nomad - Part 3

Cheap RV Living

Tramp, gypsy, vagabond, nomad. Do you want any of these words to describe you? Robert Wells has lived most of his life as a gypsy, vagabond and nomad in various forms of vans and RVs, and documents the tips and tricks he has learned over the years on his website … Read more

Les Roulottes de Campagne

by Christina Nellemann

Ever since Kent posted the MiniCasas on the Tiny House Blog, my love of gypsy caravans has been renewed. The other day I ran across these gypsy caravans for rent and for purchase in France, and was amazed at how beautiful and spacious the designs were. The Roulottes de Campagne were designed by the same company who created the Carré d’étoile or the French Cube. Gypsy caravans like these are offered in over 50 locations within France. They cater to vacationing Europeans, but tiny house lovers can get a lot of ideas on how to live luxuriously in a small space with these beautiful photos.

The caravans are built from partially recycled timber and meet high quality environmental standards. The insulation is made from wool and the windows and doors have double glazing. A hot water heater and electrical wiring is included.

Most of these caravans are around 215-230 square feet and include a kitchen, a bathroom and sleeping facilities as well as plenty of storage, heating for winter use, outdoor living spaces and lovely details including polished brass port-hole windows. They come fully equipped and can accommodate up to four people. Some are even accessible for the disabled. The units start at €29.800 or $41,000 and take 2-4 months to be completed.

Trillium RV

by Christina Nellemann

For fans of small fiberglass trailers, the popular and efficient Trillium is back on the road…with a new modern look. The original Trillium trailer was built in the 1970s and some are still being towed around after 35 years of use. The quality materials, cute design and useful floor plans of these original trailers are being used in the new design. Trillium RV has been set up by the former VP of operations of the original Trillium plant, which was in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Tom oversaw 10 years of manufacturing, sales, service and much of the design work of the original Trillium.

Today’s Trilliums are built utilizing the original models. So the quality, design, and floor plans are true to the former manufacturing standards. The overall look of the fiberglass body remains the same. Big improvements are in the area of newer, high tech appliances, modern cushion materials, curtains, and exterior graphics. The trailers have the same dimensions, but will weigh a little more. This is due to the addition of more equipment that users have requested in the trailers.

Mongolian Yurts

by Christina Nellemann

For over 3,000 years the nomadic tribes of Central Asia have lived in portable round abodes called ger or yurts. Probably because of the stark locations in which they live, their homes are showcases for their beautiful handiwork emphasized by bright, happy colors which certainly caught my attention. These handmade yurts, imported directly from Mongolia by Groovyyurts in Quebec and Mongolian Yurts in Ohio, are one way to live a simpler life while supporting a developing country.

Yurts are resilient, adaptable, portable and can be used for parties, exhibitions, as temporary or permanent housing, a hunting or ski lodge, a guest room or as a meditation space. Usually two to four people can assemble a yurt in about half a day.

Aluminum Bliss and the Airstream Sport

by Christina Nellemann

I came across an inspirational website from Sean Michael of the Long, Long Honeymoon of a young couple who sold their home and belongings to travel and live in a 23-foot Airstream International. But they’re not alone. On their journey, they will be accompanied by their two rescue greyhounds and a newborn baby in July.

As mentioned on their blog, Aluminum Bliss, Chris and Lani decided to make the Airstream their new home because of its sleek, rounded, aluminum interior and large windows that open up a small space and dispel the feeling of living in a box. The modern furnishings inspire a clean environment and the numerous storage spaces eliminate clutter. Their classic rig also turns a lot of heads.

Class B Motorhomes

by Christina Nellemann

While doing some research for a friend who is looking for a small RV to take to Burning Man, I fell hard for the comfort and design of Class B RVs. As a tiny house, these things are swanky! Of the three types of motorized RV’s, Class B motorhomes are the smallest. They are larger than a VW bus, but smaller than a typical motorhome. They usually lack the overhead bunk of a Class C motorhome.

Class B’s get better maneuverability than their larger counterparts and usually get better miles per gallon. You don’t need a tow vehicle for a Class B and you can usually park it in a driveway, a small camp spot and a single parking space.