Why Are Teardrop Trailers So Expensive?
Often referred to as the ‘honeymooner’s trailer’, this cute, streamlined RV is lightweight and gets its name from its unique, rounded profile or ‘teardrop’ shape.
Though it may look like your basic small-sized camper, it can be quite costly to purchase. When you start researching prices, you may suffer from ‘sticker shock’ at first, which ultimately begs the question, ‘why is a tear drop trailer so expensive?’
There are five main reasons why teardrop trailers are so expensive: High profit for resellers; the high-quality materials used to make them; the number and type of upgrades or amenities included; the size of the unit or amount of useable living space; and the high demand for these cute, vintage, and ‘trendy’ campers.
- 1- High Profit For Resellers
- 2- Best Quality Materials Used
- 3- Upgrades and or Amenities Included
- 4- Larger Models are more Expensive
- 5- The High Demand for them
Now that you know why teardrop trailers are so expensive, let us explore each reason further and in more detail below.
We will discuss how much teardrop trailer costs (on average), whether (or not) they are worth the money, which company makes the best versions and at what price you buy a cheaper model for.
So, if you are ready to learn more about tear drop trailers and the high price tag attached to them, then please continue reading!
Why are Teardrop Trailers Expensive to Purchase?
The main reasons why teardrop trailers are so costly include the following:
High profit for resellers
If you choose to buy a used teardrop trailer, then be prepared to pay more, especially if the owner is not in a hurry to sell it.
He/she may be aware of how sought-after these campers are and is willing to wait as long as it takes to get the maximum return on their investment.
Do not be dismayed, however, as there are many units on the market and, if you are patient, you will eventually find just the right make and model to suit your budget.
The Use of High-Quality Materials
Most teardrop trailers are made from aluminum, which (generally-speaking) is not an expensive material to procure. However, some units are made with specific types of wood that take much more time and energy to design.
The longer it takes to make (and the more work involved) will inevitably drive up the asking price. Some trailers are even custom-made by hand, making them a one-of-a-kind model.
These ones will likely cost you even more!
Add-On Amenities or Upgrades
The amounts and types of bonus features included in the teardrop trailer are also reflected in the purchase price.
Add-ons such as solar panels, enhanced cabinetry, upgraded flooring and even a fridge and stove will push the cost way up! Hundreds, even thousands, of extra dollars can be incurred due to upgrades.
Most manufacturers will include a list with the various amenity prices on their website so be sure to look over the unit details carefully before buying.
The Size of the Unit
As with almost any mass-produced item – from televisions to cars to houses – the bigger the unit, the higher the price. And teardrop trailers are no different.
You should expect to pay more for the larger models. If money is an issue, then look for mini units instead. These campers tend to make the best use of their limit space, which is only about four feet wide by eight feet long!
As well, they are easier to tow and maneuver, capable even of being hauled by a small, compact vehicle.
The Desire to Own a Piece of History
Teardrop trailers carry with them a nostalgic, vintage, and trendy appeal. They’ve been around since the 1930’s and were popular with the young, hippy generation of the time.
The desire to own a piece of history and relive an era, when life seemed simple and carefree, makes them a highly sought-after item. By the law of supply-and-demand, this ultimately increases both the value of the product.
In some cases, the older the model, the more it costs, depending (of course) on the overall condition of the unit.
So, to sum things up, despite their small size and simplistic design, these units can be very pricey to purchase.
Some models, although rare and few (in number), can cost as much as a new car – upwards of $30,000 or more! These usually come with high-quality, high-priced add-ons or enhancement features and make full use of the interior space.
Basically, every ‘nook and cranny’ are utilized in some way – with the help of unique and innovative storage solutions.
Therefore, it is important to be on the lookout for good deals and always shop smart.
If you find a unit you like but the purchase price exceeds your budget, do not despair. There are units on the market you can afford, around $5,000 or even less.
You must be willing, however, to settle for a basic model with fewer upgrades or amenities. If you do your homework and research the different teardrop trailers beforehand, you will know whether you are getting a good deal or not when it comes time to buy.
What is the Cheapest Teardrop Trailer?
The ‘cheapest’ teardrop trailer to buy can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on the make, model, and condition of the unit. Building your own unit is really the least expensive way, costing a mere $500 or $600. (depending on your resourcefulness)…
If frugality is your objective and you have some skill with woodworking and/or construction, then this is indeed the way to go! You can find how-to articles or video tutorials online to help guide you through the building process step-by-step.
What is the Cost of a Teardrop Trailer?
Teardrop trailers range in price depending on the size and material used to make it. On the lower end of the spectrum, they can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.
Mid-range models average between $10,000 and $15,000. Top-end or luxury-type units are priced around $16,000 or more!
Purchasing A Used Teardrop Camper
Purchasing a used trailer or making one yourself will likely cost you far less overall. You can find them listed on resale websites for as little as $2,000 or $3,000.
To make them on your own, the cost can be as low as $500. Keep in mind, however, these are for the basic models with very add-on features.
Who Makes the Best Teardrop Trailer?
There are many good teardrop trailers available for purchase on the market today. While they are manufactured worldwide, some of the best designs are available right here, in North America!
For example, Timberleaf Trailers is one such company. They have been making and selling high-quality, hand-crafted teardrop trailers in the United States since 2016.
Also: Vistabule Teardrop Trailers is another teardrop camper company, custom built in St. Paul, Minnesota. “A Tool to Fulfill a Dream” – Vistabule General Manager Steve Corcoran…
There are many varieties to choose from, including units that can be custom-made to suit your specific needs and sense of style!
If you are planning a road trip or camping venture this year, you should inquire at least 4 or 5 months in advance, as that is the suggested ‘lead time’ required.
So, go online and check them out today! Yes maybe a little pricey but are they worth it? Have a look at this article for more: Are Teardrop Trailers Worth It?
Conclusion:
To conclude, there are five main reasons why teardrop trailers can be so pricey to purchase.
These include High profit for resellers; the high-grade materials used to create them; the number and type of upgrades or amenities added on; the overall usable space or size of the unit; and the high demand for these ‘trendy’ and ‘cool’ campers.
The desire to own a piece of history can be a costly one. These nostalgic units provide a sense of vintage charm second to none and are reminiscent of a simpler, carefree, and happy time.
In recent decades, there has been a surge in popularity for these little campers. Their compact, minimalistic design makes them the ideal choice short ventures, like day trips to state or national parks.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed reading this article and good luck with your search for the perfect teardrop trailer!
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