Key takeaway points
· Handcrafted Quality & Value: Mike’s Pretty Good Campers are meticulously handcrafted for durability and longevity, offering excellent value and strong resale potential
· Effortless Towing & Setup: Their lightweight, aerodynamic design makes them easy to tow with most vehicles, ensuring quick and simple setup for any adventure .
· Versatile for Any Journey: These campers are highly customizable and well-suited for both traditional campgrounds and off-grid boondocking, adapting to diverse travel styles
Introduction: The Allure of Teardrop Trailers and Mike’s Craftsmanship
The modern adventurer increasingly seeks minimalist, flexible travel solutions, driving a resurgence in the popularity of compact, mobile living. Teardrop trailers, characterized by their distinctive aerodynamic shape, offer a lightweight, easy-to-tow alternative to larger RVs, providing a cozy, insulated space for rest and exploration.
Their history dates back to the 1930s, gaining popularity post-WWII with DIY plans, and experiencing a significant comeback in the 1990s to achieve “cult status”.
Mike’s Pretty Good Campers, based in Jones, Oklahoma, is a specialized business led by Mike Morse, who began building trailers in 2013. Mike’s philosophy centers on handcrafted quality, prioritizing sturdiness, dependability, and longevity over mass production.
This approach aligns perfectly with the contemporary demand for simple, joyful, and purposeful functionality, appealing to those who value artisanal craftsmanship, ease of use, and a reduced environmental footprint .Mike’s limited production and direct involvement position him uniquely in the custom segment, offering meticulous attention to detail and personalization.
Understanding Teardrop Trailers: A Technical Overview
Teardrop trailers are designed for efficiency, featuring an aerodynamic teardrop shape that reduces wind resistance and improves fuel economy.
Their lightweight construction, typically under 450 kg, allows them to be towed by a wide range of vehicles, including many SUVs and even some cars. This broad compatibility is a key advantage, lowering the barrier to entry for mobile adventures..
These compact units generally measure between 1.2 to 1.8 meters wide, 2.4 to 3.0 meters long, and 1.2 to 1.5 meters high, with common dimensions around six feet wide, ten feet long, and five feet high.
Mike’s campers are designed to accommodate a queen-size mattress, suggesting they fit within these typical dimensions for comfortable sleeping.
The undercarriage components, including axles and suspension systems, are crucial for towing performance. Mike’s trailers are built for robustness, with “structural integrity” to “handle bumpy roads”.
One report notes the installation of a “3500lb-rated axle” , indicating a durable design capable of enduring varied terrains. Common axle types include versatile spring axles and smoother torsion axles, while Timbren systems are favored for off-road use. The choice of a robust axle suggests Mike’s focus on durability and reliability for diverse environments.
Mike’s Pretty Good Campers: Unpacking the Handcrafted Advantage
Mike Morse’s building philosophy emphasizes quality, durability, and purposeful functionality through meticulous handcraftsmanship. Each unit is built by hand with carefully selected materials to ensure sturdiness and longevity.
The goal is to create campers that are “easy to use” and “last a long time,” focusing on details that make them special and distinct from larger RVs .
The interior design maximizes space, featuring clever cabinetry for secure storage and an open feel despite the compact size. Mike’s campers comfortably fit a queen-size mattress and include retro-style laminate countertops.
For power, units come with simple 12V electrical systems, providing USB ports and 110-volt outlets for lights and charging small devices .
Solar integration is an option for off-grid adventures, allowing panels to collect sun power .Water management includes basic plumbing with fresh and grey water reservoirs for the kitchen sink, supporting self-contained living and boondocking
Mike’s “structural integrity” and “good material science” ensure his units are “light but tough” and built for longevity . His carpentry background implies wood-based construction, a method known for customization and classic aesthetics, though requiring careful sealing for weather resistance.
Mike’s Pretty Good Campers offers extensive customization, with “the sky is the limit for accessories”. Options include various kitchen features, power setups like enhanced solar, roof racks, portable power stations, shower tents, and 12-volt roof-mounted AC units. This personalization ensures each unit is tailored to the adventurer’s specific needs.
| Category | Standard Features | Customization Options |
| Interior & Sleeping | Compact yet spacious design, Accommodates queen-size mattress, Smart interior layout, Clever built-in cabinetry | Specific storage for camping gear |
| Kitchen Galley | Kitchen galley in the back (often under lift-up door), Countertop for meal prep, Space for small stove/sink | Separate or built-in stove, Bigger sink, Hot water tank |
| Electrical Systems | Simple 12V electrical system, USB ports, 110-volt outlets | Solar integration (panels), Portable power stations, 12-volt roof-mounted AC |
| Water Systems | Basic plumbing infrastructure, Fresh water reservoirs, System for used water | Water tank, Grey water tank, Shower tent with hot water tank |
| Exterior & Other | Strong structure, Aerodynamic shape, Easy upkeep | Roof racks, Storage box on the tongue |
The On-Road Experience: Towing, Setup, and Boondocking
Mike’s Pretty Good Campers are exceptionally easy to tow due to their lightweight and aerodynamic design, eliminating the need for large trucks .Many SUVs and even some cars can safely pull them, enhancing accessibility for a wider range of owners. Their design also contributes to better fuel efficiency and stable towing.
Setup is simple and quick: park, unhook, and lower stabilizers, with no complicated components to deploy .This ease of use makes them versatile for both established campgrounds and secluded boondocking locations
Teardrop trailers are well-suited for boondocking—camping without standard amenities—due to their compact size and efficiency. Their small footprint allows access to remote wilderness areas.
While they have smaller tanks than larger RVs, self-sufficiency can be enhanced with extra water jugs, solar panels, and portable toilets. Mike’s units support this off-grid lifestyle with integrated solar options and basic plumbing Boondocking requires adherence to “Leave No Trace” principles and preparedness for emergencies.
Investment and Value: A Smart Choice for Mobile Living
A Mike’s Pretty Good Campers unit is considered a sound investment
While RVs generally depreciate, quality construction and consistent maintenance significantly influence value retention. Mike’s handcrafted approach, use of “quality parts,” and focus on “longevity” contribute to a potentially higher resale value and slower depreciation compared to mass-produced units Proper storage and maintenance are also crucial for preserving value.
Basic models start at $12,000 , positioning Mike’s competitively within the custom teardrop market. This pricing, combined with the handcrafted quality, offers “excellent value for money” and represents an investment in a mobile “lifestyle”
Competitive Landscape: Mike’s Position in the Teardrop Market
The teardrop trailer market is diverse, from small local businesses to industry leaders. Key competitors include Hiker Trailers, known for extensive customization and a wide price range ($4,999 to over $35,000) ; Bean Trailer, distinguished by its one-piece fiberglass shell for durability and leak prevention ; and Bend Teardrop, offering various sizes for couples and families ($11,995 to $20,995). The T@B Teardrop Travel Trailer, inspired by classic designs, incorporates modern features like standing room and amenities.
Mike’s Pretty Good Campers, with a basic model at $12,000 , competes by offering authentic handcraftsmanship and value-oriented customization.
Mike Morse’s personal involvement and carpentry background distinguish his wood-based construction, appealing to buyers who prioritize artisanal quality and a personal touch over extreme off-road specialization or the latest composite materials.His focus on “sturdy” construction and longevity positions his campers as a reliable, long-term investment
| Manufacturer | Base Price/Range | Key Construction/Material | Customization Level | Off-Road Focus | Unique Selling Proposition |
| Mike’s Pretty Good Campers | ~$12,000 | Handcrafted, carpentry-focused (implied wood-based) | High (“sky is the limit”) | Sturdy for bumpy roads, 3500lb axle | Personal craftsmanship, value-oriented customization, durability |
| Hiker Trailers | $4,999 – $35,157 | Hand-built, customizable | Extensive | Highway Lite to Extreme Off-Road models | Wide price range, specific off-road models |
| Bean Trailer | Not specified, implies higher-end for fiberglass | One-piece fiberglass shell | Configure options | Off-road capable | Leak-proof fiberglass shell, human-factored design |
| Bend Teardrop | $11,995 – $20,995 | Not specified, offers various sizes | Implied by different models/features | Not explicitly stated | Multiple size options, family-friendly capacities |
Advantages and Considerations: Making an Informed Decision
Mike’s Pretty Good Campers offers numerous advantages: compact size for easy parking and towing, leading to fuel savings simple setup and ease of use strong boondocking capability for off-grid camping, handcrafted quality and durability ensuring longevity and dependability; high customization options ; excellent longevity and resale value and a minimal environmental impact.
However, inherent limitations of teardrop trailers, which are also “things to consider” for Mike’s units, include less indoor space for walking around Most units lack a full indoor bathroom or shower, requiring reliance on external facilities Storage for large camping gear may also be limited, necessitating careful packing .
These are not deficiencies but rather deliberate design choices that prioritize simplicity and direct engagement with nature, making them ideal for those who value a minimalist approach to adventure over extensive amenities .
Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits with Mike’s Pretty Good Campers
Mike’s Pretty Good Campers provides a premier choice for adventurers seeking a durable, customizable, and easy-to-use teardrop trailer. Mike Morse’s personal craftsmanship, commitment to quality, and focus on practical functionality create units that blend classic design with modern amenities, suitable for both campgrounds and off-grid boondocking
For more details on specifications and customization, visit Mike’s website. Contact Mike’s Pretty Good Campers directly to discuss how a personalized mobility solution can be tailored to your unique adventure aspirations. Embark on your next exploration with a Mike’s Pretty Good Camper, where quality craftsmanship meets the call of the open road.
