Teardrop Campers Bring a Retro Feel to Outdoor Recreation

Teardrop campers, a small vintage-style camper you can easily tow behind a car, are all the rage with campers and outdoor recreationalists nowadays, according to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), a trade association that conducts research about the RV industry. 

Teardrop campers, which draw their name from the trailer’s streamlined, teardrop shape, were popular immediately after World War II and through the 1950s. Then in the ‘60s, most Americans permanently parked the little trailers with sleeping quarters in favor of the larger, self-contained RVs flooding the market. Now, however, the tiny camper is popular again, especially with vacationers who want to travel without the high gas costs associated with motorhomes.

How much does it cost to rent a teardrop camper?

Daily rental rates for teardrop camper trailers vary widely, depending on features and quality, but base rates typically start at around $60 for a basic teardrop camper and can cost more than $130 for a custom or high-end model. Also, there will be some fees, insurance and sales tax (as applicable) on top of the base rate.

Teardrop Trailers a Convenient Camping Choice

Teardrop campers are small and lightweight — typically ranging from 10’ to 16’ feet in length and weighing anywhere from 500 to 4,000 pounds. The compact size and light weight mean you may not need to hitch a teardrop trailer to a half-ton pickup to hit the road. In fact, you can typically tow a teardrop camper with an SUV or even a compact or economy car.

Depending on the model, teardrop campers typically sleep two people and can be as basic as just a queen-sized mattress on the floor and a shelf or two for storage. But many models are equipped with features such as a mini-kitchen in the rear, heat and air conditioning, convertible sitting/dining area, a toilet and shower (not as common) and other custom comfort features.

Another plus to teardrop camper trailers is gas savings. Class C and Class A motorhomes typically get less than 10 MPG, which adds up to high gas costs. But when you tow a teardrop camper, you can still get good gas mileage, which means you’ll have more money available to spend for tourist attractions and other expenses on your trip.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Teardrop Camper to Rent

Some names from the many teardrop camper manufacturers you’ll see when looking for a teardrop camper rental include Little Guy, Aero, nuCamp and Vistabule. These popular teardrop camper manufacturers make an assortment of teardrop trailers, ranging from base to luxury custom models.

When deciding which teardrop camper to rent, think about the kind of camping experience you’re seeking. For example, if you plan to cook most meals, you’ll probably want a camper with a kitchen. But if you plan to put up a canopy and sit outdoors much of the time, you may not need to splurge for a more expensive rental with indoor seating and a table.

On the other hand, you might want to go all out with a vintage camper experience, complete with a vintage kitchen or other elements and fun colors from the 50s and 60s. At the same time, keep in mind that looks aren’t everything. Always find out the length and weight of the trailer to gauge the ease of towing with your car, truck or SUV before buying or renting a vintage camper.

Think you’d love camping under the stars in a teardrop trailer? Don’t be in too big of a rush to spend anywhere from $5,000 for a basic model to well over $20,000 to buy a new, custom model just yet. Instead, enjoy the teardrop travel trailer experience by renting one easily and inexpensively through Go RV Rentals.

Before you hitch up a teardrop trailer and hit the road, here’s everything you need to know about renting these convenient retro campers that have stood the test of time.

Teardrop Camper Pros and Cons

If you love tiny houses, you’ll probably be a fan of teardrop trailer camping and travel. However, if you need more room to move around than found in most teardrop campers, you may want to rent a Class A or Class B motorhome or fifth wheel camper instead.

Here’s a quick rundown of teardrop camper pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to tow, even with a small vehicle
• Lower rental cost than many Class A and Class C motorhomes
• High cuteness appeal
• Significantly lower gas costs than renting a large RV
• Easy to maneuver due to small size
• Can fit in smaller parking spaces than other RVs which might mean easier to find campsites

Cons

• Tiny quarters may be too small for some renters or family sizes
• Rear outdoor kitchens inconvenient during rain or other inclement weather
• Limited storage capacity
• Most teardrop campers don’t have a bathroom

Ultimately, what’s considered a pro or a con when it comes to teardrop trailers depends mainly on your personality and what kind of travel or camping trip you want to experience.

Hit the Road in a Teardrop

Now that you know all about teardrop camper trailers, it’s time to begin your search for the perfect teardrop trailer rental for your next trip or camping adventure.