My interest in compact camping trailers began a number of years ago when our daughter left home for college.

We wanted to downsize our Rockwood™ of many years, into something more basic, lighter, that comfortably slept two. 

We searched high and low but nothing met our criteria. Therefore, I decided to build my own.  

After many sketches and a few balsa scale models, I honed in on a design.  I went with an aluminum diamond plated trailer box, square tube frame, leaf spring axle, and a rack mounted Autohome™ roof top tent over the trailer box.  This trailer was efficient, unique and weighed 425 lbs.   

An interesting thing happened on our first outing and many after that. Lots of people stopped by our campsite asking if they could get a closer look at the trailer.  Some where intrigued by the small size, many had never seen a roof top tent, some where attracted by the shiny aluminum box, and others inquired where they could purchase one.  This planted a seed.

My normal "continue to improve" mode compelled me to search for ways to refine the trailer and research the industry to see what was new.  I began to work on a pop-top style prototype, not satisfied with it, I shifted back to tent based designs. That seed planted earlier was getting watered and trying to sprout.

Then it happened, after twenty-six years with the same company, I received a membership in the 'Cast off Employee Society'. After getting over the shock, I recognized the opportunities in this. A chance to apply my skills and knowledge to a venture aligned with what I like doing.  That seed finally sprouted, Compact Camping Concepts, LLC™ was born.

Here I've begun a company of Ultra Light Trailer Top Tents that even Subaru Impreza's can tow.  We drive an Impreza Sport.  It sets up in less than two minutes and has comfort and storage some larger models don't have.  With so many of my friends'and interested people wanting to build their own, we offer kits in various stages of completion.

So, being in the cast off employee society isn't so bad.  Add to this business venture the fact that my wife and I are happier than ever makes me wonder why I didn't just retire?  Live and learn.  Happy camping!

If you want to learn more about our new venture, visit compactcampingconcepts.com.  We are always open to ideas and comments.