Since 1985, Kurt has owned and operated Fine Line Design, a custom home design firm located north of Redding, California. The recent downturn in home construction allowed him the free time to get back to his woodshop where “MiniTears” began to take shape in 2008. Kurt’s background in home design and construction, along with the fabricating skills his father passed on to him, gave him everything he needs to build these beautiful Teardrop Trailers.

You can see a video of Kurt’s MiniTear here.

Photos courtesy of MiniTears

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

The Sportsmobile is actually a Ford, Chevy/GM or Mercedes-Benz van that is converted into a traveling home. The one I toured was the 4×4 version which is rugged on the outside, but very comfortable, clean and organized on the inside. It’s the perfect touring vehicle for people who want a little more adventure.

Laura and Geoff took their Sportsmobile on their honeymoon and travel around the country in it.

The Sportsmobile has several dozen floorplans to choose from. The 4×4 comes with several seating areas and a full kitchen area with a refrigerator, sink, microwave, stove and a pantry. Most of the Sportsmobiles only have a  portable toilet and and outdoor shower, but can carry up to 17-20 gallons of water. A few of the floorplans contain a wet bath with toilet. Because of the pop-up roof and overhead bed, plus the couch below, there is room for about four to five people to sleep.

Other amenities include door-hung cooking areas complete with BBQ, awnings, air conditioning and heating, solar panels, bike and kayak racks, graywater tanks, and stereos and TV/DVD players. Additionally, because of their versatility, these vans can be customized to be working vehicles as well. Some Sportsmobiles have become mobile medical clinics, vet clinics, photography and artist studios, and touring/exploring vehicles.

Prices for a new Sportsmobile start at about $70,000 for a Ford E-350 V-10 gas engine van, Sportsmobile interior conversion and 4×4. Depending on additional options the price will run $80,000-plus.

Photos courtesy of Sportsmobile and octopup

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

Get ready to head into the world of nomads with the Spaceship. Even though this vehicle is primarily used for traveling and vacations, I thought I would include it in the blog for its fun and unique use of space and nifty storage options. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife on wheels!

The Spaceship is only available in the UK, Australia and New Zealand as a vacation and camping rental, but it’s fascinating to look at as an all encompassing place to sleep, cook, eat, lounge and live for a short period of time.

Each Spaceship drives like a car, but has all the features of a small RV or trailer including double beds, food and water storage, awnings, dual batteries, security storage, refrigerator, swivel seats, gas stove, DVD/CD/MP3 player and screen and stereo. The vehicle can seat up to four people and can sleep two in the double bed. Extra sleeping and storage space is available from a pop-up attached to the roof of the car.

Spaceship YouTube Videos:

Sleeping in a Spaceship

Cooking in a Spaceship

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)

The sad news these days seems to be centered on people losing their homes and maybe having to live in their car, truck or RV. Dave Thorsrud has been living out of his van for over a year, but he is doing it in an effort to live a simpler life.

His website, Lives in a Van, chronicles his year of living richly on the road in his Pleasure Way van. He writes:

“Ironically, I left the full time job to travel in a van because I wanted to maximize possibilities. With a full-time job, a house mortgage, a car payment and various other debts, my only option when the alarm shrieked was to go to work. This was true during the week and frequently true on the weekends. So I craved choices. I needed to know that if an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience came my way, then I could grab hold with both hands and embrace the new path.”

In order to find his more authentic life, he quit his job, sold all his belongings in five days and packed anything left into his van. During his search, he has traveled across the U.S. and parts of Mexico, met interesting people and has documented it with prose and excellent photography.

Dave lists the best aspects of living in a van as having no daily commute, the overall cost of living is low, all laundry can be done in one load, and every day is a new adventure. He also lists his rules of the road, which can be a metaphor for any simpler life:

DAVE’S RULES OF THE ROAD

• Avoid drive-thru value meals at all costs.
• Take photos of everything.
• Sing along to whatever is on the radio–even talk radio.
• Exercise whenever possible.
• Take care of the vehicle.
• Meet people–especially strange people.
• Drive slower.
• Never hesitate to take an exit, get sidetracked or get lost.
• Take the backroads when possible.
• Take notes, write daily, find the inspiration.

By Christina Nellemann

Photos by Matador Travel. Schematic by Lives in a Van

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to our feed