Vistabule Teardrop Trailer Review: Four Rainy Days In Northern Minnesota
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2024
- We had the opportunity to spend a weekend in the Vistabule Teardrop Trailer on our last 50 Campfires trip, and ended up appreciated the rainy weather. It gave us a chance to see how it performs in a variety of conditions. Here's what we thought.
Check out our in-depth review of the galley here: • Cooking With The Vista...
I like to see field reviews of trailers of all types and in all price ranges. I can then make up my own mind whether the features are what I want, and if the price is reasonable . This was a good review.
Yes!
We got ours in Sept ‘19 and absolutely love it. The camper is fantastic, and the Vistabule company is an absolute pleasure to work with.
We had the same experience Rob. Steve and Bert are the best. Would love to hear where your adventures have taken you!
Best review of this teardrop so far. I like your pacing and slow shots.
These are genius things which make the difference. I've never been a camper lover but this solution is really great!
Easy and fast handling, that's what you need and want for outdoor experience.
I'm really impressed! 👍👍
Thanks for the review
Thanks Drew! Happy to answer any other specific questions you might have :)
Love the fact that you came to Minnesota! Since you mentioned you bike a lot, you should o a video of you traveling and biking.
Thanks for the review! Staying in it, towing it, having your wife check out the kitchen and sleeping/table arrangements. I'm curious about these little trailers. Way better than a tent! Can easily tow it! Love the kitchen in the back. Plus you guys cooked dinner on rainy nights, no problem. Sink, fridge, stove, lights, and you were out of the rain the whole time!
Another advantage to these RV's is they can be parked in a garage. People who live in condos or other HOA restrictions on RV storage/parking.
They're great, but just like any product, there is a specific demographic. They're not for everyone, but for all of the reasons you mentioned they're amazing.
Very nice camper. Thanks for the video sir.
Thanks Timothy!
Thanks for the review.
Thanks! Fully expected the bickering about price. I just wanted to do a very thorough walkthrough for people that are thinking about buying one :)
Very informative, Thanks!
Very cool teardrop trailer. I like the fact that the bed tilts up to a couch position. Plenty of ventilation with this model. The galley is very nicely laid out. The side skirts on the galley are a very nice feature to help with wind and rain while cooking or just having the rear open. Love the built in solar panels to charge the battery with. You talked about the con to all teardrops - wet weather and climbing in/out of the doorway without getting the bed wet. A small side awning for the door would be perfect to prevent the water from coming straight into the bedding.
Thanks Todd! The comments are all over the place in here, which makes me happy. The goal was to show all the features the best I could. After that, everyone is going to have a different reaction to it. If the video helps people figure out that they want a different teardrop trailer I still consider that a success. For some, the Vistabule is exactly what they're looking for, which is why they're already outgrowing their production space.
A lot of people don't have space for a large camper but still need an enclosed space for the family. After many hours searching, the Vistabule Teardrop looks like one of the best-built campers I have come across. Also, the tongue weight is so low that my car can pull it. I'm very impressed! The sticker price is a little high, but you get what you pay for as a lot of these mass-produced mainstream campers lack longterm quality. Also, you'll be hard-pressed to find a micro camper with a bathroom, except maybe a NuCamp Tab S. However, the Tab S bigger, heavier, and more expensive.
Well said!
Love it. Nicely done. Would like to see a bigger scaled up version for sitting headroom and another model for standing.
Big fan of these...someday will own one....to those complaining about the cost...You want quality craftmanship built in the good ole USA but at cheap Chinese made prices? Always want it both ways...that's the American way now lol
Seems like a nice trailer.
Nice little trailer for those who want a snug, compact space. I felt like the Vistabule guy wanted to tell us a little more; would have been interesting to know more about their company, philosophy, mission, work ethic, etc.
I worked for them and they were super sweet to work for. Bert, the owner, buys all the employees lunch every Friday and they have a good community. When I was there they had around 12 employees or so and they are steadily growing I believe. They take in any trailer that needs fixing due to a leak or something (often from the earlier versions of the trailers) and when I was there they were really just trying to get more publicity.
I purchased a used larger trailer with a full stove, toilet, shower etc, which had been lifted affording great ground clearance. It cost 25% of the price of this Vistabule. We have towed it up very rough roads and also camped warm & dry during the stormy weather which occurs in late fall/early spring at altitude. Campers depreciate quickly, no need to pay full price.
It's so well thought out, I would call it the airstream of teardrops.
That's not saying much. lol
Love the teardrop trailer self. I think the design is marvelous especially with that big window in front. But for my needs I would need bigger Wheels and more clearance underneath. I tend to Boondock and fairly remote places. I know if I put big wheels underneath it would change the design. But I was wondering if I could swap bad axle read different setup with 35 inch wheels
Shower, and bathroom space will be ideal and will make it perfect
Beautiful Teardrop trailer. I’d like to see a specific model available with every available option. I need AC, heat, solar, maximum battery, maximum propane, off road off grid capabilities. This can easily be stored in a standard garage when not in use.
This model had all of that with the exception of A/C. If you needed additional modifications they would work with you on that (for a price obviously).
Here’s an idea for you, those 3 doors that open at the front of the trailer, work the hinges somehow so they open out like they do and up also for some kind of platform. Have a good day!
Cinnicinnati chili...nice. That outlet in the galley should be on the inverter...
very pretty design
+1. .. The Bert Taylor designed Vistabule Tear Drop is the Porsche AG of the Tear-Drop trailer segment. .. It ain't for everyone. .. The Vistabule's level of detail is astonishing. .. Tier one Quality, design, and functionality costs. .. Bring money.
Cheer, Vail, Colorado
It really is. We've seen a LOT of teardrops at trade shows, and for teardrop enthusiasts, this is the one that deserves serious consideration.
Love the Vistabule but loaded $27k!!! Keep the videos coming 50
Thanks! Yes - it's definitely the "Airstream of teardrop trailers." We've looked at a lot of teardrop trailers at trade shows, and the Vistabule is for folks that are willing to spend more for a premium experience. Some people want a more basic teardrop trailer, and that's great too! Thanks for following us! We'll keep kicking out vids as long as you keep watching ;)
New T@Bs fully loaded are nearly as much if not more, depending on dealer mark ups.
@@oceandrewI have a VB on order and I'm selling my nice 2016 T@B CS for $14K and change. Interested?
@@patrickedundon You're barking up the wrong tree, mate. I'm done shopping around and nearly bought a T@G max when they were still under $25K. Made the decision to pull the trigger on #253 this time last year so much easier.
I've been shopping around for a while now looking at different teardrops and gotta say these look really well designed/engineered, with a pretty high level of features. Price is high when you're perhaps comparing to a bigger, more traditional towed trailer, but these little guys pack in so much tech and smaller independent manufacturers don't quite have the economies of scale that the big names do. When you start looking at more ruggedized off-road styles of these the final price tag can be almost $50k... so $27k looks/sounds about right here.
When I looked at the base price I was taken back. Then when I added up the options I was floored. A small outfit like this would necessitate a higher price, as their volume would be low, with probably a longer wait time for delivery. But, whoa, that much money for the things you don't get, things that come standard on other rigs that cost much less, and have other advantages besides. But, it's your money, spend it as you like. I do admire the entrepreneurial spirit in these folks.
I've been looking for a quality small camper trailer that my small SUV could pull (gvw
Wish they would come up with a more robust frame to be able to handle racks and a load on the top of the camper… maybe an off road version would be amazing! Love the interior and thought that went into all the space
Great design, but, ONLY for singes or couples; HOWEVER...a fine unit! Thanks for this review---- 🙃😁👣
Thanks! And - you're right. It's a really fun way to travel as a couple.
Very nice design. Like the high end finish and components come with it. What about more outdoor living elements? Good call out at the end of the call for wet weather situation before going in. What about storage for foldable tables and chairs to use outside the cabin? It would be nice to add on those functions in the cabin than relying on the car trunk.
The amount of storage under the floor is substantial. In our experience there was plenty of storage in the closet (at the back of the bed) for clothes, leaving the storage free under the bed for camp chairs, yard games, etc.
Great place for the kids while driving down the road.
Or at home.
If I'm buying a small teardrop camper, I want to pay a small camper price, or what's the point.
American made quality.
@@notabiologist7162
Well that is an oxymoron!
You better look elsewhere, this teardrop is for those that have money to spend on a small luxury camper trailer
Almost perfect. That roof window should openup like a door/hatch. And for that price it should be that exceptional.
Awesome...
Thanks Carolyn!
That bed looks small -- other than that, the teardrop looks nice.
Thanks for posting.
Fabulous
What can you tell us about the structural framing, wood or aluminum, and what are the connections like. Also, what is the interior/exterior sheathing, vapor barrier and insulation type, thickness and r value?
Would be nice if the bed was split! Then one side could be for sitting while the other side could be for sleeping at the sametime
Top notch cool"
Looks spacious and I love all the storage space. The ventilation options and lighting is well thought out. The option to sit in there comfortably when it's raining is great. However, I want something simple to replace me tent. The price is way too much.Camper trailers should not cost more than a car.
And many of them do not cost more than a car. You can find base models from other brands that start around $4K. It just comes down to the features and experience that you're looking for.
My favorite t drop.
Like the privacy snap in they should also have screen snap ins to keep the skeeters out. But 30k and no ac. Won't work here in Florida, where you can get a Runaway for under 3k with ac.
Is the dual Dometic CFX3 75dz too large for that cooler opening?
30k. I can buy a used 5th wheel for this price. 14k max. How do they come up with their price point🙈
Part of it is fitting all this into something that can be towed with a Jeep or smaller SUV for those of us who want all these features and don’t want a big ass truck.
I feel the same way ogre...
Damn you ruined to fun for me 😂
It has plywood
Perhaps your remark would make more sense if you compared a used 5th wheel to a used Vistabule, but don’t let that stop you.
Bought a new 2018 T@G XL Boondock for $15,500 OTD. Works for me camping at State/National forest campgrounds.
I’d like one for the overlanding crowd. Thanks.
It looks like the table should be lower? Can you adjust it? How much does it weight and what is the cost?
How does it compare to Safari Condo trailers?
Yeah, they don't exactly come w/ a mud room or a front porch. I've seen people incorporate Clam shelter either behind or beside the trailer. I have yet to see tents or awnings with wall accessories that seem really robust. I think it may be difficult to find the right price point for the kind of ease and ruggedness I'm looking for.
How much do they cost?
Why id the energy gauge at 5:10 so scuffed up? Does/did it have a plastic film on it to protect?
Probably one of the most complete teardrop campers I have ever seen but why are they so expensive? I see $15k but not $30k.
For 30K, it should have its own motor and drivetrain.
Don't bugs come in the windows if opened at night in summer?
Where to put the trailer spare tire? How do you keep mosquitos out - where are the screens?
The spare tire mounts underneath the front, and all of the windows (except for the large viewing window in the center) have screens. The ventilation worked remarkably well.
do the windows have screens
version 1.5 should have flat wheel arches that allow for a shelf function. you can never have enough place to put stuff off the wet ground when camping. Also add a spare tire on the frame somewhere. It sucks to be hundreds of miles away from the nearest tire place and you have a flat. and yeah, it's over priced.
I know that you were sponsored by Vistabule but you must also have had some critiques? What are some cons that other manufacturers do better? Thanks.
Nice, but it doesn't look very bear proof. I would stay out of places like Yellow Stone, Sierras, and Alaska. If a bear can rip apart a log for grubs, it might do the same to this pine box.
It would be a nice bug-out trailer, if you live in areas vulnerable to storms, like the Gulf Coast.
The cheaper rout is get yourself a small haul trailer, and load it full of your camping gear. Keep your groceries safely in your vehicle. Use bear boxes whenever available. It could spare your vehicle damage, as well.
Personally, I have never had a bad experience, but I have always been careful, because I have seen what bears can do. They are liable to roll this thing down a hill, to get to whatever might be in it. The smell of bacon or fish would be a great incentive.
For 30K it better come with freakin' Hop Sing!
onefatstratcat 😂😂😂
+1. Bonanza much
Cuánto cuesta ? Hay algún restricción para viajar hacia sud América ?
30,000 is not a bad price for this I would buy one just for the retro look it has on the outside.
I'm not sure where the 30K number came from. This one has decked out with all the upgrades and it was about $27,500. We really like the look of it as well. It was crazy how many people strolled into our campsite to ask questions about it.
Beside the price, it looks cool, because you can use your everyday car and make small escapes in the country side. But in warmer countries it seems that it would be boiling inside from the heat, due also to the big windows. Furthermore, is fire an issue? Lot of wood.
You can get them equipped with air conditioning. People rarely get that add-on in Minnesota, but they sell a lot of them further south with AC.
Is fire an issue with cars? Lot of gas.
I really like this! I can see us using it a lot, but I’m afraid to look at the price. 💵💵💵
The base price is doable, but almost everything is an add on in the galley.
The "base price" is only $20,000+ dollars. I'd rather get a bigger stand-up style trailer that comes with a bathroom, a shower, stove, & living area for that price. That's just too much money for something this small. Like a Nucamp Teardrop for only $17,999, a Scamp or a Casita which are a little bigger & more amenities.
No good for the UK, cold and wet half the year. Cooking outside is a no, no.
My research so far has Vistabule at the top of the list for features, but way out of my price range. :-( Great galley and love the big picture window and fold up mattress. I may end up with a simpler teardrop that's 1/3 the price, or I'm also looking at used Toyota Sienna and I just build out the interior myself. 50, this was a good video and nice review, thanks.
Thanks Gerry. The main goal was to get footage of everything it has, hence the 13 min video. They're expensive - no arguing that point. They sell a lot of them because some people want all of the features. Other people are happy with a more basic design, and you can find teardrops for half the price of the one shown here. Hopefully, the video helps people figure out which teardrop is the best fit for them. It was a really fun way to travel for four days.
What is the weight, and can my little 4cyl suv pull it?
Looks like about 1,200lbs empty, 1,500 with a typical gear, water etc. Depends on your vehicle, but most of these ultra-tiny teardrops are meant to be towable with a 4-cyl. Here's the full specs: vistabule.com/features/specs
My Honda CR-V only rated at 1,500 lbs so no. You don’t want to tow at the limits, especially going up hills
, long distances, and over rough terrain. Recommend V-6. Of course you can abuse your vehicle. Many do so watch out for the used vehicle with the trailer hitch.
@@stephenpowstinger733 you are correct, towing at limit will ruin your car by shortening the lifespan considerably, and performs poorly in steep mountain driving. A lesson I learned the hard way.
Probably build your own for a fraction, motorcycle trailer and couple plywood tear shapes and you’re half way there .
Pricing? Options?
Hi James! The base model is $19,500. As with all teardrops, it starts to add up as you select the features you want. This one had pretty much everything, and it was about $27K.
Good looking.. But an Eriba Puck is much cheaper. And you can have meals IN....
I like the looks and features of these a lot, but I got a clean and full function pop-up camper second hand for $500. 🤷🏻♂️
It looks pretty good but not insulated. If it is 30K like the comments say, That will be a big no for me. The Helio 02 is a little less than that and kitchen and bath is inside the unit. But good video and information, thank you.
This model was about $28K, and yes, they are insulated. Not cheap, so they're not for everyone, but they sell a lot of them. Thanks for chiming in!
Pretty cool trailer, but ouch that price! Starts at $20,000, before you even start adding options. I'll be sticking with my old Coleman pop-up that does way more and is paid for.
A small trailer like the Vistabule is the next best thing to sleeping in the tent for me. I just like the look of the all aluminum outer shell teardrop shape tralier vs the squarish though much better small trailers. I like Vistabule's features like the storage below and foldable bed ..but I stop at the price too. If there is a bare bones version with the kitchen area having open, adjustable shelves ( I don't even need the tiny sink)that costs only a few thousand would be great. I could supply my own bed, cooler , etc. That would be much lighter to pull with my car too.
You can buy a nice minivan for the cost of that small steel tent.
...if your ambition in life is to own a cheap minivan.
It’s nice, but over priced.
"Overpriced" is meaningless. Is a Ferrari overpriced, or a Rolex? This is for people who want to have beautiful, special, thoughtfully designed things in their lives. If that isn't you, or you can't afford it, don't disparage it because of that.
Who makes your boots? Oh... great video btw! 😊
Thanks! They're the Tracker FG by Vivobarefoot. I like a very minimalist sole on all of my footwear, and they're the best hiking boots I've ever owned.
I'm 6'4". Would I fit in it?
Cozy as a coffin!
The bed is 6'8" long.
A week in that and it would be divorce city.
True love conquers all obstacles. 😂
Cute.
I fit everything in my 3000$ mini van. This looks cool but wayyyy too expensive.
Just last fall I spent a month travelling in my 97 Ford F 150 with a camper shell/topper. I had a nice mattress, Coleman stove and lantern---and all paid for years ago. I do like the teardrop, but for travelling and camping twice a year, I think I am set.
What could they do about air conditioning. Heating you've got to have both I got so hot in the summer time and human.
Thilly boyth!
How tall are you?
John P I was thinking about that. I think he's tiny, can't be more than 5'5, 140lbs, just tiny. That camper just swallows him and that jeep looks enormous next to him.
@@shahmask LOL! I am indeed a tiny human. 5'6". I'd probably weigh 140lbs if I didn't like beer as much as I do ;)
@@outdoorsdotcom :)
the backward teardrop - notice how they put the small in the front? that is not aerodynamic, think of the drop of water falling, that is aerodynamic.
i want it but foe the cost i could get like a 30 ft RV
😂😂😂😂😂😂 $30k ???..!!!!!
I can buy 7 Runaways....
GTFOH...!!!
The cost of it?
The base model is $19,500 and with all of the upgrades (which this one had) it's about $27,500.
@@outdoorsdotcom thank you sir 👍🏽
You'd roast in the south.
You have a trailer which needs to meet all the legal requirements, might as well have a full caravan.
Price
YO SOLAMENTE DE VER QUE LOS MOSQUITOS PUEDEN ENTRAR NO DUERMO !!!!!!
Venham para PORTUGAL... SÃO de que terra (país)?
Nós gostaríamos de!
Venham fabricar esses atrelados neste país...
@@colcurinho Esperamos que isso possa acontecer algum dia.
@@outdoorsdotcom eu comprava...
Medidas prestaciones materiales con los que está fabricado etc etc el informe para los que amamos estos funcionales tears drop
“We could have been more proactive about it.” (the muddy boots problem). He means they can’t come up with a good solution to coming in out of the rain all dirty. Anyway, it is a clever design that is going to cost you. And a Jeep Wrangler is not a good towing vehicle, the Gladiator would be.
There is no muddy boot solution to these coffins.
You're spot on Stephen. I had to bring some attention to that because for some that would be a deal-breaker. There's enough room under the bed for a pop-up canopy, which we would definitely bring if we took it out again.
No screens in N Mn ? Crazy. No thanks. Back window seems Ike a waste?
Too expensive. It's nice but not $30,000 nice!
Its wood wrapped in sheet metal hull! I can see $10,000 not $30k
Wow, $30k? I was looking for something to suit my photography outings...think I'll stick to the tent and Coleman stove. When the weather gets too bad, I just put the sleeping bag in the rear of my Suburban and call it good. I'd be interested in a teardrop, but not at that price.
@@photog1529 Check out "Runaway" they are only around like $3,000. They are from a small company out of Florida I believe. I will see if I can find the link for info. Here you go! ua-cam.com/video/5PoR-mkFWPg/v-deo.html
Hell, my 36 ft Couger travel trailer with 3 slides cost less than this! Sorry not happening!
Noway is that worth 30000 better get your head examine if you pay that on a tear drop
I agree it’s pricey but to say it’s “wood wrapped in sheet metal” is ridiculous. Or to compare it to the rolling boxes for $4k is similarly an apples and oranges comparison. It seems well designed and manufactured- if it’s outside your budget then that’s cool - I wish I could afford it but I’m not ready to take cheap shots at it.
I just added up all the costs online.... it is $30,000.
I would not call this a review but rather an endorsement
You're correct! It's an endorsement because we had a great time in it. I address the main drawback at the end, which is trying to get inside when it's raining. That would be a deal-breaker for some. We've seen teardrop owners set a pop-up canopy tent on the side, which would have made a HUGE difference. The other tradeoff for the size is that you have to use the park's bathroom and shower. We were at nice state parks all weekend, so it wasn't an issue, but if you were overlanding you'd have to come up with a different solution.
@@outdoorsdotcom it should be taller with an awning on both sides. Way better trailers out there at that price point. This one isnt even off road capable. $$$$$$
You could buy a little guy max that’s way bigger and has a shower and toilet and for the same price
I could say they’re harder to tow and not as easy on the eyes, but why destroy your drama?