May 14, 2024

Classic teardrop trailer

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Tear drop trailers get their name from their unique shape and design, these little fellas were first produced in the mid 30’s and designed around a 4X8′ piece of plywood, were wood framed and could be built by hand. If you are handy with a hammer you can even today find plans on the internet to build your own teardrop trailer.

Original plans. Digital Image. So Cal Teardrops
Original plans. Digital Image Pinterest

After WWII, military surplus parts were widely available and soon became re-purposed as family friendly trailers among other things. Often times the skin or exterior was made from scraped aircraft bombers wings, the wheels and axles came from surplus military Jeeps, and the frame itself came from small trailers used by the Army to transport equipment.

 

 

Although many things have changed since the late 40’s the idea behind this RV has remained the same, get out and explore. 

RV purists have a deep love and understanding for this classic design and even call it the “roots of the American RV.” with their remarkably light weight and aerodynamic design they can be towed by just about any vehicle on the market then and now, making the dream of traveling easy and affordable for the average American family.

With their unique shape comes a unique way to camp, at least for us now days. Today there are options galore for a camper or trailer, from leather recliners to big screen tvs, but to bring camping back to its truest form you need to strip all the extras and just be in the moment wherever you are. In the late 40’s throughout the 50’s and on into the 60’s tear drop trailers could be seen traveling down every highway in the US. These were designed with the family on a budget in mind, you could and still can purchase plans to build your own trailer in your garage making it an easy way to get out and find your adventure.

Just because of their small size doesn’t mean you have to completely rough it, most tear drop trailers come equipped with a bed, fold up toilet and a fully functional kitchen. Like most modern RVs you can have them equipped with TVs, stereos, and high end appliances. 

Their lightweight and nimble design makes them the perfect choice for people That doesn’t have a large truck or SUV. with an average weight of just over 1200 lbs you can tow this with small vehicles such as a Mini Cooper, a Honda Civic or even a Toyota Prius.

 

DISCLAIMER:

Make sure you contact your vehicles manufacturer to or look in your owners manual to see what your vehicles max towing weight is. NEVER tow more than your vehicles max towing capacity.

Benefits of a Teardrop trailer:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to transport
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Can be deployed anywhere
  • Nostalgic
Modern technology has breathed new life in a once forgotten pastime, as we develop new and better ways to camp, we find more and more technology for us to utilize. Campers have come a long way since the old plywood build trailers 90 years ago, now days you can find teardrop trailers that are built from high strength steel, are capable of extreme living with Rugged Teardrop trailers, and some are even made from lightweight carbon fiber.
Carbon fiber lightweight teardrop. Digital image. Werd.com
Expandable teardrop trailer. Digital Image. Pinterest
 

No matter if your a weekend warrior, looking for a economical getaway, or an avid hunter / fisherman, the tear drop trailer may be exactly what you need.

Do you have a tear drop trailer, or know some great places to take one? let us know in the comment section below.

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