You DON'T Need all That! Tour of the Most Basic Fiberglass Trailer
You don't need all those bells and whistles on your teardrop trailer. You need something that can be towed by any vehicle, has a one piece fiberglass shell for protection from water damage, and a cabin big enough to sleep two people. Everything else, is more of a need than a want. Yes, there are better fiberglass trailers out there in terms of offroad capability, size, and components, but remember these features often come with highly diminishing returns. Keep it simple, lightweight, and easily maintanable those are key ingredients for a good camping experience.
With this one piece fiberglass shell they elminated the seams in the trailer not only keeping out moisture, but also preventing separation of joints which are caused by loosening of screws and glue over time. This one piece shell also means much less maintenance over the lifetime of the trailer. And then you have the lightweight body and frame. Most smaller vehicles require a trailer under 1,000lbs. This trailer at 880lbs meets that need. And if light offroading is needed to make it to your future campsites, you are in luck as they make both a highway model and an offroad version of this teardrop camper.
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My first thought is I wish they would enclose the back where you can see the mattress. If you cook or make coffee and spill something your bed could quickly end up with food and water on it.
I had a feeling people would be split on this feature. Thanks for sharing your thoughts John.
@@PlayingwithSticks thank you for doing the review. I still like the concept. They clearly went for super light weight, strong, and water proof. All good things. I am guessing lite weight is partly why they may have left that section out. I like it in ways, but I would not cook there.
Not to mention, bears are a thing. The last thing you want is food smells where you sleep. So are mosquitoes. Hard pass.
@@johnowens8530 Someday I hope with the invention of new materials that there will be less trade-offs in a build. Wouldn't it be great to have a lightweight trailer that can do it all! A man can dream....
Well, if you're short like me 5'5" you could always make a removable wall and get a shorter mattress. This way you could still access from the inside or through the hatch.
Really cool teardrop, 1 piece design is great along with the simplicity. Light weight can tow with just about anything. Excellent ground clearance. I agree with your criticism about the fake exterior window, really thought a first it had a stargazer. Great interview Drew.
Like you I thought it was real as well. Haha.
This is a sweet little camping trailer. Thanks for showing us around. Happy Camping!
I don't know what's left to say about you Drew. I'm almost exhausted throwing accolades your way. So let us (my wife also) just say we love your channel & will continue to support you. If you ever decide to run for the Presidency, you have my wife & my vote. Keep up the outstanding work my friend. Have a great day!! Cheers!! Illinois, USA
I got such a kick out of this comment. Thank you so much! Maybe I can start with city council. Haha.
This kind of reminds me of the very first teardrop I ever saw--The Little Guy. As soon as I saw two sitting on the parking lot of a truck specialties company in town, it ignited the dream of having a teardrop to take my son camping. I was never crazy about carpet on the walls of teardrops, but I have one with carpet, and I have to admit I love it. I don't have trouble with condensation (into the 20s anyway), and I use Velcro for everything.
I felt the same way as you when I got my first teardrop. I had to add the carpet to save costs and to hide some imperfections. But, boy was I surprised at how much I enjoyed having it. Great seeing you Cherly!
The only thing I would change is for the galley cook top to slide out like a dresser drawer would.
Mine is also has carpeted walls. Do love that Velcro.
The carpet adds coziness
@@marywelch2998 you are right. It feels like a comfy cocoon in there. My dog loves it too. It is too bad she hates the car.
Thanks Drew! This is a nice little trailer for the minimalist tear drop camper!
Thank you so much for this Brad! Always nice hearing from you. Coffee has been lacking the last two weeks. But we are hoping to get our coffee maker back up in running in a few days. Now to decide what bag of coffee is on Brad!
@@PlayingwithSticks Crank that coffee maker up!!!☕️
Thank you for posting.
You are most welcome my friend! Good seeing you on here.
Nice seeing you again! 😊
Same to you. It never gets old.
@@PlayingwithSticks Thank you. 😊
Galley open to the sleeping area ... BUGS!
You are the second person to mention this. Thank you Dean! Love hearing what people are seeing.
My first thought! And if it's raining/misty when you're cooking or whatever, your bedding will get damp.
@@maxinemead8918 I didn't even think about that. Thank you for sharing.
They'd be smart to toss a magnetic no see um net across that foot well with a plastic rain shroud on a couple bungees for the rain
@butchgreene8718 I like that idea!
Nice little trailer at this price point. A really great entry for people shifting to a teardrop life. I like seeing companies producing single shell fiberglass and keep the price under 20K. Gives so many people this option. I’m with you on the storage below your prep space. A big drawer or two drawers would be better. Nowhere to keep the cooler in the trailer. That means I have to lift a full cooler out of my tow vehicle and move to my galley area. My other con would be the galley opening to the sleep space. Seems like the perfect way to get a lot of bugs in your sleep space while cooking. I would want a sliding door, screen or pop up door to close this off.
I keep wondering if they have a screen, but forgot to mention it during the walkthrough.
The DIY potential of this lil' guy is AMAZING. The weight, versatility, reliability is awesome!
Hey my friend. Good seeing you on here.
Another great video! I love bare bones platforms because I like building it out exactly how I'd want...but bare bones should mean a great deal too 😂 My Intech Explorer was about 20k and absolutely clears this trailer while maxing out at 3000lbs which any vehicle short of a family sedan can tow.
Suggestion: replace the lift up top in the galley with a drawer that slides out. That way you dont have to remove cooking gear from the top when you want to access the stuff underneath. Dont think yhat would add significantly to the cost.
I like that suggestion.
I was about to say the same thing! That would solve the galley issue. :)
Perfect for one person.
Yes, this would make a great solo traveler trailer.
I wish you had posted this a couple months sooner. I was looking for a composite camper. And couldn't find anything near me. I ended up finding American Teardrops. Not composite but when finished in a few weeks will be a beautiful fully loaded camper at a very reasonable price. I love your channel. Be blessed
Cool camper. One change that must be made. Replace the gallery storage to a drawer instead of a lift top..
These look just like the original Little Guys. I never liked the exposed bed at the back door, but his suggestion of using duffles back there was a good one.
So great that this came along since the MYPOD stopped being manufactures, great vid, Sabidee
Oh wow, I didn't realize the Mypod was out of production. Thank you for sharing this. Sabidee to you as well! Love it!
@@PlayingwithSticks 2023 last year of production, sucks, nice simple camper...with A/C
@@s.porter8646 That is a bummer. Again, thanks for sharing.
@@PlayingwithSticks Thanx for making awsomeness videos Khidthung Khun
@@s.porter8646 I don't know about awesome. Haha. But, I do enjoy making them. I'm excited for this next season of videos.
I really love this camper overall. Sweet and simple with lots of room for customization! I like the idea if the fiberglass as well. I agree that the price is hard to swallow, but I'll be on the lookout for a used one!
Yes, prices in 2024 are just hard to swallow. It is so crazy to think this trailer is actually on the lower end of the pricing scale.
I agree! Prices for everything is just crazy. But worth it for the adventure!
I love the one piece fiberglass design, the nice light weight, the size of the doors, the front window, the open back end which could easily be modified to be covered with an easy to make bug screen, or a piece diy wallboard as needed. I like the extra room there for the pets as well. The cooking issue is also easily solved by using a side table or place the stove in a pan in case your cooking boils over or spills. Maybe the back counter can be made into a pull out shelf instead of the entire lid lift up, or split the lid to open in sections. 😊🎉
@@jlscielo I like your take on this trailer. Thank you for taking the time to break down what you like. I appreciate it.
I think the price is very reasonable. The smallest Helio trailer at a dealer near me sells for 20,000 Canadian dollars and if you are 6'2 you cannot stretch out in it.
Great little camper, id add on a flyscreen from gally down to tailgate...i live in australia...lotsa bugs...this is great 😊
Drew i love the euro window and the oversized doors. Wish they wouldve shown more of the standard Camp Kat as well. I agree on the kitchen. A slideout drawer was needed. The storage cabinet ruined it for me. Like buying a camera. They give you a few major features you want but always leave you hanging on other features due to price points. Good video Drew.
I believe visually the standard is the exact same, minus the fenders.
In the camera world they love to cripple their cameras. Drive's me crazy. I get why they do it. But, I sure wish they wouldn't.
I agree with that storage area in the back should be a pull out door instead of a lift up one. This way you can still access your storage and everything on top.
Turn the galley light on at night and you have a thousand bugs in the cabin. Seal it off.
That is a good point. I wonder if they have some sort of meshing that goes over that section that Sean forgot to mention during the walkthrough. If not, that would be the first thing I added. Thanks for catching that.
Citronella candles = no bugs
I really like the large doors -- wonder if adding some grab bars would make it wheelchair accessible. Not sure about the open back -- looks like a good bug entry entry point, though adding screening wouldn't be too hard. I was confused by the fake front window -- I would spring for a real one.
I like your suggestion on the grab bars. Especially beings there are not a lot of teardrops out there with nice sized doors. And I think you are the 3rd person to mention the bugs. Thanks for catching that. As for the window, luckily there is an option to upgrade it to a true stealth window.
I don't know about build quality because there aren't a lot of reviews for them (hint, hint!), but Droplet Trailers bills their trailers as being more accessible. They also offer rentals in several states and BC, for those who may be curious. I've seen two in the wild near us, but they're always leaving the parking lot as I'm pulling in. 😂
@@stephanieselmann5956 I have had quite a few requests for a review. Unfortunately this one is a bit harder for me to track down in the wild.
I’d love to see a recap of other similar trailers in a similar price range.
I kind of have that video coming. I filmed it last summer. I have it scheduled to come out June 13.
Pretty cool 😎
Hi my friend!
@@PlayingwithSticks Hello, my friend. 😊
I was surprised that the roof rack can only support 100 lbs. I think my Runaway Camper can support 300+
Yes, I was surprised as well. I wonder if they are just being overly cautious?
Cheaply built
@@fastdude2002 Can you elaborate?
The static load refers to what the roof rack can hold while you are bouncing down the highway. I don't recall seeing a rating of much more than 150 lbs on either my Yakima rack or others I have looked at.. They also factor in what most car roofs can support as well. The load capacity is much higher when you are sitting still. That is why a rack can support a roof top tent with people sleeping in it when it is parked.
@@steveogilvie5203 Um, sorry, but that's not quite right. Dynamic load is when the vehicle or camper is moving. Static load is when the vehicle is standing still.
Would love more advice/tips for camping with two little ones. Best campers for a family of 4!
Ahhh..it’s like a fiberglass version of the Little Guy Rascal I had maybe 10 years ago. I loved that Rascal - and I could tow it with my Ford Fiesta 😂
Is that the original 5 wide from Little Guy, with just a different name? Or is that a completely different trailer?
@@PlayingwithSticks I don’t think so. Smaller than the 5 wide. If you think of the trailer you just showed, but made from wood, that was the Rascal. Very tiny. Definitely for one person. Just a shelf in the back. Weighed maybe 900 pounds. Very low ceiling; No sitting up inside. It was great, until it wasn’t. I sold it after a week long camping trip where it rained nonstop for days. Not for the claustrophobic.
@@cathystewart2268 Oh, okay. Thank you. I have defintely never seen that trailer. Sounds fun, until it wasn't. Haha.
The price is the killer !
Little things about trailers show a certain mindset that is very myopic - there's a battery, but it's a car battery, not a Jackery. I've seen tv antennas and cable TV ports, but no cell boosters or wifi repeaters. 12v outlets, but no USB charging ports. Do these manufacturers know what year it is?
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts Kurt. Im surprised I haven't seen more comments like this one over the years.
It is a nice little trailer for what it is and that is a trailer that is very basic and with very few 'disappointments'. If anything, it will positively surprise its owners as they use it. That is the type of trailer that I think this is. I have to agree with Drew. His number one 'con' was exactly as I thought. I think that they would be better to charge a little more and have a large slide out drawer than a top opening lid. Other than that, I think that if you are in North America and are looking for something simple and more comfortable than a tent or simply want a small secondary trailer to go somewhere the night before to watch a sunrise in some scenic spot and then come home, then this is a versatile option for a variety of people.
I like your take on this trailer. Thank you for taking the time to share it Andrew. I always appreciate your comments.
Having owned a fully loaded off road square-drop I got rid of...I'm convinced these basic level teardrops are the only ones that make any sense ....this reminds me of the DoDrop by Oregon Trailer. which I also like.
It was the DoDrop that kind of shook me back to reality. Seeing it reminded me how I got started with teardrops in the first place. I think it was the dodrop that paved the way for me to choose the Bean Stock 2.0.
@@PlayingwithSticks I didn’t know you bought a 2.0. I saw your review however, it was very good.
@johnowens8530 I just made the decision less than a month ago. When that video came out, I was still waiting to see what changes Bean was going to make. They did a good job addressing the little issues that I was nitpicking.
@@PlayingwithSticks I have been considering one for myself. I haven’t found many owner reviews. I am sure once you have had it longer you will do a follow up. I will look forward to seeing it.
That opening in the back is so...odd. so, even if you close the doors - if it is raining, it gets wet inside if the back is up... same with bugs... flying right on in. I think I rather just sleep in the tow vehicle and save the $$$$.. 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
I would add a car tent to the back. Store the tent, chairs, extra stuff. Attach the car tent and you will have no bugs + plenty of space to sit with no bugs in your sitting area, too. So, I think the Camp Kat is great.
Good to see you again Drew. I really like this one. More of a spartan look.
Yes, quite simple isn't it. Good to see you as well. I had a feeling I would see you soon.
@@PlayingwithSticks Hope you and the family are doing well.Take care my friend.
@@kebeaux6546 We are finally getting back in the swing of things. I even think we may get a kitchen and bathroom sink this week. Woot woot! Baby steps. Haha. But, feels really good to have a home base again. May says she is so much more excited for camping this year knowing we have a place to return to. I agree, it sounds pretty nice! Hope is all is well with your family also. You take care too my friend.
@@PlayingwithSticks Glad to hear you'll have a home base again. We had a taste of summer this week. High temp of 95 a couple of days ago. Have to admit, I stayed close to the AC. I still have the clippers ready for you if summer gets too hot to handle and you need a buzzcut.
I can wait til it gets hotter. :-)
Do a video on Black Bear Overland Trailers, really impressive quality.
Small & simple, but the price was twice what I was expecting.
I think unfortunately that is due to 2024 pricing. I can't think of any fiberglass trailer out there that comes in less than this. Like you, the price shocked me, but then I had to remember it was 2024. Haha.
@@PlayingwithSticks I found a German company Kleox that makes one for about €5000 ($5400), but it’s not available here at this time. It is also even more basic - there is no galley. It’s a fiberglass Kleenex-box cover. 😊
@@zackdemundo That trailer sounds right up my alley. I like the price and the material.
I'd love to try one out, I'm 6'5" and I fit in my T@G, but I really like the format of this one. Would really have to try one out first though, it looks abit tight.
I like the lightweight and big doors, galley looks nice. I don’t get why it doesn’t have solar built in and the logo is something I’d feel embarrassed dragging down the road if I’m being honest. I’m an adult and would prefer adult badging. 😂
Haha. I get the logo comment. They actually can take it off for you. I have seen their Meerkat trailers leave the factory without the logo if needed.
@@PlayingwithSticks oh that’s good, it’s like something you’d find in a children’s nursery 😂
Very usable! The galley cupboard would be nice if the front of it dropped down to a shelf so you could access what's inside while cooking as well as have a bit more flat surface. I like it!
I like your suggestion. That would be neat! I also wouldn't mind if the entire galley wall came out similar to what we saw with the Rift carbon fiber teardrop trailer.
I saw that also! Good flexibility there!
Great video. Very well narrated. I may be the odd ball here but i would love to see longer versions of these videos. These are very well made and I’m always let wanting to see more! Hah but I don’t know the logistics and what all goes into making them. Thanks God Bless
You sound like me. I like a longer format as well. But, the community I have noticed prefers them a bit shorter. I like getting every little detail I can.
@@PlayingwithSticks for sure I’m definitely more fanatical. Totally understand!
I totally agree with you about the galley storage area being inconvenient. Plus having the entire rear of the camper open and exposed is downright STUPID! Don’t these people camp where there are bugs? That’s a real problem having that opening. Honestly, if l actually wanted a small lightweight off road trailer l would get the Oregon Trail R Do Drop
Yes, like you, I love the little DoDrop.
@@PlayingwithSticks..The Do Drop is a true off road vehicle and does everything right
I like the basic simplicity. As others have noted, the galley "footwell" needs blocked off to prevent bugs, spillage and general goop from getting in. I'm just learning about weight dispersal on towables, so i also question having the "footwell" open. Wouldn't there be a tendency to overload the back end? I would like to see the bottom of the door be just an inch or two higher. I forget which brand it was , but with higher door, there's less chance of bedding falling out. I think this would be a nice transition from tent to off the ground sleeping.
I'm also thinking that the carpeting would add sound insulation.
Yes, good point. It definitely does.
Can you change out a standard ball hitch for an articulating hitch later if you find yourself actually needing it? I know you often say most people that get them don’t need them so it is possible to change it later and if so how much would that cost roughly?
How many teardrops are seamless, single piece molds now? I know bean and now the camp kat. Can you make a seamless teardrop playlist?
Good question. Off the top of my mind you have the tiny little Helios. On the top end of the market, you have bean trailer and Escapod. The my pod I believe was discontinued. Somebody told us this week that it was last produced for 2023. And at the moment, those are the only ones I know of.
Thoughtful build. Would be easy to travel multiple places in one trip given the weight and ground clearance. Minimalist with fewer things to tinker with and maintain.
You described this build very well. Thanks Mary.
Nice video. I always like to watch your videos twice, to be able to see things that may not have seen before. Good parts, I like the weight to axle ratio. On those off-road trips it would give a bit smoother ride for the cabin. I have always liked the one piece fiberglass cabins as well. As you know I always like to look at the frame. And I do not see any cross framing which is very concerning. The distance from the tongue to the cabin mounts which I hope have a cross brace, looks to be many feet. And the Box doesn't cut it as a bracing. As for cooking, I'm wondering if you would have a spill problem and having any mess run into your cabin although a handyman would make a nice box down there to hold other gear. 7 ft enables you to put a nice thin box in the back. I may sound like I don't care for it but in actuality, I do. I think it is a great platform to add things to make it more personal. And it's a Bare Bones platform to build upon. Love your videos as always! Much love to you and your family!
Good eyes. I appreciate how kind you are being here. But, if you and I were being completely open and honest we would both agree that the offroad version was probably more of an after thought. Meaning, they built the original with those beautiful retro fiberglass fenders, and then the "offroad" craze hit! You see a lot of manufacturers making a much more gravel "soft road" capable trailer to meet this need. And I think that is where this trailer falls. I think it would excel where we go looking for campsites at BLM and National Forest land mixed with occasional, slow crawl offroad moments to get where needed. I appreciate your keen eye with the frame. That was a very good observation. You know I truly appreciate the thought you put into these comments. I always look forward to hearing from you.
I do agree 100% on the off-road craze that trailer manufacturers tried to jump on. I am very glad you did the close-up of the undercarriage. And yes, it would be great for a gravel road. It's more like a tent on wheels.
@@sierramantrvlnus3640 I've been trying to make sure I capture that undercarriage shot better in the future. It is a really hard shot to get with a gimbal. I think I need to just get under there and take a few static shots.
Thanks for the video! Wish I could be a bit more excited about this model but for me I just think the width is too small for two. Maybe if the two cuddle or don’t move much. I also found the fake stick on window decal ridiculous. Offer a real window or leave it off.
I think many people would agree with you. Yes, we had a 4 foot wide teardrop and slept a family of 4 in it. Crazy as that sounds, but we do now prefer 5 feet wide. I do like to remind people though that beds sleep much bigger in a teardrop because you can sleep right up next to the wall. For example a 5 wide is a queen, but it feels much larger. A queen at home once you get close to the edge it starts to get soft and not sleep as well. Too close and you roll off. In a camper it feels comfortable all the way up to the wall.
@@PlayingwithSticks Very good point about the benefit of the wall. Makes complete sense.
A little expensive for what is pretty much a shell. I would have figured in the $4000-$5000 range. With that being said, I already have all the camping gear I need and it's just me. Maybe my wife might join in for a night. The only thing I would add would be solar on the roof. And an awning, but that may push the 100lb limit. I hate packing wet tents. So this would be perfect if weather rolls in , and I would not have to keep packing and unpacking my SUV (which is my daily driver).
Your camping style is exactly the type of camper I was picturing for this trailer. Thank you for sharing.
Please say hi to May and the boys for me. 😊
I just told them hi. They say hi back.
@@PlayingwithSticks 😁
Drew, you know me, keep it simple and enjoy more. Love this simplistic features of the trailer, but fit and finish is also a big deal. Something about seeing exposed wires makes me cringe.
I agree with you. As for those exposed wires, I probably could have used a better shot. That was your common fantastic fan. I assume the trim ring just came loose or was not installed at all. I actually didn't even notice it on the first pass of the edit.
I kinda thought there may be a trim ring missing or something. Let’s be honest a one piece shell, lightweight, and simple is still a pretty nice teardrop.
@@FreysOnTheSide Agreed! Great seeing you Matt! I saw a comment somewhere where you said you and I need to meet up next summer. I had poor internet that day and then never could find the comment again. I really like that idea. At the moment with the big life change back to the States I am completely swamped. We just moved back into the home officially 3 days ago. No water yet, but we have beds and half the house has lights. We are utilizing our camping gear well in there. Haha. All that to say life is a bit chaotic this year. But, if you and I (and our families) don't get to meet up this summer we will have to MAKE it happen next summer for sure.
Dang, those are a bit much imo. I’m sure there are people that will buy, but that’s a lot for bare bones. I bought a nice off-road 6x10 last year for 11k. I’m sure they’re more now, but it’s tough loaded and well thought out. 16k would make me seriously consider a used regular travel trailer.
Glad to hear you got a 6x10 at a good price. Like you said, it probably isn't that price today.
Oh i forgot the reason i want it opened to use the tear drop for hauling stuff when not camping. I think the Road Toad Tote is still number one. 73
That Road Toad Tote is pretty neat. That has been in our top 3 since we first saw it.
I love it when companies include long beds!! Just wish it was a little wider so you won't be squished when sleeping 2 people.
Yes, I think they would benefit from bumping this up to a 5 wide version.
Not too bad for a one piece fiberglass camper. I was thinking just what you said about the rear hidden storage. 100 pounds on the roof would probably only be 1 kayak. That Kat……I think it is a Meerkat. 😸😸
Good point on the kayak. And take in wind sheer even one may be too much if that truly can only support 100lbls. But, I have a guess they were just being overly cautious with that rating.
Make that shelf in the back a drawer instead of a door that lifts.
This! What they have now is unusable
Other than it is obvious that the trailer is not meant for colder weather. The one thing that I would be concerned about for me, is the open access to the inside of the trailer from the rear. Basically, I would be concerned about bugs getting inside the trailer while you have the back open.
Thanks for sharing.
I'll stick with my Runaway RangeRunner. 😊
That is a great choice as well! LOVE that camper.
How is your runaway? I heard that there are leaks and quality isn't as good but that was a couple years ago.
@@michaellaserre1624 Ours is the newer design that is all composite. It's a lightweight and simple design that allows us to use all the gear we already had.
@@michaellaserre1624 We have never heard this on the channel. As crazy as this comment sounds you are the first to say anything like this.
@@PlayingwithSticks Good to hear. It was before they switched to the no wood build. Sounds like there have been no leaks. Love to hear that.
I would want it completely open no shelf. They make screens for biting bugs you can burn some of raid coils they really do work. I slept outside with a friend under a car port shelter and not one bug was buzzing around. 73
I would like that layout as well. Or one where the galley wall is removable. Have you seen that layout in our Rift Carbon Fiber trailer video?
@@PlayingwithSticks I will check it out right now the toad tote has my vote. 73
With the current geopolitical world environment you better start Imagining military/defence applications for this trailer setup ( Dry , Rust resistance ,light , large ground clearance ). NATO ,North Africa ,India and South East Asia . All the MODs are buying whatever they possibly can . Good luck . 🦅 .
I just saw the outrage on Instagram when Bean posted their $16k price for their teardrop. People went insane 😂😂. About 5 million people said it should cost $3k at most and most of them could build “a mattress on wheels” for $1.5k. Pay attention Bean.
Gimme ideas. Car: Subaru Forester 2018 (1500 lb tow), budget: max. $1800. Handy with tools and okay with slow upgrades later. Prefer: some form of restroom. Some height for being able to put pants standing?? Maybe?? 2 adults. Thanks.
I may not need all that but I do need at least a 4 inch wider cabin and I would prefer an extra foot width. And I reckon that galley storage would have been much better implemented as a giant drawer. With that said, I am massively impressed by the CampKat and I would kill for one here in Australia. We need more simple, cheap and high quality options like it over here because it seems like most of the compact campers are packed with every feature including a kitchen sink that drive cost and weight up and most have a rooftop tent, which is not bad but not as nice as having a solid roof.
It's been a while since I have seen you on here. Great hearing from you. I don't think I ever realized you were from Australia.
Alucab just released a roof top tent that fits the 100lb weight limit on roof rack/cross bars
Even a lightweight tent will exceed the capacity when the tent is occupied by one or more humans 😊
While, that won't work for this trailer. It is great to know! Thank you for sharing this.
Perfect for no mass 5th dimension campers!
My MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent is bigger and weighs 4 lbs. Freestanding and bulletproof.
That's neat.
Good review 👍 I think you were too kind on the fit and finish considering the price. Yes fiberglass is great but they need to step it up a bit IMHO. Cheers
Good seeing you buddy! I don't know if I was too kind. It might be those 2024 prices shocking us. For example, if we compared this to a Bean or Escapod, it's nearest cousins we are comparing a $12K teardrop to $30K+ teardrop. I think builder grade fit and finish should come in around this price. If they shored it all up to look like a Bean, then this would probably fetch $20K.
For the price, I get it. If I was looking for a new low-cost camp setup, you could possibly put your fridge in the open space plug it into a portable power supply
Yes, I think a fridge would fit there well.
Too small but i like its simplicity
I can haul it with my cross trek
Yes.
Finally! I know what that battle feels like. Trying to find a small camper that fits well behind a tow vehicle can be a game of patience.
"more of a want than a need"
Good point. Beings we were homeless the past four years, it might’ve been a bit of a need 🤣 but yes, definitely a want
This one is more old school teardrop but with the beauty of one piece construction. No more seam maintenance. The bad part of owning of my 2014 Little Guy Tailgater. I like it.
Good way of describing it! Have you had to do much seam maintenance over the years? Most folks I meet say once every 5 years. I found with my teardrop I had to do caulking once every 2-3 years. If I did just patch caulking then it was an annual ordeal.
@@PlayingwithSticks At first I was just patch chalking , but then did a real all over job and it has been a couple years. But it's probably time again this summer. LOL
@@1cosmocat Thanks for sharing. I wanted to see if it lined up with my previous experiences. Sounds like we are pretty similar.
Is it South African?
I need that then carry a dirt bike. 😅
I like this trailer, just a little more than a rode toad, I’d rather have this for the money
Good eye. That is exactly how I see it. Just a step up from the road toad in terms of construction methods and design.
Looks a little like mine, but mine is way better . Like always great review
I would love to hear more. What trailer do you tow?
@PlayingwithSticks I had it taylor made and you help me decide the things I wanted and needed. How can I send you a picture?
I like everything I see, the cons listed don't bother me, but unfortunately the bed/interior width is really narrow, too small for me and my wife. 3'10"? Really? Would need at least 6 more inches to be any type of comfortable.
That seems to be a deal breaker for a number of folks.
Why even have screens on the windows when mosquitos can fly into your bedroom while you cooking/prepping food????
Haha. Well, when you put it that way.
Come on $12,000 for a fiberglass shell with wheels and a couple of doors? Wow
These are great but they can’t figure out prices. I made one completely custom. Cost 2200.00 in materials. Where is all this money going besides the corporate pockets? That is why it will never take off. Corporate greed at its finest. Mine is all aluminum. Will never rust or rot. And 2200.00 not 30,000.00
Hard to beat diy these days. There waas a time about 5 years ago where you could buy a basic trailer for not much more than what it would cost to build it on your own. Today, that rarely is the case.
I feel like the galley is a split between the Road Toad and the Road Toad Abode in the dumbest way possible. I prefer a pass through, not open feet. The lost me at the 100 lb roof rack. My Escape has a 100 lb roof rack limit. My Yakima Skybox 16 weighs 47 lbs, my overlanding shower weighs 16, I am REALLY hamstrung on weight and it stinks. My deal-breaker is I have to bw able to immediately make a meal and immediately sleep at any time, but if I have to load heavy camp furniture into the trailer to haul it? No thanks. And I had hopes because Little Guy is local.
I am always hopeful that these videos will lead to change. Who knows we may see a Campkat in the near future that addresses these issues.
@PlayingwithSticks agreed. But the tyranny of mucking about with a luggage scale to get just 53 lbs in the roof is NOT a thing I want to mess with in a teardrop. Being hamstrung to 37 lbs curently means it's toilet paper, paper towels, and bedding that lives up there presently. This trailer will be ideal for some, but I would expect better from Little Guy. At every turn I still think I would sooner go Bean or Road Toad when it comes down to the details. I like the placement of the wired in electricity better on a Road Toad as well if you go for that option. Another place where this falls flat *IS* the electricity. I feel like it doesn't really work as a true off-grid option because of it.
and has a galley really though? does it even need a galley? There are people who would be fine with just a butane stove. not even using a fridge/freezer... just bringing water. in jerry cans. making coffee inside the camper, boiling water, then leaving the camper and doing everything outside for the day before coming back to sleep. lighting from puck lights, not even needing heat or ac. if a case did come up where they needed heat, bringing a buddy heater in. if they needed power for something bring a solar generator and portable panels at this point the campes little more then a more secure tent... Allowing for camping in area's with harsher storms, wild animals and such. no seems Here's something to think about. no way for water to get in... but what about water getting out? you can have cases where its a horrible downpour you run outside go to the galley and open it up, grab stuff you need, close the galley and run back inside... well while the galley was open rain water could have gotten in, flowed down under and behind the galley and now... it can't drain can it. its sealed. any water that gets in and under like that... will just sit and... do bad things... Ok, picture if that galley was on rollers... so you could pull the entire thing INSIDE the trailer open it from the other side, take stuff out, use it inside keeping the entire thing buttoned down.. PLUS... when its rolled inside like that, yo have MORE verticals storage space for gear turning that entire area into a "trunk" if you need. (waits for Drew to complain :)
Love the last line here! You know me so well. I have an anecdotal rebuttle here. I have shared it a few times on the channel. My friend Bryan in Anchorage had a fiberglass teardrop trailer that is no longer in production (Nest Egg). Over the winter water go into the galley. It sat there for months. When we finally found it, we literally swept it out with our hands, and cups. We were blown away how simple it was. No wood damage, not even any mold. Now obviously mold can easily develop in a situation like this, but again a little bleach and some elbow grease and you are back in business. Have this happen with a wooden trailer and watch out! As for the galley, I will be finding out soon. I decided to go with the Bean Stock 2.0 for our familly trailer. I still think I would benefit from time to time with a little galley, you may be right. I may find that I don't miss it at all. The more I camp, the more I miss the simple modular camping style that you mention. I am excited to get back to use more of my camping gear vs onboard teardrop components.
@@PlayingwithSticks Its all what you want, what you plan on doing with it, what you plan on using it for. Someone parking and docking it to an ice fishing shelter and using it just for a sleeping place in the winter... and then in the summer using just as a sleeping point and cooking on outdoor barbiques and such... VS someone who needs a camper where they can retreat to in the cold, heat, to get away from bugs etc... that they can sit in and make food, cool off.. without leaving the safety of the camper... Entirely different situations requiring entirely different styles. are you going to be using it only for overnights? Is it going to be a "mobile bed" while do 3 day road trips... Are you going to be "living" out of it in semi urban area's for a few days every month? Are you going to live in it full time? Needs change based on the roll you want.
@@jenniferstewarts4851 Exactly. That is what I love about small camper enthusiasts we all see these trailers differently. I am pretty tradtional on my needs, but it is fun to imagine going outside of the box one of these days. Some day when I get the time I will make a video dedicated to you. I will use a trailer in a way I have never used a trailer before.
@@PlayingwithSticks Unintended uses, unintended uses... hmm *starts laughing* Step 1- find someone with a 36-44' landing craft. step 2- load the trailer on the landing craft with extra propane tanks barque and gear. step 3- camp on the deck of the landing craft, cooking out of the back of the tear drop, sleeping in it, while taking a river trip.
@@jenniferstewarts4851 Yes!!!! That is the video I want to make.
So there is 0 suspension with a ball hitch and thats the offroad version? All your drinks are going to get shaken to hell where ever you put your fridge and that battery box unless you chain it down it's going to dissappear from the vibrations.
Basically 13,000 for a box with a bed. 😂
Lift & mud tires on camper does not make it off road🙄
I guess I'm just a party pooper but my Coleman tent is more spacious than that and no towing required.
I don't think you are a party pooper. More of a realist. Haha.
People will clearly step on that fender and instantly regret it.
Yep. I used to have a Jeep style fender on my homebuilt teardrop. It was not built to be stand on. Kids at the campsites and random people always wanted to jump up or lean on them. I was constantly saying, wait stop! Haha.
16k 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Lost their GD mind.
Why not just get a Road Toad for less and it’s actually made in the USA?
The Road Toad while one of my absolute favorites, is not a 1 piece fiberglass shell. This means it is susceptible to all the different frequencies of road vibration and wear and tear. However, they way Road Toad pieced together the trailer, that may not be as big of an issue. They didn't use glue and screws. They did it in a way that essentially binds itself together. As for the USA comment. I would love to here from Little Guy if these trailers are made "down the road" in Mexico.
Design is a bit near-sighted e.g. San Diego doesn't have much in the way of bugs. With the galley door open, bugs can fly into the sleeping area. 🤦♂️
near-sighted. I like that.
Too bad the price does not reflect the minimalistic style. Come on guys. Being 6'6", I appreciate the open back. but it's still way out of my price range for what it is.
Price is way too high for someone emphasizing simplicity
You probably need to check out the competition. There are no 1 piece fiberglass shell teardrops lower priced than this. Even the smaller models. This is on par for the market in terms of price, even with the simplicity model.
nice but its not a foamie lol
Haha. True! Good seeing you Dave.
@@PlayingwithSticks God bless
choppergun crap heavy hard to repair. no real insulation high cost theres glass foam trailers under 600 lb .under $7500 usa
Nothing really special. I can get a shell for my truck and basically have the same thing.
Yes, that is another good option.
No potty???😅
This doesn’t have a bathroom.
yes, you are right.
Most teardrops don’t.
There's no space to fit a 12v fridge. Not even really room for a usable ice chest. And whats the point of those hideous heavy fiberglass fenders? Bad design.
Good point. However, the extra feet room there is a plenty of room for a 12 volt fridge down there. That is kind of the point of the space. Make it fit what you need. And the fiberglass fenders. How dare you! haha. I love the retro fenders.
Price is ridiculous! You can get an RV for that price. You can even get better trailers for A third the price of this! I don't get why this area is so expensive.
Don’t think you’ve been looking at prices, your in the 1990’s
Fiberglass is an expensive labor intensive material
Yep, you can get many trailers that last 3-4 seasons for this price.
No rv will last nearly as long as a teardrop. Especially a single piece fiberglass shell. I think the price is on par with the trailer.
@@jakemaughan3818 Yes a teardrop tiny little camper that is literally just a place for you to sleep in with a kitchenette on the end is going to last a Little bit more but everyone on here seems to miss the point that this manufacturer and all teardrop manufacturers tell you the price of what they start off at. When you get to one that is actually worthy of you purchasing You're spending close to $40,000. By that time even if you purchase it yourself separate you could have bought a very nice Oliver that would have lasted you 10 20 years.
That is not built to go offroad. I’m sorry, but a torsion bar axle? Not ideal offroad. Small tires for offroad as well. (Keeping in mind I actually overland in a Jeep with 35” tires.) And this is, essentially, a single person trailer. 3’10” wide inside? Two average sized people would be very tight in there. My rooftop tent mattress is 53” wide and my wife and I fit OK. Can’t fit out 2 small dogs up there, though, if we’re there. So this trailer at 46” wide? No. Not for two people. I missed the price if it was mentioned. Oh, and they talk a lot about the one piece fiberglass. Which they’ve put 9 holes into on the roof for the fan and roof rack mounts. Finally, that galley access that’s open to the interior? Why bother with screens on the door windows? The flies are just coming in through the back as soon as you open it. I love the idea of a small trailer that’s basic, but this is basic and comes with several compromises. And all of that grousing said…I bet it’s solid enough to last decades longer than so many other teardrops! It’s going to be great for a bunch of people. Not so much for others.
Thank you for sharing. You have some valid points. The torsion axle is absolutely capable of offroad. Many great offroad trailers come with a Dexter Torsion Axle and do great on the trail. Even the axle we all love, Timbren, if you read the fine print, they suggest adding structual support between the two independent axles. As for wheel size I would love to see someone actually bottom out a trailer with this much clearance. Easy on a tow vehicle, much harder to do with a trailer. You will bottom out that tongue much quicker than you hit anything on the trailer. Yes, it is a smaller trailer. You are right. But remember since the conception of the teardrop after WWII up until about 10 years ago 99% of couples slept together in a 4X8 teardrop. This was the standard. Yes, holes allow room for water entry, BUT the one piece still mitigates seam separation. Plus if water was to get into a hole, you know how it would fair vs a wood built trailer. And good point on the galley. I wonder if they have a screen for that and didn't mention it in the video or just overlooked it. There have been a number of people with that concern. And yes, you are absolutely right about compromises. They all have them.
@@PlayingwithSticks oh, for sure! My griping is the point of view of a single person, with all of my wants and desires piled onto this tiny trailer. 😉 It’s actually a bit fun to play a tennis match of back and forth on this v. that and so on. Ultimately, all points are valid for someone or another. However. On this point I think everyone can agree: vinyl for a fake window aesthetic? I’d pass on that! 😉 If it were a bit wider, it would have my attention. The rest could be managed I think. 👍👍
@@DuaneForrester I completely get that. This would be a hard sell for a number of folks out there. And yes, that window. Haha. I will admit, it does trick the eyes though. They have it on the Meerkat as well. When rolling down the road or at the campsite, from a distance you think it is legit. Like you, regardless of cost as a manufacturer I would throw in that real window.
@@PlayingwithSticks yup, until you mentioned it, I just thought it was a dark tinted window. Didn’t even pick up on it from the inside views…lol. BUT, what an awesome template for where a window COULD be…😀😁 Truly, that little trailer is a dream machine! Makes your dreams come true to explore nature, and lets you day dream about what life would be like with a real window there. LOL Oh, also forgot to mention: thank you for all the work, time and effort you put in on your videos! Been watching the channel for years now and your approach is very appreciated! 🙏🙏
@@DuaneForrester Thank you so much for the kind words Duane. I really appreciate the thoughtful comment.