Why Are Teardrops So Popular? A Teardrop History Lesson
You love your tiny camper, and you love the space that it accommodates you on your travels whether it be far or near. You know why you adore your model, but how did they become so popular? Do you know the history behind your tiny space and how it has evolved over the decades since introduction? Let’s take a stroll down history lane…
Economy Resurgence After World War II
Teardrops were introduced in the 1930’s. After WWII, men were home, and families or couples were looking at spending more time together and money was more readily available. The tiny campers popularity increased because it made travel easier since a small camper could be pulled by the family car. There was a surplus in materials from the war, and teardrop manufacturers used this to fuel their line up.
Many people enjoyed the DIY project style of the woody campers and built their own with pride. The desire for the teardrops continued well into the 1960s.
A Forgotten Camper
In the 1960s, the national mentality became one of consumerism. Teardrops became less wanted because there was no need to conserve on resources and an abundance means acquiring bigger ticket items. Larger campers and motels and airplanes became alternative traveling methods or accommodations. No one needed a tiny camper when they could have a “luxurious” hotel room.
Comeback Campers
The teardrop resurfaced in the 1990s again as the perfect way to travel for college students, families, and couples. Solo adventurers started to prefer this alternative to tent camping. Across the nation, more people were accepting do-it-yourself projects again. Teardrops became new projects to take on because of the ease of the cost of pre-made kits. Social media surfaced in the turn of the century, and teardrops could be found plastered on various DIY sites.
The tiny camper movement has flooded our lives, and it is hard to come by someone who doesn’t know what a teardrop camper is. The increased popularity has led to designers creating new masterpieces that resemble the retro style of the traditional teardrop, but it has led to some incredible advances in the camper industry as well. The original teardrop has been the jumping point for caravans around the world that fit unique needs.
Not only can you add the convenience of a bathroom (which wasn’t an option in the 1930s) but you can add various extras, outlets, and attachments. You can change the interior and exterior colors to suit your palette. The options are unlimited in today’s ability to produce accessories. First world problems at its finest.
A Long and Durable History
We don’t see these tiny campers going away anytime soon. More and more people are finding what it is like to live without unnecessary items. They are awakening to their consumer ways and looking to cut back and live sustainably. The Tiny Home Movement has been a huge help to the teardrop cause. Clutter and chaos are out and sustainable living is in! Teardrop trailers have a long history, and they are aesthetically pleasing.
Being able to customize to your lifestyle, allows for the probability of keeping your teardrop for decades to come. Minimizing your need for additional camping or traveling options. Not to mention if you’re the adventurous type you can look into building your own teardrop trailer.
Teardrops are so popular for various reasons. Sustainable travel, economically agreeable to the pocketbook, fun to look at, easy hookup, easy to pack, allow you to enjoy nature, provide necessities for bathroom and cooking needs, no gas/oil maintenance, and comfort. Each adventurer may have their own reasons for loving their teardrop, but it is plain to see that teardrops provide benefit to all.
Send us your teardrop story! We would love to hear it!