These Retro Campers Are Made With a Functioning Row Boat That Doubles as The Roof

We've featured quite a few unique campers and trailers here before, including some with crazy futuristic designs, some made for off-roading, one that self-inflates, and even one for your dogs. But in terms of sheer design and functionality, this incredible vintage design camper that uses a functioning row boat as the roof of the trailer might take the cake! The unique multi-purpose camper is perfect for outdoorsy people looking for a cozy spot to sleep, while also having a little boat they can also take on the water whenever they want!

The teardrop trailer with a row boat for the roof was originally designed back in the 1960's by a Washington based company called the Tow-Row Company. Though that company is no longer in business, the design of the boat-top camper has been floated around by DIYers and vintage/retro collectors.

But recently a company named The American Dream Trailer Company has started creating their own version of the row-boat topped camper and are selling them out of their base in Portland, Oregon.

Big potential. Small footprint. Leave the unnecessary. Embrace simplicity.

The row boat-topped camping trailers are made from fiberglass, and has a comfy area inside that can sleep 2 adults. During the day the bed can be turned into a seating area along with a small table for eating or working on a laptop.

The unique trailer boat is made with a 8 x 4 foot frame, and it weighs just 650 lbs which makes it super easy to move, stow, tow, or row.

The trailer sleeps two and includes a cooking and storage galley in the rear. A secondary roof keeps your gear dry while you're rowing across the lake. Five hood latches secure your boat while on the road.

The Classic American Dream Trailer is a blank canvas ready to be customized, accessorized and recognized. Half the fun of teardrops is making your trailer unique.

The boat easily removes from the roof of the trailer to become a row boat with 2 paddles and a few seats.

When the boat is off, a top ventilation door can be opened on the trailer.

You can customize the row-boat trailer with a single or two color exterior, reverse tail lights, a convertible bed/couch, an in-cabin side table, interior power outlets, interior lights, a forward and rear storage cubbie, a battery to power it while not by a power source, a Bluetooth stereo, spider hub caps, an aluminum roof vent, a roof rack, and a boat assist bar.

The back of the trailer has a door that opens up to reveal plenty of storage, and the door then doubles as a table.

Authentic Retro Design

Here's a few images of the original design of the boat roof trailer that was designed in the 1950's:

Though the website for the American Dream Trailer Company is not operational anymore, two sources specify the starting range for building your own vintage row-boat roof trailer starts between $8.9k-$12k. 

They also state that the entire building process for one of the retro campers is around 5-6 weeks time.

Check out the retro row-boat-topper camping trailer in action via the video below.