Tear Drop Campers

[Giaka]

Anyone ever think about building one of these? Seems like a cool little winter project.

[Sport-Touring]

[ConPilot1]

Anyone ever think about building one of these? Seems like a cool little winter project.

There was one very similar to that for sale locally. I stopped to check it out, very cool, but It seemed to be HEAVY with the plywood construction.
I think they wanted about $2500 for it which was ridiculous.

[stew71]

1) Those are very cool.
2) If we didn't already own a pop-up cab-over, I'd consider one.
3) Building one would be extremely cool and fun.  

But, alas, I have neither the time nor space for another DIY project. The wifey would have some words about 'dat.

"What, ANOTHER project?"  

[Mr.Black]

http://www.roamingtimes.com/rvreports/tab-teardrop-trailer.aspx

[ConPilot1]

 

18K??? WTF? Don't think so.

Cute, but not 18 grand cute.

[Mr.Black]

 

18K??? WTF? Don't think so.

Cute, but not 18 grand cute.

They are always out there used for a lot less.

[Jason F.]

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/

Entire forum dedicated to modification, construction, purchasing, and use of Tear Drops and other variants. Good folks over there and some very impressive builds. I still have most of the plans I drew up for a tear drop that was capable of being a motorcycle hauler. That is a project for another time though as I have too many projects in front of it to even start on one.

[MK96xj]

These were on a recent RV episode on one of the cable channels. They seem to have a cult type following, they do.

I like the idea but I think a pop up has a more usable design.

[Jason F.]

These were on a recent RV episode on one of the cable channels. They seem to have a cult type following, they do.

I like the idea but I think a pop up has a more usable design.

They each have advantages and disadvantages. Pop ups often have more room but are heavy for their size. Most Pop Ups are also soft sided or tent sided which is a huge disadvantage in many peoples eyes. Tear Drops can be cramped and small but they take no setup. You can simply open the door crawl in and sleep. You can do some stealth camping or short term, i.e. rest a few hours, camping with them since they take no setup. Tear Drops keep your cooking equipment on the back separate from the sleeping area. No food smells in the sleeping area and no added heat in the sleeping area during warm weather camping. Hard sided tear drops handle wind and weather better than soft sided pop ups but have less window area and ventilation.

[ConPilot1]

They each have advantages and disadvantages. Pop ups often have more room but are heavy for their size. Most Pop Ups are also soft sided or tent sided which is a huge disadvantage in many peoples eyes. Tear Drops can be cramped and small but they take no setup. You can simply open the door crawl in and sleep. You can do some stealth camping or short term, i.e. rest a few hours, camping with them since they take no setup. Tear Drops keep your cooking equipment on the back separate from the sleeping area. No food smells in the sleeping area and no added heat in the sleeping area during warm weather camping. Hard sided tear drops handle wind and weather better than soft sided pop ups but have less window area and ventilation.

I wonder if there's enough room in there for my dead hooker.  

[Stray Cat]

You live in So Cal. There is no "winter" in So Cal....  

[ConPilot1]

I'd hit this one. Looks very cool. I like the metal finish, almost like a mini-Airstream.  

These are real slick.

http://tinycamper.com/teardropmodels.htm

That 560 Ultra is amazing. Love the interior with the blonde wood.

[stew71]

I wonder if there's enough room in there for my dead hooker.  

Just keep her wrapped in plastic so nothing stains through and you'll be fine.

[Cablebandit]

You can find room when you cut her/him up.

[Mr.Black]

You can find room when you cut her/him up.

He would have to shear her first of course.

[K2D2]

He would have to shear her first of course.

That is just baaaaaaaaad

[Giaka]

18K??? WTF? Don't think so.

I think the guy built the one in my first post for less than $1500.

[Motornoggin]

I've been thinking about building one for a while now. I have an old small sailboat frame that I could cut up and use for a frame and gear. It even has a new axle with wheels/tires. Becky loves to camp, but I'm not a huge fan. Tents suck and so does the ground as far as sleeping is concerned. This would make her happy and it's something I could live with pretty easily. I can also tow one with my 4cyl Sonoma. Might have to get somethign going this winter.

[KenH]

Teardrops tend to have a lot of hitch load for the length because the axle is set well back to clear the door.

Teardrops have limited volume for their length and width due to their shape. Some teardrops have the back half of the roof hinged and incorporate 3 fabric walls for more campsite volume, very popular with those who prefer camp kitchens.

Teardrops tow beautifully.

Traditional teardrop kitchens are not very functional in bad weather.

Most teardrops have a flat floor and really provide little else than a bed off the ground and a hard roof and sides. A dropped floor between the trailer frame components can provide a footwell and more comfortable seating.

[Mookie]

I like the execution on this one.  It lives around the block from me: