Teardrop trailers (1 Viewer)

[Svensk120]

I was curious if anyone in the club has a teardrop trailer.
If so what are your thoughts both pros and cons.

Both the GF and I think they are pretty cool but the cost for them is outrageous even on the secondary market.

One could easily get a full size trailer for cheaper then most are going for. We would want the smaller teardrop style due to storage size. We do not have space for a big trailer.

If you have one do you regret your purchase or do you feel it was a smart one?

I would like to think that we would use it more and go on more weekend trips if we had one to use....but.... As they say the road to hell is paved with useless purchases

 

[JohnVee]

@stevezero

 

[stevezero]

I've got a 2017 Rustic Trail Teardrops Grizzly Bear model. I was going to build one, but they hit all the buttons for me. their prices have gone up substantially, because of parts and material costs, as well as being priced too low back in the day.

They build off of a custom built utility trailer frame (for ease of registration), and now.offer electric brakes as standard. Also, a lot of things we experimented with on mine became incorporated into current models. its roughly 5x10

Its CNC cut side frames made from 3/4" marine ply. sandwiched between a gelcoat outer skin, and HPDE inner skin, over a 3/4" sealed marine ply floor, with vinyl flooring inside. Birch cabinets, 5000 BTU air conditioner up front, and a queen size bed that converts to a dinette set if wanted. Maxxair roof fan, with rv screen door/door combo, and screened/sliding RV windows. It uses a 2200 lb torsion axle. newer ones have a 3500 lb axle.

Walls are joined together with 2x4's glued and pocket screwed. Inside ceiling is thin birch ply, insulation , and .040 alum outer skin.

Its 5 ft interior height allows me to sit up straight and have head clearance.

Their design is different in the fact they dont offer a galley in the back. I prefer that actually, since it's less places for things to leak. More importantly, since you sleep with your head at the rear of the camper, your butt never sits where your face is gonna end up (unlike most teardrops).

I've added an arb awning, swapped to larger fenders, and 31/10.50/15 wheels and tires.

They have other models, with the Kodiak being the most popular . Same frame, different shape (flatter roof, sharp angles, etc.) I made quite a few suggestions on the drawing that made it into the production model. If I hadnt needed mine for a trip, I would have waited for a kodiak.

And since this would be worthless without pics...

 

[stevezero]

More pics

 

[Svensk120]

thanks for the very detailed write up on your trailer. It certainly is a nice one.
Do you use it often? do you wish that you went bigger or even smaller? or is it just the right size?
I looked at their site and they have some ver nice options for sure... also a lead time of 2 years!

 

[stevezero]

thanks for the very detailed write up on your trailer. It certainly is a nice one.
Do you use it often? do you wish that you went bigger or even smaller? or is it just the right size?
I looked at their site and they have some ver nice options for sure... also a lead time of 2 years!

I dont get to use it as often as I'd like, but that's life. LOL

Its comfortable , dry, and very easy to pull and park .

For two people that enjoy each other's company, it has plenty of room to do what we want. My daughter and her husband took it for almost a week down to the beach in SC.

If I were to go larger, I'd go with a casita. But, that's twice the weight, and twice the price in today's market.

 

[BlackPanzer]

Thanks for this post! I have really been entertaining the pros and cons of these trailers. This is some good information. It looks like the prices are going nowhere but up- even on used ones-- no matter the brand.

 

[stevezero]

Thanks for this post! I have really been entertaining the pros and cons of these trailers. This is some good information. It looks like the prices are going nowhere but up- even on used ones-- no matter the brand.

There are several very active Rustic trail facebook groups, including a classified group. trailers rarely last longer than a couple days before they are sold. The modifications group is also quite busy .

Also, there is a national gathering each year, and several regional gatherings. This year's national event is happening this weekend nest the Alabama coast.

 

[FJCowboy]

There are so many trailer companies out there these days. It can be a bit overwhelming. @Svensk120 I think you have to decide if you are looking for more highway travel or campground travel. I love the shape of teardrops and provide for some cool interiors. I’m heading down to Overland Expo this weekend and always look forward to seeing all the new trailers folks are building. To everyone’s point, the prices are crazy these days between parts and the increased interest in overlanding.

 

[Svensk120]

it would be about 85% camp ground but some dispersed type off grid.... but both the gf and i agree we would REALLLLLLY need to use it more if we were to get one.
1 or 2 trips a year for only a few days isnt worth it at this point to spend that kind of crazy money.
It is a cool bit of kit to have and think of all the cool youtube and instagram shots but .....

 

[FJCowboy]

They are pretty cool and getting one all set up with a kitchen would be great. Pull up to camp, get it set up, and your good to go.