Teardrop trailers are quickly becoming the rave. And it’s not wonder after all they are light weight and can be towed by many vehicles, they are easy to build and they are very affordable. So is a tear drop trailer for you?
These little gems are very compact and so light that almost any vehicle can tow it. They are only 8 to 10 feet long and 4 to 5 feet wide and they don’t weight any more than 1200 pounds and often come in as light as 500 pounds.
The sleeping area is at the front and you access it from the doors – one on each side of the trailer. When you open the rear hatch you’ll discover the outdoor kitchen conveniently located there.
The frame is generally steel and construction is usually plywood although aluminum and fiberglass are certainly options. Both will provide you with a much lighter trailer but do require some additional skills to work with.
So where did it all begin? Would you believe way back in the 1930’s? During the late 1940’s their popularity was at an all time high because of the war which had resulted in an aluminum surplus and GI’s that were looking for affordable recreation.
By the 1960’s their popularity had taken a serious hit with the new larger and more powerful cars that could easily tow one of the many new trailers introduced by the RV industry.
Today teardrops are enjoying their second life with their popularity growing at an amazing rate. In fact we’ve surpassed the popularity of the 1940’s. There are a handful of companies producing the tear drop trailer on a commercial basis but thousands more or building them in their own backyard.
So why should you build a teardrop trailer? When was the last time you slept in a tent? Remember that cold ground? How about that achy back? It’s funny how perspective changes after 40. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little camper where you can sleep off the ground and stay warm and cozy?
Buying a camper can be an expensive venture. In fact even a used camper can run in the range or $10,000. That’s a lot of money for the occasionally camping trip. Yet for under $100 you can own the plans for one of these trailers and for as little as a thousand dollars you can build your own camper.
Wait, there’s more great news. There are a variety of plans available each with their own layout. And remember you can make as many changes as you like all on your own.
For example you might want to replace the icebox with a 12 volt cooler, or you might prefer a different style cook stove. When you build your own trailer you can have what you want.
The basic plans are all you need to follow after that you can make any changes you like. Remember you are in charge of your destination and of course your own finished project.
Are you ready to join the tear drop trailer rave? But be prepared for plenty of attention.
