Are Teardrop Trailers Worth It?
A teardrop trailer is a compact, streamlined travel unit that is lightweight and gets its name from its rounded, teardrop design. Often referred to as the ‘honeymooner’s trailer’, its small profile allows for only a basic kitchen area with room for two adults to sleep comfortably. Right now, you may be asking yourself, ‘are teardrop trailers worth it?’
Are teardrop trailers worth it? Due to their low cost and low impact features, teardrop trailers are great for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money to enjoy the RV lifestyle. They’re also easy to haul and don’t require a ton of gas to transport. As well, they’re great for those who want to travel the countryside in minimalistic style.
Now that you know teardrop trailers are a good investment for those who want to live the RV lifestyle on a budget, let’s take a closer look at this in more detail below.
We’ll discuss what teardrop trailers are and why they’re popular. We’ll also look at how much they cost (on average), how to transport them, where to purchase them and what their resale is like.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about teardrop trailers and why they’re ‘worth it’, then let’s get started!
What are Teardrop Trailers?
As mentioned above, teardrop trailers are lightweight versions of typical travel trailers that are shaped like teardrops. They have large, rounded fronts with tapered, more narrow backs.
The front represents the sleeping area while the back acts as a kitchen/storage space.
Teardrop trailers were highly popular years ago, long before the days of ‘luxury’ RV living and mass production. They were considered ‘the honeymooner’s trailer’ and built by hand for couples who wanted to enjoy life on the road without sacrificing functionality for frugality.
Nowadays, these vintage trailers are considered trendy and nostalgic, consisting of only the bare necessities when it comes to household amenities. Streamlined, compact and cost-effective, these trailers are great for those who like to travel light!
Why are Teardrop Trailers Worth Purchasing?
Teardrops trailers are worth investing in for the following reasons:
They’re Affordable
Teardrop trailers are cost-effective when it comes to both maintenance and resources. They’re lightweight, easy to maneuver and won’t cause wear-and-tear on your vehicle. As a result, less gas is needed to haul these types of trailers, saving you money in the long run.
They’re Easy to Transport
Teardrop trailers are easy to tow and transport. Their compact size allows for even the smallest cars (even motorcycles) to pull them with ease. This is great news for people who are new to the RV lifestyle and find towing a large trailer with a heavy truck awkward or intimidating.
They’re Easy to Store
Teardrop trailers are often small enough to be stored in a garage, which is good for those who want to keep their units accessible while avoiding the high price of storage fees. Keeping it indoors and on your property saves both time and money related to covering or weather-proofing the unit.
They’re Cozier than a Tent
Teardrop trailers provide campers with the comfort of a warm, soft bed to sleep on at night, instead of a sleeping blanket on the cold, hard ground. As well, it provides the convenience of being able to keep your gear securely stored for quick, ‘pick and go’ weekend trips to the lake.
They’re Unique
Teardrop trailers can be custom-built by almost anyone with basic carpentry skills. It can be done affordably by raiding your local scrap yard and then painting the unit to suit your personal style. When on the highway, these trailers are eye-catching and ‘cuter’ than the average box-style travel trailer.
Just like any travel trailer, there are drawbacks to the teardrop unit.
Most notably is the lack of storage space, absence of a bathroom and inability to sleep more than two people comfortably. However, its a great option for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors on a minimalistic budget.
An upgrade for tent campers, teardrop trailers are perfect for nature lover who are used to ‘roughing it’ in the wild!
How Many Can Sleep in a Teardrop Trailer?
One of the few drawbacks with teardrop trailers is that they usually only sleep two comfortably, not the average family of four. It’s possible to add a rooftop tent to the unit so two or more people can sleep but it’s not a good solution for those with small children.
Your best bet is to buy or build a unit that can support up to four for sleeping.
Can You Pull a Teardrop Trailer with a Car?
Lightweight, streamlined and compact, teardrop trailers are perfect for those who want to go RVing but only own a small car.
These units make travelling (for those without trucks) easier and more convenient, especially if you’re new to the RV lifestyle and want to tour the open road on a budget.
Even a Prius can pull a teardrop trailer!
In 2016, Toyota (for the first time in its 19-year history) designed the Prius to be able to tow a trailer.
However, not just any trailer – one that weighs no more than 1,600 pounds, regardless of whether the unit comes equipped with its own braking system. You might want to read this article: Tire Meets Road
Since the average teardrop trailer weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds, even the smallest and most eco-friendly vehicles can transport it!
This is a definite ‘plus’ and yet another reason why teardrop trailers are worth a second look! In fact, some units weighing less than 400 pounds can even be towed by a motorcycle!
How Much is 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 are priced around $16,000 or more! Purchasing a used teardrop trailer or building one yourself will likely cost less overall.
Are Used Teardrop Trailers Easy to Sell?
Purchasing a used teardrop trailer is both convenient and economical, especially for those who are starting out in the RV world.
Therefore, if you currently own a unit you’re no longer using and want to exchange or get rid of, it should be easy to do, provided its in good shape!
The trailer should be free of rust and/or rot, have at least 12-inch wheels that are ‘like new’ and in good condition and consist of a fully-functioning electrical system – this includes the battery.
If the unit is well-maintained, it shouldn’t be too difficult to trade-in or sell outright.
Who Makes the Best Teardrop Trailer?
There are many good teardrop trailers currently on the market today. They’re manufactured worldwide with some of the best units available in both North America and Europe.
Timberleaf Trailers is one such company. They’ve been designing and selling high-quality, hand-crafted teardrop trailers in the United States since 2016.
With so many varieties to choose from, including the ‘Classic’ and ‘Pika’ units, why not go online and check them out today.
Lead time on most designs is approximately 4 to 5 months so if you order during the winter, you should have the trailer just in time for summer!
Best of all, you can custom design it to suit both your style and budget.
Conclusion
To conclude, teardrop trailers are a good investment due to their low cost and low impact features. They’re great for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money to enjoy the RV lifestyle.
They’re also easy to haul with a car and don’t require a ton of gas to transport. Perfect for couples or small families who love spending time on the road or in the great outdoors, teardrop trailers are indeed worth it!
Happy trails!