Teardrop trailers normally appeal to a younger crowd, with their minimalistic profile and amenities. Recently we visited some friends, an older couple, like us, and noticed they had a teardrop trailer in the driveway. Seeing this got me wondering about the appeal of these compact campers. If you’re like me, you’re also wondering why teardrop trailers are gaining in popularity.
Teardrop trailers are lightweight and maneuverable, yet comfortable and stylish. They can often be towed by a car or small SUV. Teardrop trailers offer a secure alternative to traditional tent camping. And they are small enough to store in a garage or carport.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why teardrop trailers are so popular, their advantages over traditional camping setups, and what makes them the perfect choice for adventure-seekers and camping enthusiasts alike.
What is a Teardrop Trailer?
A teardrop trailer is a compact and lightweight camping trailer typically featuring a streamlined, teardrop-shaped exterior. They are usually designed for two people. They come equipped with a sleeping area, a small kitchen or cooking area, and storage space. Teardrop trailers are often designed to be towed by a car, making them a popular choice for road trips and camping adventures.
History of the Teardrop
The history of the teardrop trailer can be traced back to the 1930s when the first teardrop trailers were built by DIY enthusiasts. These early models were built using materials like plywood and Masonite and were designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to tow with the smaller cars of the time.
During World War II, teardrop trailers became more popular as people sought affordable and compact ways to travel and camp. After the war, the popularity of teardrop trailers continued to grow, with many companies offering pre-built models for sale.
In the 1950s and 60s, larger RVs and travel trailers became more popular, and teardrop trailers fell out of favor. However, in recent years, teardrop trailers have made a comeback as people have become interested in minimalist and sustainable ways of camping and traveling.
Teardrops Making a Comeback
With the rise of minimalism and the tiny home movement, teardrop trailers have been making waves in the camping world. They offer a compact and comfortable alternative to traditional camping setups. These small trailers have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many people opting for the convenience and versatility they provide.
Teardrop Trailer Advantages
You can enjoy several advantages with a teardrop trailer, such as their compact size and affordability. Despite their small size, they provide a comfortable and stylish camping experience and can be customized to fit your individual needs and preferences. You can also enjoy the convenience and maneuverability of a teardrop trailer compared to larger RVs or car camping setups.
Convenient and Maneuverable
If you’re looking for a camping trailer that’s easy to tow and maneuver, a teardrop trailer might be the perfect choice for you. Thanks to their compact size and lightweight design, teardrop trailers can be towed by most cars and even some motorcycles!
This makes them an ideal option for road trips and camping adventures where you want to stay nimble and be able to explore different areas easily. You’ll also find that parking a teardrop trailer is much easier than parking a larger RV or travel trailer, allowing you to set up camp quickly and easily wherever you go.
One of the unique features of teardrop trailers is their lightweight design, which not only makes them easy to tow but also easy to move by hand. Many teardrop trailers weigh less than 1,500 pounds, making it possible for one or two people to move them around manually.
This can be useful if you need to position the trailer in a specific spot at your campsite or if you need to move it out of the way temporarily. The compact size and shape of teardrop trailers also make them easy to maneuver in tight spaces, giving you more flexibility in your camping adventures.
Affordable
Teardrop trailers are often more affordable than larger RVs and travel trailers, making them an attractive option for those looking to get into camping or travel on a budget.
The cost of a teardrop trailer can vary depending on the size, features, and level of customization, starting from $5,000 to $20,000. You can purchase a DIY teardrop kit for even less, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
Versatile
Thanks to their compact size and lightweight design, teardrop trailers can be used for a variety of camping scenarios, from weekend getaways to cross-country road trips. They can be towed by most vehicles, giving you the freedom to explore different areas and terrains.
Additionally, their streamlined and sustainable design makes them a popular choice for those interested in minimalist and eco-friendly camping.
With the rise of teardrop trailer manufacturers, there is no end to the customization of these tiny trailers. Teardrop trailers can be customized to fit your individual needs and preferences, allowing you to create the perfect camping experience for you and your travel companions.
With a teardrop trailer, you’ll have the flexibility and freedom to travel and explore the outdoors in comfort and style.
Comfortable and Stylish
Teardrop trailers are often considered stylish due to their classic and sleek design. They have a unique and distinct appearance that sets them apart from other camping trailers.
The teardrop shape is both aerodynamic and visually appealing, and the curved lines give them a retro and timeless look. Many teardrop trailers also feature stylish and modern interiors, with high-quality materials and finishes. Additionally, many manufacturers allow you to customize your teardrop to fit your tastes and preferences.
While they are small, teardrop trailers offer a comfortable interior where you can quickly get away from the elements. They have enough headroom to maneuver and lounge around for those times when nature is just not cooperating; a place to read a book or watch a movie while snuggled up in the covers.
Comparison of Teardrop Trailers
Teardrop trailers offer several advantages over larger RVs and campers, including their compact size and affordability.
Teardrop vs Tent
If you’ve spent any time camping in a tent, you’ll appreciate the upgrade to a teardrop trailer. I’ve had several situations where it rained and water got inside the tent. There was even a time when it snowed and the tent nearly collapsed! On that trip, we had to pack up our gear and leave.
But a teardrop trailer gives you greater protection from the elements, keeping you dry and warm in rainy or chilly weather. Plus a teardrop trailer provides a more secure sleeping environment. I have slept in a tent in bear country like Yosemite and Yellowstone. I’ll tell you it’s an unnerving feeling, especially if you are traveling with children.
Another advantage of a teardrop trailer over tent camping is the convenience factor. With a teardrop trailer, you don’t have to worry about setting up a tent or sleeping on the ground.
Teardrop trailers also offer more insulation and soundproofing, which can make them more comfortable in extreme temperatures and noisy campgrounds. Plus, with a teardrop trailer, you have your own kitchenette and storage space, which can make your camping experience more enjoyable and convenient.
Lastly, a teardrop trailer can provide a more comfortable sleeping experience compared to a tent. With a comfortable mattress and the ability to control the temperature inside the trailer, you can ensure a good night’s sleep. I’m so over that sleeping on the ground with a leaky air mattress!
Teardrop vs Pop-up Tent Trailer
There are a few drawbacks to pop-up tent campers compared to teardrop trailers. First, they can be more difficult to set up and take down than a teardrop trailer, requiring more time and effort. Additionally, pop-up campers can be susceptible to leaks and may not provide as much protection from the elements as a teardrop trailer.
Like a tent, pop-up campers also tend to have less insulation and soundproofing than a teardrop trailer. This makes them less comfortable in extreme temperatures or at noisy campgrounds.
Another factor to consider is that pop-up campers can be more expensive than teardrop trailers, especially if you want additional features or amenities. Finally, pop-up campers can be less secure than a teardrop trailer, as they are often made of lightweight materials that can be vulnerable to damage or break-ins.
Teardrop vs RV
Teardrop trailers offer several advantages over larger RVs. If you prefer a more minimalist approach to camping and want the freedom to explore more remote or off-the-beaten-path locations, a teardrop trailer might be the perfect choice for you.
One of the main benefits of a teardrop trailer over an RV is its compact size and maneuverability. You can easily tow a teardrop trailer with a smaller vehicle, such as a crossover or SUV. That way you can save money on gas. Teardrop trailers are also easier to navigate on tight or narrow roads.
There have been a few times when we towed our Casita trailer on a road that was barely wide enough for the truck and trailer. Having a teardrop would have made the trip less of a nail-biter.
Teardrop trailers are easier to park and set up than larger RVs, which means you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time dealing with the logistics of camping.
Plus, you’ll be able to fit in any campsite. In fact, you may be able to snag a tent site because the trailer is so small. This is a big advantage at a time when campsites are filled to capacity.
Another advantage of a teardrop trailer is its lower cost compared to larger RVs. While RVs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, you can often find a high-quality teardrop trailer for a fraction of the price.
Also, because teardrop trailers are smaller and more lightweight, they typically require less maintenance and upkeep than larger RVs, which can save you money in the long run.
Teardrop vs Car Camping
Teardrop trailers offer many advantages over car camping, making them a great choice for a wide range of campers. If you’re the type of person who loves the outdoors but still wants a comfortable and convenient camping experience, a teardrop trailer may be the perfect fit for you.
One of the main benefits of teardrop trailers over car camping is their compact size. Teardrop trailers are small and lightweight, making them easy to tow and maneuver.
This means you can explore more remote and scenic campsites that may be inaccessible to larger RVs or campers. For example, if you enjoy hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking, a teardrop trailer allows you to easily pack up and hit the road to reach your favorite outdoor destinations.
Another advantage of teardrop trailers over car camping is the added comfort and amenities. Teardrop trailers often include features like a comfortable bed, a kitchenette, and storage space, which can make your camping experience much more enjoyable.
With a teardrop trailer, you can have a warm and cozy sleeping space, cook your favorite meals, and even take a hot shower, all while enjoying the great outdoors.
Teardrop trailers are also a great option for people who want to simplify their camping setup and experience.
Unlike car camping, which often involves unpacking and repacking gear each time you set up camp, a teardrop trailer allows you to keep your camping gear organized and ready to go at all times. This means you can spend more time enjoying nature and less time worrying about setting up camp.
Teardrop Trailer Features
Teardrop trailers offer a few unique features in terms of sleeping arrangements, cooking facilities, and storage space.
Sleeping Space
In a teardrop trailer, you’ll find a cozy and comfortable sleeping space that’s often more spacious and secure than a tent or car camping. Despite their small size, teardrops typically offer a queen-size bed with high-quality mattresses, ensuring a good night’s sleep. You’ll also have the peace of mind of sleeping off the ground and being protected from the elements.
Teardrop trailers often come with windows and ventilation systems that provide adequate airflow, keeping you cool in hot weather and preventing condensation during colder nights. You’ll also have the ability to control the temperature with heating or cooling systems, ensuring a comfortable sleep regardless of the weather outside.
Moreover, many teardrop trailers come equipped with additional amenities like reading lights, USB ports, and storage compartments for your personal items. You can also customize your sleeping space to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Cooking Facilities
When cooking in a teardrop trailer, you will usually do so outside by using a portable stove or a campfire. Outdoor kitchens or slide-out stoves are often included in many teardrop trailers, making cooking even more convenient.
This is an advantage for people who like to cook outside and don’t want the smells in their camper. My husband is one who prefers to cook outside. That makes it a win-win for me since I don’t like to cook at all.
Some teardrop trailers have built-in electrical systems that can power appliances like refrigerators or microwaves, opening up a wider range of cooking options. Furthermore, teardrop campers provide storage space for cooking supplies and utensils, which keeps everything organized and accessible while cooking.
Storage Space
In a teardrop trailer, storage space is often maximized through clever design and efficient use of space. Cabinets and shelves are typically built into the trailer to provide ample storage for clothing, bedding, and other essentials.
Some teardrop trailers also feature overhead compartments or storage nets, providing additional storage options for items such as books, phones, or glasses.
Additionally, teardrop trailers often come with exterior storage compartments, allowing you to store larger items such as camping chairs or a portable grill. Overall, teardrop trailers offer plenty of storage space despite their small size, ensuring that you can bring everything you need for your camping adventure.
One teardrop that has some great storage options is the Bean Trailer. If you’d like to know more about the Bean Trailer, check out the article that I wrote.
Bathroom
Teardrop trailers usually don’t have bathrooms built-in due to their small size, but some models may have optional portable toilet setups.
For bathroom needs, you may need to rely on public restrooms or other facilities at the campground. If you’re camping off the beaten path where there is no restroom, you’ll need to bring your own.
Read the article that I wrote about portable toilets. The article is geared toward camper vans but is applicable to any type of camping.
Some teardrop trailers have outdoor showers that you can set up for a more comfortable bathing experience. If you’re camping at a location where you don’t have access to a restroom, consider bringing a portable shower and shower tent.
If you prefer to have a bathroom with your camping setup, you may want to consider a larger RV or a travel trailer with a built-in bathroom. However, if you prioritize simplicity and affordability, a teardrop trailer may still be a great option for you.
Conclusion
Teardrop trailers offer a minimalist and practical approach to camping. Their compact size and simple design provide everything you need for a comfortable camping experience without excess space or unnecessary features. By choosing a teardrop trailer, you can enjoy the simplicity and freedom of minimalist camping, without sacrificing comfort and convenience.