What Should I Look for in a Teardrop Trailer

Getting out into nature is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend your time. But sometimes it’s nice to not have to pitch a tent and a teardrop trailer is the perfect, minimalist way to have a warm place to sleep without lugging a huge trailer behind you. But there are so many options out there when it comes to teardrop campers, how do you choose?

Because there are many manufacturers, models, floorplans, and sizes, choosing the right teardrop trailer for you can be a bit intimidating. Take your time to look around, even if it’s just online or watching videos of different types, so you can get a feel for what’s available.

From there you’ll be able to see the different features and various styles offered. Once you have a good idea of what’s out there, you can start to think about what would work best for your situation and start shopping. Below are some things to look for in a teardrop trailer.

What features are must-haves?

The first thing to consider when looking for a teardrop trailer is what you’re going to use it for. This will help you determine what your needs are for the trailer. Of course, most of us will want the nicest trailer we can buy within our budget. But it’s important to be clear about what features on your lists are the must-haves vs the wants.

Because teardrop campers are made to have a small footprint, they are quite small. This means that it’s hard to fit every amenity possible into a teardrop trailer. Some of them may just be a bed, while others may have different configurations including different layouts, small kitchenettes, and bathrooms.

It’s smart to go into your search for a teardrop trailer with a list of things that you absolutely need so that you don’t get distracted by features that are nice to have but aren’t necessary. To find the best teardrop accessories look no farther than this article.

Some questions to ask yourself:

How many people do you need to sleep?
Do you need a kitchen?
Do you need a toilet?
What is the maximum weight you can tow?
What other features are important to you?

Once you have a list of non-negotiables, then you can always add to a separate list of features that would be nice to have if possible. Keeping clear on these must-haves will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you’re buying the right teardrop trailer for your needs.

Reviews from people who own the same trailer

While there are some people out there making custom teardrop trailers, many of them are produced by manufacturers. If you find a teardrop camper that you like, the first step you want to take is to look into not only the manufacturer but also the model you’re looking into buying.

Simply searching for the manufacturer and model and the word “review” in a search engine should yield you some results so that you can find out what those trailers are known for. You may find that there’s a certain problem people have with the type of teardrop camper you’re looking at that makes it less appealing to you, or you might read rave reviews about how much people love theirs.

Either way, looking at what people who own it have to say about the trailer you’re about to purchase can give you a good idea of what to expect. You might also like teardrop camping for beginners…

Make sure you can tow it

While teardrop trailers are small, they can still weigh quite a bit. There are many teardrop trailers that are under 1,000lbs and can easily be towed by most cars or small SUVs. There are also plenty that are too heavy for standard sedans to tow as well.

Make sure that you check the towing capacity of your vehicle so that you can keep that in mind when you’re shopping for a teardrop camper.

A quick look at the user manual for your car, or a google search with the year, make and model will usually give you a good idea of what you can tow. One thing to remember is that you will also be loading the trailer with supplies, so staying well under the maximum towing capacity is a good way to play it safe.

Buying a used teardrop trailer? Check for damage

Anytime you buy something used, it’s important to check it extra closely for any flaws or damage. Used teardrop campers will likely not come with any warranty. Make sure that you’re buying a teardrop camper that is in good condition, or at least is priced correctly for the current condition if you’re ok with one that needs a bit of work.

What to check for when buying used teardrop trailers:

Condition of tires
Check for rust and rot
Check for mold or even do a mold test
Look under the trailer
Check the ceiling for signs of leaks
Check the floor up close
Check all of the electrical: switches, lights, jacks, etc.
Make sure the battery is working and doesn’t need to be replaced
Consider where it’s been stored
Check the registration (make sure it’s not expired and there are no unpaid fees)

The above are all things you should check closely and give good thought to. Since you’re likely spending a lot of money, taking a couple of hours to thoroughly inspect a used teardrop trailer can likely save you a lot of time, money, and headache.

Occasionally there can be one small sign of a bigger issue that is easily missed, so take your time and if you can bring a second set of eyes that’s even better.

What to look for in a teardrop trailer depends on your situation, your budget, and your personal preferences. A family of four that does occasional weekend trips may have different needs than a single person who plans to camp for months at a time.

However, making sure that you’re taking the time and effort to be clear on what you need and know exactly what you’re buying is crucial no matter what your preferences are.