Quantcast
Channel: Tiny Yellow Teardrop
Viewing all 268 articles
Browse latest View live

Cool Tears Magazine - January/February

$
0
0

The latest issue of Cool Tears and Tiny Trailers Magazine is now available online or as a print copy. This issue features the Atkinson's Sweet Tea teardrop trailer, Justin Preston's Comanche Cocoon and a roundup of 2016 teardrop trailer gatherings.

Friday Teardrop Photo

$
0
0

This photo is from the Colorado Teardrop Camper website. Colorado Teardrop in Boulder sells several models of teardrop trailers and rents out their Basecamp model for $85 per night. The website photos were shot by photographer Lex Quinn.

Featured Teardrop: Weis Craft Trailers

$
0
0
If you are looking for a very lightweight fiberglass camping trailer, but not necessarily a classic teardrop trailer, Weis Craft Trailers in Colorado have several options. All their camping trailers can be towed with 4 or 6 cylinder vehicles and cost less than $10,000.

Weis Craft's options include the 1,100 lbs. Little Joe that includes two long couches that become a bed, a sink and stove on the interior and a six gallon fresh water tank. The 1,480 lbs. Ponderosa is a bit longer than the Little Joe to accommodate a stowaway shower and toilet.

The Roughneck is more of a teardrop trailer shape with a bed that is placed on the floor, it's only 500 lbs. and includes an aluminum roof rack. It may be a little low for campers used to traditional teardrop shapes.

Weis Craft Trailers can be custom built or purchased directly from the company.

Friday Teardrop Trailer

$
0
0

This unusual looking teardrop trailer by Trekker Trailers is called the Simple Sleeper. The little bump out (in lieu of a galley) holds the foot area of a long bed that can also become a lounger during the day.

Photo by Trekker Trailers

How to prepare for a teardrop trailer trip

$
0
0
We are still getting snowstorms in the mountains, but that doesn't mean we can't start planning for our summer and fall teardrop trips. Even though us teardroppers don't have to prepare as much as someone with a larger trailer, we still need to tick a few things off our checklist:


Where to go?

Now's the time to pick and choose where you want to travel. Do you want to explore a new part of the country or your own state? Why do you want to see a particular area? Asking these questions can help define what you want out of your travels which will save time, fuel and money in the long run.

Check out detailed maps or the Roadtrippers site for your locations and find trailer friendly roads, campgrounds and rest stops. As you are doing this, you might want to see if a teardrop rally is being held in the vicinity.

Prepare the trailer

This is also the time to check that everything on your teardrop is roadworthy. Check the tires, the lights, all bolts and connections and have the trailer bearings greased. This is also a good time to check that you have a full propane tank, a full water tank and that all stoves, refrigerators and other appliances are in good working order.

Stock up

If you have not already done a spring cleaning of the trailer, get that out of the way and then stock your teardrop with everything you will need for a season of trips. This can include the following:

  • batteries for flashlights and headlamps
  • extra canned or boxed food
  • updated sheets, towels, clothing items
  • fresh toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo
  • broken items that need replacing

Friday Teardrop Photo

Featured Teardrop: Micro-Lite Trailers

$
0
0
The goal of the Micro-Lite trailer company is to design and build teardrop trailers and sport trailers that don’t need to be towed by a huge truck or SUV. In fact, they even build trailers that can be hauled around by golf carts, motorcycles and ATVs.


The futuristic designs function for different types of fun. The most “teardrop-like” of all their products is the nearly 10 foot long Wazat II. This trailer has all aluminum construction and only comes in at 670 lb.




The heavier Car-Go Lite and Car-Go Lite Xtreme are open floorplans that can store motorcycles, scooters and other larger toys. There is no bed in the Car-Go Lite and Xtreme, but there is a kitchen in the rear with an optional microwave and AC. The Xtreme has a larger cargo area for golf carts and 4-wheelers.


The smallest design is the Twist TR7. This 440 lb. camping trailer is small enough to be towed by a motorcycle and has a rear entrance, all aluminum construction and a 110V/12V battery.


Micro-Lite offers several other non-teardrop trailers including the 400 lb. P’Up tent trailer (currently being redesigned) and the 1,500 lb. Vymeron standy camper that includes a bunk and space to haul motorcyles and other two-wheeled toys.

Photos by Micro-Lite Trailers

Friday Teardrop Photo

$
0
0

Check out this rustic, little teardrop trailer in La Grange, Texas. It was shot in front of Old World Antieks by the ladies of Junk Gypsy. These two designers use flea market and garage sale finds for their funky chic Airstreams and shop.

Interview with Trailer Rental Company: Links Teardrops

$
0
0

Charles Link runs Southern California’s original teardrop trailer rental service. They currently rent a Little Guy Classic 5-Wide teardrop trailer and a 5x8 Hiker Off Road teardrop trailer. Charles was kind to give us a little insight into the teardrop rental business and his trailers.




How did you get into renting out teardrop trailers?

I first purchased a 1960 Canned Ham style trailer to restore and offer as a rental but then after the restoration was completed I decided that it was too nice and delicate to rent out. I then thought that a small trailer that was also good looking would be a great thing to offer to fellow campers to get people up and off the ground while camping. This is where the teardrop came into the picture.



Who rents your trailers?

Most of our renters are people who are looking to either build or buy a teardrop and there are the occasional couples who just want a single getaway in something small and easy to tow.

What is the response to the teardrop from newbie renters?

They all seem to love how easy they are to tow and how comfortable they can be. I'd say about 99.5 % of new renters love the trailers and have a great time.

What other amenities do you offer with your rentals?

Currently we only offer the campers themselves, but we are working on some additional ideas to add to both models that we have.



What should people keep in mind when looking to rent a teardrop trailer?

They are easy to tow, simple to maneuver and it's much cheaper to rent than to buy.

What should companies or individuals do to prepare to rent out their own trailer?

You must have a very open schedule, or work close to home. Be ready to handle repairs, maintenance, cleaning, storage, and lots of questions. 
Do you camp in a teardrop and where do you like to go?

Yes, we do and one of the reasons for having them available is to use them ourselves. Ever since our first teardrop purchase we haven't slept in a tent. It feels like you’re in a small cabin all to yourself. We go anywhere from Joshua Tree, Idyllwild, Big Sur, Pismo Beach, San Diego, Ojai and many other beautiful places here in Southern California.


Links Teardrops can be reserved on their Facebook page. They have a two-night minimum on all their trailer rentals. The 2016 Hiker 5x8 lifted off road trailer rents for $95 a night with a two night minimum. The 5-Wide Classic Little Guy rents for $75 a night with a two night minimum.

Friday Teardrop Photo

$
0
0
I have decided I no longer want to be a teardrop trailer owner and have purchased this beauty instead. It's only $2,800,000.



April Fools!

Featured Teardrop: Kulba

$
0
0
Another international teardrop trailer is on the road. The Kulba, designed and built in Latvia and available around Europe, comes in three different finishes: Woody, Silver Surf and Rebel.


Built with wood and Baltic birch plywood, the Kulba trailers range from 830 to 1,100 lb. and feature options like a bike rack, roof rack, hitch-mounted cargo box, fresh water tank and an adjustable mattress that can turn from a bed into a couch. The Kulba also has an off-road package, a hitch brake and windows with sun-reflecting rollers.



The galley kitchen has a water tank for the sink, an option for gas or electric stove, ice chest, power sockets and storage. The kitchen can also be designed to be open directly into the sleeping/living area. The Kulba extends the living area even more with an optional side or rear awning that is one of the largest I've ever seen on a teardrop trailer.





Photos by Kulba



Friday Teardrop Photo

$
0
0

The beloved teardrop trailer shown in the Geico Caveman commercials is owned by Jim Logiudice, who provides props for television shows and movies. Jim purchased the trailer off Craigslist and vinyl wrapped it to match the red URAL motorcycle.

Photo by Jim Logiudice

Tiny Yellow Teardrop Summer Tour

$
0
0
The Sunflower will soon be dusted off for some spring camping trips and the Official Tiny Yellow Teardrop Summer Tour. We will be taking off in July to visit Glacier National Park and then I will be continuing the summer adventures with trips around Montana and then down to Colorado Springs for the Tiny House Jamboree.


Held August 5-7, the Tiny House Jamboree will feature tiny houses and trailers, workshops and seminars, food, drink, entertainment and talks by Tiny House Blog owner Kent Griswold, Deek Diedrickson of Relax Shacks, Jay Shafer of Four Lights Houses and Dee Williams of Pad Tiny Houses.

Last year's event attracted over 40,000 people and I'm sure this year will attract even more. The Sunflower might be one of the tiniest things out there.

Friday Teardrop Video

$
0
0


Today I thought I would post a video by YouTuber Lucy. Her "Poor Man's Fiberglass" teardrop trailer build is one of the best and well thought out designs I've ever seen. The video tours her design that includes some features I've never seen before including tripod legs for cabinet doors and a rotating car stereo in the galley. Way to go girl!

Teardrop Trailer Pots & Pans

$
0
0
For such a small trailer, we tend to have a lot of pots and pans. Like any carrying vessel, they each perform a specific function during our camping trips and while we've looked at downsizing them—they tend to stick around.


We store them all under the countertop of the galley. While this is not the most ideal place to keep them (right next to the battery), this is where they fit. Since the space is so small, they have to be stacked back in the same way each time (like a Russian nesting doll) or they don't fit.


This pot with the two handy lips is for heating and pouring water for coffee or milk for hot chocolate. We also use it to cook veggies, eggs, etc.


This is a mixing and serving bowl used for salads, pasta dishes or mixing batter for breads and pancakes.


This pot with a locking colander lid is perfect for cooking and draining pasta and veggies. We store our measuring cup inside.


Along with our cast iron frying pan, we have a non-stick, non-Teflon pan for cooking sticky things like eggs.


Believe it or not, we have had this lightweight pot for probably 20 years and used to use it for tent camping. It's large and is primarily used for heating up water for dishes and showers. You can tell it's been placed on a campfire.


This smaller pot came with the larger pot above and while we also use it for heating up water, it's the perfect container for using in the popup shower shelter.

I think the main reason we have not gotten rid of one or more of these pots is that it can be difficult to find small enough and light enough pots and pans that will fit our space. Once you have a good pot that does the job, it's hard to give it up.







Friday Teardrop Photo

Is a teardrop trailer a good investment?

$
0
0
Most people know that the purchase of a vehicle or a traditional RV is not a great investment. As soon as you drive the new toy away from a dealer, the value drops by double percentages. This is even worse if you borrow money to purchase said vehicle or RV.


Does this hold true with a teardrop trailer? Is a teardrop an actual investment that can be more valuable down the road? (no pun intended.)

Many teardrop trailer owners have built their own campers, paying for it as they go along. Other savvy builders purchase a vintage trailer that needs a lot of work and make an investment in materials to construct a nearly new trailer. Other teardrop owners have a custom trailer made for them by a builder—creating a unique camper just for them.

Who is more likely to get their money back in the end if they sell their trailer?

I payed $4,000 for my brand new teardrop trailer in 2009. It does have some expected wear and tear, but I've taken good care of it. While on the road, I have had some people offer to buy it off me for $5,000. My "investment" seems to have been a good one.

You can keep up with how both new and used teardrop trailers are selling by trolling Craigslist, eBay, the TNTTT sale forum and RV Trader. Many things should be considered like the location of the trailer, amenities, size and the temperature of the economy.

Whether or not you get your money back from the sale of your teardrop trailer, the investment in your camping happiness just might be priceless.

Photo from Jalopy Journal

Friday Teardrop Photo

$
0
0


This beautiful 1965 pickup truck and teardrop trailer are available for rent in the Sausalito area near San Francisco, Calif. The truck's name is Crusty.

March/April Cool Tears Magazine

$
0
0
The March/April Cool Tears and Tiny Campers magazine is now available. You can download the PDF version or order the print version for $8.


This issue cover the wonderful wood epoxy design and building process by Chesapeake Light Craft, a story of a couple who quit their jobs to travel in their homemade teardrop trailer, and the amazing designs of the English Caravan Co.

Friday Teardrop Photo

Viewing all 268 articles
Browse latest View live