The new 15-foot long T@B has the same smart and sassy design, options and details as the original, but is still in the initial floor plan phase. Little Guy has added some additional amenities such as an outdoor shower with a 2.5 gallon heated tank, a 3-way refrigerator that can run off 12 volt, 110 or propane and a detachable screen door. The trailer is about 1,500 pounds fully loaded, contains a sink and a 2-burner LP stove, a propane tank and battery attached to the front and has a 5 gallon fresh water tank. The interior has birch cabinetry, storage under and over the seating/Queen bed combo, a small closet, a Port-a-Potty, an LP furnace/CoolCat air conditioner and several upholstery designs.

Little Guy has also made an effort to redesign and correct issues that plagued the original T@B. The new trailer will have a better door handle, a heavier front door, solid aluminum instead of mesh wheel wells and they are using automotive adhesives to attach the trim to the roof. There will also be additional 110 and 12v outlets and the axle weight was increased to 3,500 pounds instead of the original’s 300 pounds. The expensive European parts will be produced in the U.S.

Other standard features include:

• Silver, Yellow, Red & White Exterior trim available
• Aluminum Framed Roof & Sidewalls
• Laminated Fiberglass Sidewalls with foam block insulation
• Alufiber Roof with R-12 cut insulation
• 14″ Alloy Rims
• E-Coated Microlite frame; Independent suspension
• Tongue jack with dolly wheel
• Two sets stabilizer jacks; Two sets grab handles
• Poly Plastic, duo pane bay windows w/roll-away screens/ shades
• 2-Way, 3-Speed Fantastic Fan ; Multiple 12v/110 outlets
• Spare tire and under mount bracket
• Premium vinyl flooring on Aluminum Framed Floor
• 5 Interior 12Volt light fixtures & External Porch Light
• “Easy-up” indoor/outdoor table, Table top 28″x31″
• 110V A/C to 12V D/C power converter
• Hydraulic Surge Brakes
• Pre-Installed Keder (Awning) Rail
• DVD/TV Player with AM/FM and Cable Coaxial Hookup
• 12v Norcold Compressor Refrigerator
• Redesigned, Industrial Strength Entry Door w/ Removable Screen

Optional features include:

• Norcold 3-Way Fridge that can be plugged into 12 volt or 110 or propane
• 15″ Monitor w/DVD/AMFM
• Side Portal Window
• Side Awning
• External shower
• 2.5 gallon Hot Water Heater
• 19 gallon gray water tank

The 2012 T@B is being sold at dealers around the country for around $16,000-$20,000. Only about 600 units will be built in 2012, but the company projects to build about 1,200 a year in their current facility in the next 18-24 months.

Photos courtesy of T@B/Little Guy

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

Sandi Wheaton, her Aliner and her Campfire in a Can

Her trailer is a 1998 Aliner which she bought specifically for the trip. She initially wanted to travel in a T@B, but her Jeep could only tow a low-profile pop-up design. She is thrilled that she does not have to unhitch every time she sets it up. She also mentioned that she likes the Oliver trailer, like the one owned by Cherie and Chris of Technomadia.

“I love this trailer, especially for this purpose,” Sandi said. “Since I am traveling alone, unhitching is a pain. With the Aliner, I don’t need to unhitch in order to put it up. Plus it is up literally in a minute!”

“This unit has everything I need – except a bathroom. That’s what truck stops and campgrounds are for,” she said.

In the trailer is a small refrigerator, sink, 3-burner stove, a furnace, a small Coleman camping fan, an eating area and a bed. Stored under the bed and the eating area are the battery, water tank, water pump, photo gear, clothes, shoes, microwave oven, glasses and dishes. Sandi sleeps on an air mattress on top of the bed.

Sandi is planning on finishing her trip on October 29th. She will probably take the interstate back to Windsor, but plans on visiting Route 66 a few more times on the way back to catch a few things she missed because of bad weather.

Sandi said this trip started out being just about the photography of Route 66, but it has become so much more:

“As far as lifestyle and small spaces go, this trip could also be seen as a dry run for a nomadic lifestyle,” she said. “I have to say that I love the freedom this sort of living brings. I truly do – especially when you realize how much beauty there is out here!”

“When I lost my job, my first thought was, ‘Oh no, I have to sell my house!’ Then I went through a period of trying to find a way to afford it: through renting parts of it, making more freelance income, etc. Now, after being on the road, I am finding myself more inclined to unload that responsibility and be more open to flexible lifestyles. All that said, I really miss my bathtub, my bed and my kitchen! So, I’m still processing all of this. It really does seem to make more sense to go smaller – less imprint, less financial responsibility, more flexibility. Maybe a tiny house with a hot tub outside?”

Sandi mentioned that the most rewarding part of her trip are the people she’s met. Random strangers have given her food, free beds for the night and handy items for her trip. She concluded that there seems to be some truth to the “just do what you love and good things will happen” mentality.

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)