Teardrop trailers are a great option for those who want to experience the fun of camping without the bulk of a large RV. These compact trailers are typically lightweight and can be towed by a variety of vehicles, including cars. They are often affordable, easy to store, and provide a comfortable sleeping space with some additional amenities, making them a popular choice for adventurers seeking convenience and simplicity.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average weight | 600-4000 pounds |
Length | 8-21 feet |
Width | 4-7 feet |
Height | 4-5 feet |
Towing capacity required | Under 1,000-4,000+ pounds |
Sleeping capacity | Up to 4 people |
Retail price | $3,000-$40,000+ |
What You'll Learn
What are the advantages of a teardrop camper?
Teardrop campers are a great option for those who want the fun of camping, with a bit more weather protection and a few more comforts than a tent. Here are some advantages of a teardrop camper:
Affordability and Simplicity
Teardrop campers are significantly more affordable than large-scale trailers, which can cost up to $100,000. They are also more financially feasible than a big rig, as they require less fuel and maintenance. Teardrop campers are also simple to set up and tear down, making getaways a breeze.
Compact Size and Lightweight
Teardrop campers are typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to tow and manoeuvre. They can be towed by most daily drivers, including subcompact cars and even motorcycles. Their small size also makes them easy to store, as they can fit in most garages or sheds.
Customisability
Teardrop campers offer a range of customisation options to suit different needs and preferences. They can be customised with power systems, kitchen amenities, climate control options, and accessories like awnings, shelters, or portable bathrooms.
Convenience
Teardrop campers are convenient as they can be quickly mobilised and unpacked, and they are already equipped with everything needed for a camping trip. They also don't require a lot of setup, as there are no tents, jacks, pop-outs, or hook-ups to worry about.
Close Proximity to Nature
Teardrop campers provide a happy medium between a tent and a decked-out RV. They offer the luxury of a comfortable bed while still allowing you to enjoy the comforts of home and the great outdoors. The cabin windows provide perfect stargazing views, making them ideal for those who want to be close to nature.
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What are the disadvantages of a teardrop camper?
Teardrop campers are a great option for those who want to experience the fun of camping with added weather protection and some home comforts. However, they do have some disadvantages.
Firstly, teardrop trailers are small, and so they don't offer much interior living space. If you have a large family or need a decent amount of room, a teardrop camper is probably not for you. They also have limited storage space, which can make long road trips or full-time living challenging.
Secondly, teardrop campers typically don't have bathrooms. While some models include a wet bath, most people will need to rely on campground facilities or responsible restroom practices in natural settings.
Thirdly, the kitchen facilities in teardrop campers are usually outdoors. While some models have indoor kitchens, most have a clamshell hatch that opens to reveal a small, sheltered galley area for cooking. This means you'll be exposed to the weather while preparing meals.
Another disadvantage of teardrop campers is that they usually only have sleeping space for two adults. While some larger models can accommodate four people, it's still a tight squeeze.
Finally, setting up a teardrop camper at a campsite can take some time. While it's not a complicated process, it does require more effort than simply parking a larger RV.
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What should you consider before buying a teardrop camper?
Teardrop campers are a great option for those who want to explore the great outdoors with some of the creature comforts of an RV, without the larger tow vehicle, offsite storage, or maintenance needed for bigger rigs. Here are some things to consider before buying a teardrop camper:
- Budget and pricing: Teardrop campers can vary in price depending on brand, style, and customization. They typically range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000 and above. It's important to consider your budget and what features you prioritize.
- New vs. used: Buying a used teardrop camper can save you thousands of dollars. However, buying new gives you the opportunity to customize your trailer and ensure you get exactly what you want.
- Features and amenities: Teardrop campers come in various sizes and feature sets. Some offer basic amenities like a bed and a small kitchen, while others have more luxurious features like air conditioning, a full bathroom, and separate sleeping and seating areas. Consider what features are most important to you and your camping style.
- Towing capacity: Teardrop campers typically weigh less than 4,000 pounds, making them towable by smaller vehicles. However, it's important to ensure your vehicle's towing capacity matches the weight of the trailer.
- Storage and dimensions: Teardrop campers are generally smaller than traditional RVs, making them easier to store and maneuver. Consider the dimensions of the camper and whether it will fit in your garage or driveway when not in use.
- Ease of use: One of the advantages of teardrop campers is their simplicity and ease of use. They are generally lighter and more compact than other RVs, making them easier to tow and set up. However, this also means that there may be limited living and storage space. Consider your needs and how much space you require.
- Season and timing: The best time to buy a teardrop camper is during the fall, as people who didn't use their trailers over the summer may be looking to sell. Winter is also a good time, as dealers will be looking to clear their inventory. However, there may be less variety during this time.
- Maintenance and upkeep: Teardrop campers require regular maintenance, just like any other vehicle. Consider the maintenance costs and your ability to maintain the camper properly.
- Try before you buy: Consider renting a teardrop camper or trying one out before purchasing to ensure it suits your needs and camping style. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid buyer's remorse.
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What are some examples of teardrop campers that can be pulled by a car?
Teardrop campers are a great option for those who want to experience the fun of camping with added weather protection and some home comforts. They are lightweight and can be towed by most vehicles, including cars. Here are some examples of teardrop campers that can be pulled by a car:
Luna Lite Trailer
The Luna Lite Trailer by inTechRV offers a spacious interior and optional features. Depending on the features chosen, the trailer weighs between 1400 and 1600 pounds, making it suitable for large sedans and small SUVs. It features a rear kitchenette, a large front window, and a 32-inch flat-screen TV. The bed can sleep two people and can be converted into futons with backrests and cup holders. The base price of the Luna Lite is around $20,000.
Little Guy Mini Max
The Little Guy Mini Max, made by Little Guy Trailers in Canton, Ohio, is ideal for towing behind small SUVs and crossovers. It has a dry weight of just under 2,000 pounds and features 100% hardwood cabinetry and six feet of interior height. It includes an interior kitchen with a two-burner stove, a large refrigerator, a queen or dual twin beds, air conditioning, a wet bath, and five insulated windows. The starting price for the 2019 model is around $24,000.
HC1 by Happier Camper
The HC1 by Happier Camper is a small, retro-style camper that most cars can tow. It features innovative snap-lock modular interior elements that can be rearranged for various uses, such as hauling gear, eating, or sleeping. This camper can sleep up to five adults and has a large rear hatch for easy loading and unloading. The dry weight is 1,100 pounds, and the base price is $18,950.
High Camp Aluminum Teardrop
This retro-look teardrop model by High Camp Trailers in Portland, Oregon, features a five-foot-wide sleeping cabin, storage space, and a compact rear kitchen with a stainless steel burner cooktop and a Coleman cooler. The birch interior and aluminium exterior give it a sleek and minimalistic feel. High Camp includes electric brakes on all their trailers to improve handling and reduce wear on the tow vehicle's brake system. The dry weight is 1450 pounds, and pricing starts at $16,350.
Vintage Overland Teardrops
Vintage Overland, based in Grand Junction, Colorado, offers teardrop campers with a vintage vibe and rugged durability. Their models include the Tuco, weighing 600 pounds with a four-foot by eight-foot cabin interior; the Grand Escape, weighing 750 pounds with the same interior cabin space as the Tuco, plus a rear hatch and storage boot; and the T.E. Lawrence, with a five-foot by eight-foot cabin, a queen-size memory foam mattress, rear hatch, extra storage, bug screen, and LED lighting, weighing 900 pounds. All models feature hardwood interiors and are priced between $12,500 and $16,500.
Timberleaf Classic and Pika
Timberleaf, a Colorado-based manufacturer, offers beautifully designed teardrop campers that can be towed by cars. The Classic model has a dry weight of 1500 pounds and features a fully insulated cabin, an efficient rear galley, and a "Colorado Queen" mattress. The Pika model is designed for off-road enthusiasts and is 36% smaller than the Classic, with a dry weight of 970 pounds. It includes a Dometic 12V fridge and stretch netting for storage. The base price for the Pika is $11,750, and the Classic starts at $19,750.
So-Cal Teardrops
So-Cal Teardrops from California offers rugged teardrop campers ideal for off-road situations like mountains, deserts, or beaches. Their models feature durable, heavy tires that can handle gravel roads and grassy fields. The campers have a comfortable bed for two and a kitchen galley that pops open from the rear. So-Cal Teardrops has dealers across the US, and their models start at around $10,000.
Taxa Outdoors Cricket
The Taxa Outdoors Cricket is a super-lightweight teardrop camper that can be towed by many four-cylinder cars. It is 15 feet long and can accommodate two adults and two children comfortably. It has a dry weight of 1500 pounds and features a pop-up roof for ventilation, a queen-size bed with storage underneath, a water heater, and an outdoor shower system. Upgrades include a portable toilet, an awning, and a window-mount air conditioner. The base models start at around $30,000.
Wide Path and Homie Campers
For those seeking ultra-lightweight options, Wide Path offers two camper models: the Wide Path Camper and the Homie Car Camper. The Wide Path Camper can be towed by an electric bicycle and provides shelter from the weather, seating for four adults, and a bed for two. The Homie Car Camper weighs only 441 pounds (with the solar package) and can be towed by any size vehicle with a tow bar. Both models fold up for compact travel and are priced under $10,000, even with additional features.
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What are the key features of a teardrop camper?
Teardrop campers are small, towable recreational vehicles (RVs) that are compact, lightweight, and easy to tow. They are an excellent option for those who want to explore the great outdoors without compromising on comfort. Here are the key features of teardrop campers:
Variety of Sizes and Features
Teardrop campers come in a variety of sizes and feature sets to suit different needs and budgets. They range from bare-bones, tiny trailers to larger rigs with full amenities. The smallest teardrop campers are simple sleeping quarters, while larger options can accommodate up to four people, with dedicated sleeping areas, kitchens, and even bathrooms.
Distinctive Teardrop Shape
The most distinctive feature of teardrop campers is their shape. They are named after their teardrop-shaped exterior, typically fatter in the front and tapering towards the rear. This aerodynamic design not only gives them a unique look but also makes them highly efficient for towing.
Lightweight and Easy to Tow
Teardrop campers are known for their lightweight construction, with weights typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. This makes them easy to tow with smaller vehicles, such as cars, crossovers, SUVs, and light-duty trucks. Their compact size and weight also make them ideal for camping in state and national parks with smaller campsites.
Affordability
Teardrop campers are generally more affordable than traditional RVs, with prices ranging from under $20,000 to over $40,000, depending on features and upgrades. Their small size and simplicity make them a cost-effective option for those who want to enjoy the RV lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Customization and Vintage Aesthetic
Teardrop campers offer a wide range of customization options. Owners can personalize their trailers with chic fabrics, unique accessories, and retro paint designs. The vintage aesthetic of these campers has led to a passionate community of owners who gather at rallies to showcase their beloved teardrop trailers.
Versatility and Convenience
Teardrop campers provide versatility and convenience for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. They are perfect for shorter trips, off-road explorations, and camping in remote locations. Their compact size makes them easy to manoeuvre, and they can be towed by almost any vehicle with a hitch, making them accessible to a wide range of campers.
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Frequently asked questions
A teardrop camper gets its name from its distinctive teardrop shape—fatter in the front and tapering back at the rear. They are one of the smallest recreational vehicles available and are known for being lightweight, compact, and easy to tow.
Yes, a car can pull a teardrop camper as long as the vehicle's towing capacity matches the trailer's weight. Teardrop campers are lightweight and compact, making them easy to tow for most cars.
Teardrop campers are highly affordable, great for adventures, and easy to store due to their small size. They are also aerodynamic and highly customizable, with options for added amenities like kitchens and bathrooms.
Teardrop campers have limited interior space and storage. They often lack bathrooms and indoor kitchens, which can be inconvenient for longer trips.
The cost of teardrop campers varies widely depending on the amenities included. They can range from a few thousand dollars for a basic model to over $40,000 for larger trailers with more features.