Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, you run across something unique, original, and by some estimation, extraordinary.
In fact, a warning to the reader: you will probably want (maybe even “need”) one of these after you read this.
Tucked away in a quiet corner in Roanoke’s Industrial Center, John Davis runs his small company, Silver Tears Campers. He refers to himself as an “industrial designer,” but “artist” and “craftsman” would also be apt descriptions.
Davis designs and manufactures custom teardrop campers.
The design first hit the American highway in the 1940s. They were usually hand-built in neighborhood garages from surplus war materials, so the teardrop was a personal statement.
According to Davis, “Silver Tears Campers expands the personal statement into a road epic….you’ll travel light, but smart, with everything you need, and nothing you don’t.”
Instead of expensive (and polluting) RVs, or large campers pulled by huge trucks, the teardrop is light enough to be pulled by a small car.
“It makes for a great long weekender…you don’t have to have a special vehicle, you can even pull it with a Mini Cooper,” Davis said. “It’s as green as green gets…it may even be greener than a tent [when you factor in the vehicles needed to haul a tent and other camping necessities].”
Davis is a Roanoke native, earning a word-of-mouth reputation for quality craftsmanship over the years with his custom made furniture. Most recently, however, he’s stretched his creative wings by designing and building a cowboy bunkhouse. He also built a rolling studio for Moore & Giles, a leather company based in Forest, using a 31-foot Airstream camper.
The body of the teardrop is constructed from mahogany plywood and solid ash woods, reminiscent of the beloved “woody wagon” from the 1940s.
Interior features incorporate custom cabinetry, a 47” x 72” bed, recessed Zenon lighting, European hinges, storage, and much more, including a comprehensive galley.
It should be noted, however, that while the standard features are impressive, the potential for customization is virtually limitless.
“You can tour the US in it,” Davis said.
Or, at least use it for a distinctive, economical get away.
According to the company’s website, one can: “Maneuver it deftly through the woods to the creek bank. Fry trout in the open-air kitchen. Rub your hands across the figured maple countertop. Read that novel in the light of the kerosene lantern. Fall asleep to the sound of rain on the aluminum roof. Dream of tomorrow’s adventures. Get up and go.”
To find out more, visit silvertearscampers.com, or call John Davis at 540-427-3370
