Last Updated on April 19, 2023 by Christina
Along with the tiny house and minimalism movements, teardrop trailers have exploded in popularity. It’s the result of people focusing more on experiences instead of accumulating possessions.
There are plenty of benefits of camping in a teardrop trailer. First, they’re an affordable way to travel for people who want to see more of the country or road trip. They also make a great base camp for bikers, climbers, hikers, skiers, or surfers. And as long as you don’t mind smaller living quarters, you can enjoy more time outdoors and make more memories in a teardrop camper.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about these tiny trailers. We start with the basics of what are teardrop trailers and why so many people love them. If you’ve already done some research and are ready to shop, jump to our list of the best teardrop trailers you can buy right now.
Everything you wanted to know about teardrop trailers
What is a teardrop trailer?
Teardrop trailers are a small, towable type of RV. They are easy to recognize thanks to their distinct shape – round on one end and (typically) tapered on the other. Because these RVs are small, they are lightweight and easy to tow. The simplest trailers consist of a bedroom on wheels. Larger floorplans can have multiple beds, kitchen and dining area, and a bathroom.
Take a look at some examples from the outside…
…and here’s what’s inside
Why are teardrop trailers so popular?
There’s been a huge surge in popularity for teardrop trailers over the past few decades. Because of their compact footprint, these RVs are ideal for adventurers who plan shorter trips and want basic amenities when they travel. They’re also a great option for camping at state and national parks. Campsites here are often small or don’t have as much room to maneuver a larger RV, but that’s no problem for a teardrop trailer.
Teardrop fans love the clever design and vintage aesthetic of these trailers. It’s very common for owners to decorate their tiny trailers with chic fabrics and unique accessories. Some gather at rallies like Tearstock with others who share their passion. Check out this video from the 2018 Tearstock Rally in Mackinaw City, MI.
Do teardrop trailers have bathrooms?
Some teardrop trailers have bathrooms. Little Guy makes three models that have wetbaths – Max, Mini Max and Camp Rover. Like Class B motorhomes, teardrop RVs often utilize swivel toilets, folding sinks, faucets that double as shower heads, and more to make the small floorplan highly functional.
How much do teardrop trailers weigh?
Teardrop trailers typically weigh less than 4,000 lbs. Because of their compact size and lightweight construction, they can be towed by smaller vehicles – think light-duty trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and family vans. One of the lightest options available is the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK; this RV has a dry weight of just 1585 lbs. Slightly longer but weighing in similarly, the Travel Lite Rove Lite 14BH measures 15 feet and 4 inches and weighs just over 1600 lbs. The Rove Lite 14BH is great for families since it features a dinette that converts to a bed plus a sofa bed and overhead bunk!
How much do teardrop trailers cost?
Because of their small size, teardrops are among the more affordable RVs you can buy. Prices vary, but many range from under $20,000 to over $40,000. Keep in mind that the price is highly dependent on what features and upgrades you choose. You can get everything from off-road tires to solar power packages installed.
If you’re shopping for a teardrop trailer (or any RV for that matter), we highly recommend attending an RV show to see what options work best for you. Since teardrop trailers have been around for a while, there are plenty of pre-owned options out there. If you’re on a budget, be sure to check out used RVs for sale as they can cost significantly less than buying new.
Choosing your teardrop trailer
When you’re choosing a teardrop trailer, you’ll want to ask yourself the same questions you’d ask when buying any other RV. Two of the most important questions are: How or where you plan to camp and who will be going with you. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you determine what features you’ll need and what options will be nice to have.
If you want to bring all your extended family and friends, a teardrop trailer probably isn’t for you. But if you are a solo traveler, couple, or small family, you’ve got several options. In the next section, we’ll share a few of our favorites.
Teardrop Trailer Buying Guide
Today, more RV manufacturers are offering teardrop trailers in response to increased demand from campers. That’s great news for long-time and first-time owners. With an abundance of floorplans and options, you can find one that’s right for your travel style. Below, we’ve selected a few of our favorite teardrop trailers to spotlight so you can start shopping with confidence.
Best Overall:
The Little Guy MAX Teardrop Trailer (3,140 lbs. dry) is our favorite overall for its features and floorplan. It has all the amenities of a larger RV packed into a 21-foot long frame. Perfect for solo campers, couples, or young families, it includes a convertible dinette, wet bath, kitchen, and queen bed for an incredibly comfortable camping experience.
One of our favorite features of the MAX is its dual-pane, tinted windows that allow you to enjoy the scenery wherever you go. These windows let in plenty of natural light during the day while built-in shades provide privacy when you want it.
The MAX sleeps up to three thanks to the convertible dinette. It’s a great bed for two-legged or four-legged kids. There’s also generous storage space found throughout so you can take the gear you need and store it, too.
Best Budget Teardrop Trailer:
The Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK is our pick for the best budget teardrop RV. This RV’s ideal for those who want a comfortable place to rest and recharge at the end of the day. The Jay Feather Micro 12SRK offers a futon sofa bed, 12V/120V Dometic cooler, 32-inch LED TV with built in Bluetooth speaker, an outdoor kitchen with 17-inch Blackstone griddle, and 15-inch off road tires. There’s also storage space for your gear and optional air conditioning.
Easy towing plus a budget-friendly price secured this tiny trailer’s spot on our list but the interior is what we really love. It’s modern and bright with a farmhouse look and totally functional floorplan. It’s also built for durability with Azdel composite construction, G20 tinted safety-glass windows, residential vinyl flooring, and a diamond plate to protect the front from road debris.
When seeking your next adventure – whether it be canoing, kayaking, hiking, or biking – the Jay Feather Micro has you covered.
Best Teardrop Trailers for Families:
Our choice for the best teardrop trailer for traveling with family is a tie between the Liberty Outdoors Camp Rover and the Travel Lite Rove Lite 14BH. Both these teardrop trailers sleep 4.
The Camp Rover is designed with the same footprint as the Little Guy Max, and it includes a full size sleeping area at the rear of the trailer and a convertible dinette at the opposite end. An optional flip-down bunk bed can be added on above the dinette. The bunk bed package includes a ladder that converts to a safety rail so parents don’t have to worry about anyone going bump in the night.
In addition to plenty of beds, the Camp Rover also offers a full kitchen, wet bath, air conditioning, and storage compartments. It weighs 2,900 lbs. and measures 21-feet in length.
Sofa/bed and overhead bunk in the Rove Lite teardrop trailer.
The Rove Lite 14BH has a dinette (converts to a 74-inch by 54-inch bed), pantry with 3 cu. ft. refrigerator, two burner cooktop and sink. A wet bath is located mid-trailer. At the rear of the RV is a sofa that becomes a 36-inch by 74-inch bed with a bunk bed above it.
This teardrop RV has an aerodynamic design and was built with Azdel composite and Hydro-Lite material. It weighs just 1602 lbs. dry and measures 15 feet and 4 inches. You can also add on an electric slide awning, outside shower, and/or a 32 inch HD TV.
Honorable Mention
Last but not least, we have to give a shout out to the Coachmen Clipper 9.0TD Express. While this trailer may not look like a typical teardrop, it’s a great option to consider. A hybrid of a teardrop trailer and pop-up camper, the 9.0TD Express has a fold-down roof that provides ample headroom when you’re camping and easily stores when you’re not.
Inside, this RV comes equipped with a full-size bed, electric refrigerator, and two cabinets with residential countertops for preparing meals. On the outside, there’s an LP grill and a pass-through storage compartment for your camping gear.
The Clipper 9.0TD Express is lightweight (1,080 lbs. dry) and compact (13 feet long). Plus, it is very affordable, making it especially appealing to first-time RV owners.
Conclusion: Are teardrop trailers worth it?
For those who love the outdoors but want some of the amenities of home, a small camper might be the perfect choice. They’re more comfortable than sleeping in a tent and easier to setup than a large RV. Because they weigh so little, they’re easy to maneuver into remote sites and most vehicles with a hitch can tow one.
Plus, hauling a teardrop RV won’t reduce your MPG like a heavier, conventional travel trailer so your gas dollars go farther. Because they are so popular, you can also find great deals on previously owned campers. In short, if you live for being active in the outdoors, you’ll enjoy your adventures even more with a teardrop trailer behind you.
Ready to begin your RV adventure?
Once you are certain the RV lifestyle is right for you, it’s time to begin your adventure! Browse thousands of RVs for sale in our Virtual Showroom or visit a General RV dealership near you to explore RV options. If you have any questions, our friendly team is here to help.