Teardrop campers, once popular in the 1920-40’s, have started to become very trendy again. Besides looking cool, they are also a great option for those looking for a lightweight camping trailer. Tear drops are inexpensive, self-contained, easy to tow, and they provide enough room for two people to comfortably sleep inside.
While there are a number of companies that manufacture and sell these teardrop campers, their popularity is largely due to the fact that they are extremely easy to build and customize. In fact, over the last couple of years, there has been a resurgence in the customization of vintage teardrops. People from around the world are buying up old vintage teardrop campers, and restoring them to their original condition.
Although Teardrops are small, most have more than enough room for two people. Most teardrops campers feature:
- A sleeping area that can hold a queen-size bed
- A storage area for your gear
- A sleeping cabin that doubles as a cargo area
- An outside rear kitchen area with storage and cooking space
History of the Tear Drop Trailer
The Teardrop Camper Trailer is one of the most iconic and recognizable types of travel trailers in North America. These trailers have a distinct teardrop shape that sets them apart from other recreational vehicles on the market. They are small and lightweight, making them popular for people who enjoy camping, road trips, and outdoor adventures.
The history of the Teardrop Camper Trailer dates back to the 1920s. At the time, recreational camping was just beginning to gain popularity among middle-class Americans. However, the camping gear available then was bulky, heavy, and not very portable. This made it difficult for families to pack everything they needed for a camping trip.
During this time, a man named Louis Rogers decided to build his own lightweight camping trailer. Rogers was an aircraft engineer and designer, so he had the expertise to create a small, aerodynamic trailer that was easy to tow behind a car. He created a teardrop-shaped trailer that was big enough to sleep two people comfortably. The trailer had a small kitchenette in the back with a stove, sink, and storage space.
Rogers’ design became an instant hit among camping enthusiasts, and over the next decade, many other manufacturers began to create variations of the Teardrop Camper Trailer. These trailers were particularly popular among younger couples who were looking for a compact and affordable way to explore the country.
During the 1950s, the popularity of the Teardrop Camper Trailer declined as more spacious and luxurious RVs became available on the market. However, in the 1990s, the Teardrop Camper Trailer experienced a resurgence in popularity. People were once again looking for small, lightweight trailers that they could easily tow with their cars. The Teardrop Camper Trailer was a perfect fit for this demand.
Today, there are many manufacturers of Teardrop Camper Trailers across the United States and Canada. These trailers come in various styles and sizes, but they all share a distinctive teardrop shape that makes them instantly recognizable. As a result, they are still a popular choice for camping, road-tripping and outdoor adventures among people of all ages.
Vintage Teardrop Campers
Here are some vintage teardrop trailers from when they were pitched to the public as, “A streamlined home on wheels that’s light and easily towed”
Modern Teardrop Trailers
The Teardrop Camper Trailer has a long and fascinating history that spans over eight decades. It has gone from being a small, innovative camping trailer in the 1930s to becoming an enduring symbol of the outdoor adventure lifestyle. Despite the many changes in the world of camping and RVs over the years, the Teardrop Camper Trailer remains an enduring and beloved icon of American recreation.
If you’re a fan of these Tear Drop Trailers, and like the minimalist way of living, check out The Tiny Home Movement.
Now there is an idea I hadn’t thought of…
Add some tubing, bigger tires, and you have a nice off-road tear drop :)
In the past I saw on a site how to make your own tear-drop! That may be a fun rewarding project for some too.
I have one and I pulled it from Texas to Alaska and back with no toubles. It pulls effortlessly and is a very safe place to sleep in bear country. Actually, some of the Canadian camp grounds will not let you stay in a soft wall camper because of the bears. The back “chuck wagon” kitchen is cool also. When it rained, the door was very helpful in keeping the rauin off of me while I cooked. IKt pulled great behind my Jeep and I still got almost 16mpg pulling the camper. It is also a head turner. If you get one, be prepared to show it off because every where I went someone wanted to check it out.
Robert
Looking for some one to build me a tear drop
I want a teardrop. Please email me if anyone knows where there is one for sale. I am in eastern PA. Don’t want to have to drive across the country to get one. mergeoneworld@gmail.com
Thanks for your help.
Maria
Check out TEDDYBEARTEARDROPS.COM
ready to hit the road after i build my dream!
would love to have one of these, but i cant tow it using a kia rio…..you cant tow anything with a kia rio.
I like the size efficiency and that an ordinary 4 cyl automatic could probably handle one with some semblance of fuel efficiency. Dorky as hell looking, but think of the cars that used to haul them and it has a cool art deco minimalist or whatever appearance.
Drawbacks-one might be that it is an attention grabber. mostly though, single axle trailers SUCK to back up with. Vs. this, I’d just take a pickup bed camper. Or a late 70’s decommissioned Meat Wagon turned into off road shaggin’ wagon
Or learn to drive either one works.
I’m thinking a big bear had better not see it or it could become his Winter home. LOL It’s really cute.
I am thinking of using some of the teardrop concepts to create a “mini-toy hauler.” Basically a 4×8 utility trailer that can double as a camper/mini rv when not transporting quad, bike, etc.?
So far the main problem with my design is that leaves virtually no room for built in cabinets, etc unless I go wider than 4 foot.
you could build the cabinets on the back door and make it hinge on the side and put a small pull out ramp on the floor then get a coleman folding table for a counter. You could take it one step further and using 2x8x8 to build your sub frame so you can store extra gear.
TnTTT.com (teardrops and tiny travel trailers) is a great resource for information on history and specifically building teardrop trailers. you can find everything from classic designs to ultra-lightweight ‘foamies’ and links to resources for parts, trim, materials, and plans.
I am from Raleigh North Carolina and I want one of these camper…I am a single man with my dog and retried…I am ready to go out west…so where can I buy one of these cool campers…in nc..
Do a Yahoo search on “4×8 trailer build camper”.