There comes a time in every man’s life when the open road seems to be calling out your name. You just want to pack up as many home comforts as possible and embark on an epic road trip.
Many of us, however, haven’t got the parking space, or the budget, for one of those palatial motorhomes in our lives. We’ve seen teardrop trailers before, but can they really offer the space we need?
A major concern when choosing a teardrop camper is whether it will offer adequate space for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing. Teardrop RVs are rarely known for being spacious, most of the time they are about five feet tall and only 10 feet long.
However, recent years have seen a resurgence in their popularity. The advanced and spacious floor plans of modern teardrops can offer you such a great camping experience that makes it hard to believe that you really need one.
Even well-known brands like Winnebago have jumped on the teardrop bandwagon. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular teardrop RVs that make great use of space with impressive floor plans.
Best Teardrop Trailers Reviews
Innovative storage solutions have allowed modern teardrop manufacturers to make even better use of the tiny spaces offered.
Different floor plans can be customized to offer space where you need it most. You’ll get that home-away-from-home feeling with these guys:
T@G XL from NuCamp
Specs
- Exterior Length: 9 feet 8 inches.
- Total Length With Coupler: 13 feet 7 inches.
- Exterior Width: 7 feet 8 inches.
- Exterior Height: 6 feet.
- Interior Height: 3 feet 11 inches.
- Bed Area: 5 feet 10 inches by 6 feet 6 inches (king-sized)
- Tongue Weight: 160 pounds with LP and battery.
- Total Weight: 1,210 pounds with LP and battery.
We start with a trailer from a well-known manufacturer, NuCamp, which offers both good looks and more space.
T@G XL is their best trailer, and for good reason. It is a piece of supreme craftsmanship when it comes to its class. And it might offer just about everything you need when out in the bush.
It features a colorful and attractive exterior and a spacious and comfortable cabin. With the size offered by this 6-foot external height trailer, even taller people won’t struggle to stand up inside.
A king-sized bed of 70 x 78 inches goes in the center of the room, with cabinets on all four sides. An AC compartment is also included so storage space shouldn’t be an issue.
A large kitchen galley area contains space for a two-burner stove and a sink unit. Underneath, you’ll find a microwave compartment and a large chiller unit on a pull-out shelf.
Extra cupboards and spice racks ensure you have more than enough space for all your cooking stuff. Although this T@G trailer is labeled XL, it isn’t actually that big, with a complete trailer length of just over 10 feet.
Even with a battery and an LP tank, the total weight of 1,210 pounds can be comfortably towed by almost any car. With a hook-up provided for power, sockets have been strategically placed around the interior.
There also are twin USB sockets for charging your phone and a 12-volt cigar-lighter style socket. The 19-inch LCD television and sound system are wall-mounted, while the speakers are in the roof, saving even more space.
Pros
- Large king-size bed.
- Cubicle-like compartments on all four sides of the trailer.
- AC cabinet hides away heater or AC and saves space.
- Large galley area provides both cooking surfaces and ample storage for food items and tools.
- Doors on either side of the cabin provide extra ventilation.
- Diamond plate tongue basket for safe storage of LP tank and a battery.
Cons
- The lack of a toilet or a sink inside the trailer is a pretty big deal for most, making camping at sites with portable toilets almost a necessity.
Winnie Drop By Winnebago
Specs
- Exterior Length: 18 feet 4 inches (WD1710 & WD170K); 20 feet 4 inches (WD170S & WD1780)
- Exterior Height: 9 feet 3 inches.
- Exterior Width: 8 feet fender to fender. 6 feet 5 inches body only.
- Interior Height: 6 feet 5 inches.
- Bed Area: 5 feet by 6 feet 2 inches. Queen size; 2 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 2 inches. Bunk bed option.
- Dry Weight: Starting at 2,360 pounds.
- Tongue Weight: Starting at 290 pounds.
Next up we have the largest teardrop camper we looked at. The Winnie Drop is not your classic teardrop camper.
Rather, it’s a hybrid that shares some of the features of a travel trailer. It seems relatively compact on the outside, but the inside is palatial – a testament to the recent popularity of teardrops that Winnebago has introduced to the market.
Looking inside this trailer, it’s hard to believe how much can be fitted into a teardrop design of this size. Winnebago has used its years of experience in designing motorhomes and compact trailers to bring you this hybrid.
The different floor plan options for this teardrop make you think you are looking at a Class A RV, not a compact trailer. The standard WD1710 floor plan comes fitted with a queen-sized bed, measuring 60 inches by 74 inches.
Spacious storage under the bed is an example of the resourceful use of space this camper is known for. The extra size of this teardrop hybrid allows for a kitchen and a bathroom inside the trailer.
The kitchen is necessarily compact with a small, two-burner stove, and a sink. There is a dedicated storage space for foods, above and below the units. There’s even space for an RV micro-refrigerator, such as many of the models made by Dometic or Norcold.
The bathroom offered with the standard floor plan is a basic, wet bath cubicle, with a toilet and shower. However, alternative floor plans feature a slide-out kitchen design, to allow for more bathroom space.
The WD170S floor plan has the largest bathroom you will find in a teardrop. In fact, this bathroom is larger than many RVs offer, with a toilet, shower, sink, and a storage cupboard.
All of the floor plans available make use of the extra size by offering some form of living area or dinette seating. If you are traveling with kids, the WD170K layout features two bunk beds, 2 feet 6 inches wide, suitable for one child each.
It also features a space-saving shower and a toilet wet room. With a huge dining area, mealtimes won’t be a hassle in this trailer. The dinette even converts into an extra bed for the grown-ups.
Pros
- A choice of floor plans allows for more customization.
- Every inch of space is utilized. For example, the overhead storage in the kitchen.
- The kitchen is indoors for those times of extreme weather.
- Innovative slide-out features.
- The optional value pack includes essentials such as an AV system, 19-inch TV, outside shower, and more.
- Full electrical support, with USB charging ports.
- Lightweight aluminum frame with a one-piece fiberglass roof.
Cons
- Heavier than most other teardrop RVs. You will need a truck, or an SUV at a minimum, to tow the extra weight.
- This is not one for the budget-conscious traveler. These teardrops are a similar price to many RV Class C trailers.
MyPod From Little Guy Trailers
Specs
- Exterior Length: 11 feet 7 inches.
- Exterior Height: 5 feet 2 inches.
- Exterior Width: 6 feet fender to fender.
- Inside Width: 5 feet.
- Inside Height: 3 feet one inch.
- Mattress Size: 4 feet 4 inches by 6 feet 2 inches.
- Curb Weight: 630 pounds
- Tongue Weight: 110 pounds
The MyPod has a 640-pound dry weight and a tongue weight of 120 pounds, one of the lowest weights in the teardrop category. You will only need a car with a very low towing capacity to haul this lightweight trailer around.
Like the similarly named iPod, the vehicle is compact and beautifully designed. Sometimes, it’s not always about how much space you have, but rather what you do with that space.
With a 62-inch exterior height, 37-inch interior height, and 60-inch inside width, you’ll be surprised by just how much you can get inside.
Obviously, compromises have been made. For example, there’s no kitchen galley on this teardrop and it only features a small double bed that is 52 inches by 76 inches. The dining area is thus outside.
However, Little Guy Trailers have teamed up with third-party accessory companies to offer a variety of custom-fit side mount tents. The latest 2018 version of MyPod also features a Yakima roof rack for storing your kayak or cycles on.
The bed takes up most of the interior. Although, three big windows, with window shades included, do make it seem more spacious. A three-speed fan and a full air conditioning unit have been cleverly integrated.
This ensures you stay well cooled, as smaller teardrops can often become stuffy. Storage built into the front panel allows for a full entertainment system, with enough space for a games console to be added.
A 12V/110V power hook-up is included, although there is also a solar upgrade available. Many people love this cute little teardrop camper.
Pros
- The 100 percent molded fiberglass body offers protection from the elements.
- Ultra-lightweight frame which can be towed by most vehicles.
- Extra roof rack for more storage. Perfect for adventure weekends.
- Protective gravel guard.
- Installed A/C and a three-speed fan.
- Large windows to stop you from feeling claustrophobic.
- Storage units and full entertainment system.
- Easy to add a tailgate tent for more space or an extra room.
Cons
- No kitchen facilities or galley provided.
- Double bed can be cramped at only 4 feet 4 inches wide.
- Window shades only cover the side windows–you’ll need to hook something up to cover the large back door window.
560 Raindrop Teardrop Camper From Camp Inn
Specs
- Exterior Length: 10 feet. 11 feet 11 inches with trailer.
- Exterior Width: 6 feet 6 inches fender to fender.
- Exterior Height: 5 feet 1 inch.
- Inside Width: 5 feet.
- Inside Height: 3 feet 8 inches
- Main Bed Size: Queen size, 4 feet 10 inches by 6 feet 6 inches.
- Bunk Bed Size: 4 feet 8 inches by 1 foot 10 inches; 2 beds.
- Weight, approx: 1030 to 1420 pounds.
- Tongue Weight approx: 150 to 185 pounds.
Teardrop RVs from Camp Inn can be very popular models, with the built-to-spec waiting list sitting at around six months time.
They have a long history of making camping trailers and the 560 Raindrop is the largest teardrop they make. A length of 10 feet makes this one of the more hefty trailers, weighing from 1,030 pounds to 1,430 pounds.
A five-foot wide cabin provides 25 percent more sleeping area and kitchen area, when compared to the traditional four-foot cabins. Despite this, the trailer is still narrow enough to see behind you with a standard wing mirror on passenger cars and SUVs.
A stylish, all-aluminum design features panoramic windows, which can be ideal when stargazing on cooler evenings. A door on either side of the cabin prevents you from having to climb over your partner to get in or out.
A feature Camp Inn amusingly call the “marriage saver”. The comfortable bed can be easily folded to convert into a couch and a larger living area. Perfect for those weekends when the rain just doesn’t seem to stop.
If you have kids or grandkids you want to travel with, there is also an option for bunk beds to be fitted. Some floor plans even allow for the installation of a couch that converts into bunk beds.
Underfloor storage, a front storage cabinet, cabin coat hooks, and beverage holders allow you to make the most of your space. With the couch folded up, you get an impressive 6”6 of floor space.
A large queen-sized bed offers enough space for two adults with enough room left for a small child or a pet. A kitchenette expands outdoors with a utensil drawer and kitchen cabinets made out of elegant birch wood.
Also included are a two-burner stove and a stainless steel sink. A handy below-counter storage unit makes sure that your cookware and food stay in the kitchen. The trailer is built as standard with a propane tank, and two eight-gallon tanks for both freshwater and greywater.
A water tank monitor enables you to see when you’re low on water, although you will probably notice the missing weight.
Both tanks and the LP tank will add significant weight to the trailer. The air conditioning unit can be built into the trailer’s body so it doesn’t detract from the interior design or space.
A 15-inch television with a built-in DVD player flips down to reveal even more storage cabinets. A solar hook-up is also available and you can choose between bamboo or mahogany wood in the cabin.
Pros
- Great, retro styling with a thick brushed aluminum finish.
- 25 percent more cabin space with a 10-feet long cabin.
- Choice of a queen-sized bed or bunk beds. Both fold up into a couch for more living space.
- Underfloor storage and compartments in the cabin free up more space.
- The A/C unit is built into the trailer body rather than the cabin to save space.
- Spacious kitchen pulls out and features more storage spaces and hooks for cookware.
- Panoramic windows give a better open view of the great outdoors.
- Fully customizable with options for LP furnace, solar power, under counter DC refrigerator/freezer, and side entrance tent.
- Two doors make getting in and out extra easy.
Cons
- The 10-feet long cabin can be heavy and might not be suitable for towing by smaller cars.
- LP tank and water tanks will add weight to the trailer.
- The popularity of this teardrop trailer can mean long waiting lists for custom builds.
What Is A Teardrop Trailer?
Teardrop trailers are seen as the next step up from a tent and sleeping bag in the camping world and they are one of the oldest forms of recreational camping vehicles.
Although, that might be an understatement since, over the years, teardrop RVs have emerged as a very trendy way for travelers to hit the open road.
Festivals just wouldn’t be the same without teardrop campers and their awnings, while some are even used as food trucks.
Although they can be limiting, given the available space inside, you can still bring some amenities from home with you.
Before the mass production of RVs, many people would build their own trailers using designs from well-known publications, such as Popular Mechanics.
Teardrops trailers are easy to identify by their distinctive shape, hence the name. A large, round front area tapers backward towards the tail of the trailer, creating that unique teardrop-shaped profile that is also lightweight.
While the front part is used for sleeping, the back section will normally open outwards, for a galley which can be used as an exterior kitchen area or storage space.
Why Should You Consider A Teardrop Trailer?
They may be cute, but do you really want to sleep in something so small? Here are our top reasons for making your next road trip a teardrop trailer vacation.
Ultra-Towable
Teardrop trailers tend to be the smallest RV trailers on the road. Most teardrops will not be much longer than 10 feet and are only five to seven feet in width.
You won’t need a heavy duty truck or an SUV to tow your average teardrop RV. The smaller footprint of the trailer means it is also much lighter.
Almost all cars, including sub-compacts, can haul a teardrop trailer. All you’re going to need is a hitch and the correct wiring, which can be installed on almost any vehicle at your local service shop.
Low Cost And Low Environmental Impact
An extra benefit of their smaller size is that teardrops won’t cost as much money or use as many resources as other trailers do.
Your car or truck won’t need to work as hard to tow a teardrop RV, so you won’t need to burn as much gas. They can also be much easier to control on the road than fifth wheel trailers, campervans, or larger motorhomes.
When you arrive at the RV park, even the smallest of pitches will accommodate your teardrop trailer. When parked in the open, they will have less impact on the environment because there is less contact with the ground.
Some of them even come—or can be modified—with solar panels, so that you can enjoy free off-grid energy during those sunny days, even while exploring the bush. This is especially handy for driving the air conditioning unit, as these tend to use up plenty of energy.
A tent will have a larger contact surface, with most teardrops only making contact with the tires and maybe leveling jacks. Teardrop trailers will also allow more freedom to explore those open areas.
A quality one will go just about anywhere your car can go—and that includes off-road adventures as well. No more sticking to campsites–why not try a bit of boondocking?
Teardrops Are Funky
Most teardrop trailers are custom built, with different floor plans and exterior features. Some will use wooden exteriors or retro paint designs to create the most attractive trailers on the road.
A big part of the teardrop lifestyle can be the aesthetics–they may be sleek, sexy, and grab people’s attention.
Don’t be surprised to make new friends at the next campsite or pitching place, with those who just want a look inside your cute little trailer.
There are many trailer owner associations, and there is even a free digital magazine, Cool Tears, which you can find online.
A More Outdoor Choice
Remember why you got into RVing in the first place? For many of us, the reason was to see and explore the outside world.
This is something you won’t do if you’re sitting in a comfy big motorhome on your XBOX.
With little space for home comforts, this kind of camper trailer will offer a comfortable and secure place to sleep and little else. But would happily trail along on your off-road shenanigans.
Most teardrops feature an outdoor kitchen area in the tail-end galley of the trailer for alfresco dining.
Things To Consider
By their very nature, small camper trailers, or the “teardrops” in particular, will offer better use of their small space than others. But, at a minimum, you should always try to choose a trailer which is four foot wide or more.
Less space and you’ll find that it can be very cramped with two people inside the sleeping area. Storage units are often fitted into the panels of the walls, and maybe underneath the bed.
Does the bed fold up into a couch and give you more living space when it’s not being used? Try to choose a trailer which offers more storage in the kitchen galley area, too.
This will mean fewer things to put in your already cramped living space. Teardrop trailers often feature a tow box which attaches to the trailer frame and can be used to store non-essentials.
Does the roof of your trailer have a skylight or allow for a roof rack to be fitted? Some teardrops can also have sliding features, or add-on tents, which add more space.
Teardrop Trailer Packing Hints
Teardrop RVs can be easy to use and versatile for people who don’t need too much space or luxury when traveling.
Packing can be hard when traveling in a petite teardrop camper and needs a little more creativity and ingenuity.
Read on for our best tips on what to pack for your next teardrop road trip.
Pack Multi-Use Items
With limited space, you will have to think twice before packing every single tool you think you need. Multi-use items, such as a dutch oven, can be used for heating water and also as an oven to bake bread in.
A decent steel knife can be used for many purposes—whether filleting a fish or fending off a stray coyote from your pitch!
Cut Down On Unnecessary Bulk
Often, we forget the space taken up by the box for that new blanket, or the packaging on toiletries.
Food supplies which are in larger containers can be broken down into smaller packets for easier storage.
You’ll be surprised how much space you can save in a single cupboard when you repack items.
Creative Storage Solutions
Cheap storage racks can often sit on any unused space in your trailer.
Instead of just stacking things on top of the counter, find an organizer which utilizes the space more effectively.
The more space you can see, the more you can find ways to use it. Some of these RVs have special add-ons you can request from the manufacturer, enabling them to increase the storage space—or smarten it up.
A great tip is to check the manufacturer’s website for those before you buy one.
Take A Tablet, Phone Or Media Player
Often we can’t decide which films, DVDs, CDs, or books we want to take on our trip with us. In this modern age, there is no need to leave your favorite tunes or movies at home, simply put them all on your digital storage.
Many trailers will have room for a TV which you can use for all your media needs. A Bluetooth speaker won’t take up too much space either.
The Take Home (Tiny Home) Message
Nothing beats the feeling of waking up next to nature. I’m not saying we all want to sleep under the stars, although that can also be cool if the weather is right. But teardrops offer a pristine camping experience with the few caveats here and there.
The prime question here is: are teardrops worth it, even with the small space available? The resounding answer is: yes. With many of these huge RVs you often see, you are missing out on so much.
It may be nice to take all your home comforts on the road with you, but what is the point of going if you’re on the XBOX all weekend? A trailer will make you think what you need before you pack it.
They have come a long way since the 30s and 40s. Smart design can make use of every inch the teardrop has to offer. All the teardrop camper manufacturers we have featured in this article offer some level of customization.
It’s your tiny castle, design it how you want. We hope you found our best teardrop trailers guide helpful. If you have already bought one or are thinking about it, share your thoughts in the comments below.
For a really small, “towable by anything”, look at Tentrax.
Thanks, Rosie. Would you like to elaborate a bit on that?
Despite an outside height of 6ft, the T@G XL only has an inside height of 3ft 11inch. I think you mixed them up when you said tall people can stand in that.
Agreed, Sam. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll update the article.
But, you didn’t update the article. One still can’t stand up in a 3′-11″ high cabin. Just change “stand” to “sit”.