door can all be added for an extra cost.
Photos by Small Home Oregon
The Small Home Oregon teardrop trailers have queen size beds, extra reading lights, built-in sound sound system options, two inches of rigid foam for insulation, a propane tank in an equipment locker, a deep cycle battery, a 15 or 20 gallon water tank and a small electric pump that leads to the sink in the galley.
One option costs $9,000 and is about 1,000 lbs with a 100 lb tongue weight. It's 11 feet long overall and five feet wide. The interior is 1/2 plywood and the floor, walls and ceiling are all insulated. This version includes only one door on the right side and a window on the left, but there is a roof vent with a screen and electric fan. The interior has four storage cabinets and a 4 inch foam mattress. The galley has a counter and storage cabinets and a stainless steel bar sink with a cutting board cover. The entire trailer has two 12-volt outlets, but a 110 volt package can be added on for $335.
Another trailer option costs $11, 250 and is 13.3 feet long overall and five feet wide. It contains all the amenities of the shorter trailer. Options such as a CD player, a solar PV charging system, a built-in Coleman stainless steel cooler, custom curtains, a Coleman stove and an additional side door can all be added for an extra cost.
Photos by Small Home Oregon
Queen-sized
bed so those of us who are 6 ½ feet tall have plenty of room to move
around.
Extra reading lights so you can catch up on your favorite book while
your partner snoozes.
Built-in sound system with speakers in the sleeping compartment as well
as the kitchen in back.
Two inches of high density, rigid foam surround the sleeping compartment
so it’s always warm and quiet.
A propane tank is in the forward equipment locker so you have plenty of
propane for stoves and lights, and it can easily be refilled.
Large, deep cycle battery that powers all the lights and sound system
with a PV panel so if you aren’t recharging from the car, the sun will
keep you going.
Mounted under the frame is a 20 gallon water tank Even a week in the
desert won’t drain your water supply. A small electric pump delivers it
to the sink in the galley.
Hand-made of the best materials available with a keen eye for
craftsmanship and detail. - See more at:
http://smallhomeoregon.net/tear-drop-trailers-2/tear-drop-trailers/#sthash.NfsnOTQf.dpuf
Queen-sized
bed so those of us who are 6 ½ feet tall have plenty of room to move
around.
Extra reading lights so you can catch up on your favorite book while
your partner snoozes.
Built-in sound system with speakers in the sleeping compartment as well
as the kitchen in back.
Two inches of high density, rigid foam surround the sleeping compartment
so it’s always warm and quiet.
A propane tank is in the forward equipment locker so you have plenty of
propane for stoves and lights, and it can easily be refilled.
Large, deep cycle battery that powers all the lights and sound system
with a PV panel so if you aren’t recharging from the car, the sun will
keep you going.
Mounted under the frame is a 20 gallon water tank Even a week in the
desert won’t drain your water supply. A small electric pump delivers it
to the sink in the galley.
Hand-made of the best materials available with a keen eye for
craftsmanship and detail. - See more at:
http://smallhomeoregon.net/tear-drop-trailers-2/tear-drop-trailers/#sthash.NfsnOTQf.dpuf
Queen-sized
bed so those of us who are 6 ½ feet tall have plenty of room to move
around.
Extra reading lights so you can catch up on your favorite book while
your partner snoozes.
Built-in sound system with speakers in the sleeping compartment as well
as the kitchen in back.
Two inches of high density, rigid foam surround the sleeping compartment
so it’s always warm and quiet.
A propane tank is in the forward equipment locker so you have plenty of
propane for stoves and lights, and it can easily be refilled.
Large, deep cycle battery that powers all the lights and sound system
with a PV panel so if you aren’t recharging from the car, the sun will
keep you going.
Mounted under the frame is a 20 gallon water tank Even a week in the
desert won’t drain your water supply. A small electric pump delivers it
to the sink in the galley.
Hand-made of the best materials available with a keen eye for
craftsmanship and detail. - See more at:
http://smallhomeoregon.net/tear-drop-trailers-2/tear-drop-trailers/#sthash.NfsnOTQf.dpuf
Atma Travelear in Tiny House Magazine
I met David McCamant and his Atma Travelear at the Dam Gathering of the Tears in northern California and fell in love with his Art Deco teardrop design. For his first build, the trailer is a phenomenal work of art with some details I've not seen in other teardrop trailers. This makes sense since David is a local fine and contemporary artist.
You can read about his trailer and his love of teardrop camping in the latest issue of Tiny House Magazine. The magazine is available in an iPad or PDF version.
You can read about his trailer and his love of teardrop camping in the latest issue of Tiny House Magazine. The magazine is available in an iPad or PDF version.
Two Kamp Masters Featured in Tiny House Magazine
I recently wrote a story for Kent Griswold's Tiny House Magazine on the two Kamp Masters owned by Bob and Melanie Kelly of Ione, Calif. The couple restored a 1949 Kamp Master trailer and then built a new trailer from scratch using the original as a model. I met them and their unusual teardrop trailers at the Dam Gathering of the Tears at Shasta Lake in northern California.
The magazine can be purchased as either a digital version for the iPad or as a PDF. Each issue is $2.99 and Kent is now running a special where you can purchase all six issues for $14.
The magazine can be purchased as either a digital version for the iPad or as a PDF. Each issue is $2.99 and Kent is now running a special where you can purchase all six issues for $14.
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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