Many individuals are curious about the micro campers that are taking over the country. Here to elaborate, I am.
A micro camper is a little camper trailer that typically weighs under 1000 pounds so that it may be towed by smaller vehicles. Despite the fact that there are many manufacturers of microcampers, the majority are made to order by either individuals or small businesses.
There is a lot to learn about these really covert trailers, and I can’t wait to talk about some of the more interesting ones I’ve seen.
The Solution to a Problem You Didn’t Know You Had Is a Micro Camper
Although many individuals genuinely enjoy camping, many detest having to sleep on the ground. A trailer is the apparent solution to this issue.
The issue is that a lot of folks lack the storage space necessary, let alone the ability to tow a big trailer.
This issue is resolved by the mini camper. Since their weight ranges from 400 to 1000 pounds, practically any vehicle can tow one of these guys.
Even my friend’s little cooper was equipped with a towing hitch so he could pull his tiny camper! These things are incredibly cool because of this.
I have a Hyundai Santa Fe, which is capable of towing just about every trailer on this list.
This kind of trailer may be used for so many various things. The fundamental concept is to use your present car to transport your bed wherever you wish to go.
The Most Basic Type of a Camper
The simplicity of micro campers is what makes them unique. These trailers are intentionally modest, so they don’t significantly alter the standard camping experience.
Now, these trailers lack several of the features seen in the majority of camper trailers. Although they won’t have a bathroom or shower, they will have a bed, and that is what matters most, right?
While some micro campers are simply boxes on wheels, many of them have truly fantastic designs. The boxes on wheels are different, but necessarily better.
There are many items here that have extremely fantastic design potential. These trailers quickly transform into the Swiss army knife of campers due to the abundance of functionality they cram into such a compact area.
I adore mini campers for how straightforward they are. Pay close attention to how his campsite in the video above isn’t just a place to pitch a big RV.
Do not misunderstand me; there is nothing improper about having a huge 40 foot RV. While camping, some people like to live in a place the size of an apartment.
I myself enjoy being outside, therefore the only use I have for a camper is as a place to sleep that is entirely protected from the weather. Although some tents work exceptionally well at that, they take time to set up and take down. Micro trailers are quite simple to set up, and if you do it correctly, you can leave in less than 15 minutes.
I’ve never encountered somebody who enjoys breaking down their camp. It is, in my opinion, the worst aspect of camping. Your stuff is spread out in your tent, covered in trash from your fantastic camping week, and for some reason, it never fits as easily in your car.
Like you, I find it impossible to put the tent back in its original bag. They consistently make those items much too little.
The mini trailer makes packing up easier in a number of ways:
- Not a tent, they
- They serve as additional storage.
- They are light enough to transfer manually to your towing car.
Who are Micro Campers Designed for?
Not everyone is a good fit for a micro camper.
These campers are quite basic, and only those who fit certain requirements ought to be given one.
1. Campers who go in pairs
Micro campers aren’t the ideal option if you have a family of four. They can only sleep two since they are so tiny. Unless your family members are cool with sleeping in a tent, you are free to do as you choose.
The advantages of the mini camper are almost entirely gone if there are people sleeping in tents.
2. People who enjoy camping but also love their bed
A mini camper might be the answer if, like me, you constantly long for your bed while you are camping.
In my opinion, the fact that a queen-size mattress can typically fit in one of these campers makes it worthwhile. I absolutely enjoy camping, but I detest having trouble sleeping. The two most essential components of a home are provided in these campers: your family and your bed.
3. The Nomad
This is ideal if you lead a very basic life and don’t stay put for very extended periods of time.
If you have to stop on the side of the road or arrive at a friend’s house at 3 am and don’t want to wake them up because you need a bed, micro campers are incredibly simple to stealth camp in.
4. The economical camper
Comfort is crucial, especially if you’re camping on your holiday days. A large fifth wheel and a vehicle to pull it are simply out of reach for many individuals. Considering that you can probably tow a compact camper with your current truck, it’s a fantastic compromise. It really is a terrific purchase, even if you need to use it to store a few additional tents for the kids.
5. The Benefits of Building Your Own
The majority of micro campers are made at home. There are many outstanding examples of people who created something truly unique.
Due to how easy they are to construct, people frequently build these themselves. Really, all you need is some knowledge and an old freight trailer.
Investing in a prefabricated tiny camper might be very expensive. Depending on how upscale you want your little house to be, building one may cost as little as $1,000. Some folks with a lot of experience in this area might be able to incorporate all kinds of intriguing features into their campers.
Micro trailers with showers, basins, TVs, and even a tent that can be pitched on the roof have been seen by me. For these small guys, the sky is the limit in terms of ingenuity and imagination.
If you want to make your own trailer, here are the materials and considerations you should have in mind:
- A thin but sturdy frame
- nice lights and deep cycle batteries
- a set of brake lights
- Structural supports: 2x4s or, if you can weld, steel beams
- Walls – It works nicely with plywood and sturdy siding.
- An extremely detailed plan the components of your roof Some individuals simply add metal siding on the top, which is OK.
An old RV door is sometimes used for this as a door.
Even though it seems straightforward, a project like this always requires more labor than you anticipated. Before starting a project like this, make sure you are aware of the level of time commitment required.
Since no one creates exactly what they want, many individuals build their own. However, I have identified some truly outstanding campers that may be the perfect fit for your requirements.
The Finest Micro Campers Currently Available
The Timberleaf Pika
One of the coolest trailers available is this one. Despite just weighing 1000 pounds, they are equipped with a wide range of comforts.
Timberleaf creates vintage teardrop trailers that are completely functional and have a classic appearance. The style of their trailers is fantastic.
This movie features some of their customers discussing the reasons they chose the Timberleaf and their experiences using it.
Hiker Trailer Highway
These trailers are amazing. This trailer is for you if, like me, you would like to construct a trailer yourself but lack the time. For as little as $3,000, they provide you a trailer that works perfectly!
The DIY enthusiasts who wish to completely modify their camper are well served by this style of teardrop trailer.
There is no reason to believe that this trailer is inexpensive, even yet it completely satisfies some people’s needs.
This trailer’s simplicity is actually something I really admire. It isn’t anything special, but it does have just enough angles to avoid seeming like a box. The shelves are accessible from both inside and outside, and the inside is spacious but tiny. The enhancements offered by other teardrop trailers are also present in these ones.
If you choose their basic model, this trailer is quite feature-poor, but if you prefer all the upgrades, there are plenty of options available. I really enjoy how much customization and control you can have at these mom-and-pop stores. I’m sure they’ll do almost anything for you if you have the cash. Solar charging systems, air conditioning, greater storage, and a roof rack are some fundamental additions for these trailers.
TAXA Cricket Camp
This trailer is made to be both lightweight and tiny, yet spacious. This trailer can accommodate four people if you wish to have the additional bunks fitted.
This trailer’s design is so excellent that no other trailer in its weight class that sleeps four people in a better manner can compare.
One of the best-engineered trailers available right now is this one. Garrett Finney, a NASA engineer, was the one who created it. He left NASA and created this magnificent trailer in its place. Now, keep in mind that this trailer will cost you a hefty sum, but you get what you pay for.
This trailer is no exception to the adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Although many people are turned off by the very basic space station appearance, I myself believe it to be incredibly attractive.
I adore it, and I believe that this style of design is what trailers will look like in the future.
The back hatch is one feature of this trailer that I really like. If it was a particularly wonderful evening, I would love to open that up and take in the brisk night air. I love feeling like I’m outside.
GoLittleGuy MyPod
Unfortunately, it is not very practical to put two people on this little bed on wheels. However, I can imagine someone who wants to travel the country with their dog being completely content with this setup.
This kind of living is rather typical among truck drivers because their cabins essentially have the same set up.
This is the ideal mini trailer for someone who enjoys taking long road journeys by themselves or with their beloved pet buddy.
These tiny trailers are quite small, but they resemble tiny life pods. Despite not being handmade, they are crafted from some excellent materials and will satisfy certain people’s needs. These tiny trailers, in my opinion, are exactly what some individuals are seeking for.
I would be interested if I saw this trailer traveling down the road. While most tiny trailers are a total eyesore, this little fellow piques interest.
There isn’t much to say about the features because of its size and weight. The main benefit is how little weight it has—only 600 pounds.
What is Capable of Towing a Micro Camper?
Micro trailers can be towed by almost anything that has a tow hitch because they are quite light.
In essence, every SUV is capable of pulling a mini camper, but the actual question is: “Should I tow this?”
I previously discussed the little Cooper my friend used to haul his tiny trailer. In actuality, he hardly ever towed it very far. He only drove in areas with a moderate amount of elevation change and never went over 50 mph.
He constructed his own trailer, demonstrating a lack of formal training or education in the field of trailer construction.
Theoretically, you could attach a tow hitch to almost anything. Your engine and suspension might not be able to handle that, which is the main problem.
Basically, if you can keep everything under 500 pounds, any automobile can tow something, so you should be good with whatever you have.
The 500–1000 range can be a little challenging. Generally speaking, I wouldn’t pull something that heavy with a vehicle that has fewer than six cylinders.
You might also want to read these RV Camping Tips and Guides:
- The Top 6 Micro Campers for Big Adventures
- The 14 Best Small Travel Trailers
- The Top 10 Micro Campers That Any Car Can Tow
- The Best Micro Campers That You Can Tow With Any Vehicle
- 9 Horrible RV Accidents Captured on Video