PinDrop Travel Trailers: A Story of Innovation, Community, and Off-Grid Adventure

Feb 26

For many, the road to adventure begins with a spark—an idea, a necessity, or a challenge. For Tim Elinski, founder of PinDrop Travel Trailers, that spark ignited from a deep-rooted passion for craftsmanship, a love for the outdoors, and a desire to create something better. What started as a personal project to build the perfect camper for his family quickly evolved into a handcrafted business dedicated to providing top-tier, solar-powered, off-grid travel trailers.

The Birth of PinDrop Travel Trailers

mother and daughter cooking in a pindrop trailer — Tim spent over 20 years as a general contractor and HVAC contractor specializing in historic home restoration. His passion for problem-solving and hands-on craftsmanship shaped his vision for what would become PinDrop Travel Trailers. His journey into the world of camper building began with a vintage 1952 “canned ham” travel trailer he purchased for just $200. Though it was charming, it came with its fair share of challenges—especially when it came to off-grid camping. That experience planted the seed for what he later referred to as the "Supercamper."
As his daughters grew up, their beloved vintage trailer was falling apart, and Tim decided to take matters into his own hands. Before a planned trip to Montana, he locked himself in his workshop and built, from raw materials, what would be later called the first PinDrop prototype in just one week. That trip—and the overwhelming positive feedback from fellow travelers—solidified the idea that his camper designs had real potential.

By 2018, PinDrop Travel Trailers was officially born. The company spent two years refining its prototypes, first launching a rental fleet to gather insights and improve the design. The pandemic delayed their initial major launch, but now, business opportunities have grown and Tim is excited to continue to grow PinDrop into its next phase.

What Sets PinDrop Travel Trailers Apart?

PinDrop isn’t just another teardrop trailer company. These travel trailers are designed from the ground up with off-grid adventurers in mind, featuring robust solar power systems and high-end craftsmanship. Here’s what makes them special:

**100% Solar-Powered** – Every PinDrop trailer comes integrated with a 185-watt XPLOR solar panel (expandable up to 520 watts on some models), a 320AH battery system and a 2,000-watt inverter, ensuring reliable power anywhere indefinitely.
**Superior Insulation & Comfort** – With injected closed-cell foam R-15 insulation, an eco-cool ventilation system, and an optional heating blanket under the mattress, these trailers stay comfortable in all seasons.
**Thoughtful Kitchen Design** – The U-shaped galley is both functional and stylish, making cooking on the road a breeze.
**Expandable Space** – Unlike typical teardrops, PinDrop trailers are easily upgraded to be family-friendly, sleeping up to six. The optional ARB awning system includes attachable 8x8 rooms with netting and solid walls, plus a rooftop tent option.
**High-Quality Components** – From the ducted two-directional variable speed fan to the indoor and outdoor sound system, every detail is designed for maximum usability and enjoyment.

The Partnership with XPLOR Solar

One of the key factors that make PinDrop trailers stand out is their commitment to independence and sustainability while camping by utilizing solar power, and that's where XPLOR comes in. The collaboration between PinDrop and XPLOR started in an unexpected yet serendipitous way.

Tim and his team were invited by another business owner to showcase their trailers at the LA Auto Show. Initially hesitant, he decided to take the opportunity and showcase a trailer. What he found at the show was overwhelming—thousands of people, exciting innovations, and an unexpected meeting with someone from the XPLOR team.

Impressed by XPLOR’s solar technology and the people themselves, Tim incorporated XPLOR panels into his trailers, and the results were incredible. The efficiency, ease of integration, and quality of XPLOR’s CIGS panels provided a “night and day” difference. The bypass diodes on every cell allowed for better power generation even in partially shaded conditions, a game-changer for off-grid adventurers. Today, every PinDrop Travel Trailer features XPLOR solar panels paired with Victron components, ensuring that customers have reliable and efficient energy solutions wherever they roam.

Building Community in Miami, Arizona

PinDrop’s commitment goes beyond just building great trailers—they are actively investing in the community of Miami, Arizona. Tim and his wife Ruth Ellen saw potential in this underdog town and decided to set up their manufacturing facility there. When they first acquired their building, it was overrun with pigeons, bat colonies, and 40,000 pounds of debris. But they saw the beauty beneath the decay and revitalized the space.

Miami, once a thriving mining town, had suffered from job losses and economic downturns. PinDrop Travel Trailers is bringing new life to the area, offering jobs and opportunities while proving that small businesses can make a big impact. Their latest endeavor, "Cactus Alley," aims to create a unique rental experience for visitors exploring the Copper Corridor.
Tim Elinski is no stranger to community growth. He served 19 years in elected service for the City of Cottonwood, AZ, with eight of those years as the Mayor. Now that his final term wrapped up in 2024, he’s excited to continue supporting and investing in Miami, AZ with hopes to help continue the revitalization of the special town.

Recognized as one of the "Top 100 Small Businesses in America" by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, PinDrop is not just a company; it’s a movement to bring pride and growth to a forgotten town.

Advice for Aspiring Off-Grid Adventurers

For those considering the leap into off-grid living with a teardrop trailer, Tim offers simple but essential advice: rent before you buy. PinDrop has spent years refining its designs, ensuring that every feature enhances the outdoor experience. Their customers are well-researched, and those who try a PinDrop trailer quickly see the value in its thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship.