Everything you wanted to know about Teardrop Trailers

No, they are not doghouses for traveling pets. That is the question asked the most. They are quite probably the easiest way to travel and camp. And from my viewpoint, the most fun!

Teardrop trailers date back to the 1930's where they gained popularity. They combined the ease of sleeping and cooking into an efficient way to travel cheaply. As a small trailer, it was easy to pull and could go almost anywhere. Although there was not a lot of space, the kitchen was complete and the bed would sleep two comfortably. Most Teardrops were 4' by 8'.

There are two rules that define a teardrop. You can't stand up in it and the galley (kitchen) must be in the back. That rule still stands today.

The earliest trailers had an icebox, a stove and some had a water supply although that added weight. Most of them also had a sink. Lifting the hatch, the kitchen was instantly ready for use. The pots and pans had a storage space. Everything that you would need was easily accessible.

It is hard to generalize on the Teardrop layout. While many of the trailers have two doors, some of the older ones did not. Some might have windows on both doors but again, some do not. There were manufacturers of Teardrops but many are home-built. All of them are considered Vintage so they are accepted at any Vintage Trailer gatherings.

Today Teardrop are once again popular. At a recent gathering in California, there were more than 100. None of them were the same. Mine is the SnoozeBox. It is a home-built and is different in many ways. It does not have side doors and the entry is from the back. The shape is from the Benroy which was a popular brand in the 1940's. It is 5 foot wide.

If there is a standard Teardrop, the 1945 Kit below is an example. The Kit Manufacturing Company not only produced Teardrops but also full-sized stand-up trailers. They were known for their quality and many of the Teardrops and Stand-up trailers are still in use.

Today's Teardrops have microwaves and TVs. One a trip to the 1st International Teardrop Gathering in Nebraska, we found one with a bread machine. Many of us will hide the modern conveniences but that is why all the Teardrops are different. Each trailer is as unique as its owner.

If you are looking for an easy way to travel, the Teardrop Trailer might be a good choice. Below are two websites that can provide much more information. They are full of pictures and information on gatherings where you are welcomed to visit. Teardroppers are show-offs and love to talk about their trailers.

Happy Trails

http://www.teardroptours.com/

http://www.teardrops.net/