If you’re tired of the hassle and hard work that goes into tent camping but want accommodations that are similar in size, consider a teardrop camper. Teardrop campers are like tents on wheels (Tents that have air conditioning, heat, and a warm bed to sleep in).
Teardrop campers are also hard-sided, which makes them safer and more secure than a tent. Because of how popular teardrop campers have become, there are several different types and styles to choose from.
But What Exactly is a Teardrop Camper?
Teardrop campers are travel trailers specifically designed to be small, lightweight, and towable using almost any vehicle, from a car to a minivan or midsize SUV. Teardrop trailers get their name from the unique tear-like shape they have. They are usually very small on the back end but then swell up in the middle and front.
Traditionally, teardrop campers were no more than 10 to 12 feet long. However, as the RV industry expands and new designers are introduced into the mix, teardrop trailers have gotten longer and wider and include more amenities. Some teardrops can now range anywhere from 15 to 20 feet long and include a full bathroom and kitchen.
The key to remaining a type of teardrop camper is that it has to have the iconic teardrop shape.
Different Types of Teardrop Campers
Consider the differences between traditional/classic teardrop trailers and more modern models. Let’s take a look!
Traditional Trailers With Classic Teardrop Styling
While teardrop campers are seeing a resurgence in popularity, they have been a part of the RV world since the 1930s. The very first teardrop trailers were even smaller than the teardrops of today and were known as “honeymoon wagons.” However, both the traditional and modern models share the classic teardrop shape in common (plus, they’re both short, sleek, and lightweight).
The Modern Teardrop
If the traditional teardrop is too small or doesn’t have all the amenities you’re looking for, you can also choose a more modern option. While modern teardrops retain the general shape of a traditional teardrop, they’re longer, taller, and heavier. As such, you may need a large SUV or small truck to tow a modern teardrop, whereas traditional teardrops can be towed using just about anything.
Top 10 Teardrop Campers for 2024
#10: nuCamp Tag Teardrop Trailer
- Starting Price: $20,000
- Top Features and Amenities: Optional solar panels, fully insulated cabin, entertainment system, AC, outdoor kitchen, wet bath, and Amish-made cabinets.
If you want a true, traditional teardrop camper, the nuCamp Teardrop is the way to go. nuCamp trailers are about as similar to the original 1930s teardrop that you’re going to find, but with modern amenities and features. Nucamp has several different teardrops to choose from, but the Tag and Tag XL are the most traditional.
#9 Airstream REI Special Edition Basecamp
- Starting Price: $50,000
- Top Features and Amenities: AC, recirculating water heater, custom options, full kitchen and bath, solar panels and lithium battery bank, and high ground clearance.
While the Airstream REI Basecamp Special Edition campers are considered teardrops, they are anything but traditional in terms of style and layout. The Airstream REI Basecamp has two models to choose from, both ranging anywhere from 16 to 20 feet long. These luxurious campers include full bathrooms and kitchens and have a larger sleeping area than traditional teardrops.
The Airstream REI can sleep up to four people and is better suited for couples and small families than traditional teardrops. They’re also off-road capable and some of the best small campers on the market.
Sunset Park Sunray 109
- Starting Price: $15,000
- Features and Amenities: Rear galley kitchen, roof racks, optional front trailer attachment, high ground clearance, rugged tires, AC, and optional add-on tent for the roof.
If you’re looking for the best teardrop trailer for off-roading and boondocking, look no further than the Sunset Park Sunray 109. This teardrop travel trailer doesn’t have the traditional teardrop shape, but it does have the size and style of one.
The Sunset Park Sunray is 12 feet long and weighs just over 1,300 pounds, making it towable with any vehicle.
While it can only hold one or two people, the Sunray features a comfortable bed, rear galley kitchen, and rooftop storage.
Little Guy Mini Max
- Starting Price: $40,000
- Features and Amenities: Stovetop, queen or dual twin bed, entertainment system, premium insulation, off-road capabilities, and holding tanks
The Little Guy Mini Max is another great travel trailer that retains a traditional teardrop shape and size. As with the Nucamp, these little campers offer many of the comforts of home, including a wet bath, tiny kitchen, AC, furnace, comfortable bed, and more. If you want to go up a size, you can also opt for the Little Guy Max, which is 21 feet long as opposed to 17 feet long.
Safari Condo Alto
- Starting Price: $40,000
- Features and Amenities: Retractable roof, full kitchen and bathroom, well-organized storage, air conditioner, furnace, large front-facing window, and spacious dining area.
The last teardrop-style trailer we’ll look at is the Safari Condo Alto R Series. Despite being 17 feet long, R Series trailers are very lightweight and ergonomic and have a traditional teardrop shape. The extra length makes room for more sleeping space, features, and amenities than traditional teardrops, while its aluminum frame makes it light enough to tow with most vehicles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Teardrop Camper
Now that you know some of the best teardrop campers of 2024, let’s look at how to choose the right one.
Your Towing Vehicle
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a teardrop camper is what you’re planning to tow it with.
Traditional teardrop campers are short and lightweight, with dimensions that average 2,000 pounds and 13 feet long. You can tow these types of teardrop campers with your car, minivan, hatchback, Jeep, or midsize SUV.
Larger teardrop trailers, however, can be up to 20 feet long and weigh upwards of 4,000 pounds. If you choose this type of trailer, you will need a large SUV or small pickup truck to tow it.
Your Budget
As with all things in life, your budget will play a significant role in which teardrop camper you choose. Smaller, minimalistic teardrops can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000, whereas larger options will cost between $40,000 and $60,000. While you’ll get more amenities and space with larger teardrops, you may also blow through your camping budget.
Storage Space
No matter which teardrop camper you choose, you’re likely going to have to sacrifice some storage space. Most of the space for teardrops is spent on the living and sleeping areas. Many models don’t even have room for a full kitchen and bathroom.
Therefore, if storage space is important to you, consider choosing a teardrop with exterior or rooftop storage options.
Amenities and Features
As with storage space, you’ll be sacrificing some of the comforts of home, regardless of which teardrop you choose. However, some options have much more to offer than others, with Airstream, Safari Condo Alto, and Nucamp leading the way in terms of amenities.
Larger teardrop trailers also offer more optional add-ons and features than smaller rigs. If a full bathroom and kitchen are important to you, then you’ll likely need a larger teardrop. If, however, you can get by with a small sink in your kitchen and a wet bath, any teardrop will get the job done.
Off-Road Capabilities and Adventure Readiness
Finally, if you want to take your teardrop trailer off-roading or boondocking, it’s important to choose one that’s ready for these challenges. Look for trailers with solar panels, a battery bank, holding tanks, propane heat, and other features to keep you safe during your off-grid camping experience.
It’s also important to choose a teardrop travel trailer that has high ground clearance, large tires, and an aggressive tire tread that can handle any conditions.
Final Thoughts
While teardrop trailers are smaller and won’t feature all the amenities of a full-size travel trailer, they’re a great alternative to tent camping. They offer many of the comforts of home and are much safer and easier to set up than tents, not to mention you won’t have to sleep on the ground!
If you decide to buy a teardrop camper, it’s important to protect your investment when you’re not using it. Consider using Neighbor to find safe and affordable storage for your camper so that it’s ready to go for your next camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Teardrop Campers Worth It?
If you want a hard-sided, easy-to-tow, air-conditioned, and comfortable camper that’s the size of a large tent, then teardrop campers are worth the money. They can sleep anywhere from one to four people, making them great for individuals or a small family.
What Is the Average Cost of a Teardrop Camper?
While they’re small in size, teardrop campers fetch a hefty sum. The average base price for teardrop trailers is anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on how big they are and what features they offer.
What Are the Best Quality Camper Trailers?
If you want the best quality out of a teardrop trailer, Nucamp, Safari, and Airstream are some of the best.
