Yesterday, I mentioned I went to check out something I’m thinking of buying! It’s a Little Guy Teardrop Camper! The manufacturer is located in Massillon, Ohio and they’re built by Amish craftsmen. You can find a dealer in 35 of the States.
These used to be popular back in the 50′s and have just recently begun to take off again because of the high gas prices. Weighing in under 1000 lbs., most vehicles, even small cars like my Honda Civic, can tow them! Although my car is rated to tow 1000 lbs., when you get all of your stuff into one, I’d prefer to be under that weight!
I want to take a road trip…stay for free occasionally in Wal-Mart parking lots…when I’m not staying at campgrounds. Perhaps through North Carolina to the coast…down to Charleston…Savannah…Destin Beach, Florida…New Orleans and then on down to Florida. My friends laugh when I say I might stay in Wal-Mart parking lots!
This is the Silver Shadow model. It has the most features and the largest price tag.
The 5-Wide Platform is 5-ft. wide inside (imagine that)–queen size bed–and as you can see has a sink and built-in propane stove.
The Little Guy Joey weighs in at less than 500 lbs. and at $5,000 is quite affordable. The kitchen counter folds down when not in use. The dimensions of this one are 4′x7′ with a full size bed… so when I laid down in it my feet were hitting the kitchen table (remember I’m 5’11″ tall). They make a 4′x8′, but I think it’s a bit too small and I would rather have a sink.
This is the silver shadow interior…
After scouring the internet for a couple of days, I found the Nestegg Campers out in California. They weigh 700 lbs. and range in price, depending upon extras, from $10,000 to $11,000. You have to wait a couple of months for them to make one for you.
Serro Scotty is very similar to the following Prolites below, but they weigh 960 lbs. and I’m trying to keep it below 800!
There’s a company in Canada called Prolite and I was really excited to find them. As you can see from the below brochure, you can cook and do dishes inside and they have a lot of standard features. I like the idea of being able to put your feet on the floor inside.
The Eco is $15,000 (Canadian dollars) (750 lbs.), but the Cool 13 is only $12,500 and 850 lbs. Those prices are including the extra $1500 they charge for misc.
There is an even lighter model called the Suite that looks similar to the Eco, weighs 550 lbs. and is only $8,500.00.
Here’s the inside…
I would have to drive 9 hours to Canada to pick it up. What’s a girl to do?
P.S. I’m also thinking of just taking my trusty tent and camping!
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Want one!
I feel you!!
Enjoy the ride!!
I didn’t purchase it. But it does look like fun!
Totall!y adorable. I’ve always wanted one of those.
They are cute!
Sounds super fun! North Carolina is so beautiful! Thank you for posting the weight variations available and visiting my blog and liking my antique frames post
It is so beautiful! You’re welcome and thanks for taking time to comment!!
Absolutely!
This looks really cool, Sherry.
Thanks…I didn’t buy one, but almost!
Great! You wouldn’t go stir-crazy with this little gem, you’d just go outside!
Yes..unless it was raining. Thanks for stopping by!
Those tdrop”s are so cool.
Yes they are! Thanks for stopping by!!
Oh no-no-no! Too small. You’ll go stir-crazy!
I’ve decided to Couchsurf and camp!
Smart!
This is awesome! I have seen this somewhere before or something similar. Maybe on your Pinterest page… travel in a box!
Yes…now I’ve decided to go a different direction…buying a mini-van!
You can still store all of your stuff in there, although you won’t have the kitchen. Heck, who wants to cook anyway on vacation!
Actually, I still plan on taking a small grill and coleman stove for when I camp.
ok, if I ever go camping with you, you get to cook! I’ll clean.
Sounds good to me!
My condo has a lots of parking!!!! Yay!!!! Lets talk about WHEN!!!!!
Can’t wait to meet you!
My vote is for you to make the trip to Canada. You are an adventurous sort and Canada really is nothing compared to some of the places you have been. Of course it would make a difference where in Canada. Hopefully, close enough for us to meet.
Well…I’ve decided to buy a mini-van. I was nervous about having to tow something all the time and for a few other reasons…so this makes sense for me. Maybe this summer I’ll get to come visit! xoxo
Extremely cool … but not for me – not a camper or caravan girl. Don’t know why. Can’t see the fun with doing the same things as at home in a much smaller space – really like the whole idea for people that enjoy camping … great photos too. You suit in one. *smile
It’s not for everyone.
Sherrie – You are such a Travel Spirit!! I can’t believe you are going to do a big road trip, but if you’re near Atlanta, you HAVE to come see me! I hope you find the vehicle you’re looking for, but whatever you buy, please be sure it’s safe when you’re in there sleeping. Meaning…NOT a tent!
We love your posts too much to risk the author!! xoxoox b
Betty – Thanks so much for worrying for my safety! I’ve decided to buy a mini-van. I’m tweaking the itinerary right now. I thought of driving to Ashville, N.C….then onto Charleston…etc. But, if you’re in town I could swing by Atlanta! When I know for sure the dates, I’ll call you! I’m so excited!
Hi Sherry,
Before you buy a teardrop, I hope you’ll consider this suggestion. For the same kind of money, you could have your feet on the floor when you want. Stand up, even, stove, sink, refrigerator, closet, TWO double beds, big enough for someone 6’2″ tall, two comfortable chairs, table, storage, and more. Also, two fewer tires to replace. You can camp not only in WalMart parking lots, but on city streets and in national parks and on BLM lands. You would always have everything with you, can park anywhere, including regular parking spaces, metered or not, etc.
To see what I’m talking about, click on
http://afarnsworthaday.wordpress.com/under-a-wandering-star/
and see what I’m talking about. It would be ideal for a trip like you’re considering. Besides, when you’re finished with it, if you ever are, you can probably sell it for what you paid for it!
To follow my recent adventures across New Mexico, Arizona and California, click here,
http://afarnsworthaday.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/earring-daily-painting-598/
Wishing you Happy Travels and Best of Luck,
John
John – I can’t believe it’s you! I’ve thought of you occasionally and wondered how you were doing! Can you believe I’ve changed my direction of thought today….and have been looking at buying a mini-van! There aren’t many VW Westfalias around, so I’m thinking of a Chevy…maybe an astro. I hope to leave within 10 days…haven’t packed or anything yet. Just need to hit the road! Hope to talk to you soon! xoxoxo
Here is what i have been looking at http://www.sylvansport.com but it’s more a tent I guess. I like being able to tote my bikes along too
Those look really cool! I’m changing my direction already…thinking of buying a mini-van to sleep in, etc.!
I’m up for a road trip! If you decide to go to Canada, I’ll go with you. We can explore the town, when we get there.
Thanks Cindy!
Hi there,
They’re really cute little [and not so little for some] things, aren’t they? Have you ever been to the blog “Travels with the Blonde Coyote”? She travels around in one, too. Check it out, if you want, here http://theblondecoyote.com/2012/03/12/teardrop-dreams/ & here http://theblondecoyote.com/2012/03/30/introducing-the-still-to-be-named-teardrop/.
Take care, and have a great weekend,
Pit
P.S.: I’m very curious as to what your final decision will be.
I’ll check it out! Thanks!
There is actually one of these dealers (Prolite) about 30 minutes from my town….. if you come to Canada you should stop by my perffect little town of Stratford, Ontario. You would love it here!
That’s the dealer I would go to if I got one. So if I decide to…I’ll definitely let you know!
What a perfect name — Nest Egg! Just the name makes me want one.
Cozy, comfy and safe!
I have recently become obsessed with these campers, too. Thanks for the great info.
You’re welcome! I popped over to your blog…love it!
They are so cute!
I know…I’m a little obsessed!
Very cool! Love your blog.
Thank you very much!! Yours too!