The Renault Kangoo, a small panel van produced since 1997, makes an excellent base for micro camper conversions. This example features overhead storage racks, sleeping platform, and careful attention to detail throughout. The Kangoo’s removable rear seats and optional window configurations provide flexibility for custom builds.
Vehicle Details
Base Vehicle: Renault Kangoo
Type: Small panel van / leisure activity vehicle
Production: Since 1997
Markets: Europe, Latin America, France, Sweden
Features: Removable rear seats and windows available
Japan produces ultra-compact motorhomes smaller than anything currently manufactured in the United States. These micro RVs prioritize fuel efficiency and parking convenience over interior space, providing basic sleeping accommodations for solo or two-person travel. The small engines may struggle with steep grades but deliver exceptional gas mileage.
Small cars paired with teardrop trailers create efficient travel combinations. The Ford Transit Connect offers pickup truck cargo capacity in a compact van format, making it suitable for towing small trailers. This collection showcases compact vehicle and teardrop combinations, including a micro teardrop behind one of the world’s smallest cars with a tiny house visible in the background.
Compact Towing Options
Ford Transit Connect: Pickup truck cargo capacity in compact van
Smart Car: Ultra-compact with micro trailer potential
Class B RVs: Compact motorhomes that can tow Smart Cars
Teardrop Trailers: Lightweight towables for small vehicles
The E-den is a teardrop-shaped glamping cabin by Timber Tradesmen featuring a king-size bunk bed, ceiling window for light and ventilation, covered front porch, and integrated BBQ setup. Fully insulated with double-glazed windows, the unit measures 11 by 6’9″ interior (14 by 8 feet exterior) and is marketed to property owners as rental accommodations for campers.
Design Details
Name: E-den
Builder: Timber Tradesmen
Interior: 11′ x 6’9″ x 6’9″ high
Exterior: 14′ x 8′ x 9′ high
Deck: 14′ x 7′
Sleeping: King-size bunk bed
Features: Ceiling window, storage, covered porch, ventilated BBQ area
Construction: Fully insulated, double-glazed windows
The Utter Inn floats on Lake Malaren in Sweden, resembling a small red garden shed with solar panels. The above-water level contains a kitchen, dining area, and outdoor deck, while a submerged bedroom sits 10 feet below the surface with panoramic windows for viewing underwater life. Guests arrive by boat and have private access to a rowboat and telephone during their stay.
Design Details
Name: Utter Inn
Location: Lake Malaren, Sweden (near Vasteras)
Type: Floating micro house with submerged bedroom
Above Water: Kitchen, dining area, outdoor deck
Below Water: Bedroom with twin beds, panoramic windows (10 feet down)
This 240 square foot cob house was the first of over 25 cob structures built by Pat Hennebery of Cobworks. Located on Mayne Island in British Columbia, the tiny home demonstrates natural building techniques using cob – a mixture of clay, sand, and straw that creates sculptural, organic forms.
This European-manufactured prefab container house comes fully equipped from the factory with windows, bedroom, kitchen, and air conditioning. Unlike recycled shipping containers that require conversion, this unit is purpose-built for residential use. The design shown targets the Australian market and provides inspiration for custom container projects.
Unit Features
Type: Purpose-built prefab container
Origin: European manufacturer
Market: Australia
Includes: Windows, bedroom, kitchen, air conditioning
The Old Lady House is a shipping container design measuring 40 by 24 feet (960 square feet) intended for two to three occupants. The layout includes two small bedrooms, a bathroom, large closet, kitchen with laundry/utility room, and open living/dining area with glass sliding doors for natural light and views. Side decks with additional sliding doors expand the outdoor living space.
Design Details
Name: Old Lady House
Size: 40′ x 24′ (960 square feet)
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Occupancy: 2-3 people
Features: Large closet, kitchen, laundry/utility, living/dining, side decks
Pat Hennebery of Cobworks built two generations of teardrop trailers for family travel to Baja, Mexico. The original Baja Bullet weighed 850 pounds and featured a queen bed, small bunk, and exterior galley kitchen. The larger Baja Bullet II, built on a 16-foot tandem axle trailer, added bunk beds, walk-in galley, stainless steel exterior, and cedar siding milled from logs on his own property.
