There is a rule in life that goes something like this: Guys like to build things and given the opportunity they will do just that. In the RV industry, where a lot of male human beings gather, this principle is evident in Elkhart, Indiana, where most RVs are made, and where there are as many factories as fast food joints.
Related to the above rule is one that goes, “Even though something is not needed or even plain ridiculous, it will be built if someone thinks it is unique enough that someone will buy it.” What I am about to report to you below is an example of this second rule.
I came across a news release this week about how a Midwest RV manufacturer called Modern Buggy will display its newest creations at the big, annual Open House in Elkhart, where about 4 of 5 American RVs are built. The annual event attracts dealers who come to town to check out RVs, place orders, and visit the local taverns with their buddies without their wives spoiling the fun.
Most of Modern Buggy’s RVs are small trailers along the lines of a traditional teardrop.
The company, the news release announces, will debut its all-new Hopper Series, a high-value, low-cost, single-axle line at the Open House. I won’t be there but will tell you later about it. But the press release made me curious about Modern Buggy’s other products.
On its website, I chose to examine the model called a “Country Born CB12.” It’s 14.8 feet long but too short to stand in for a human taller than a Munchkin. Like traditional teardrops, the tiny RV’s kitchen is in the rear, accessible from outside.
But inside. Well… I’m almost speechless at what I am seeing. In an RV too small to even stand up in, there’s a big screen television, fireplace (fake of course), in-floor air conditioning, furnace, and a bed that doubles as a couch.
Okay, so I will now pause momentarily with my whining to admit that this little trailer is impressive in its own special way (which I really can’t identify). That is basically due to its designers managing to build an attractive RV that caters to the modern day camper who wishes to avoid, as much as possible, any contact with dirt, or a meaningful experience with Mother Nature, even though the Modern Buggy says on its website that its RVs are “built for real adventure.”
That sounds good. But would someone please tell me why a tiny trailer that is meant for adventure needs a big screen TV, in-floor air conditioning and a fake fireplace? Does not compute. Why not a dishwasher?
The company says the trailer sleeps four, but you can pretty well figure from the photos of the bed opened up that four people sleeping in it might only be possible if some sort of kinky group sex thing was going on. But no, that’s not it, as you probably surmised. There’s actually a base frame on the roof where a tent can rest. There, two people could sleep in comfort, at least in theory. Tough luck for guys who need a potty run in the wee (pun intended) hours.
I suspect there is a place in the marketplace for an RV like this. But, once again, I find it mildly ridiculous that anyone who “camps” or travels overland would want to sit inside and watch television in the space of a closet while on any sort of “adventure.”
Modern Buggy also makes truck campers and slightly larger trailers that are big enough to stand in. Check them out here.
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RVT1227
One time there were 8 parents, Assistant Scoutmasters& Scoutmaster who took our troop to Vogel SP in Georgia for a 3 night backpacking trip. The youth had 2 Adirondack huts& all adults piled into 1. (An Adirondack hut only has 3 walls and is about 6 feet x6 ft xx 6 ft) Everyone else had their heads deep in the hut but I’ve always been different-since there was a 95% chance of rain I set up where all their feet were so I could warn people to draw their feet & sleeping bags up under the roof if the rain came down heavier. We were so cramped that everyone had to turn over if 1 person did. So no, adults in close quarters aren’t always there for kinky sex.
I would question what other bad decisions they may have made in the design, materials, and construction.
Chuck, when we bought our 2017 34′ 3-slide TT to use as a seasonal residence in Texas, my 1st thought was “why is there a fake fireplace in the living area?”. The salesperson was quick to point out that we would be surprised at how much we used it.
She was half-right. On cold windy days (yes, Texas has winter – just not as bad as ‘up north’) we really appreciate the electric space heater & fan function. Could care less about the fake fire that takes up most of the actual space and weight. That and YouTube TVs Zen videos of nature sounds and landscapes and you could save the gas by parking in your yard and just pretend you are in a campground.
Agree, if it’s cool out, the fireplace heater saves a lot on propane to take the chill off
We have a 32″ TV and a Blu-Ray player in our camper, but we’ve only used them while camping once. They’re mainly there for when the weather is less-then-stellar (read: rain and thunder), or when it’s past quiet hours in the campground, everyone else has gone to bed, and we aren’t ready to sleep yet.
Thank you for the story re: the tear drop. I’ve been requesting it and there it is. Agree with your assessment on the tv, but to each their own. Not everyone “camps” the same way. I find the 5th wheel ridiculous except if you are working remotely and it IS actually your home. So again, different strokes for different folks OH, did I just date myself? Happy Saturday everybody.
Thank you for the review, Chuck! This certainly presents an odd set of features. Have a great day and safe travels!