I've built myself a little camping trailer. These are called "teardrops" because of their unique aerodynamic teardrop shape. They are lightweight and can be pulled by practically any automobile. These became popular in the 1940's and 1950's and kind of went by the wayside when people wanted bigger and bigger RV's with all the luxuries of human life. Teardrops are making a come-back as people realize that they don't feel comfortable paying-at-the-pump like they used to. Also, there are more and more people venturing out-of-doors and they want to enjoy the beauty of nature that the outdoors has to offer. Many people prefer to not sleep in a tent on the ground, and would go camping a lot more often if they could just take their bed and maybe even their kitchen with them.
Teardrop camping trailers typically have two main compartments: the sleeping cabin, and the galley. The sleeping cabin is accessed by the two side doors. Mine happens to be bamboo-lined and large enough for a queen-sized mattress, storage cabinets (of course) fore and aft, sliding windows, a moon-roof, a ventilator fan, main lighting and reading lighting, and electrical receptacles, both 110 volt AC and 12 volt DC, for your laptop and phone charger and other essential camping gear. The galley (kitchen) is accessed by the rear hatch. The countertop is solid bamboo butcher block. There are stacks of drawers of all sizes filling up the space below the counter. Above the counter sits the propane camp stove and of course, the coffee-maker. There are 110 volt AC and 12 volt DC receptacles in the galley, too.
I can plug my teardrop into "shore" power while at home or away at an established campground. This powers the 110 volt circuits and also energizes the power converter/battery charger. This provides the 12 volt power and also keeps the deep-cycle battery charged. My interior lighting has LED bulbs so very little current is drawn. Even while I'm away from shore power I can use them for days and days.
Some people like pop-up trailers. I prefer the minimal set-up required with the teardrops. I just put some food in an ice chest, hitch up the tear, and go. We have a lot of mild evenings in Austin. Many of these fine evenings I like to sleep outside. Now I just unlock the door and hop in. There's nothing simpler.
I am taking orders for custom teardrops. Can I make one for you?
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