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Don’t Rely on Your GPS

July 18, 2016, 3:00 am
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The other day, a friend was coming to my house so we could go hiking. I gave her the address, but warned her that some GPS units and phones like to take people on a dirt access road behind my house and told her to follow my directions. She ended up on the dirt road behind my house with her GPS unit chiming, “You have arrived.”


I’m morbidly fascinated with dumb GPS mistakes. Lately there have been an influx of deaths (many in Death Valley, of course) of people blindly following their GPS units or Siri's voice onto dangerous dirt roads, into lakes and mud holes and nearly off the sides of cliffs. GPS is a wonderful tool, but just like any tool (that can break) don’t rely solely on it if you are traveling in unfamiliar locations.

If you have a medical question, you usually don’t go with one source or one piece of advice. You ask several medical experts, do some of your own research and maybe read some books or articles. Do the same when you are traveling. If you have to get to a specific location, use several sources and compare how the information is given to you.

1. Google Maps and Google Earth:

Before you leave on your trip, use Google Maps to see the various routes that you can take to your destination. Another problem with relying on a GPS is that you blindly follow one route (usually the shortest, but not always the best) without knowing what else is around. 

I’ve met people who have become so reliant on their GPS that they don’t even know how to read a map anymore. They don’t know which way is north, south, east and west and they don’t recognize the difference between a secondary road and topographic line.

Google Maps at least allows you get a feeling for directions, time, surrounding terrain and various obstacles. It shows you nearby towns, services and other attractions. The 3D options of Google Earth shows road types, canyons, mountains and tall buildings that don’t translate well to paper or GPS.

2. Paper Maps: 

Since some remote areas are not always mapped by GPS, always take a paper map of your desired location. Some of the best maps are the Rand McNally Road Atlas, Benchmarks Maps & Atlases and specific trail and park maps offered by REI. I’m a paper map junkie and love to pore over them before, during and after a trip. I love to see where we are going and what we will see and experience on the way to and from our destination. A GPS can’t give you that holistic satisfaction.

The best thing about paper? You can write all over it. Mark your location, any special notes or issues you have noticed on Google Maps.

3. Ask the locals: 

No matter if you are going to New York City or Oatmeal, Texas, there will be a local who knows more about the area than you do. Ask for directions and about attractions from cops, coffee shop owners, grocery clerks, librarians, RV hosts and adventurous teens. You might make a new friend and won’t have to contend with Siri’s annoying voice for miles of unending dirt roads.



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Friday Teardrop Photo

July 22, 2016, 3:00 am
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This wonderful teardrop camp setup is courtesy of Brian Seeley of Aero Teardrops in Portland, Ore. His interview will be coming to the Tiny Yellow Teardrop blog soon.
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Off to Glacier!

July 25, 2016, 3:00 am
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Teardrop Camping in Glacier National Park

August 15, 2016, 3:00 am
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The Sunflower and her crew recently returned from a trip to Glacier National Park in northern Montana. This amazing park has been on our camping bucket list for some time. We stayed at the St. Mary KOA in the small town of St. Mary on the east side of the park—both for their KOA cabins for our two friends, Nelly and Andres, and for the convenience to both the St. Mary and Many Glacier entrances to the park.


Most of our time was spent in the park: hiking, exploring, watching grizzlies, mountain goats, big horn sheep, and (my favorite) the American dipper bird. We hiked over 37 miles of the park's trails and even jumped into both Grinnell Glacier Lake and Iceberg Lake for an icy afternoon dip.


The weather was all over the place, which I heard is typical of this area. In the same day we would get cold temps, hot and humid hiking weather, lightning, rain and wind. If you decide to go, prepare for anything and don't put up an EZ-Up over your teardrop. We came back from a hike and ours had blown away in an afternoon wind storm.


Trailers are discouraged on the main road through the park, Going to the Sun Road. Any vehicle driven along the road and over Logan Pass can only be 21 feet long. I spoke to another teardrop owner at the KOA who had towed his new teardrop over the pass the day before. The ranger smiled about the tiny trailer traversing the steep, winding road, but still gave him a warning.


Since the teardrop was not quite next door to our friends' cabin, we used our galley for storing the cooking gear and their porch and "front yard" to cook our meals. This meant some running back and forth between the two camps, and for some reason, we were the only campers in the RV area who were cooking outside. The weather held up most of the time and it only rained on us once or twice.


The wildflowers were in full bloom at the end of July and we asked a park ranger when the leaves start to change: mid-September. Camping time in Glacier is short and sweet.








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Friday Teardrop Photo

August 19, 2016, 3:00 am
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A photo from 1926 of the original tiny house on wheels.
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Interview with Aero Teardrops

August 22, 2016, 6:53 am
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Brian Seeley and his wife own Aero Teardrops, LLC, a small company in Portland, Ore. Their company not only builds stylish teardrop trailers, but they also just became the Portland dealer for Adventure Sole Rooftop Tents. Seeley's company offers the 5x10 "Steel" model ($11,500) and the 5x8 "Broadway" ($9,500) model and both can be ordered directly from their website.


Brian was kind to answer a few questions about Aero Teardrops for the Tiny Yellow Teardrop and the latest issue of Tiny House Magazine.


Tell us a little about Aero Teardrops and why you think they are unique.

Our trailers are a blend of ‘50’s nostalgia with just the right amount of modern features. They’re a great mix of vintage diner meets modern technology and comfort. Inside, the cabin of our teardrops feel nice and airy—not like an old, dark, wooden boat cabin. 

Our goal is to create a room where people can spend time relaxing. By using a mattress that folds into a couch, it allows the cabin to be multi-functional. If it’s raining, windy, or you just want some time alone, you can sit on the couch and read. With the addition of our interior table, you can easily play a board game or enjoy a meal no matter what the weather’s doing. This also allows you to expand the months you feel comfortable camping!

Part of what our family always enjoys while camping is cooking. To make this easier, we designed almost a full-depth countertop in our galleys, like you have in your kitchen at home. We’ve found that having a nice big area to prep meals in without having to shuffle stuff around is a lot less stressful. 



A few other great features we offer that our family loves:
  • A children's bunk in our 5x10 model that allows a child under 5’ tall to sleep comfortably inside the teardrop
  • USB ports and a small phone/glasses shelf near the head of the bed for you to easily charge your phone while sleeping
  • Stereo speakers both inside the cabin and in the galley

Why do you think teardrops have become so popular?

Teardrops have become popular because people are thirsty for adventure but are tired of tent-camping. At the same time, they don’t want to be tied down by a large RV and all of the payments and maintenance that comes with them. Teardrops are lightweight and can be towed with most cars, which means that they don’t have to buy a separate, larger vehicle to tow with. 

The nostalgic look of the teardrop camper makes them popular as well. So many people have come up to us in campgrounds and at trade shows and told me about the teardrop their grandparents had when they were kids. It hearkens back to a simpler era, where extravagant wasn’t necessary for great family fun.



Can you tell me the different ways that your customers configure their galley?

Our galleys can be configured many different ways. We tend to leave the upper cabinets the same in most of our builds to make sure that there is plenty of storage. Under the counter, in addition to the large standard drawers, customers can add a sliding stove drawer with a built-in two burner stove. We can also add a pull-out cooler drawer for a 50 quart cooler. All of our galleys also come standard with a pull-out drawer for a five gallon water jug that tucks inside a cabinet, although customers can request that this be just a regular cabinet instead. Our galley design allows us to be pretty flexible with custom requests.





What other requests do customers have when ordering their trailer?

One of the most surprising requests that I have had was to leave out the Bluetooth stereo system. A Pioneer Bluetooth stereo system is a standard option on both of our models and has no additional cost. I have also had requests for a sink in the galley. Although this isn’t an item on our option equipment list, we will quote and install sinks on a case-by-case basis. Another item that customers request is a plug-in refrigerator. 


What do you like about teardrop trailers?

I like how they make camping easier for “regular” people. My wife and I love that we can keep our camping gear in the teardrop and just load food and clothes in it and hit the road. For us, it’s really brought the enjoyment and relaxation back to camping.


Where do you like to go camping and what location is on your bucket list?


We often go camping on the Oregon coast and the high desert of Central Oregon. We love the beautiful scenery. Our favorite Central Oregon campground is located in The Cove Palisades State Park near Madras. One of my bucket list trips is to take a road trip around the continental U.S. Part of that trip would include a long stop at the Grand Canyon. Another trip on my bucket list is a trip through Alaska. We’re currently developing an off-road/overlanding version of our 5x8 model and a trip to Alaska would be just the thing to test the durability! Once it’s proven itself on the rugged terrain of Alaska, we may have to take a trip to South America too. 
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Interview with Aero Teardrops

August 22, 2016, 6:53 am
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Brian Seeley and his wife own Aero Teardrops, LLC, a small company in Portland, Ore. Their company not only builds stylish teardrop trailers, but they also just became the Portland dealer for Adventure Sole Rooftop Tents. Seeley's company offers the 5x10 "Steel" model ($11,500) and the 5x8 "Broadway" ($9,500) model and both can be ordered directly from their website.


Brian was kind to answer a few questions about Aero Teardrops for the Tiny Yellow Teardrop and the latest issue of Tiny House Magazine.


Tell us a little about Aero Teardrops and why you think they are unique.

Our trailers are a blend of ‘50’s nostalgia with just the right amount of modern features. They’re a great mix of vintage diner meets modern technology and comfort. Inside, the cabin of our teardrops feel nice and airy—not like an old, dark, wooden boat cabin. 

Our goal is to create a room where people can spend time relaxing. By using a mattress that folds into a couch, it allows the cabin to be multi-functional. If it’s raining, windy, or you just want some time alone, you can sit on the couch and read. With the addition of our interior table, you can easily play a board game or enjoy a meal no matter what the weather’s doing. This also allows you to expand the months you feel comfortable camping!

Part of what our family always enjoys while camping is cooking. To make this easier, we designed almost a full-depth countertop in our galleys, like you have in your kitchen at home. We’ve found that having a nice big area to prep meals in without having to shuffle stuff around is a lot less stressful. 



A few other great features we offer that our family loves:
  • A children's bunk in our 5x10 model that allows a child under 5’ tall to sleep comfortably inside the teardrop
  • USB ports and a small phone/glasses shelf near the head of the bed for you to easily charge your phone while sleeping
  • Stereo speakers both inside the cabin and in the galley

Why do you think teardrops have become so popular?

Teardrops have become popular because people are thirsty for adventure but are tired of tent-camping. At the same time, they don’t want to be tied down by a large RV and all of the payments and maintenance that comes with them. Teardrops are lightweight and can be towed with most cars, which means that they don’t have to buy a separate, larger vehicle to tow with. 

The nostalgic look of the teardrop camper makes them popular as well. So many people have come up to us in campgrounds and at trade shows and told me about the teardrop their grandparents had when they were kids. It hearkens back to a simpler era, where extravagant wasn’t necessary for great family fun.



Can you tell me the different ways that your customers configure their galley?

Our galleys can be configured many different ways. We tend to leave the upper cabinets the same in most of our builds to make sure that there is plenty of storage. Under the counter, in addition to the large standard drawers, customers can add a sliding stove drawer with a built-in two burner stove. We can also add a pull-out cooler drawer for a 50 quart cooler. All of our galleys also come standard with a pull-out drawer for a five gallon water jug that tucks inside a cabinet, although customers can request that this be just a regular cabinet instead. Our galley design allows us to be pretty flexible with custom requests.





What other requests do customers have when ordering their trailer?

One of the most surprising requests that I have had was to leave out the Bluetooth stereo system. A Pioneer Bluetooth stereo system is a standard option on both of our models and has no additional cost. I have also had requests for a sink in the galley. Although this isn’t an item on our option equipment list, we will quote and install sinks on a case-by-case basis. Another item that customers request is a plug-in refrigerator. 


What do you like about teardrop trailers?

I like how they make camping easier for “regular” people. My wife and I love that we can keep our camping gear in the teardrop and just load food and clothes in it and hit the road. For us, it’s really brought the enjoyment and relaxation back to camping.


Where do you like to go camping and what location is on your bucket list?


We often go camping on the Oregon coast and the high desert of Central Oregon. We love the beautiful scenery. Our favorite Central Oregon campground is located in The Cove Palisades State Park near Madras. One of my bucket list trips is to take a road trip around the continental U.S. Part of that trip would include a long stop at the Grand Canyon. Another trip on my bucket list is a trip through Alaska. We’re currently developing an off-road/overlanding version of our 5x8 model and a trip to Alaska would be just the thing to test the durability! Once it’s proven itself on the rugged terrain of Alaska, we may have to take a trip to South America too. 
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Friday Teardrop Photo

August 26, 2016, 3:00 am
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Can you tell I'm still obsessing about Glacier National Park? I'm planning to head up there again next year and was looking at staying in West Glacier. The KOA in West Glacier had a nice publicity photo that featured none other than a pretty aluminum teardrop trailer parked in their campground.
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What I learned from living out of my teardrop trailer for three weeks

August 29, 2016, 3:00 am
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We recently returned from a teardrop trailer trip to Glacier National Park. On the way back, my husband flew home to Nevada and I took a road trip down to Colorado Springs through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and across the Silver State.


After nearly 20 days of full-time traveling in a 5x8 teardrop trailer (my longest trip yet) I learned a few things about life on the road. Here are the top five.


1. I could be a full time nomad

When I returned home from my trip, I went into a slight depression. I couldn't figure out why at first, but then realized that I really loved being on the road. I loved stopping in a different location every night and waking up to a different landscape every morning. Traveling full-time is tough on your system, but it's a lot of fun and is something I wouldn't mind doing as a lifestyle.


2. You need a lot less than you think

When on the road, I only used about 60 percent of the clothing I brought with me and never used any of the "emergency" items that we bring along. When I returned home, I did a mass purge of items in my house and thought more about we really need while traveling and camping.


3. Get some downtime

Even though I was traveling by myself much of the time, I still needed some downtime. I camped in a few KOA and private campgrounds on the way to and from Colorado, and with my yellow teardrop I was the center of attention. It's sometimes difficult to get away people when you are traveling in a teardrop, so plan to camp in more secluded locations and take breaks away from urban and more popular areas.


4. Take the back roads

Through most of the trip, I stuck to secondary roads. The only time I was on a main freeway was on Interstate 70 near Denver and Interstate 80 through part of Wyoming. Both times I didn't like the traffic and went out of my way to find alternate routes. Along those routes I found some amazing places that I plan on going back to.


5. Rest stops are one of your best friends

In the western states, rest stops are few and far between, so take advantage of them as much as you can. The rest stops in Idaho were some of the best with beautiful bathrooms, maps, road guides and water fountains. We used the stops to take a nap, fill up our water, eat snacks and use the bathroom.

In addition to these five things, I realized how much I appreciate having a teardrop trailer and a comfortable and quiet place to sleep. While the teardrop did well in good weather, it was a challenge during some heavy rainstorms in Montana and Colorado, but I still wouldn't trade it for anything.
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Friday Teardrop Photo

September 2, 2016, 3:00 am
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The Sunflower parked at the Golden Eagle Campground near Fort Carson military base in Colorado Springs. During my last night there a roaring thunderstorm came into the area and I took shelter with my new friends in the Casita travel trailer next door to me. We spend the storm chatting and drinking wine.

Sometimes us tiny teardroppers have to make friends who are a little bit larger.
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3 reasons why teardrop camping is better than backpacking

September 6, 2016, 7:10 am
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This summer I've been attempting to segment hike the entire 165 mile Tahoe Rim Trail. Several of the segments require overnight backpacking and we tackled a 24 mile portion over the Labor Day weekend.


While I have some good backpacking gear, somewhat strong legs and lungs and enjoy getting into the backcountry, the entire time I wish I was camping out of my teardrop trailer instead. Beyond the point that a teardrop is eons more comfortable than a backpacking tent, there are a few other reasons the tiny trailer is superior.

1. Efficiency

A backpack is a very efficient way to camp, and while I can't strap my trailer to my back, the teardrop seems to be even more efficient. With the Sunflower, setting up camp really only takes about 10 minutes. Setting up my backpacking tent, air mattress and getting items organized for the night seems to take at least 30 minutes. Not to mention I need to take another 15 minutes to do minor blister surgery on my feet.


2. Less pain

When backpack camping, the constant bending over while cooking, packing, organizing and cleaning takes a big toll on my lower back. The teardrop trailer has a nice, level prepping and cooking space that's just my height and doesn't require me to constantly bend over.



3. Cleanliness and organization

No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to keep anything clean while backpacking. Bits of dirt and debris get into my bed, my clothes are filthy and everything is so close to the dusty ground. While the teardrop does get dirty, you can camp in it for a longer amount of time without having to wash everything.

The same goes for organization. In the trailer, everything has its place and I can find something very quickly. I strive to be very organized with my 60 liter backpack, but things still manage to wander to the bottom of the bag or into a random pocket. 


I probably need a little more practice with backpacking, and I'll continue to head out onto unknown trails with my pack. However, my teardrop will still be my preferred way to get out and see nature.
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Friday Teardrop Photo

September 9, 2016, 6:50 am
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This train set would not be complete without a tiny campground occupied by tiny teardrop trailers.
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Featured Teardrop: My Mini Trailer

September 12, 2016, 6:59 am
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One reason that keeps many people from purchasing a brand new teardrop is the cost. Unfortunately, the little trailers have gone up in price over the past few years. Unless you want to build your own, the $6,000 to $12,000 cost for a teardrop can be a deterrent.


If you don't mind keeping it really simple, the My Mini Trailer company offers several options that range from $2,650 to $3,350. Other amenities can be added on for extra cost.


The My Mini Trailer comes in three different models: Carpe Diem Mini, Carpe Diem Woody and the Serenity X.


The Carpe Diem Mini is four feet wide and nearly eight feet long. It has a birch/maple plywood interior and an aluminum skin with a UV resistant vinyl roof. It weighs in at under 1,000 lb. and includes a single door, double windows, carpeted interior, interior LEDs.


The Carpe Diem is a more simple trailer without a cabinet galley. A rear door kitchenette can be added on ($450 extra) that allows for storage or placement of a camping stove or food prep. Additional storage under the bed ($195) and an inside fold down table and cabinet ($50) at the foot of the bed area can also be added.


The Carpe Diem Woody has same features and functionalities as the Mini, but it has a beautiful maple wood finish instead of aluminum. Both the Carpe Diem models are on a trailer which includes a Swivel Jack that folds away in the front.



The Serenity X adds another foot to the width of the trailer, making it a roomy 5x8 feet. The Serenity can have the same fold down kitchenette as the Carpe Diem models and it can be color coordinated to any vehicle.



My Mini Trailer offers several add ons. For an extra $600, a portable AC/heat and dehumidifier unit can be added to the tongue, and for an extra $150 the company will include a spare tire. The trailer can also have a roof rack installed ($250) or an extra side door ($355). The company also offers a folding foam bed that can be converted into a chair or sofa for $235.

I wrote about My Mini Trailer in the #45 issue of Tiny House Magazine. Check out the full article there.

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Friday Teardrop Photo

September 16, 2016, 3:00 am
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Teardrop/Kayak Trip to Burney Falls

September 19, 2016, 6:58 am
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Normally our teardrop trailer camping trips consist of hours of hiking or backpacking, so it was so nice to take off last weekend and enjoy a very relaxing couple of days of kayaking and sleeping in.


We went with the Stargazers teardrop to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Northern California and camped in the campground above Lake Britton. We spent the days kayaking on the lake, cooking up really good meals and talking about teardrop trailers.




We also visited the Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park and saw a wide range of plant life, birds, frogs, fish and great views of snow-capped Mount Shasta.


I have heard of two friends in the last week who want to either borrow a teardrop, or are looking for their own trailer to purchase. They are both tired of tent camping and have probably been swayed by some of our trips to take the teardrop route. Can you blame them?


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Friday Teardrop Photo

September 23, 2016, 7:18 am
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I get overly excited about broken down or retro style roadside signs. I have to pull off the road, put the teardrop into place and get a shot. Odd...

This is the Sunflower in front of an abandoned gas station near Baggs, Wyoming.
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Cool Tears July/August 2016

September 26, 2016, 6:27 am
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The latest issue of Cool Tears & Tiny Campers is now available. This issue comes with some great news. The regularly bi-monthly magazine will now be published monthly. If you are interested in receiving the magazine, all you need to do is add your name and email to their list.

This issue has a couple of great spreads of teardrop trailers in the wilderness, a feature on the newest PeeWee camper, and an interview with teardrop builder James Caverly.
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Friday Teardrop Photo

September 30, 2016, 3:00 am
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During our Glacier National Park trip, I saw a world record number of teardrop trailers on the road and in the campgrounds. This wooden beauty was camped at the lush Avalanche Campground on the west side of the park.
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KOA Memberships: Are they worth it?

October 3, 2016, 7:45 am
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Answer: It depends.

This summer we stayed in several KOA Kampgrounds and had a wide range of experiences and amenities. Whether or not you decide to get and keep a KOA membership will depend on the places you end up staying.


KOA Kampgrounds are privately held campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. There are over 500 of them scattered around North America and they typically cater to larger RVs with dump stations, water, power and cable hookups. They also offer showers, laundry facilities, breakfast and coffee, and other amenities like lounges and playgrounds for children. KOA Kampgrounds also have some beautiful deluxe "kabins." These little wood cabins cater to people who don't have a camper and don't want to sleep in a tent.


We decided to try out a KOA membership for the year and see how they ranked. We purchased a $30 Value Kard to save 10 percent every time we camped at a KOA. You can also earn redeemable points for each stay. Depending on the location, it would still cost us about $40-$75 per night, so the 10 percent didn't really do anything for us. I don't think we will re-purchase the card, but I think we will still stay at a KOA while on the road. This is why:



The five best things KOAs have going are:

1. They are conveniently located

Those little red and yellow signs on the side of the road mean that a KOA is within just a few hundred yards of a highway exit. This is great when you are tired and don't want to drive to a state or National Park for a camp site. Also, many KOA Kampgrounds are within just a few miles of many National Parks and scenic areas. Our St. Mary KOA, while not the best place to camp, was five minutes from the park entrance.

2. They have a great KOA directory

Both the online and print KOA directory is very helpful when looking for a place to stay. I planned my "western state" trip around the availability of KOA Kampgrounds. The paper book came in real handy when cell service was unavailable.

3. Members get priority

From both the KOA App and via phone, you can make a campsite reservation at any location. If you are a member, you get priority if the campground is filling up. This is useful in more popular areas.

4. Showers and laundry

At each KOA we stayed at, the showers and laundry facilities were clean and convenient. The Great Falls KOA in Montana was hands-down one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever been in and had amazing showers in an atrium full of plants.

5. Other amenities

It was a blessing to swim in the Green River, Utah KOA swimming pool when the temperatures hovered around 100 degrees. It was also great to have fast WiFi in other parks. These amenities (if they are consistent and useful) will keep me coming back to a KOA.


However, teardroppers might not get as much bang for their buck at a KOA. We do have a choice to stay in a tent spot with no hookups or in a convenient pull-through spot with power and water. However, the price difference is negligible. I stayed in tent sites that were around $35 and a pull-through spot that was $45 per night.


When you stay at a KOA, you are paying for the amenities. So when searching around for a place to stay, check on those and weigh whether or not the extra cost is worth it to you.


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Friday Teardrop Photo

October 7, 2016, 6:04 am
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We found this handmade Steampunk style trailer in a parking lot in on the West side of Glacier National Park. We didn't get to speak to the owners, but their funky trailer was getting more attention than the area's bears.
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