Teardrop trailer

The trailer is so named for its resemblance to a teardrop.

A teardrop trailer is a compact, lightweight, convenient travel trailer, which gets its name from its teardrop profile. Teardrop trailers first became popular in the 1930s and remained so until the mid 1970s, when they were supplanted by larger recreational trailers. As baby boomers begin to approach retirement, teardrop trailers have made a resurgence and are growing in popularity today.

There is room inside a teardrop trailer for two people to sleep comfortably, as well as storage for clothes and other items. Outside, in the rear under a hatch, there is usually an area for cooking (galley). Teardrop trailers tend to have lighting and other electrical power supplied by battery, although some have power hookups like regular travel trailers.

Most teardrop trailers are from 4 to 6 feet in width and from 8 to 10 feet in length. They are usually from 4 to 5 feet in height. Wheels and tires are usually outside the body and are covered by fenders. Larger teardrop trailers can have the wheels inside the body.

Some teardrop trailer owners participate in camping events for teardrop trailers (called 'gatherings'), and they welcome anyone to these gatherings.

Countries which have active teardrop owners and builders include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and The United States[1]; to name just a few. There are hundreds of companies that sell kits or pre-constructed teardrops around the world.

Since teardrop trailers are so light, usually less than 450 kg (1000 pounds), just about any vehicle can tow one. Trailers can be towed by 4x4s, family minivans, classic cars, pickups, hot rods and even motorcycles. They are especially popular down under and towed with trikes both in New Zealand and Australia.

Until recently Teardrop Trailers were primarily built at home by creative individuals. There were several plans and instructions in historical magazines, such as Mechanics Illustrated, dating back as far as 1946. Not until 1998 were plans available on the Internet. Those plans spawned interest and a revival of home builders and in turn helped to create an industry of small builders turning out several teardrop trailers per year.

These trailers have a unique corner on the market because they are fun, eco-friendly, versatile and relatively inexpensive. Teardrops are experiencing a rebirth due in large part to the increased exposure on television, such as the Travel Channel, HGTV and the Price is Right.