Bert Taylor founded Vistabule in 2011 after beginning to design a teardrop-shaped camper trailer in his South Minneapolis garage. Fifteen years later, the company has assisted more than 1,000 outdoor enthusiasts in purchasing their first camper. This summer, the business relocated its operations from St. Paul to Eagan to improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience.
Vistabule employs 13 people who design, manufacture, and sell custom lightweight trailers. The company previously operated from a space in St. Paul’s Midway district. Carlene Schuder, a Vistabule employee for the past seven years, noted that the new facility at 1230 Eagan Industrial Road offers significant improvements over the old location on North Prior Avenue.
The former space was shared with high-traffic businesses, including BlackStack Brewing and Can Can Wonderland. Schuder explained that the previous setup struggled with navigation, privacy, and limited parking options. Delivery days were particularly difficult due to the reliance on a freight elevator. Taylor added that potential customers were often hesitant to visit the old site because of parking concerns.
Although the new Eagan facility covers approximately 18,000 square feet, making it smaller than the previous 20,000 square foot space, Taylor believes the layout is superior. He stated that the improved design fosters a more cohesive team environment. Each trailer requires about 120 hours to complete, with wood frames pre-cut in Scandia.
Currently, the team works on four trailers simultaneously and finishes about two per week. Taylor aims to increase monthly production to around 12 completed units. Since its inception, Vistabule has sold more than 1,100 trailers. The teardrop design, which gained popularity in the 1940s, saw a decline in the 1970s but has recently resurged as travelers prefer minimalist options that allow for immersion in nature.
The trailers weigh approximately 1,400 pounds and are known for their expansive views and sleek design. Schuder described the product as better than a tent without the complexities of a larger RV. The trailer was a finalist in the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota manufacturing competition for the second consecutive year, though it did not win against a 3M spinoff's patient-warming system.
Starting at $24,995, the standard trailer includes large windows, a queen-sized sleeping area, collapsible tables, a galley kitchen, and storage. Taylor emphasized that the windows are vast and untinted to allow for clear views. Customers can customize various aspects of the trailer, including adding a two-burner cooktop, air conditioning, and custom lighting. Taylor’s personal favorite add-ons include a pullout cooler and room-darkening shades.
With manufacturing now established in Eagan, Taylor plans to focus more on marketing to attract new customers. The current clientele primarily consists of individuals approaching retirement who prefer the simplicity of the trailer over sleeping on the ground. The company is also targeting younger generations through a local rental program.
Vistabule partners with Cook County Teardrop to deliver rental trailers to campsites within 50 miles of the Eagan shop or in Cook County, Minnesota. Meagan Flood, the marketing and communications specialist, reported that the company has completed around a dozen rentals this year, with trips to state parks in Wisconsin. Taylor estimates that up to 80% of renters ultimately purchase a trailer.
The path to Eagan was not straightforward. Taylor began looking for a new location during the pandemic when business was booming and wait times reached two years. He nearly signed a lease near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in 2023 but withdrew as business normalized. After considering options in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the northern suburbs, he chose Eagan because the location is on the way to his family’s hobby farm. Taylor hopes to eventually hand the company over to his daughter, Lily Taylor, who serves as the chief administrative officer. He stated that his goal is to become excellent at making trailers rather than simply expanding the company size.
