The Teardrop Revolution

T@B Teardrop Trailer (photo by freshelectrons on Flickr)

T@B Teardrop Trailer (photo by freshelectrons on Flickr)

I have mentioned the big resurgence in popularity of teardrop trailers in the past and, this month, Sunset Magazine leads-off their article (see The ‘it’ List) on 2010 travel by highlighting the little trailers.

The trend: Teardrop trailers are popping up everywhere as a downsized (and more stylish) alternative to RVs. We’ve even found new and vintage models on eBay for as little as $1,000.

The teardrop trailer design has been around since at least the late 1930’s, when America’s desire to hit the road and explore the parks began to take hold. Today, teardrop trailers are once again gaining in popularity, due to their ability to be towed by cars and small SUVs and, I suppose, a bit of the nostalgia factor. Here is a sample of current teardrop manufacturers:

Little Guy Teardrop Camper Trailers

little-guy-econ-teardrop

Little Guy makes a dozen different models of teardrop trailers, ranging from 360-pound version that can be towed by motorcycles, to their 6-Wide Sport model that includes a front cargo platform for motorcycles or bicycles.

Camp-Inn

camp-inn-teardrop-trailer

Camp-Inn manufactures three models of teardrop trailers with strong retro roots to the original teardrops of the 1950’s and 60’s.

So-Cal Teardrops

so-cal-teardrops

So-Cal Teardrops manufactures both teardrop trailers and kits for those who wish to save some money and build their own teardrop trailer. They offer four different models of teardrop trailers, ranging from 750-pounds to 1,120-pounds – all with a strong retro design.

T@B Trailers

tab-teardrop-trailers

Manufacturer T@B proves that all teardrop trailers don’t have to look retro. The T@B is available in five different configurations, including one with an inside stove, kitchen sink and toilet.

Cozy Cruiser

cozy-cruiser-teardrop-trail

Cozy Cruiser manufactures a high-end teardrop trailer, with amenities like an entertainment center in the sleeping area and a refrigerator built into the pop-up rear kitchen.

Adventure Teardrop Trailers

adventure-teardrop-trailers

Adventure Teardrop Trailers makes two models of teardrops, ranging from a 275-pound model designed for motorcycles and small cars, to a 950-pound model with a full-length, 76-inch bed.

HappiTrails

happitrails-teardrop-traile

HappiTrails manufactures two models of teardrop trailers, from a 560-pound model that is four feet wide, to a five-foot wide model that tips the scales at 810-pounds. HappiTrails offers a number of upgrades like skylights, air conditioning and additional storage drawers.

See also…

13 thoughts on “The Teardrop Revolution

  1. I don’t even know the way I finished up here, however I thought this publish used to be good. I don’t recognize
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  2. I have a 1976 Porta-Cabin pop-up camper missing top half with some lower wood problems due to water damage. It has a #10 gauge formed channel frame, ¾ “ treated plywood floor, heavy duty hitch & front jack, 530×12 – 6 ply tires, original weight 1500#. Is there any interest to use the frame to build a tear-drop trailer? Thanks, Bill. Fort Wayne, IN.

  3. We have had our Little Guy teardrop for approx 2 years. It is great. We were tent campers for years until my knees couldn’t handle getting up and down, and a teardrop was the answer. We have camped in 100 degree weather and with the vent fan it was very comfortable.

  4. I missed this post in the process of time and busyness. I ordered a CampInn Teardrop 550 Ultra in February and will have it in about 3 weeks. I love camping and look forward to my teardrop for comfort and organization. In August I will hit the road for the next year to see America with my Teardrop in tow. It has a sweet little AC as well as a roof top fan and lots of other bells and whistles.

  5. I’d no idea these were available, never mind the variety. Apparently small could be beautiful once more. I don’t think I’d fancy sleeping in one in a Kansas summer though – they look a bit too much like sun ovens, especially the aluminum and black ones!

    • I think you’re right, Alison – I bet these get a bit warm in the summer! The HappiTrails model has an optional cut-out vent in the front to accommodate a standard window-type AC unit. Of course, then you would have to be plugged into AC power, somewhere.

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