“It has often been said that owners of travel trailers (and especially vintage travel trailers) are some of the friendliest people on earth…it also appears that the smaller the RV, the friendlier the owner.”

- Douglas Keister, Teardrops and Tiny Trailers

How would you like to get rid of everything and live in a tiny trailer? Once you take a look at Teardrops and Tiny Trailers by Douglas Keister, you will realize how stylish tiny trailers can be, and will want to run off with one of your own.

Keister, who has written books about and photographed everything from cottages to cemeteries has a new book about teardrops and tiny trailers. Last May, I attended the 15th Annual Dam Gathering of the Tears in Lakehead, Calif. with my Little Guy Rascal. I was able to meet Keister and view a slideshow of his teardrop and tiny trailer photographs. I also realized that teardroppers really are the friendliest people in the world. So, of course I had to buy the book.

Kit Teardrop from 1941

New Teardrop and Mini Cooper tow vehicle

Keister emphasizes the neighborly warmth that emanates from the owners of tiny trailers. Because of their small size, owners are really forced to spend more time outside their trailer or RV and interact with the people around them. Teardrop owners will even decorate their camping space to mesh with the design of their teardrop.

The other benefits of a teardrop or tiny trailer are:

• You don’t need a large vehicle to pull a tiny trailer. I pull my Rascal with a Dodge Neon.

• Your camping clutter is kept to a minimum in a small space. You only take what you really need.

• You save money on gas.

• Teardrops and vintage trailers are sure to gather a crowd. You will be popular in the campground, so be prepared for many admirers.

The book mostly profiles the design and history of teardrops, canned ham trailers such as the Shasta and the Serro Scotty, the Canadian boler and of course, the Airstream. The book also includes a chapter on European caravans.

Homebuilt Teardrop by Douglas Hoder

Li'l Bear Tag-Along Teardrop

There is really no mention of people who live out of their teardrops or tiny trailers, except for the temporary residents of Slab City in Niland, Calif. Most people use them for camping or more extended vacations. I use my tiny teardrop for camping and sometimes for guests who don’t mind the cramped quarters. Tiny House Blog recently had a post on using a teardrop as a guest room. I did run across the blog of Misty Tosh, who is a writer and producer and lives out of her vintage trailer while she travels and works.

If you are interested in staying in a vintage trailer, you can visit the Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona.

By Christina Nellemann

1957 12.5 ft Aljo

1951 13-ft Comet

1966 Kit Companion

Comet Interior

Teardrop Interior

Gypsy Caravan at the Mas dou Pastre Bed and Breakfast in France

All photos by Douglas Keister

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