Can you sleep in a teardrop trailer? (5 excellent models)
In this article, we will answer the following question: Can you sleep in a teardrop trailer? We will discuss the advantages of a teardrop trailer and give you 5 models that we absolutely love and recommend.
Can you sleep in a teardrop trailer?
You can sleep in a teardrop trailer, but due to its small size, it will only hold a maximum of two people. The teardrop versions are among the smallest and most affordable. It offers little space, but enough for those who go on the road especially to visit and make trips and will therefore spend some time indoors.
The teardrop trailer takes its name from its shape (teardrop: tear). Popularized in the 1930s they most often consist of sleeping space for two adults and a kitchen at the back.
Today we find teardrops trailers with electricity, water and even toilets. The dimensions are generally:
- 1.20 to 1.80 meters wide
- 2.40 to 3.00 meters long
- 1.20 to 1.50 meters high
- With a weight of 450/500 kg.
Teardrop trailers or Mini Teardrop Trailers appeared in the United States in the 1930s and became extremely popular in the 1940s after World War II. The depression and the war ended and the economy experienced a strong rebound. American citizens wanted to go on vacation with their families. At the same time, the development of the road network facilitated travel. The Teardrop Trailer was essential, light and easy to tow behind a family car.
Most of the original Teardrop trailers were built with materials from surplus markets from WWII. The frames were made of U-shaped steel or round steel tubes. In some cases, the wheels came from salvaged jeeps which have found new life on this mini caravan with its inescapable charm. Walls were typically made from the aluminium wings of WWII bombers, which gave Teardrop Trailers their shiny appearance.
Some Teardrop trailers are called Woodys because of their pioneering wooden sides. The popularity of teardrop trailers continued into the 1950s. This popularity can be attributed to DIY enthusiasts who wanted to build their own mini trailer with their own hands.
The birth of the Do it Yourself (DIY) movement, so popular today, and shared by more and more followers. This is also what makes Teardrops come back in fashion now. The thirst to produce oneself mixed with the desire for adventure and reconnection with nature.
In the 1950s, Popular Mechanics magazine published teardrop mini trailer blueprints in their magazine, which many DIY enthusiasts used to build their own teardrop trailers. These plans included a wooden trailer. Many Teardrop Trailer trailers these days are built on purchased steel trailers or custom made steel trailers.
The popularity of teardrop trailers
The popularity of the teardrop trailer began to wane in the late 1950s because Americans wanted “bigger and more comfortable” campers but also because cars got bigger and more powerful around that time. ‘As much as the price of gasoline did not matter.
In our time, we are returning to minimalism, we want to consume less fuel, we avoid the congestion of motorhome circuits … the movement is reborn.
While a lot has changed since Teardrop Mini Caravans were introduced to the American highway, the reasons for owning a Teardrop are much the same today as when the pioneers made them in the family garage.
Today, Teardrop trailers are becoming popular again thanks to the small cars we drive and high gas prices. Teardrop trailers are stylish, aerodynamic and practical. They are small, making them the perfect trailer for one or two people. Teardrops can be pulled by any vehicle with a hitch.
Smaller vehicles, such as the Mini Austin or the Fiat 500 can easily tow a Teardrop trailer. Whether you’re a weekend camper who enjoys spending time with family, an outdoor enthusiast who hunts and fishes, an adventurous surfer, or looking for economical transportation, the Teardrop can have you covered.
The great advantages of the teardrop trailers
Small travel trailers have many advantages over large trailers. While they don’t offer as many conveniences and features, they still have their place in the market.
Small and light in construction, that means you don’t need a huge vehicle to pull them. Plus, they’re much cheaper in price and they provide a place to sleep and eat, without the hassle of a large trailer or tent trailer.
5 popular teardrop trailer models
If you are looking for a small trailer, then we have put together a list of 5 brands or models that might interest you. These “teardrop” trailers are unique, light and easy to tow.
- The Little Guy trailer
Little Guy is one of the most popular small trailer brands and is well known in the RV industry.
They have a host of options like, for example, a window on the top, a sink and a stove, and several presentations to choose from.
By visiting the Little Guy website, you will find a lot of photos, videos, specs and options. You can also choose a dealer near you in order to have the possibility of obtaining more information and to see in person, certain models.
Other questions you may be interested in
Can a Prius tow a teardrop trailer?
Can a Subaru Outback pull a teardrop trailer?
- The small lightweight Egg Camper trailer
The Egg Camper trailer is a brand that offers a unique egg-shaped design. There are only two models available, the Egg Camper and the Teardrops (with two “Ps”).
The Egg Camper Egg is a small 17ft trailer that comes well equipped and costs quite a bit of money, but with a few cool features.
The other model, the Teardrop, is a fairly spacious trailer inside and has a side door, a window on the other and also opens at the back. The options available are heating, air conditioning and a 12v refrigerator.
To learn more, visit Egg Camper’s Teardrop page to see pictures, descriptions and contact details.
- The So-Cal trailer model
So-Cal has a wide selection of teardrop style trailers as well as three off-road models. Their trailers have a classic appearance and good design. They offer models at a good price, but the off-road ones are more expensive.
The size of the So-Cal small trailers are short, so quite light. The rear of the trailer folds up for storage and discovers a mini oven.
This trailer maker offers several models that you can check out on the So-Cal website to learn more about them. Many images are available as well as several interesting details for you.
- The Serro Scotty trailer
Serro Scotty offers three models of light caravans: The Highlander, the Sportsman and the Lite.
The Highlander is a small complete trailer 15 feet 9 inches in length. The Sportsman is a 15 foot, 2-inch drop-shaped trailer, which sleeps 3 and is 6 feet, 1 inch high.
The Lite is a small trailer with a retro design. Its interior finish is interesting with wood, a sofa for two during the day and which folds up to make a bed. This trailer has a sink, storage space and a large window.
For more information on this manufacturer’s products, you can visit the Scotty Trailers website.
- The iCamp light trailer
The iCamp offers only two options for the RVer, the iCamp Elite trailer and the iCamp Lite trailer.
The iCamp Elite has a nice and elegant design with coloured trims. It has a large window on each side, with a door on one side and a second smaller window on the other.
The interior of the iCamp Elite is amazing for a travel trailer. It has a stove, a sink, a dining area that folds up to make a bed, a bathroom and even a shower! In addition, it has heating.
The iCamp Lite is a unique very small trailer that uses a tent extension. You can learn more about this by visiting the iCamp website.
Final thoughts
These five teardrop travel trailer manufacturers give you some great options if you don’t want to hassle with large trailers and be able to go camping without having to change or own a massive towing vehicle.
Go see them in person and take a test drive to get a feel for the driving experience and compare to choose what you like most, what your preferences are.
All of the options here are great, just find the right one for you and the one that meets your requirements.
If you have any tips, questions or comments on the content, please let us know!
FAQ on Can you sleep in a teardrop trailer?
Can you suffocate in a teardrop trailer?
Unfortunately yes, without proper ventilation you risk suffocating in a teardrop trailer. Make sure you leave a window/skylight/door during the night.
Are Teardrop trailers worth it?
Teardrop trailers are worth it for those who love the outdoors and want to make a short trip to nature. It is easier to tow and just enough for two people.
How many can a teardrop camper sleep?
Two passengers can sleep in a teardrop camper very comfortably. Bigger teardrops trailers can fit up to five people, however, this would be indicated by the manufacturer.
References
- A Complete Guide to Teardrop Trailers: What to know before you buy
- Tiny Teardrop Trailers: Made in the USA – » AutoNXT
- 10 of the Best Teardrop Camper Plans – Home Stratosphere