Teardrop Trailers

Teardrop trailers are NOT travel trailers that cause a lot of grief or sadness. "Teardrop" refers to the shape of the trailer, not owner's reaction. No doubt many tears have been shed over 'lemons' and other bad purchases or even the loss of a favorite RV, but that is not what this post is about. It is about a very popular, light weight travel trailer design that has proven itself for more than 80 years. 

                                                        

I have made quick mention of "tear drop" trailers before. I've never personally owned one, but I had an aunt and uncle who traveled all over the western United States in one back in the 1950s. I envied them.  Whenever we traveled we camped in a tent or had to find motels.  Teardrop trailers are a kind of unique form of bumper pull travel trailer, unique enough to merit their own discussion. The "teardrop trailer" has been around since at least the 1930's and is a popular light weight camping trailer. It takes its name from its teardrop shape, with a relatively high rounded front tapering off to a pointed rear end. They are regaining popularity as gas prices continue to climb. Their light weight and streamline design make them economical to tow. Some people find the retro design appealing too. The main body of the trailer is primarily a sleeping area and is typically only about 4-5' high at most so there usually isn't room to stand up in them. The rear of the trailer opens up like a hatchback so that the door forms a sort of canopy over the "kitchen" or galley area built into the back. You can special order your new teardrop to have this kitchen area configured just about any way you would like them.  Basically, the rear kitchen is a glorified "chuck box". They typically include a small sink and a single burner propane or butane stove. They may or may not include an ice box so you might still need an ice chest.  The more clever designs have a special compartment in the back for the ice chest.  These units are especially good for towing behind smaller vehicles since they weigh under 1000 pounds, some as low as 750 pounds and have a tongue weight of only 75-85 pounds. With such light weight and good aerodynamics, they are easy to tow and have a minimal affect on fuel economy while providing very comfortable, weather-proof sleeping quarters and convenient but not weatherproof kitchen facilities. Their small size also makes them easy to store and one person can maneuver them easily into parking areas or even into your garage. A teardrop trailer is an economical alternative to tent camping. You gain the convenience of a sleeping area that is protected from elements and critters and maintain much of the feeling of "real" camping using the outdoor kitchen. The solid walls provide a lot more insulation than a tent to maintain a more comfortable and quieter sleeping environment. They don't usually have a furnace or heater so you might need a tent heater on particularly cold nights. These days you can get many accessories for your teardrop trailer, including special tents designed to attach to the side door of the trailer, adding a stand-up dressing room and additional living space. Throw in a porta-potty and you'll pretty much have all the conveniences of home.

Teardrop trailers come in a variety of sizes and configurations. They are probably best suited to single campers or couples. A small family might squeeze into one if you're OK all sleeping in one bed, but even tent trailers generally provide more room (and separate beds) for more people -- plus stand up headroom. I recently saw a unique teardrop trailer with a slideout that significantly increased the size of the sleeping area.

Teardrop trailers don't usually have heaters. Most people find that body heat alone is sufficient to keep the interior comfortable through the night. Each human generates about as much heat as a 100 watt incandescent light bulb.   In extra cold weather, put your Coleman lantern inside for a few minutes before bedtime and it will be toasty when you hit the sack (open a window a little so it doesn't use up all the oxygen and/or pollute the air). Other possibilities would include just about any tent heater. Just be sure to maintain adequate ventilation using any heater or lantern indoors or you'll not only sleep through the night, you'll sleep forever!

Even though the standup room in most teardrops is limited, you still have a more private and convenient dressing room than, say, a pup tent or a small dome tent. I have seen some models that pop up like a tent trailer so there is room to stand up, but most are limited to 4'-5' interior height.

Here is an interesting variation of a teardrop that does have stand up headroom: you might call it a teardrop tent trailer.  Not sure what they do for a galley on this variation, but it is certainly an innovative solution.

Here is an enhanced, modern version of a tent trailer that even has an innovative front slide out:  Enhanced Teardrop Trailer. 

Teardrop owners tend to be almost fanatical about their units, so take that into consideration when talking to owners or salesmen of teardrops. You might find a teardrop that meets your needs, so check them out.

Teardrop trailers are a popular design with do-it-yourselfers. You can see some photos of teardrop trailers here, where you an also purchase plans to build your very own.

Because many teardrop trailers were originally homemade or ordered with custom design features, you probably won't find a lot of consistency among used units.  If you find one you particularly like you should probably grab it up before someone else does.  The next one could have a very different configuration.  

The nostalgic design makes them ideal to tow behind classic or antique vehicles.

No tears with THESE teardrops!