Shelter - Teardrop Campers - Part I

Before we bought our travel trailer, I was somewhat intrigued by the vintage teardrop campers I saw on a TV show. I still think they're cool and perfect for a couple or a 3 person family who really want to travel light. If you are OK with the one minus to the camper - size - then the pluses really add up. What's even better is that there are several really nice models being made right now and some are downright cool. There are even resources for do-it yourselfers to make their own.

The camper's advantages are numerous. Typically weighing between 1000 lbs to 1500 lbs dry , with a tongue weight of about 150 lbs, they can be towed by pretty much any car with four wheels. (Expect to be able to load around 500 lbs more in cargo). All but the smallest of modern cars can tow this much. You can store a teardrop in your garage, so those of you in oppressive subdivisions may be able to store it at your house. Unlike a pop-up, it's ready to sleep in as soon as you pull into camp.

Basically, if you want the comfort and protection of a camper, without a lot of weight and work, and you like the coolness factor, then a teardrop may be just right for you. Typically they contain a queen bed, inside storage for clothes, towels and bathing products and some counter space. The rear opens up clamshell style and usually houses a kitchen, that can be completely dry or have the amenities such as electric fridge and gas stove. If you go really posh you can have an air conditioner.

The posh end of the scale, with total iMac inspired coolness is the T@B, pictured above. You can get it in aluminum, fiberglass and combo models.

Airstream actually is starting to market a model called the Base Camp, that's even more out there.

Camp-Inn have really shiny aluminum models that have a cool retro feel. I especially like the Buck Rogers spaceship look of the Rain Drop: click on their link to check it out.

Other makes include Cozy Cruiser, and Hunter. Little Guy trailers are the all fiberglass mode of construction, so it appears.

In part II on Teardrop campers I'll cover some sites and information on how to build your own.