Confession...Teardrop Camping is Work! Our Step by Step Camp Setup

Let's be honest here. Teardrop camping is work. But, how much work is really involved with teardrop trailer camping? We will be taking you through a visual demonstration of our teardrop campsite setup. We will show you why this particular form of overlanding requires a bit of work. We will also be sharing the benefits of some of this "work" as well.
In this episode of Playing with Sticks we will be busting out every part of the teardrop camper trailer "outdoor living area." From parking, the camping toilet, side entry tents, solar panels, outdoor kitchens, and many other facets of teardrop camper life. This is not camping made easy, but more like camping made enjoyable.
Timestamps of Actual Work Steps involved: 1:25 and 8:20
If you are new to the channel make sure you check out our playlists on teardrop trailer tips and tricks, small camper comparisons, overland trailers, and videos on the oh so lovable Scamp fiberglass trailer. If you are interested in any items in these videos they all can be found in previous videos on the channel.
Looking for a detailed list of all the gear we currently use? Link Below: www.amazon.com/shop/playingwithsticks
By purchasing items through these links there is no additional cost to you. Our family gets a small kickback from amazon for any purchases you make using these affiliate links.
Our current toilet amzn.to/2T5HAA9
Our Clam Instant Pop-up Tent with Bug Netting amzn.to/2LuwnFb
The larger Clam that many folks own (love this one because wind/shade flaps built in amzn.to/3fP69LE
Clam tent attachable wind/sun awnings (fits most Clam tents) amzn.to/2Wy6I52
Want a 15% discount on your Rockpals Order? No kickback for us, just a great deal for you! Click links below and use discount code: PLAYWM to get 15% off.
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Or if you want to support our Amazon Affililate links here are those
Our Rockpals 300 watt solar generator amzn.to/2T69Gvr
The 500 watt solar generator from Rockpals amzn.to/2Z3NAgJ
The 100 watt solar panels we use amzn.to/2Wv157A
Portable Buddy Heater (right now you can get refurbished for about $50 at Cabelas) amzn.to/361no87
The links above are affiliate links from amazon. By purchasing items through them there is no additional cost to you. Our family does receive a small percentage from items you purchase.
Thank you for joining us on the journey!

[@jlscielo]

Honestly, everything you say is so spot on. I need to simply get out there and you are the one who has reassured me I only need a small teardrop as I want to be outside in nature and not carry around a gas guzzling cash machine. No bathroom, no tanks to dump, no nasty hoses… only a side tent for privacy and a portable toilet. Thank you so much!

[@johnw65]

My best friend is a Winnebago RV'er and took a tent to a nearby nat'l park for better gas mileage. I got better MPG's towing my trailer than he got burning diesel in his RV hauler. I unloaded my motorcycle, made the bed, set up my awning and then helped them set up their tent... Breaking camp took me 20 minutes. Going home with a tailwind, I averaged 28 mpg! Another aspect of my lil camping trailer is security! When I go hiking or riding the bike, I can lock up everything. I've had stuff stolen when 'gone to the store' before...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Mileage and security. Both great advantages. I would love to take a motorcycle on my trips. You are living the dream.

[@johnw65]

@@PlayingwithSticks , Since adding the 6x8 awning, and the 6" memory foam tri-fold mattress, I'm enjoying my tiny home/toy hauler even more! my 24" TV doesn't compare to your projector but the 6" Jenson 3 ways turn it into a theater! Videos like yours make these DIY campers a never-ending adventure!

[@katsdekuhnSF]

One of the greatest joys in my camping is this: when I set-up a site, it's all there. There's a living room a kitchen and a bedroom. When I tear down, there's nothing left...you can barely see that we were there. Teardrops are attractive precisely because they emulate this sort of option while adding significantly more comfort (countertops, enclosed sleeping space...etc.). Class C's and fifth wheelers want an apartment. It's possible that these folks want to be outdoors, but they definitely want the option to be indoors. It's a different philosophy altogether and I'm not here to yuk on someone else's yum. At the end of the day, getting out on the road with a 40 foot 5th wheel is better than not getting out at all but, for me, I'll take the teardrop on a fire trail (towed behind a normal car) over the mobile apartment at a KOA every day of the week. As always, thanks for the video.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We completely agree with the whatever gets you out there is the way to go 40 foot or 10 foot. Wish we had more fire trails up here. Not like the Lower 48 in terms of forest service roads and fire trails. Roads are a bit few and far between up here.

[@GunNut37086]

I am a minimalist by nature and my ideal camping trip was done on a motorcycle with a couple of friends. I got too old and out of shape to camp and hike, but I missed it terribly. At first I felt like a sell-out for buying a teardrop size camper. Now I realize it was the best decision ever. my wife is now willing to go too and I get to share the outdoors with my grandson and my dog.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You sound a lot like us. Big fans of overland bike travel and avid backpackers. When we got the teardrop we were kind of hush hush about it as well. Now we scream our love for small camper trailers from the rooftops, well more like mountaintops up here!

[@mommakscafe]

Thanks for telling it like it is! The best part of teardrop camping is setting up camp. Its like playing house. I love cooking in the little kitchen and watching the boys and my husband relax and chat. We love the "go where the day takes you" living and staying up late around camp fire and star gazing. My husband and I sleep in the teardrop and the boys and our dog tent camp beside us. I love falling asleep to the muffled conversations from their tent. It is family life at its finest!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

What you described is music to our ears. May and I were just talking about how much we miss this. With our boys being so young we tend to go to bed, or at least May does, a lot earlier. This has decreased that quiet time around the fire and the beautiful midnight Alaskan sunsets. Can't wait for the day the boys are in the tent and we are in the teardrop. Currently it is the boys and May in the teardrop and dad in the side entry tent. They wake up every morning saying how hot they were and I wake up saying how cold I was. But, I do have the better views out my screened Clam walls :)

[@mommakscafe]

You are in the midst of those wonderful snuggle years when the kids make the schedule. Enjoy each stage. They are all wonderful! (We are trying a clam tent our next trip, you inspired us.) Hi to Mae! She is a sweet mom.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, nesting is the perfect word to describe it.

[@evecrowley1479]

Couldn't agree more! setting up, cooking, breaking down etc is all the so much fun! We love our teardrop and all of the comfort gear that we have acquired! We have a Camping and right away loved the side entry tent so we got one for each door, then on to a Clam screen room for summer, a Clam ice house for winter, a Joolca hot shower, we've got some great options to choose from for each trip! It's the best playhouse ever!

[@stephenmayeske7792]

We subscribed because your comments are more real than any of the others. Been camping for 30 years from minimal to motor homes. Your comments don’t skip the real truth like everyone else does. Great job.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you. That comment means a lot to us. The "realness" sometimes gets folks a little heated. We thought if we were going to put these videos out there we need to be as real as possible, because that is what we would hope others would do for us. It has been great too having real conversations in the comments. We had some ideas that we thought were spot on, but folks have shared alternatives with us that really changed our mind on some of the things we thought we had figured out.

[@flisms]

Well said. Just back from a trip, during which a friend walked onto our site and chuckled saying "you are always working on something". Like you, I enjoy the set up and tinkering that comes with tiny camper camping.

[@MARC1-q1y]

You hit the nail on the head brother.....Nothing beats sitting out in nature with just a mesh net for mosquitos. The smells, sounds and sights like God intended for us to live...City living is just a another jungle with concrete on top of it, people tend to forget that.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you could relate Marco.

[@punkinmyvitamins1]

My wife, 3yr old daughter and I just did a 5 week long trip camping out of our Outback. We had all our stuff crammed in our car and on our roof rack. We slept in the car with a blow up bed. Every camp site we got to we’d take everything out and set up. It was about an hour and a half of setting up. We had all sorts of stuff to keep up busy. We brought a projector/screen, guitars, art supplies. My wife made jewelry. We had everything ( and more )that was in this video except the tear drop trailer. Now we are in the process of starting to build our own camper trailer. We got a free 7x5 trailer from family in Washington that we brought back down to San Diego. We had to get the hitch installed in Washington. By the way if you live in Spokane don’t ever go to Snows Auto, they do terrible work. I have to fix a ton of stuff they didn’t put back correctly. Anyways can’t wait to finish it and get back out there. Thank you for sharing your video!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That sounds like an amazing trip. With that setup many people would feel sorry for you. Glad to see you have similar views to us in that you found it enjoyable. Good luck on the build. Sounds like a great little project! Love West Coast travel by the way. You will have such beautiful and fun destinations to take your new trailer to.

[@mariannedell8558]

As a person who's tent camped off and on most of my 63 yrs of life, the preparing, lugging, setting everything up leaves me feeling wiped out. I've been daydreaming of owning a teardrop for a while. I've finally ordered one and I'll be ready to go next spring! I'm so excited and can't wait. I've never cared to own a larger unit with the many luxuries involved. I like roughing it, but that's just me and of course to each his own. I've camped with my kids since they were very young and now my grandson is my camping buddy. I'll even try going solo as my husband could care less about camping! Now that I know this is going to happen for me, I've found your videos and just want to say thanks for all your tips etc. Your family is adorable! Northern Michigan isn't quite like Alaska but it's beautiful with great camping areas!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We have heard great things about Northern Michigan. Beautiful area! You made a great choice of you and your grandson. A teardrop really leaves it up to you to decide how much work you want to do. If we wanted to we could just roll into camp and hop in bed. If that is your style one thing we often suggest to people is getting a mattress for your teardrop that is small than the floor's footprint. This way you can step in your teardrop and not have to take off your shoes outside, you can keep a night stand, and even a small portable toilet next to your bed. The toilet beings you can't stand up is a little awkward, but we know multiple people in their 60s who feel this is the best option for them. A great channel if you don't know about it is Hang'n with Herky kzbin.info/door/deAbiqg9p5GqVSlKTndUXQ We love how they set up their interior. Similar to what we are describing above. Excited you have joined the Playing with Sticks family Marianne. Looking forward to hearing from you once you get your trailer.

[@free2bwild913]

So delighted that KZbin suggested I watch this! I’ve got camping in my blood. Even the homes I had with a yard, I set up and slept in my tent when I needed to chill. I’m older, having had back surgeries so I have been researching beds on wheels. Never knew about class A,B, C. Can’t decide if I should haul with my 2009 AWD SUV or sell it for a camper van. Your video made my decision much easier. I have not been my easy going self since living in this lifeless condo. The only cure for my happiness is camping and I will search for a teardrop now. Thank you for this video and thanks to everyone here for your comments!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Wow, this is one of those comments that makes this KZbin thing all worth it! Your search for the perfect teardrop will be a tough, but fun one. There are so many great options out there, it really is hard making a decision.

[@nedanother9382]

never give up, never surrender. back surgery be damned....get that pack back on your back. say No to trailers

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Haha. Many of the viewers of this channel do both. Sometimes I find as people, we become proud of our simple pursuits almost to the point of ruining experiences. I think there is a time and place for backpacking and I think there is a time and place for small camper camping. If you force yourself to do one or the other I think you’re missing out on opportunities. I think if many of us are honest with ourselves know one size fits all approach is going to make us happy forever. Variety is the spice of life!

[@nelly4185]

Love this video! You are so honest and most people wont admit what a pain it is to haul, store, maintain, wash a class A. Not to mention the gas! Thank you!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@softin5199]

What a cute little kid, hey dad, give him a big hug. You know your a lucky guy.Keep on camping!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Ahh thank you. Been giving the little guy hugs all day. Lately he has been such a big fan of fishing we can't pull him away from the water. As a dad, I can't help but just want to squeeze the little guy for having a passion for something that really gets me going as well. Thanks again for the really sweet comment.

[@mixflip]

So true....its alot of work to pack everything in a tiny camper. Then unpacking everything and opening everything up. Then put everything away the next day. I just did all this at Yellowstone last week. Luckily I have kids big enough to help lol. It was actually father son time. Passing down knowledge.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sounds like an amazing trip. Can't wait to do more of the father son trips when the boys get older. I bet you are getting excited as the Overland West Expo is right around the corner. We were hoping to make it down there, but probably will have to wait for next year.

[@coltaarav5416]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the account password. I love any tips you can offer me

[@thiagolian8201]

@Colt Aarav instablaster ;)

[@coltaarav5416]

@Thiago Lian i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@coltaarav5416]

@Thiago Lian It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@DIYM105Camper]

Hi Drew! Hope you all are safe and healthy! We couldn’t agree more and could never deny that basic camping is difficult...but truly rewarding! With children the set up and take down process can be tricky and hard but again totally worth it! Nothing can compare to the quality family time exploring the outdoors anywhere you choose! After being winterized, yesterday I opened the camper and started preparing it for the season. Hard as the work was to put the 37in military tires back on it was completely satisfying walking around it to once again see and appreciate the accomplishment of what we did with so little!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You said it perfectly. It is difficult, but rewarding! Love that you stuck with the military tires to keep some of it's original charm. And you are right about the kids. Just with the addition of our newest child setup and take down got one child tougher :)

[@alexanderh.999]

I think I get you. Camping doesn't feel like camping in a fully decked out rv.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You got it Alexander.

[@KellieAnn71]

Oh but it DOES. To each his own, true. I have an 18'- small in the RV world, but it is self-contained and I'm not spending time setting up everything, sometimes in the pouring rain. I still enjoy a waterfront site. Just sitting outside with coffee made in an electric percolator. LOL.

[@chrislane8466]

It was like you read my mind. I don't enjoy sitting around as the main event. You sit after the work. Sitting is the reward. Voltaire said that work keeps you from the three great evils: poverty, boredom, and vice. Wise words.

[@jennyleef1775]

I agree with you when you say people in big RVs tend to spend their time inside the RV and miss out of the beauty of the outside. I love the idea of having a little tear drop but don't have one. For the moment I will be sticking with my little instant up tent or my swag. Yes there is "work" involved in setting them up and since having knee replacements I'm not allowed to kneel so have to use a camp stretcher, so a little added work but still worth it. I get to enjoy the campsite within about 15 minutes. I am pleased you were able to find a way for you and your wife to enjoy camping and get out to enjoy nature. My husband comes camping sometimes but really doesn't enjoy it, hopefully one day when he retires and hopefully that'll be soon. :)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Big fans of the instant up tent as well. Lately we have been telling folks if we could find a bed for our instant up tent that is as nice as our teardrop bed we may have to consider more tent camping again. Currently as I (Drew) am sleeping in the side entry tent due to the growing family I have been using an aerobed. It is really comfy for me, even after multiple days, but it doesn't quite cut it for May. It is a really fast setup like yours. 30 second instant up tent with a 45 second aerobed with covers already attached before inflating. Like we said I love the work, but I also like some parts of the camp setup to be quick and easy. It is more of the creative work that I enjoy the most. Picking a flat area, a good place to hang the hammock, etc.

[@jw5188]

Good job. We have been camping in a teardrop for over 2 years in Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. We love it, we can get places other campers can't go. We have a travel trailer that just sits in the yard. When we did go with that we found all we did was use it for the bathroom and sleep in it, the rest of the time we were outdoors. We have the bigger Clam and it works out great. The bathroom stuff is a on going project. We are in our 60's and have meet people older than us that are traveling fulltime in teardrops, so you don't have to be young to enjoy the good life. Keep up the good work.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

These types of comments inspire us. Really neat to hear about the other folks you have met along your journey doing this lifestyle full time. Your trips sound amazing! When we hear folks are traveling in these areas we always like to give the Black Hills a shoutout. It is one of our favorite midwest destinations. As is Wyoming and Montana.

[@matthewgermani5964]

Ive watched several of your videos before and have looked into all the different types of RV camping. A 20 year old van to fifth wheels, travel trailers, and tear drops but none ever seemed like a good enough choice. Bigger RVs make me feel like I am secluded from nature despite it being right outside the rig. Smaller trailers always had this feeling of "whats the point", due to it feeling like its basically "a set up tent" that you tow. But your videos and the way you and your family talk/enjoy your teardrop has finally convinced me. This IS the way to go for me. Thank you for sharing and bless you and your family.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Make sure you check out the Scamp videos as well. A 13-16' fiberglass trailer is a great fit in-between the teardrop and larger RV style camping. Also very minimal maintenance. So great to hear these videos are helpful for you Mathew!

[@njdunson]

I moved to Kodiak a couple years ago with a teardrop I built but never used. My family and I have been out a few times and I agree completely with you and your wife's thoughts about camping. Just enough FUN work for me and a lot relaxing for her. Stumbled onto your channel a few weeks ago. Thanks for the ideas, tricks, and recommendations! Glad to hear you made it out recently. We did too! Nick

[@PlayingwithSticks]

A teardrop would be a fun little trailer to take all over the "Emerald Isle". We typically come down to Kodiak early June with our RAVN Miles. Unfortunately with everything going on with RAVN we probably won't be making it down this year. Glad you were able to get out Nick!

[@barbshubert9667]

We have owned four RV’s. Don’t miss selling any of them. Just bought our first teardrop. ‘21 T@G. So excited about this because it’s going to be like glamping tent style. Minimal.

[@jamesajac4384]

Great honest video thanks so much for sharing! Just picked up a 2016 Silver Shadow Teardrop myself. I have had tents, pop up, pull behind trailer's of different sizes and even a class C. A lot of people say I am going backwards I say I am going back to the basics!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is neat to hear your progression, wait regression 😄

[@LoveMtDulcimerMusic]

It has to be what you and your family enjoy. You guys always look happy to be camping together. Side benefit for me, I get to enjoy your videos!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you. We always appreciate the sweet comments like these.

[@namastodd2490]

We have a 17' fiberglass Casita travel trailer and absolutely LOVE it. We can go everywhere the big rigs go but they can't go everywhere I can go. Camp takes 30 minutes to set-up and while I am enjoying an finely handcrafted microbrew from the comfort of my champ chair, I get to watch the guy in the big rig across the road from me putter for two more hours. Dragging a furnished apartment into the woods so the spouse can play house is ridiculous.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love the 17' Casitas. Perfect size. Small, but big enough to have a table that doesn't need removed every time you want to use the bed. Hard to beat the lifestyle of towing a fiberglass trailer.

[@manuelmetallica]

I love the work that camping takes, you feel accomplished when you look around, it is you built you own house. I get you man!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

👍

[@Woburn-RoxburyMedia]

So True, Less is almost Always more when it comes to the pursuit of camping. Camping isn't about finding as much comfort level as one must, but challenging your comfort level to explore, discover & push boundaries of what one can do while camping. Excellent video, keep up the good work & Carpe' Diem !

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You said it much better than us. Thank you for sharing.

[@MrBklein31]

I subscribed a while back and have watched pretty much every video you uploaded. I have to say that this is my ABSOLUTE favorite! Not only was it funny and entertaining, it was so useful to hear the real side of traveling like this with a significant other. I learned about the type of gear you use, but also what kind of things that go through your mind when the three of you are out there! Your "tell it like it is" approach is refreshing and more educational than the typical how to videos. Thank you!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Wow, thank you! We really appreciate this comment.

[@mikemead2315]

Love “How to do the basics”. I think these acts are taken for granted by those watching camping videos, so highlighting them is valuable “new” or remembered “oh-yeah!” knowledge. Thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It can be a challenge for us determining what type of video content to highlight. We want to grow with and learn from the veteran campers, but we also want to speak to the newbies and those on the fence of purchasing a small camper trailer. Glad you, a "veteran" appreciate these basic videos as well.

[@mikemead2315]

Playing with Sticks, You are on the right track! Basically, I am a newbie again with my “need” for a small camper to continue. I am learning a lot. Hope I can add a little in related areas. Yeah....your video path is right up my alley. Thanks!

[@joelleterroir4098]

Bonjour, Je suis française et je vous découvre dans cette vidéo. J'adhère complètement à votre réflexion. J'ai troqué mon camping car pour une teardrop pour les mêmes raisons que vous. I like it 🥰 Merci pour le partage 🙏

[@timdion7834]

I'm a bit late finding your channel and commenting - ALL camping takes planning and effort. The great part about camping is that we can choose our adventure. It's fun to get away from home and experience the outdoors more closely than our day to day lives. A great Big Fancy RV takes planning & effort in other ways that differ from Tent Camping & small trailer camping. You did a great job showing the fun (challenges) w/ small trailer camping.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Fun to see you got to watch this video Tim. This is a video that people usually don’t find until after they’ve seen quite a few of our videos first.

[@ShazBookOwl]

I have been camping for many years in different variations of tents, or a bivvy. I now have a square back teardrop, which is essentially a bed with a slide out kitchen. I LOVE my teardrop camper. I set up an awning off the side for shelter to the door I use. After pulling up and deciding where to face the door, setting up the awning, pulling out my camp chair, getting the kettle on for a cuppa coffee/tea etc. I'm done in about 10 mins, it's great! I would not be bothered to have a huge RV, 5th Wheeler, caravan or camper van. You're exactly right, I'm out there to be outdoors... I too would get cabin fever inside. I have plenty of shelter if I need it, I can put sides on my awning - to keep out wild weather. Camping is about keeping it simple - and as I said - I love my teardrop, it's the best option I have used so far. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I'm subbed. :-D

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Fun meeting folks on here with similar camping habits to us. Someday we hope to have a squardrop like yours that is a little less in terms of setup time. Like we mentioned we enjoy the setup, but there are times where we are going across the State and stop for multiple one night stays. These are the stays you wish you had a teardrop with the built in awnings and easy to attach sidewalls. Plus would also be nice to have an attached kitchen.

[@UhaulCamperFun]

We have a small fiberglass camper and I love it. We think of it as the bunkhouse. My goal is for my family to spend as much time outside away from screens as possible. We take a screen room and pop it wherever makes the most sense based on camp layout. Also, you can go so many places or squeeze into the last tent site at a place with a small camper vs the extremely large RVs. Love this video!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love that style of camping. Funny that today we have to battle a bit with getting our kids away from the screens. I wonder what families were battling with when we were all kids? I know my parents fought a lot of little battles to ensure we had the chance to get outdoors and stay outdoors long enough to learn some great skills. So glad they pushed through and found a way for us to have fun outdoors at such a young age.

[@cheryllapham6279]

Camping with a family is always going to be work. I solo camp with a teardrop. Setup is parking, hookups, setting out chairs and rugs, and then relaxing. With the pandemic I’m adding a cassette toilet and a pop up privacy tent. But bad weather just means I crawl inside with a good book or a video. The most work is cleaning up the trailer when I return. Great video, thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Solo camping. I sometimes miss those days :) My wife would agree with you in that the cleaning up tends to be the toughest. This is not the most minimalist thing to do, but what has really helped us is to have a set of everything that lives permanently in the trailer (clothes, utensils, books, bear spray, etc.).

[@thomaslewis1268]

Hi, I've watched your videos for a long time and learned a lot from your journey. Because I'm currently planning an extended trip to Alaska, I recently re-watched this video. I decided to subscribe just to say "thank you" for your input over the years (and that is a bigger action than it sounds, because I almost never subscribe to any channels). The quality of your posts (like this video) has been consistently relevant over time and I appreciate the effort that requires. If I had a growing family like yours I would have bought a teardrop years ago (just to have a place to get out of the rain and wind when the weather turns bad for days); but because I'm primarily overlanding alone, I'm still able to pack everything I need (including a mountain bike and kayak) in or on the racks of my lifted Subaru Outback Onyx. Best wishes to you and your family during the new year. 🌈

[@placeboantwerp4312]

Don't have my teardrop yet. But totaly understand the need to do things around the camp for a little while until I feel settled. Nice video, thanks.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome Kevin. Hoping you get that teardrop sooner than later!

[@ronin6887]

You got it made my friend! Little camper, pretty wife and super cute kid! Live the dream! Sometimes we don't know how lucky we are!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you. I always enjoy being reminded of the blessings I have. It doesn't take a whole lot to enjoy this beautiful life we were given. I really is the simple things. But, at the same time it doesn't take a whole lot to easily take for granted all the blessings we have as well. We are truly living the dream! Hope you are living your best dream as well. Thanks for the really sweet comment.

[@alanj7306]

You weren’t given a beautiful life, no one is. You worked for it. Always remember that.

[@MrRayMac1963]

Small trailer camping is ‘backpack car camping” compared to a big class A. The work is part of the experience, and you can get to places you never could with a big rig. You did a great job of explaining it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It really is backpack car camping isn't it? Unfortunately we continue to find year after year that our backpacking pots and pans continue to shift and slide into the cracks of our Coleman stove. Time to upgrade our cooking gear to "car camping" gear. We are really glad to hear our story made sense. It often makes us feel a little nicer knowing we aren't the only ones having these thoughts.

[@MrRayMac1963]

Playing with Sticks I’ve had my rig set up in my backyard the whole lockdown. When I go out there my wife says “you going out to play with your toys”. It exactly like you described.

[@JaneDoe-rm7qy]

Love your plan. We have a large clam we camp with cots but plan to get teardrop soon. We do have a nightime potty . Our clam had optional panels and floor. We use both.. Keep it up. We camped,hiked,traveled every summer,spring, with our son. He is techie but not like his friends. At 17 he would rather go hike in the woods on a Sat than sit around.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We truly hope our boys will turn out like yours. We try our hardest to stay away from the screen time and inspire more with natural activities. I know at some point they are going to get it all from their friends. But we are hoping we have instilled a strong love of the outdoors in them that wins over.

[@glenncooper6685]

Very well said!!! We got our teardrop to get out and be a part of nature. And nature can be challenging at times! That’s okay. It is all a part of the experience.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It CAN be challenging. This weekend the weather was great, which should have posed no challenges. But the first day out the great weather got us playing a bit too long and it was a scramble before sundown to get everything setup for the evening. Setting up camp around midnight isn't always the most fun experience. But, waking up to mountains and rivers outside our door made it all worth it.

[@meadowlarkgal25]

I don’t EVER want to mess with a tent, that is the reason I purchased a teardrop trailer. I pull it with my little 2003 Mazda 3. I would open up the trailer and go to sleep. The next morning it was time to set up the picnic table, organize the back of the pick up with the coolers and get the chairs out. I love it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That sounds like a great setup Jan. Love that you can tow your trailer with such a small vehicle. The benefits of that combination are pretty amazing. I think if we didn't have kids we would probably have a lot more days out without the tent going up. But, with the kiddos we learned quickly to get that tent up fast because we never know when the swarm of mosquitoes will hit.

[@meadowlarkgal25]

Playing with Sticks I camp at the state parks and have not had any problems with mosquitoes. I got rid of my screen room with my tent. I wonder if the park service maintains the bug population near the camp sites.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@meadowlarkgal25 They may have good airflow. If there is a breeze we do just fine, but in the wooded areas where it is tough to get a small breeze through it can get pretty bad up here quick.

[@ABirdfromOz]

This has helps me alot with the decision to get a teardrop, I want something simple like camping but comfortable nights sleep this the best of both worlds!! Thank you so much!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You nailed it with that description. It is basically camping, but with a bed as comfortable as home. A bed on wheels and an outdoor living room!

[@LuvNatTurner]

ABird from Oz... We're on the same page. I'm ready to purchase a teardrop, no doubt about that. Want to keep that footprint as small as possible.

[@ABirdfromOz]

@@LuvNatTurner 100% agree feels like the best choice! 😍

[@ABirdfromOz]

@@PlayingwithSticks perfect match really, we are limited where I am to purchase one so after restrictions lift we may need to travel to find a good teardrop to suit our needs 😀

[@CheeseOnEverything]

have u considered the starcraft 14rb? It's just slightly bigger but has all the amenities, full kitchen and washroom.

[@tedspirakis627]

You found outdoor bliss in your early years: Congratulations! We've have been enjoying that lifestyle for many years (we are in our 60's). Be safe out there.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you! In all honesty we found it quicker than most because growing up our grandparents worked hard to ensure we took part in their outdoor lifestyle. We are so thankful they spent so much time getting us involved in what they loved. Awesome running into folks like you who are enjoying this same lifestyle as much as us. You stay safe as well Ted.

[@djtravelers4467]

Small trailer camping? Can pull with almost any car or even a motorcycle trike. Have to figure out gear. What works for you. Would say try to get the best from the get go. Gear just has to work very well in the field. Your experience is that much more fun when gear is working! Camping with less is the best! NOT BRING THE HOUSE. Good video happy camping!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We wished we had learned from our mistakes. However, we continue to purchase gear that 1 year later we end up upgrading. I think we are starting to come around to the idea of buy once, cry once.

[@atfarley]

I've spent the majority of my time in the teardrop in Utah. Not that we aren't 'ready' for rain but it's not a part of our process. Your video makes it apparent that we may need to consider other options when we travel more with the trailer.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad it got you thinking Andrew. For us it is about the rain, but it is even more about the bugs. One of our little guys is pretty allergic to everything that bites. We learned quickly to create a little outdoor/indoor world for him. And setting all this up is really fun. It is like building a fort!

[@matthewrice2152]

I've camped as a young kid with my family, and now with my family over the span of nearly 40 years. The important thing is getting out and interacting with nature in whatever way that makes you/your family/group happy. There are advantages and disadvantages to every type of camping, so in turn there is no "perfect" way of camping. Having done everything from tent camping to driving a motorhome, there is a good amount of work in all of them, just in different ways.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love this perspective Mathew. You are so right in terms of the work. Someone also pointed out with the larger RVs there still is work, but more of it takes place at home which we don't all get to see.

[@matthewrice2152]

@@PlayingwithSticks It's quite true. One of the appeals of a motorhome is that your camping experience essentially starts once you're on the road. That moves a lot of the work that others do at the campground to the home.

[@ericvaughan11]

Great video, I've owned and RV and it's not a camping experience. Just got my first teardrop and it's perfect. Just like tent or car camping, but with amenities you come to enjoy of an RV. Kitchen, comfortable bed to stay toasty warm in.

[@sureshkohnke4288]

One of the best, honest videos I have seen so far, to prepare myself for the outdoor adventure . Thank you! Greetings from Germany

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great to here! Hello from Alaska!

[@Lotuslaful]

I agree with all you said and have felt those things living on a cabin in the woods with no water and an outhouse etc. very fulfilling Travelling solo i have some concerned re a lot of set up in regards to leaving if need be and safety so am sorting through all that So far I camped out of an suv and loved the simplicity safety etc Nice video Nice working it out for all in the family:)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Good point on leaving your items out. It does make you a bit uncomfortable. That is why we tell folks don't bring anything with you that would make you cry if it walked off. This is our philosophy and it has given us great peace of mind when fishing, hiking, and berry picking. The cabin sounds so fun! We were just talking about this today. That a cabin KZbin channel would be really fun as well.

[@Lotuslaful]

I hear you re peace of mind Very wise:)

[@garymackay7539]

Couldn’t agree more, I feel like I’m in a miniature retirement unit in a big van, love doing “the work” and often still looking for things to do days later...gotta be outdoors...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love the miniature retirement unit comment. We just took out our remodeled 13 ft trailer this week and we said the same thing. We said it felt like we were renting a AirBNB tiny home. Finally had the chance to bring the hammock to setup, but we had so much fun hiking, eating, and playing by the water we never even had the chance this week to decorate the campsite.

[@BobK58]

We just pulled our t@g out of the garage and gave it a thorough cleaning. Off to the State Park next Sunday. We have a similar setup to yours. I think the best part of camping is cooking outside. And eating outside!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We like the ability to warm up some coffee inside our campers, but other than that we completely agree...keep the food outside!

[@heatherhikes6880]

We were ready to give up tent camping to get comfort but didn't want the rv because we live to be outside. Mission Overland trailer owner now. Kinda a square drop but definitely still teardrop category. We love it!!!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We would swap out our teardrop for your Mission Overland trailer any day. Looks so fun!

[@heatherhikes6880]

@@PlayingwithSticks we are enjoying it! Hope to drive it to Alaska and Yukon when we retire 🙂

[@CheeseOnEverything]

This is the reason why I got the smallest RV with full kitchen and bathroom, a Starcraft 14RB. To me it's either go camping for the sake of camping, or RV and have all the amenities. Here in Toronto, it gets pretty cold in the winter and unless are willing to deal with walking in snow shoes through a few feet of snow and have a hot tent and a wood burning stove, it's pretty bleak. Having a nice heated place to chill and relax and still be able to do all the outdoor activities until it gets too cold is soo nice. I get that you have a family to take care of and I think for you the teardrop has it's place. If it were me though, I would go the overlanding route. You have basically the same setup as a teardrop but now you're opened to even more accessible terrain. It would require you to ditch both the car and the trailer and swap to a truck or suv, but in my opinion, it's a better overall setup but to each his own.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We completely agree on your overland comment. We are slowing working over into that direction. We have the Jeep, our family has outgrown the little 4X8 teardrop. We are ready for a newer teardrop that can get off the beaten path and support a rooftop tent for the growing family.

[@rozhang7353]

Got my vote!!! Happy Family!

[@texasuavpilot]

My setup and gear is almost identical as yours, even that blue 5 gal. water container, tables and stove. I got a black rugged 4x8' sleeper teardrop and I'm pulling it with only a 2017 Ford Fusion sedan. I've gone as remote as Chaco Culture National Historical Park (not an easy drive), and made it alright. Started in 2018 and have travel thousands of miles for almost 2 consecutive months at a time with basically zero experience and learning as I go. It is a little bit of work and a learning curve but not hard at all. This by far has been the most satisfying experience I've ever had. The only somewhat difficult parts are, water and food management, parking in reverse (since I rarely detach from the car) and setting up the awning from the camper on a windy day..lol. I Boondock most of the time and finding those ideal spots can be a challenge, but it can be solved with a little bit of research and planning ahead of time.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Your setup and your lifestyle sounds a lot like us. We are still working on the water and food management as well. Fortunately for us, not a whole lot of wind near most of our boondocking sites up here.

[@lorihamlin3604]

I’ve always tent camped but recently enjoyed a few days at beach with family in their new camper trailer. The set up was 15 min and had all amenities of home. I did find that we spent more time inside than I would have liked, as it was very cold and raining, but enjoyed the dry warm area to play board games, as opposed to dealing with damp sleeping bags. I discovered at 70 that I have a bit of a claustrophobia problem once encased in bottom enclosed bunk area. Having the ceiling 2 feet above my head was a major problem but didn’t want to disrupt the children sleeping above me. After positioning myself with head at the opening to bed I was able to sleep but was a weird experience. I’m looking at a teardrop for a cross country trip with my brother, who has a truck camper, this summer.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Unfortunately I have been claustrophobic since birth. So is the majority of my family. They can't believe that I love sleeping in a teardrop. But, it is strange once you get inside one and lay down you realize there is so much space above your head. But, like you If I sleep backwards in my teardrop with the cabinets over my head I get that same uneasy feeling. The only time I have to do this is when I am too lazy to unhitch and the upward slope is on the backend of the teardrop.

[@jackgoldman1]

Know what you want. Know what the price is. Pay the price. I always wanted to own the dirt so I have an off grid cabin. Yes it's work too but comfortable. Love it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

May also has that internal desire to own some dirt. When the economy struggles up here form time to time with oil and now tourism her first thought is always scooping up some off grid property at a low cost. Not the greatest thing to do, gaining from other's struggles. But, also a practical time to invest. Hope you get plenty of time this summer to utilize that cabin. And the beauty of the cabin vs. small camper is you have 4 seasons to enjoy yours!

[@abelmaldonado6643]

I think camping with a teardrop is still camping it's just a bed on wheels not like a rv when every thing you could possibly need is inside. Teardrops are made for people that want to be outside enjoying the outdoors

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We would agree with this. Our tent camping trips and our teardrop trips are almost one and the same.

[@Scraparella]

Abel Maldonado We have a small 17 foot RV and let me tell you, it is work. I don’t just arrive to my site pull out my chair and sit down and I’m done.

[@abelmaldonado6643]

@@Scraparella I know it still takes work setting up but what I ment was it has all the comforts of home inside I know because I bought my parents a 18ft camper and it's nice

[@cheryl5601]

Which you can do with a class A RV. It's a choice to set up everything outside and then sit inside or outside or sit outside and plan your outdoors experience. Why have a teardrop and then pack 3 extra tents and outside tables, chairs, cooking and washing up equipment . Mine is set up and ready to go in my trailer, allowing me more time to enjoy my outdoor experience. When I get home i empty my fridge, wipe out my beverage cooler, collect my dirty laundry and go into my hone to start planning my next holiday. No drying wet tents, cjeanibg and repacking the trailer. Teardrops are not the camping experience I want to have.

[@abelmaldonado6643]

@@cheryl5601 that's good if you need the room and can afford it but i can park a teardrop any where and don't need rv hook ups like i said it's more of a camping experience button get me wrong ifci could afford one I would use it 😜

[@BrianGlassEOD]

Great video. I'm with you, I have a truck with a pop up tent and one of the most enjoyable aspects is sitting up camp and doing the little rituals of preparation. Your son is adorable by the way.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Is your tent separate from your truck? Or is this a tent on a rack you built over your truck? Both sound like great options. Thanks for the sweet comment about our little guy.

[@BrianGlassEOD]

Playing with Sticks it actually an AT Overland Habitat. I used to do a lot of tent camping but just can’t take sleeping on the ground anymore

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@BrianGlassEOD Wow, that is great. I have never seen one extend out like that. Looks like it would give you great rain coverage when sitting under it in your camp chair.

[@kelliyeowell5691]

Great video. I agree with your points. I loved tent camping, but my husband wanted a bathroom, so we just got a T@B 320 cs-s, which has a hard-sided bathroom, bed and what I personally love, the kitchen in on the outside, back of the trailer :) Great compromise for us. Thanks for the great content.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Your trailer is envied by us and many. Such a great little design. Nice to have the best of both worlds. Modern comforts, but small enough to keep you outdoors.

[@kelliyeowell5691]

@@PlayingwithSticks Still figuring out battery life, etc., because we love dry camping

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@kelliyeowell5691 It takes a while. And then once you figure everything out a new toy comes along and then you need even more power. If it were us we would say keep it simple and just use lights, electric blankets, and charging cell phones, computers, etc. Or go really big, because if you go in-between you always find you need more power when a new toy comes around. Just our 2 cents on that one.

[@kelliyeowell5691]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thanks :)

[@pkmt45]

I agree that "work" is part of the fun and reason for camping. It's part of the zen!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Isn't that funny, "It's part of the zen!" Sounds like an oxymoron, but so true.

[@jon1208]

Being outdoors is camping out. You are so right. Thanks for the post.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad it resonated with you Jon!

[@lula1908]

I love this. This is way better than a large RV

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. The large RVs have their place. But, for our current lifestyle, we agree that the small camper is the way to go.

[@snowplow7883]

Balance, so critical to a healthy life

[@metaxaanabeer]

Preaching to the choir! One thing I enjoy when backing my teardrop in and leveling is the lack of yelling. Seems a lot of bigger units need yelling to accomplish the same thing.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is true, there is quite a bit of yelling. From the more classy large RV owners we have adopted the 2 way radio approach. Pretty nice when you know you are picking through a small boulder field behind you.

[@AkFlyFishersmembers]

True! We are headed to the Kenai for 4 days of TENT camping next week. Holy cow. It will be a ton of work. I’m excited for it! Sure, a teardrop camper would be great. But we only have tents. Thanks. (Campgrounds are packed everywhere.)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned. We have been hitting up our favorite boondocking sites the last couple of weeks. It is crazy that even mid-week everything is full. The first week it was a bit tough camping side by side in our favorite solitary locations. But these last two weeks we have gotten used to it. It has actually been quite fun seeing how others camp, sharing stores, fishing tackle, etc.

[@CampingTherapy]

I just posted a slideshow video of a teardrop rally. They were pretty cool to look at, but I need something just a tad bigger. I did own a Scamp and loved it! That was perfect for me and everything was ready to go when I pulled into the campsite. I also have a CLAM and love it. So easy to set up.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We like to have the best of both worlds. We currently own a teardrop and a 13 foot trailer. Our trailer is very similar to the Scamp in that everything was in it and ready to go. Also you can't beat a warm coffee from the interior range, standing room for changing clothes, and a nice little area to use the bathroom. But, what we still notice is we spend more days using our teardrop than using the 13ft trailer. I think this is because we take more 3-5 day adventures than we do week or longer adventures.

[@25lunalunera]

Do what makes you happy. If it makes you and your family happy and more comfortable to do camping that way, by all means, go ahead. I’m taking so many tips from your page since we are planning to get one soon.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad the videos are helpful for your Barbara. When you do get one let us know what you get. One of our favorite things is just finding out what everyone is using.

[@alwaysjoie309]

Great thoughts! Another huge plus in my mind to small campers is being able to use the vehicle you already have! I am a single mom. I wanted to camp but couldn’t justify a truck so I bought a Scamp.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes! We couldn't agree more. Scamp was our limit as well in terms of weight for our little Toyota Matrix. Now that we have towed the teardrop year after year we know this is the lifestyle we enjoy. Now thinking about upgrading our vehicle feels a little more justifiable. An for us an upgrade is purchasing a $5,000 Jeep :) Now were are able to tow a Scamp full loaded and feel 100% comfortable we are being easy on our tow vehicle. But, when we used the Matrix it was as easy as spreading the water around the Scamp in multiple containers. Same amount of water that we had in the water tank, but by moving it around it evenly distributed the weight and allowed the little 4 cylinder to tow over hills and pass other cars.

[@richards3891]

great video and great points. We have owned our teardrop for 2 years and will never go with a larger RV. It takes a while to get it down to a science, but we have just a few main things we deal with: the awning, the Clam shelter, some camp chairs, and our prep table., Our kitchen is already ready to go thanks to the T@g. We love the time outdoors and are never bored. Even when it rains.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for sharing Richard! You sound a lot like us, but you have the benefit of the galley kitchen. Wish we had a proper kitchen.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

We have a small teardrop; nucamp 400 BDL (15' of living space) we've had for over a year and our longest trip was three months from Florida to Alaska and back. It was just my wife and I and our Australian Sheppard. While we did numerous shake down trips to prepare, we quickly found on our long trip we had over packed. This is important, because this initially impacted the way we packed and how we setup and broke camp. As our trip went on, we reorganized and eventually used our Thule Luggage Container as storage for stuff we didn't need. We normally tried to spend at least two days at each location and initially would setup our nucamp awning, lay out our indoor/outdoor carpet and pull out our heavy camping chairs. Added to this we would disconnect from our TV and do all the trailer hookup stuff. Very time consuming when we wanted to do other stuff. So, before putting up the awning we did a weather check. If the weather forecast was good, no awning. For chairs, we picked up two very light weight chairs that when collapsed were small. These were quick and easy to set up. If we didn't plan to drive around our stop, we kept our TV connected. For trailer hookups, we just used electric and water and didn't bother with sewer until the morning we were leaving. We developed check list for setup and breaking camp, who did what - my wife took care of everything inside and I did everything outside. Our efficiency improved and we normally could from waking up, be on the road within 45-mins and that included time for coffee. Bottom line, we prioritized what was important to what was nice to have. Constantly reviewing what you pack is key; too may RVers/campers carry too much stuff and all that stuff distracts from the real reason you are traveling/camping. Best of luck. Stay safe

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sounds like a great trip you had from Florida to Alaska. I bet it wasn't the most pleasant in terms of comfort, but it sounds like you learned a lot along the way. Like you we do a 2 night minimum as well, as it is not worth all the work to just pack up again the next morning. Our systems are changing weekly, we still haven't got it all figured out, not even close. But, each week is easier than the week before it. And we have been doing this non-stop in the summer with the same camper for over three years. You would think we would have figured it out by now. I think having a new kid every other year is part of the required changes though.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thank you for the reply. It was just my wife and I, so having young children definitely makes things more interesting and challenging. We have to say, on our long trip there never was an uncomfortable night in the trailer. Now, there were some sketch RV parks in the BC and the Yukon but they were probably sketch because we were at the end of the season so maintenance etc., wasn't as important. Safe travels and hope our paths cross on the road.

[@kman8271]

We’re about to buy our first teardrop camper because of y’all. We are so pumped! I hope to end up in Alaska someday 😃

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love hearing that! There’s plenty of room for you in Alaska come on up!

[@kiplambel4052]

"Maybe we often try too hard to create an outdoor experience for ourselves that is TOO comfortable". Right on! I'm the type who makes fun of people in RVs, watching TV and getting fat. I'm 64, and retired, and still not ready to embrace the lifestyle my folks loved with their 25 foot trailers and class A RVs. I'm just starting to think about "upgrading" to a teardrop (squaredrop) from a pop-up truck camper.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Our house is divided on this one. For me I sometimes wonder if a pop-up truck camper would be best for our family. But, my wife is all about the cute factor. And I will admit I have a bit of an infatuation with small camper trailers, especially vintage trailers and modern trailers built from older designs. Even though a teardrop is a bit more hassle in terms of towing, it also has so many benefits, especially if you are towing it with your daily driver.

[@CelebrateEverything]

I completely agree! I love setting up camp and having a comfortable dry Outdoor living space and a cozy warm sleeping space in our Scamp. And I love the Cuteness factor of the small trailers. (Westetn Washington = rain)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love the Scamp as well! Perfect trailer for where you live.

[@davewinch6029]

Camping in a Teardrop isn't for everybody and that's fine. I remember a few years ago, camped just outside Yellowstone and we were parked next to some big RV's. I said to my wife, "I'm sure glad we don't own one of those big expensive beasts, what a headache just to maintain it". Later I heard one of those RV owners comment to his wife, "Can you imagine trying to sleep in that tiny little thing?" No doubt, we were both happy with our personal choices for camping, as we should be.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

What a great scene you painted. So true. I'm very glad we were not all created to think the same way.

[@midwesta-framer649]

Really a balance each person needs to find with what they consider too much work. The experience that they want. I’ll gladly admit that I kinda like rolling into camp, popping up my aframe, grabbing a chair and being bored lol. Glad you guys finally can go out. Here in Illinois we can start camping this weekend, we are going to try our first boondocking trip 🙏🏻

[@PlayingwithSticks]

After this week of camping I am starting to feel bored would be okay as well :) It was quite busy at the campsite taking care of the family. You guys are going to have a blast boondocking! There is something about finding a "free" campsite that takes the camping experience one step further. The A frame style trailers are gaining popularity up here. The ones folks have up here have very nice ground clearance. Hopefully sooner than later we will be able to take one out for the channel.

[@midwesta-framer649]

Playing with Sticks ha, I wish it were free, but no. Illinois is slim pickings as we don’t have much in the way of national and state forests. We do have land in WI that is free but, given the state of things, we are staying local. We are dry camping at a state park. Boondock practice I guess you can say lol. Looking forward to the days when it’s safe enough to travel farther for the real thing 👍🏻 Aframes are great. The simplicity and hauling ease of a teardrop, combined with the space of a travel trailer. Just enough but not too much to overwhelm 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Chrisb8s]

I love how you have a little compound that you can change anytime you want. I have a tesla model S and with the seats down, it is like driving a teardrop

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, a mobile compound is a great term for it. And the Tesla is exactly that. Just with a much better battery.

[@jpack67]

You really described my dilemma in a nutshell. Teardrop is sounding better and better.

[@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10]

Great video! We are small primitive campers ourselves. Another benefit I didn't hear you mention is a small camper opens up a huge amount of possible camping locations that large RV's can't get to. That's one benefit we love about camping small. Another benefit is we can do a 3 to 5 day camping trip and spend less for the entire trip than a huge RV or Motorhome spends on the gas alone. We hope everyone buys a huge gas guzzling RV or Motorhome because that means less people and more solitude where we like to camp. Ha Ha Take care guys! 👍

[@PlayingwithSticks]

So true on the locations. I think the only reason we didn't mention it is because at some point we thought people would say, "OKAY we GET IT!" We love sharing in all our videos just how we are able to escape the crowds and find our own little haven of bliss in the woods. Man, sounds like we need to make less of these video in case the word gets out and everyone starts building small camper trailers :)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@D M Yes, we have experienced that with the 13' Scamp many times. If you don't need the hookups a tent site works perfectly.

[@nedanother9382]

A backpack opens up ALL the places all trailers can't go.....you know the very best places. I wonder why you stopped your quest for the great outdoors at a tiny camper....its still more limiting than a pickup/shell and both are more limiting than a backpack. it's weird where folks "lines" are drawn.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This can be said for almost anything. Why do you draw a line on what size home you will live in? Type of car you will drive? Job you will work? Good thing we weren’t all created to think the same or we would all be camping on top of each other!

[@robertbenton2294]

I used to own a 36 ft fifth wheel with slideouts. I only slept in it. I cooked outside, sat in a chair outside, found things to do outside. Now I tent camp. I found that Setting up camp is one of the more enjoyable parts of camping. For me anyway.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It is funny because at first we thought we wanted to escape the setup. But, now we find ourselves going backwards. Like you we may end up in a regular tent sooner than later.

[@robertbenton2294]

I heard that😊 Butt, I kinda like the security, comfort and simplicity a smaller camper offers. Happy trails✌

[@TrentGustus]

So many ways to camp. I have a 23 gmc motorhome, and love it because it's small and parks anywhere. We don't set up much at campsites because we're always on the go. It's a traveling coach. Even if we have a camp spot we leave in the morning to the beach, and park there. Make breakfast at the beach. We look around and big trailers and rvs and all the stuff they set up and think 'why all the junk'

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love your style Trent. I like the idea of moving the camper to different locations for different scenery and needs.

[@noobfishermanfitness]

I love your easy lifestyle camping set up!!! Im about to show my wife this video and she is gonna believe in the small camper teardrop set up and not the big RV style. Thank you.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Awesome! A great compromise between teardrop and RV is a fiberglass trailer like a Scamp or a Casita. We are currently out in a pop-up camper and would suggest that as well. Has a lot more setup required, but it would eliminate all the need for side entry tents and outdoor gear.

[@Itried20takennames]

People are different, and the same person may like different things at different stages of life….and even more true in camping and RVing. So the options are great.

[@dawnhightman8557]

Love it. We have a 39’ class A and because we may be past the younger yrs, we also like to get away small-so we use my Honda Pilot with the tent attached. So we have a nice futon to sleep on inside the car but we have the outside tent to stand in to change, use the restroom or get out of the rain/wind if necessary. Kind of the best of both worlds. Cuz we are definitely not taking the class A on the beach, where I love to be. 😜

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We like your style. We also own a larger 13' camper. This is for the longer more comfy road trips. When we want the action and tougher places to get to we bust our the teardrop. Really like the idea of a tent attached to a vehicle. Thanks for sharing Dawn.

[@jarrodworlie6288]

I admire your family. I am trying to purchase a teardrop and it’s great getting all the advise that you have to share. Thank you.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad to hear this Jarrod! Thank you.

[@ryanbell1639]

Man, excellent video and wonderful insight. It's a good reminder that, often, the most meaningful experiences in our life are the ones we worked for. I'm as guilty as anyone for wanting to avoid any kind of work during my leisure time, especially since my career is a very physical one. But when I really think about it, when it comes to camping, the things I get the most enjoyment out of are things like setting up the tent, building a fire, and so on. We've been considering buying a camper in the next year or two, and likely will get something small and portable. Thanks for this video. I'm glad I came across it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Fun to hear you can relate Ryan. When I made this video I actually wondered if nobody would be able to relate.

[@36PawsPNWC]

I really enjoy your videos, candid & honest style! Blessings to you and your family!!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you Mirna! That means a lot to us.

[@jeancambra8036]

Your family is wonderful. Love this video. It is better than tent camping anytime. I hope to share my experiences soon.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed this one Jean! And yes, looking forward to hearing/seeing your experiences.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Hi Drew! We are in a tiny camper by choice. I think you hit all the points in this video. In addition to camping we enjoy road tripping having a tiny camper brings simplicity to road tripping. We have had pop ups and also did van camping. We don’t see ourselves making any changes. I love when someone says that thing look claustrophobic and I say “ you know what’s claustrophobic? Payments on a big old motor home :). We are living like no one else and that’s our secret. Love your channel ! Herky Says HI

[@festerhairball6588]

love your comment on whats really "claustrophobic"

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That financing comment on claustrophobic was great! We were reading some Airstream forums the other day. Don't read into this anyone, we are not getting an Airstream :) Not that we wouldn't love one. And one of the running jokes on there is that Airstream owners are experts in caulk because they have to caulk their trailers so many times over the span of their ownership. They said that typical RV owners are not experts in caulk because about the time the caulking goes bad the entire trailer starts to fall apart. And instead of learning about caulk they start signing financing papers for their next RV. I know this is a little blown out of proportion, but I thought it was funny the things you hear in different travel trailer communities. Hey Herky! It has been a while. With keeping up with the boys and all the comments (which has been such a blessing, both of them) we haven't had as much time to watch our favorite channels.

[@johnw65]

For me, Part of the 'Joy of Camping' is Not having all the comforts of home. "Roughing it" a little... After tent camping all my life, my tiny camper is way cool! Awning sets up in 10 min. Folding chairs, table, cooktop, another 10 min. My firewood from home is easier than braving ticks and snakes while looking for firewood! Instead of then 'sitting under the awning, I fire up my scooter and go exploring! Telescoping rod/reel, tackle, drinks and snacks packed in the bike! I'm dry and secure now, in spite of the weather and can 'break camp' in less than a 1/2 hour...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I don’t heart many comments John but this one got a big heart! You sound like our type of guy.

[@douglashill4007]

You and your family are fun.Thanks and good luck on your adventures.Just purchased a used Little Guy and your videos are helpful.

[@maritimeblaster]

Great video! I love the “work”! See you soon.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you! Appreciate the comment.

[@jeffp3415]

We love our teardrop trailer, and we go out as often as we can. If we are going to stay in one place for 2-3 nights or more, we set up an awning over the the galley and a side awing, otherwise when we're traveling we just park in the evening and crawl into the teardrop to watch a movie and fall asleep. We used to tent camp, and since we would always set up a cooking/eating tarp and kitchen area in addition to the tent the teardrop is a lot less set up time than that. I see people with big RVs that have a lot more work than we do.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You sound a lot like us, well before we had kids. Now with the kiddos we find ourselves more often being forced to setup the outdoor area due to mosquitoes and our pace of travel has changed a bit. Harder to predict when we will end up at a campsite and not as many one night stays. Kind of miss those one night stays because we were really able to cover some ground.

[@rodbottomley4514]

Its always a battle between being cost effective and the experience itself as well. That is why I think Teardrops are one of the best ways to go.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Very true. We have found most often if we are frugal the outcome tends to be a bit more rough and work. With the teardop this is also true, butit somehow also enhances the experience. And for us, being well...frugal, there is a funny little joy we receive from knowing we didn't have to take out loans or buy a larger vehicle, or spend twice as much on gas to get to the same destination as someone else. And I wouldn't call the feeling pride. It is the same feeling I get when I catch a salmon and eat it. There is something special about living closer to the land and knowing your harvest or end result came from a no cost/low cost, you get out of it what you put into it in terms of effort type of activity.

[@stevyd]

Convenience and comfort, camping is about doing without a lot of that so we can enjoy not only the beauty, majesty, and simplicity of nature but also so that once we get back home we can enjoy all the time, work, maintenance, cost, and complexity we go through to have a modern home life, something we then often can't wait to escape from to go camping.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Very well said. On a slightly different note someone made a comment on here about a year ago about how in the past life was hard. So for them a vacation was a time to rest and pamper themselves. Today, with modern conveniences and technology sometimes the best way to relax/reset is to go out looking for those same hard moments our ancestors of the past worked so hard to avoid.

[@concernedcitizen780]

I envy you. Pure and simple. Envy. Keep doing what your doing. We love it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks so much. We will do our best to keep them coming!

[@davidlockebreaux8064]

I enjoy your vids so much, and appreciate all of your knowledge sharing with us. Thank you !!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you David!

[@lisam7036]

Great video. My husband and I tent camp right now but are thinking about getting a trailer. We don't want something big. Your videos have been very helpful

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad this was helpful Lisa!

[@space_coast_snapshots6457]

I love my 4x8 with a side tent, the set up is part of the fun

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Hey, a fellow 4X8 owner!

[@deborahaustin7508]

We love tear drop camping. Set up is easy. Ours is fitted out. We only take food and clothes. We meet a lot of people. Drive in, maybe put up a canopy. Love it!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is what we love to hear! You sound like our type of folks

[@deborahaustin7508]

@@PlayingwithSticks you as well as ours. We live in Arkansas (NW). Come see us.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@deborahaustin7508 We would love to get out your way some time. If we ever head that direction we will let you know.