Homes on Wheels

The picturesque Gypsy caravan might be considered an ideal dwelling by many. This type of wagon, also known as the vardo, was used not just by Gypsies but also by traveling merchants and others, although perhaps the most beautiful examples were indeed owned (if not necessarily built) by Gypsies. The design offered beauty, simplicity, economy and compactness of form. It could be transported virtually anywhere on land if a horse was available to pull it. And at least one company (located in the U.K.) is now selling old Gypsy caravans to those who might want to place one on their property as an eclectic guestroom, study, or playroom. (Check them out at gypsy-caravans.co.uk/.)

The modern iterations of the Gypsy caravan, of course, are the travel trailer and motorhome. Either offers much of the transportability of their common antecedent (although four-wheel drive might be necessary to reach many areas that horses and wagons reached before) but these contrivances (with a few exceptions, like the products of the Airstream corporation, or certain homemade “housetrucks”) generally do not possess the aesthetic attractiveness of the old caravans, or even the Conestoga wagons of the old American frontier.

“Teardrop” trailers, however, are an interesting resurrection of another old concept, and for many, possess a rare combination of beauty and function. Originally popularized in the 1930’s, teardrops were (and are) easy to pull with virtually any motor vehicle, even small ones like a Jeep Wrangler. They’re light and aerodynamic, and provide enclosed, cozy sleeping space for two people, along with an outside galley. And some companies even manufacture versions capable of being towed to remote, off-road locations. For example Camp-Inn manufactures a teardrop that has the fine aesthetics of a vintage Airstream travel trailer, but in a more compact, off-road-capable package.

And while teardrop trailers don’t offer the convenience of built-in bathrooms, neither do their owners have to concern themselves with dumping holding tanks or operating a “big rig” on the roads.

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