Skip to main content

Trailer or tiny home? The Tiny Drop is the best of both for off-the-grid living

To some, the American Dream might consist of living in a multimillion dollar mansion in a gated Beverly Hills community — however far-fetched tha idea might seem. To others, perhaps those more grounded in reality, a mere 150 square feet of a mobile, sustainable living space is all that’s required to achieve ultimate nirvana. Enter Tend Building’s Tiny Drop off-grid home. Essentially a modified camping trailer, the Tiny Drop is a minimalist’s dream and an abode that would have any outdoor lover salivating at the opportunity of owning one.

Under the hood, the Tiny Drop consists of a continuous thermal blanket and innovative home sealing technology that delivers high-quality insulation — as any avid camper would tell you, this is an incredibly beneficial feature. Additionally, the home features a ventilated rain screen and sun barrier that further enhance its ability to save energy and remain durable. Aesthetically, the designers adorned Tiny Drop’s exterior with a wooden frame complemented by aluminum cladding on the sides and front.

Recommended Videos

We know what you’re thinking: How comfortable can 150 square feet really be? Once inside the camper, the rig’s vaulted ceiling and perfectly placed windows — including two placed on the roof itself — make the small space feel dramatically bigger than it actually is. The space is also outfitted with a large sofa near the back (with included storage underneath), a fresh spring water sink, and a small dining area. Tend also included a sizeble bathroom with a composting toilet system and small shower.

Concerning Tiny Drop’s sustainability, the designers opted to include a fresh-air system. They also installed a whisper-quiet moisture and odor-removing bathroom fan. A combustion-exhaust-controlled furnace and on-demand water heater allow the home to feel even cozier while the rooftop solar panels provide owners all the energy needed to keep the rig’s appliances — and ultra-efficient LED lighting — humming.

Since April, Tend has celebrated its innovative living solution by taking it on a nationwide tour and offering people the opportunity to see the Tiny Drop in person. Furthermore, those interested in owning one of these impressive rigs for themselves can simply contact Tend to have their own built to order for roughly $60,000.

Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
Best tech for new grads: From dorm to office
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones seen in silver.

Graduation season is just around the corner, which means it's about time that you start thinking about the gifts you're going to get for new graduates. Some students will head into college and move into dorms, while some students are leaving that chapter behind and will instead find their way into an office. With those in mind, we've rounded up this list of offers featuring discounts for some of the best tech for new grads.

Anker 332 USB-C Hub -- $25 $35 29% off

Read more
Earth Day with Reolink: Protecting nature, one camera at a time
earth day with reolink protecting nature one camera at a time hero crop

This Earth Day, Reolink is celebrating the incredible intersection of technology and conservation. With help from environmentally conscious users and dedicated NGO partners, Reolink is proving that small actions, powered by smart outdoor technology, can lead to a big impact for our planet's wildlife and natural landscapes.
Smarter, Greener Outdoor Monitoring
Reolink's lineup of outdoor cameras, including the Go PT Ultra, Go Ranger PT, and TrackMix LTE, do more than safeguard homes. They empower nature lovers to connect with the wild while treading lightly on the environment.

Each camera is engineered for sustainability and performance. Solar power compatibility keeps them running without contributing to battery waste. Their rugged, waterproof designs ensure they survive the toughest outdoor elements. And with stunning 4K 8MP ultra-clear footage, they capture the beauty of wildlife — from the shimmer of a bird's wings to the subtle prowling of a fox at dusk — without disturbing natural behavior.

Read more
Roku expands smart home lineup with two upcoming security cameras
The Roku Battery Camera on a tree

Roku might be known for its streaming sticks and smart TVs, but the brand also has a strong presence in the smart home market. From video doorbells and smart lights to plugs and motion sensors, Roku’s smart home catalog is surprisingly robust. The catalog is set to expand in the coming months, as Roku has officially revealed two upcoming security cameras -- the Roku Battery Camera and Roku Battery Camera Plus.

The Roku Battery Camera Plus is the most enticing of the two, as it can get up to two years of battery life on a single charge (the Battery Camera gets up to six months). They can also be combined with an optional solar panel to extend their battery life. Beyond that, most specs are shared -- including 1080p resolutions, color night vision, and the option to receive motion alerts when activity is detected around your home.

Read more