My 2018 VISTABULE Teardrop Trailers Visit Pt.2 - St. Paul, MN * Lightweight Towable Camper

Well, the day has come. Houston TX to St. Paul MN to visit, Bert, Lily, the Designers and the entire crew at Vestibule Teardrop Trailers. Unable to place my hand on one of these in my area of TX, I took up Bert’s & Lily’s invite and flew up to see one up and close!
The rig is a work of Art! Fit and finish is outstanding and designed as no other I have seen. Wide access doors and light and towable, the perfect combination for me!
Should I be fortunate enough to own a Vestibule one day, I would very much like demonstrating the capabilities and full use of the “Rig" for the disabled community. I am already consistently stopped and asked about my custom modified GMC Sierra 1500 with an elevating platform which places me directly behind the wheel. I enjoy chatting about it and demonstrating this unique vehicle to those who never thought it existed. At times I even draw a crowd! By people being aware of its existence and capabilities, many have commented on how acquiring one would change their lives! Now imagine adding a Vestibule in tow. Add to that, people witnessing a disabled paraplegic driver, getting out in a wheelchair, and getting whatever needs to get done to hitch the Vestibule, manhandle it if necessary because it’s light enough that even I could move or slightly roll it around to hitch up and “Hook It and Book It” like I like to say. Imagine then arriving at a campsite, fellow campers and families witnessing the same occurring when setting up camp. I am destined to draw attention and be approached to be asked about the Vestibule everywhere I go and while some would prefer to distance themselves, I would welcome it! I am a born communicator who very much enjoys the questions and conversations along with the demonstrations that come with it. The Vestibule is so unique in itself, I would very much enjoy demonstrating its details and craftsmanship. Not to mention, I have volunteered at the Nations top Hospital for spinal cord and brain injury, Memorial Herman TIRR in Houston. There I helped mentor recently injured patients who've lives have been severely altered for life. I share with them my 20 yrs experience, the good the bad and the ugly. I have had 2 near death experiences and this does not even count the miraculous accident that made me a T6 Paraplegic for life. I share my experiences, my rehabs, my adapting to the new world in front of me that includes intensive therapies, self-care, independence, adapting the home environment, transportation, traveling and flying to name a few. But mostly importantly adapting to the new family dynamics that involves one’s entire family because they too will have suffered a life-altering traumatic event. But it boils down to this, what will one do with the “new birth” GOD had presented us? My daily plan has been thus far, has been to make each and every day the absolute best possible it can before myself and everyone I should come across with.
I have recently started this KZbin channel (search for “RollingRob”) sharing my video journey to find the perfect rig that I can adapt for my needs as a paraplegic traveling across the USA solo most of the time. I have demonstrated getting in and out of a few teardrop styles of campers and have a handful more planned. Most of these are very difficult to adapt to while just a couple that I can think offer greater possibilities. But I show it all, the difficulty along with the ease. I want anyone who comes across these videos to see the possibilities. In this channel, I have also documented some “how to” videos and recreational activity videos for the physically disabled. I plan on documenting my journeys to all parts of the USA with just myself, my GMC Sierra 1500 custom modified handicap accessible truck, and the Vestibule should or when I am fortunate enough to acquire one. I guarantee you this will open up so many eyes, and I am in hope that this may motivate those physically disabled persons out there that thought it just could not be done. It’s bad enough getting out of ones mind the “why not's” of why this can’t be done, but then add the obstacles in the way due to the vast majority of small towable campers just do not have ample entry doors with enough room to transfer in and out of a wheelchair. The Vestibule clearly satisfies this need with its user-friendly wide access doors and what seems to be the perfect height. Add this to the fact that the Vestibule is a light towable and has what anyone would need onboard with it unique yet fully functional styling, to just get out and explore nature and the scenic beauty this great country of ours provides for the taking. Patience…the day shall come!
My thanks to everyone at Vestibule for making me feel so welcome!
Onto my next adventure, checking out the light towable campers at inTech RV in Indiana. More to come.
Please subscribe and share! Thank You!

[@adiscourse9489]

This man, the designer, is amazing!

[@RollingRob]

Thank you! Wait till you see my Teardrop I bought..It's not a Vistabule but it is also a work of art and Quality build. Working on intro video. Thanks for watching and subscribe or comeback!

[@doncatchpole7370]

great camper. well made. congrats

[@RollingRob]

Don Catchpole thank you for watching! I only visited Vistabule, loved it as you can tell but then settled on the Camp-Inn 560, it was such a great fit for me and roomier. I spent 2 days with them but did not get to post a video yet. Be sure to view my video on my channel on the the Camp-inn and let me know what you think!!! Thanks again!

[@leontaylor9264]

This is really good, I like how these teardrop trailers are built. Looks nice and comfy for those trips! The accessibility is great also

[@RollingRob]

Yes this is one of only a few that are light, accessible and can be affordable. I have communicated with a couple of manufactures and even been invited to tour the factory. My goal wa to raise awareness that those in the disabled community might also enjoy going camping and seeing more of this beautiful country of ours. I’ve mentioned that with just a few changes here and there, it could make a huge difference accessibility wise. I also think they are not even tapping an underserved market. But the VISTABULE Teardrop is one of my favorite and happens to be the most accessible, without being designed for this purpose! Hats of to them!! You can check out the InTech Flyer Purdue model in my other video, very accessible. Thanks again!

[@pamjacobson6236]

I have somewhat of a mobility issue, and would be camping alone. Would you show us how you can get in with the futon upright, as well as putting the futon up and down? I would love one of these, just not sure if I could do it, I wouldn’t want to order one and find out I couldn’t manage it. They’re not in the any lots that I know of, especially in Washington., to be able to try it out. Thank you for showing us, it gives me encouragement.

[@carasmussen27]

the more of these videos I watch the more i want a tear drop trailer

[@RollingRob]

Cathy Rasmussen thank you! Wait till you see mine! Working on this next video where I finally get to introduce the camper I found to be a great fit for me. I think you will love it. Thank you for watching and please subscribe!

[@franzbibfeldt]

The more of these videos I watch, the more I hate music.

[@tomassanchez1252]

Thanks for the tour! Looks like a GREAT OPTION for handicap accessibility.

[@RollingRob]

Tomas Sanchez thank you. It is a fantastic fit and the owner and designer Bert was so gracious and helpful. He wanted me to jump right in and try it on for size. He was excited to see and discuss what might even make the camper more accessible, like handle on inside top of frame door to help pulling up or scooting around inside. We talked about an interesting option with the futon that would make a huge difference but I don’t want to give anything away or imply anything as we were just sharing ideas that may or may not make sense in future production models. What a great visit, worth every penny in travel expenses. Everyone was great at Vistabule Teardrop Trailers! Thanks to Lily for helping set up a good time and hosting!

[@clarkclarke]

@@RollingRob Great video....I loved the red one ... I hope you are able to get the one you want ...I was wondering though ...how would you secure the wheelchair once once you are in the trailer ??? Other than that ...looking good ..

[@RollingRob]

clark clarke great question. In the Vistabule case, I would simply pull off the cushion, the rest can simply be secured with a quality bike security device with a few close by attachment points. The chair frame is 100% titanium, weather is not an issue rust wise. In addition I could pop off the 25 in wheels and bring them in the cabin, they would not be in the way. If I ever felt I needed to bring the entire chair in, it disassembles in seconds such as I do when traveling in a rental car. (See other video demonstrating that). Thanks for viewing!

[@StellarFella]

At the Recumbent Cycle Con, you will see many of the companies that have developed recumbent trikes or quads that you can easily shift on to from a wheelchair. They have the full spectrum of such products on display. Awareness of these specialized products for wheelchair dependent individuals is extremely useful. The next Recumbent Cycle Con will be held in Nashville on October 12 - 13, 2019 at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Taped footage by the Laidback Cycle Report with Gary Soloman will be up on KZbin for viewing not too long afterwards.

[@RollingRob]

Thanks for the input! I appreciated It!

[@mlangfordcamper]

Wow these are super nice, I home made my teardrop camper as this was just way out of my range

[@RollingRob]

Thank you! I can certainly understand why!

[@RollingRob]

@j j 2021 Thank you for watching! Hey, you can find some Teardrops with very little use or those that have been cared for very well. I got a great deal on one for less than half of that, not one of these but a Camp Inn 560 that is a work of art and a first-class build. I will have an intro video on it soon. But just to clarify you can find deals out there even on Vistabules but you have to be prepared to act fast. Please come back later to check my out my super Camp Inn 560 out or subscribe!

[@dmitry7908]

@@RollingRob Looking very much forward to the Camp-Inn video. Aside from finding a used one, what made you buy that Camp-Inn 560 as opposed to the Vistabule?

[@StellarFella]

Thanks so much for opening my eyes about how tear drop and other small trailers empower wheelchair reliant individuals. I strongly suggest that you test ride some quality high end recumbent trikes too. They empower you immensely as well. Check out the Catrike Dumont or the Greenspeed folding recumbent trikes. They have arm pedaling trikes too for those who no longer have the use of their legs. The Greenspeed Magnum XL trike and the Scorpion Plus have a higher seat height that makes it easier to transfer from a wheelchair. Just set the parking break. All of these quality recumbent trikes can be easily and specifically adapted for individual physical needs.

[@RollingRob]

Cecil Treadwell thank you so much! I would really like to chat with you at some point about the recumbents. I had one and enjoyed it very much. When I ran into a young patient that was having a hard time with his new life altering injury, i made contact with his parents and asked if I could gift it to him in hopes it would encourage him to get outdoors and enjoy life. It’s not over, it’s just a new beginning. It was a “top end” I believe, top of the line, had a lot of fun on it but it became very difficult to get in and out if it independently because it was so low to the ground. At that time, I thought my only option was a granny trike with a flower basket up front lol, Much tine has passed so I am encouraged to hear what has evolved since then. Chat with you soon. Take care and thanks again!

[@StellarFella]

@@RollingRob Check out the videos of the HP Velotechnik Scorpion Plus. It has a seat height of 22 inches above the ground I believe. They have three different maximum seat heights. The Greenspeed Magnum XL trike will hold riders up to 450 lbs. And it can be adapted for hand pedaling. Also, you can subscribe to the Laidback Bike Report and see all their videos on KZbin and see them on Facebook. Gary Soloman did a video with Peter Stull of Alfred Station, New York. He is The Bicycle Man and adapts trikes for individual needs. There are other super experienced trike oriented shop owners around the country who can set you up and advise you about the best models and devices. Watch the videos on the annual Recumbent Cycle Con. Maybe you can attend the next Recumbent Cycle Con depending on where you live. They have wheelchair oriented trikes on display from global manufacturers. Besides higher seats, there are extended handle posts that make the handles higher to grab on to and push lift yourself up more easily and let yourself down more easily too. Also, you can ride a recumbent trike indoors with the rear wheel riding on a heavy duty roller. I am 65 and hate heading out on my bicycle early in the morning because I will be well underway and suddenly need to get to a toilet real quick before I poop my pants. If I was riding inside on rollers, I could stop real quick and take care of business right away. Then, that special danger will have passed for a couple hours anyway. Winter months have such nasty cold weather that you can only ride indoors anyway. Even the late James Dobson pooped his pants a time or two while he was triking across the country. You can trike indoors until you have built up your strength and know your round trip limits. Always have a triking or biking partner. Start to watch these videos starting with the entire Peter Stull Video. Peter is riding a Scorpion Plus when he pulls up and gets the mail out of his mail box. Just after that approximately 30 minute mark, he goes into detail about trike riders with special physical requirements. You can really help get out the word after you absorb all this info and I am sure glad to put you on to it.

[@StellarFella]

@@RollingRob New high handle posts with a "T" shape at the top give you excellent leverage to hoist yourself up and out of the seat especially when newer models have much higher seats with less of a lean back angle as well. I would hate the feeling of being stuck down low in the seat when I seriously wanted to get up and I couldn't.

[@CosmoWeems]

Nice Bob Will the Vistabule meet your needs? Regards =Cosmo

[@RollingRob]

It most certainly will!! Just figuring out the finances to see if its possible. Thanks for watching! Enjoy your videos.

[@billvandammen8429]

👍👍

[@RollingRob]

Thank you!

[@StellarFella]

You represent a niche market within a niche market. But your niche market might very well end up being LARGER than the original niche market. You are in a position to make suggestions for adapting their trailers for wheel chair reliant individuals. I noticed that you needed a device of some type to be able to reach those coffee cups or the spices behind them. A parallel wire with outwardly pointing ends that would collapse and expand into holes like hinge rods and lift a spice rack up and out so you can bring it down to select from it and place it back the same way when you are done. Endless reach and grab tools can be engineered and some are already in existence.

[@RollingRob]

Great Input!

[@MWDAdventures]

so did you buy one? The only thing that held me back from buying one is the price. I opted for the hiker trailer.

[@RollingRob]

No, Not Yet...Figuring out the finances to see if it's even possible...Thanks for watching! I like the Hiker as well, may have to look at it as an alternative.

[@billlink7116]

What sort of price are we looking at?

[@kellettd2]

Great video again! Looks like a great fit for you. Was the one with the 2" lift an off road version? What's the price point? I love the big front window.

[@RollingRob]

Dan & Bri's Adventures Thanks again! It is a great fit. The one with the lift is not really sold as an off road model but add some bigger tires and along with the lift you do have lots more clearance for boondocking. This is definitely one of my favorites but the price point lies somewhere between 17k-25k+ depending on how you spec out your order sheet. It really is worth every penny, excellent craftsmanship, fit, form and functionality. It’s a work of art!

[@kellettd2]

RollingRob I could see that. I love the little round windows. When it was set up as a bench inside I could imagine looking out the front window over looking the ocean drinking my morning coffee. Very cool

[@priscillagaskins4326]

How thick are the mattress- is it comfortable to sleep on

[@RollingRob]

About 4 in. thick. I have heard of sone folks adding additional support but it would have to be something that flexes from flat to the bends of sofa. While I live the Vistabule too, I wound up purchasing a Campinn 560 teardrop. It is also a work of art and visited their factory as well. I had trouble converting fed to sofa and back from a wheelchair vantage point and I’m pretty strong. It not about strength it’s just my disadvantage of not standing. Check out my latest video for a peek at the Campinn 560. Absolutely love it’s functionality and craftsmanship!

[@billlink7116]

No screens for the round side windows?

[@RollingRob]

actually yes, hard to see in video. thanks for watching!

[@jriviere3]

M. Grace

[@RollingRob]

Thank You!