Outdoors

Timber-clad teardrop trailer chases the sun

Timber-clad teardrop trailer chases the sun
The trailer measures 18 x 7.4 x 6.9 ft (5.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 m) and weighs up to 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
The trailer measures 18 x 7.4 x 6.9 ft (5.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 m) and weighs up to 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
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Those looking for a charming teardrop trailer that sleeps four could do worse than Homegrown Trailers' debut product
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Those looking for a charming teardrop trailer that sleeps four could do worse than Homegrown Trailers' debut product
Inside, the trailer measures 94 sq ft (8.7 sq m)
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Inside, the trailer measures 94 sq ft (8.7 sq m)
It includes a couch that pulls out into a double bed and two smaller bunk beds
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It includes a couch that pulls out into a double bed and two smaller bunk beds
There's no standard hookup on this trailer as it gets all its juice from the sun
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There's no standard hookup on this trailer as it gets all its juice from the sun
The trailer measures 18 x 7.4 x 6.9 ft (5.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 m) and weighs up to 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
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The trailer measures 18 x 7.4 x 6.9 ft (5.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 m) and weighs up to 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
The trailer sports handsome wood siding and is built using renewable materials, including FSC-certified wood, cork, and bamboo
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The trailer sports handsome wood siding and is built using renewable materials, including FSC-certified wood, cork, and bamboo
Homegrown Trailers is still in the manufacturing stage for the trailer and aims to raise funds with an Indiegogo campaign
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Homegrown Trailers is still in the manufacturing stage for the trailer and aims to raise funds with an Indiegogo campaign
The relatively large kitchen with induction cooktop and mini refrigerator
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The relatively large kitchen with induction cooktop and mini refrigerator
The trailer features a simple pop-top roof section to allow additional headroom
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The trailer features a simple pop-top roof section to allow additional headroom
The firm promises a three-night rental for pledges of US$535, while hopefully securing your own trailer will set you back $25,995
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The firm promises a three-night rental for pledges of US$535, while hopefully securing your own trailer will set you back $25,995
View gallery - 10 images

Trailers may come in all shapes and sizes, but we've always had a soft spot for the teardrop. Homegrown Trailers' charming timber-lined debut model occupies that fuzzy space between a small tiny house and large trailer. It boasts a pop-top roof, sleeps four, and operates exclusively off-grid with solar power.

Woodinville, WA-based startup Homegrown Trailers says its debut (and as-yet unnamed) trailer can fit into a typical residential garage. It measures 18 x 7.4 x 6.9 ft (5.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 m), weighs in at 3,000 lb (1,360 kg), and is built using renewable materials, including FSC-certified wood, cork, and bamboo.

The cosy camper features a total of 94 sq ft (8.7 sq m) of floorspace and a pop-top roof section offers additional headroom. Furniture includes a couch that pulls out into a double bed and two smaller bunk beds. The kitchen includes an induction cooktop and mini refrigerator, and there's also a composting toilet.

Inside, the trailer measures 94 sq ft (8.7 sq m)
Inside, the trailer measures 94 sq ft (8.7 sq m)

There's no standard RV-style electrical hookup on this trailer as it gets all its juice from the sun (and wind power is also planned for the future). An 800 W solar array feeds a built-in battery that the firm says is good for up to five days of use without a charge – though this will obviously depend on what you're planning to plug-in.

The trailer also features a 12 gallon (45 liter) fresh water tank and energy-efficient LED lighting and Energy Star-rated energy-efficient appliances.

In a bid to get manufacturing up and running, Homegrown Trailers has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. The firm promises a three-night rental for pledges of US$535, while if you hope to get your own trailer, you'll have to lay down $25,995 in advance. Assuming all goes to plan, delivery is scheduled for between January and June, 2017.

See the crowdfunding pitch video below.

Sources: Homegrown Trailers, Indiegogo

View gallery - 10 images
3 comments
3 comments
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is really nice looking. It looks like there is a lot of space in it.
glorybe2
Although strand board may not have the same eye appeal it is probably a better choice than lumbar siding. The more that trailer gets towed the more issues will crop up with the lumber. Weight is also a big factor. These days many claim that strand board is more durable than even exterior plywood. Less joints means less leaks. Also, when it is time to redo the exterior strand board is way less expensive.
jerryd
Very nice and actually aero cutting fuel consumption. As for weight I build in wood and done right can be lighter than other ways. I'd go a little more height and not do the raised roof. I'd also do smooth sides the gently curve front to back for even better aero.