Home on the Road: The Teardrop Camper

Teardrop Camper

Added by: Pat

 

I needed something to replace a family cabin in the woods. A Teardrop camper operating costs, transport, and efficiency are what I looked for my future in adventuring. Bored while on a work assignment in Columbus, Ohio. I ventured out to a local RV dealer who sold a trailer called the T@G Teardrop Camper.

Teardrop History

The background of the trailer known merely as a teardrop camper is rich in history. Born in a post-war era, conceived by the need of the lightweight and compact design. Used by post-war families of the ‘30’s and ‘40’s who were ready for a vacation, the teardrop had to be tow-able by a sedan. Families needed to be resourceful; the use of surplus military plane materials and war refined building skills formed these home built trailers at an affordable cost. The trademark teardrop shape was born for a new generation of adventurers.

Unfortunately, the 50’s came and went, and so did the teardrop. Popularity died with higher powered cars and the desire for more spacious trailers; the teardrop camping way of life was laid to rest. With gas prices soaring again, the teardrop trailer has been reborn.

Teardrop Camper

Bug screen addition to the teardrop

Popular mechanic plans from the ‘40’s are being used again for DIY projects and manufacture have even started building and selling them to RV dealers. The draw for me is the simple efficiency of the trailer. It can be pulled by almost any car, sets up in a matter of minutes, and stores in your garage.

Teardrop Camper

Tear Drop Kitchen Amenities

Sleeping on the ground is a thing of the past with the comfortable mattress inside, and with some modifications, it can be towed and parked anywhere. The teardrop goes places out of reach for a larger motorhome or travel trailer which makes it great for all types of trips. A tent on steroids!

My Ride

I have a middle of the road, well-appointed, and highly modified teardrop. Equipped with air conditioning, LED TV, DVD player, mini fridge, stove, and sink — it’s got all the modern conveniences anyone could need. Its placement on an overland frame gives it 15 inches of clearance with off-road tires and makes this teardrop unique to my needs and preferences. It also makes a fill up at a gas station a lengthy process as many want to peek inside.

Teardrop Camper

Tear Drop Before Overland Conversion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teardrop Camper

Tear Drop Trailer set-up during Pat’s inaugural Trans-Wisconsin road trip.

In the end, the versatility and compact maneuverability of this trailer give me plans for many miles of back-road exploration and many a quiet night in the backyards of America.

 

One thought on “Home on the Road: The Teardrop Camper”

  • First I’d like to say I like your setup but I have a question about the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail which I assume is what you refer to when you say “Trans Wisconsin roadtrip. If I’m wrong I apologize. I’m looking for a closer to home (Minneapolis) route to try out my latest setup. I have a Jeep Patriot 4X4 with a 2 inch lift and oversized AT tires. I tow a small adventure trailer (4X7) that I’ve put together with racks, rooftop tent, storage box, etc.. The trailer currently rolls on the stock 12 inch tires and has lower clearance, lower than the Jeep’s 11 inches. Do you think this setup is suitable for this route? I’m really just concerned about the trailer. I plan on flipping the axle and adding 14 inch tires but not until next year. Hoping to do this route before school starts up and have had very little luck finding answers to my concerns about my trailer on this route. Also, are there many camping options on the trail? Like dispersed camping, not campgrounds.

    Thank you, Joe

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