A lightweight teardrop camper seems great due to the size and ease of pulling it, but they are all not cut from the same cloth. When it comes to camping in a teardrop, it is certainly not just for anyone.
These small maneuverable campers are perfect for getting back into tight places off the grid. An individual or a couple (that really likes each other) can easily get off the beaten path with a small truck or SUV.
We will explore the world of Teardrop campers and show you some of the Pros and Cons of owning one.
What is a teardrop trailer?
A teardrop trailer, also known as a teardrop camper trailer, is a streamlined, compact, lightweight, and towable trailer, which gets its name from its teardrop shape. The smallest recreational vehicles on the market usually provide a limited amount of options. They usually only have sleeping space for two adults and often have a basic kitchen in the rear. No bathroom, shower, and a very small amount of storage (if you are lucky).
How much does a teardrop camper weigh?
The normal teardrop trailer can weigh between 300 to 3500 pounds with 2500 pounds being a good average.
If you’re wondering what is the lightest trailer, check out the T300 by Earth Traveler. Weighing a mere 300 pounds, this teardrop and pop-up hybrid easily takes the title of slot bonus 100 the lightest camper in the world.
The Little Guy MAX is one of the heaviest models coming in at around 3150 pounds dry weight.
Teardrop trailer weights can vary greatly depending on the size and options added. Some teardrops are basically just a bed on wheels while others you can actually stand in.
When it comes to camping in a teardrop, the below is about as big as it gets.
What are the dimensions of a teardrop trailer?
Side to side a teardrop averages between 4 to 6 feet and front to back around 8 to 10 feet. Making them both easy to pull with a light vehicle and easy to maneuver into a tight campsite.
The typical height is between 4 to 5 feet, but there are some larger units you can actually stand inside.
How much do teardrop campers cost?
These lightweight campers range from $15K to $30K or more for larger 4-person models. Keep in mind that the price is highly dependent on what features and upgrades you choose. You can get everything from off-road tires to solar power packages installed.
What is it really like camping in a teardrop trailer?
Pros
Great to get back into the wild
These small trailers are perfect for getting off the beaten path. You can navigate slim paths that might be a little rougher than a full-size RV would be able to handle safely. The vehicle used to pull it can also be much smaller and easier to maneuver around trails.
Easy to pull and back up
As we just talked about, a small truck or SUV can be used to pull a teardrop trailer to your perfect campsite. With an average weight of 2500 pounds, you can see why pulling is easy. Being 4 to 6 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long, backing up is also a breeze.
Can be towed with a small vehicle
Again, due to their smaller size, pulling with a small truck, crossover or SUV is commonplace. A minimum 2500-pound tow capacity is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind.
More efficient and economical
Using a small vehicle and pulling a lighter weight, means fewer visits to the gas pump. Having a small impact on fuel efficiency which makes them a much more environmentally safe choice than recreational vehicles.
Minimal additional equipment needed
Since amenities are limited, so will your additional equipment list. Since they have no bathrooms, you will not need a sewer hose, clear elbow, or hose support. Some other items that may be able to leave at home are extra power cords, water hoses, leveling jacks, propane tanks, and extra items that you normally bring and never use anyway.
Easy to maintain
As with your equipment list, your supply list can also be minimal. No need to tank treatment supplies, extra cooking supplies (unless you really need them), extra sheets and pillows, a full line of tools for repairs (a minimal tool set will do), and items that typically just get in the way.
Before you start camping in a teardrop, watch the video below
Cons
Teardrops are not built for extreme weather
Depending on how you will be camping in a teardrop, the elements may play a big part. With just a small amount of insulation, cold weather is probably not the best idea.
Also, remember where you will be on a rain-filled week of adventure. This can make for a less than pleasant experience being stuck in a can for a week.
Limited headroom and legroom
These small campers are not for people with a Closter-phobic tenancy. Standing up, probably not, sitting up, kind of, and laying down, are not comfortable for us tall people.
Cost more than you might think
With an average cost of between $15K and $30K+, you might want to rethink this endeavor. Especially considering the lack of amenities and space available to you.
Out of the question if you have a family
Remember these lightweight teardrop campers are for getting off the beaten path and have very few amenities and limited space or storage. Keep this in mind before you tuck a family of 5 into one of these small trailers and hit the road. Unless you are really never in your camper except to sleep, friendships may be lost quickly.
For a couple, they can be just what the doctor ordered though.
Little to No amenities
Most teardrop campers are just a bed with a cover on it and not much else. No bathroom, or shower, and if you are lucky enough to have a kitchen, it is going to be outside.
Camping in a teardrop is definitely for the minimalists of this world. Creature comforts are left at home and it is just mother nature and you become one.
No storage space
Most models have little to no outside storage. If you are lucky they might have a rack attached to the hitch to carry a cooler and a few other small supplies. Rarely will you find storage compartment doors as you would see on a travel trailer or a class C type RV. Minimalist on overdrive!
