Do you wish you could experience all the fun of camping, with none of the hassles that come with tenting or driving a large RV? The answer is a tiny, lightweight teardrop camper with modern updates that make camping more comfortable. Here are the best teardrop campers!
Read along as I discuss the best teardrop campers that almost any vehicle can tow. I did the work for you so you can compare makes, models, and pricing on popular lightweight teardrop campers.
Why Should You Consider Buying a Teardrop Camper?
The answer is simple. Less is more.
With modern times bringing forth a need for simplicity along with a desire to explore the great outdoors, tiny teardrop campers are making a resurgence.
The ease of small pull-behind camper makes getaways a breeze. You can eliminate worries about driving and parking a large RV, or dealing with huge expenses when mechanical problems arise.
You won’t have to purchase a big truck strong enough to tow a large camper but can most likely use the vehicle you own already.
Another bonus is accessibility. You can pull and park tiny teardrop campers just about anywhere, whereas RVs need a lot of space and level ground. It’s also easier to tuck away a small trailer on your property or garage when not in use.
Cars, Crossovers, and SUVs That Can Tow Teardrop Campers
Before you pick out your perfect teardrop camper, rate your vehicle for towing and make sure it is tow-equipment capable.
Trucks usually start at around a 10,000-pound tow rating, and many larger SUVs have a rating in the range of 7,500 pounds, so if you already own one you are in luck.
Below is an example of some smaller vehicles that can pull a teardrop camper, along with their max tow ratings.
- Dodge Challenger – 1,000 pounds
- Honda Accord – 1,000 pounds
- Honda CR-V – 1,500 pounds
- Jeep Cherokee – 4,500 pounds
- Jeep Wrangler – 2,000-3,500 pounds
- Chevrolet Malibu – 1,000 pounds
- Toyota RAV4 – 3,500 pounds
- Kia Sorento – 5,000 pounds
- GMC Terrain – 3,500 pounds
- Ford Edge – 3,500 pounds
- Volkswagen Atlas – 5,000 pounds
Next, let’s look at more pros and some cons of owning a teardrop camper.
Pros and Cons
When comparing a teardrop to tent camping or RV camping, there are some major selling features and some factors that may not work for you.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to pull/park
- Fast set up at campsite
- Bed
- Options for A/C, kitchen, or toilet/shower
- Solar capability
Cons
- Most have no toilet or shower
- Limited storage space
- Outdoor kitchen exposes you to weather
- Sleeping space is limited
The Best Lightweight Teardrop Campers
Luna Lite Trailer
The Luna Lite Trailer by inTechRV has a spacious interior and many optional features not available on other teardrops.
The Luna Lite weighs between 1400-1600 pounds, depending on which features you choose. This weight means many large sedans and small SUVs can pull the trailer safely.
The rear kitchenette makes use of every available inch, and the large front window is an unusual touch to find in a teardrop. The Luna Lite also comes with a 32-inch flat-screen TV.
The bed easily sleeps two inside the seven-foot-long interior cabin space. The bed converts into futons with backrests and cup holders perfect for lounging.
The base price of the standard Luna Lite is near $20,000..
The Luna Lite is ideal for solos or couples going camping for long weekends. There’s enough space to not feel cramped if the weather doesn’t cooperate, and the large windows allow you to appreciate the view.
The Little Guy Mini Max
The Little Guy Mini Max from Little Guy Trailers in Canton, Ohio is ideal for towing behind small SUVs and crossovers.
The Mini Max packs in a lot of high-quality details into this teardrop camper, yet it remains light with a dry weight just under 2,000 pounds.
The Mini Max features 100 percent hardwood cabinetry and six feet of interior height. You also benefit from an interior kitchen with a two-burner stove, large refrigerator, a queen or dual twin beds, A/C, a wet bath, and five big insulated windows.
At a starting price of around $24,000 for the 2019 model, the Mini Max gives you a ton of amenities that make your camping trip more like “glamping.”
The Mini Max is an excellent choice for a couple who wants more home-like amenities and the ease of an indoor kitchen when on longer camping trips.
HC1
The HC1 by Happier Camper is not quite a true teardrop, but it’s a small, retro-feel camper that most cars can tow, so I believe I had to add it to this list.
The HC1 comes complete with innovative snap-lock modular interior elements. By changing the configuration of the modules, you can transform the space for a myriad of uses, from hauling gear, eating lunch, or sleeping. It even has a sink with portable storage for water.
This camper can sleep up to five adults, more than other tiny campers. It also has a large rear hatch, making loading and unloading easier.
This camper has a dry weight of 1,100 pounds, and a base price of $18,950.
For small families or a group of friends who desire true versatility in a lightweight camper, the HC1 is a great option. Transitioning the interior space opens up more camping and hauling possibilities, no matter what hobbies you enjoy.
High Camp Aluminum Teardrop
This cool, retro-look teardrop model by High Camp Trailers in Portland, Oregon, is stunning in it’s simplicity.
It features a five-foot-wide sleeping cabin with storage and a compact rear kitchen. The kitchen comes with a stainless steel burner cooktop and Coleman cooler.
The birch interior and aluminum exterior is sleek and minimalistic, yet provides the extra comforts you desire while camping. Doors on both passenger and driver side add to ease of use.
Although not required on trailers less than 2,000 pounds, High Camp puts electric brakes on all their trailers to improve handling and increase the life of your tow vehicle’s brake system.
This teardrop has a dry weight of 1450 pounds, with pricing that starts at $16,350. What you receive for the money is high-quality materials and attention to detail.
The High Camp teardrop is ideal for solo camping excursions or cozy couple trips. With enough space to store gear and enjoy a soft bed, it will get the job done reliably, with no extra frills.
Vintage Overland Teardrops
Vintage Overland is a camper company based in Grand Junction, Colorado. For the minimalist who wants rugged durability and a vintage vibe, these teardrops come in several models, all towable by many small vehicles.
The Tuco comes in at 600 pounds, with a four-foot by eight-foot cabin interior, and is the most compact of the teardrop models.
The Grand Escape weighs in at 750 pounds, with the same interior cabin space as the Tuco but with an additional rear hatch and storage boot.
The T.E. Lawrence model has a five-foot by eight-foot cabin interior with a queen-size memory foam mattress. It weighs 900 pounds and features a rear hatch, extra storage, bug screen, LED lighting, and more.
All models feature hardwood interiors. Prices range from $12,500 for the Tuco up to $16,500 for the T.E. Lawrence, which is a reasonable price range for the hand-crafted quality found in these teardrops.
Each of the Vintage Overland teardrops will fit the bill for those who want to camp off-grid, with rugged construction that can withstand the hard knocks of off-road adventures.
Timberleaf Classic and Pika
Timberleaf is the master of beautiful design in their teardrop campers. Better yet, these campers manufactured in Colorado don’t need a sports utility vehicle to tow it.
The Classic model has a dry weight of 1500 pounds and many modern amenities.
It comes fully insulated, with fine craftsmanship you can rely on for years of use. The rear galley is efficient, and the cabin features a “Colorado Queen” mattress three inches narrower than a standard bed for a perfect fit.
The Pika was made explicitly with off-road enthusiasts in mind, and perfect to tow behind AWD Crossover SUVs. Coming in 36 percent smaller than the Classic model, it has a 970-pound dry weight. The galley features a Dometic 12V fridge, and the cabin sleeps two with stretch netting installed for storage.
There are many upgrades available, but the base price for the Pika starts at $11,750, and the Classic starts at $19,750, which is an excellent price for quality construction and versatility.
With optional accessories like a roof rack and solar panels, these Timberleaf models are ideal for biking, kayaking, or fishing enthusiasts that need to haul their gear into remote areas.
So-Cal Teardrops
This rugged teardrop camper from So-Cal Teardrops out of California is the answer for those who love to take the path less traveled.
The So-Cal is a perfect teardrop for off-road situations, like when you are heading to the mountains, desert, or beach. Durable, heavy tires can handle gravel roads and grassy fields.
The design inspiration for this camper came from those who desire a light camper that is towable by today’s more fuel-efficient, smaller cars. Enjoy modern comforts like a comfortable bed for two and a kitchen galley that pops open from the rear.
So-Cal has plenty of different models that start around $10,000, and with dealers located across much of the US, you can get your hands on one quickly.
The So-Cal is an outstanding selection for solo or couple escapes onto just about any terrain. The price point is more affordable, yet will provide extra comforts while camping.
The Cricket
This teardrop camper by Taxa Outdoors is super-lightweight, and many 4-cylinder cars can tow it easily. It comes in two styles: Cricket Camp and Cricket Trek.
At 15 feet in length, the Cricket gives you more room to stretch out, fitting two adults and two children in comfort.
It has a dry weight of 1500 pounds and features a pop-up roof for marvelous ventilation. It has a queen-size bed, with storage underneath for all your camping gear.
Enjoy features like a water heater, and an outdoor shower system, which many teardrops lack. Upgrade your camper with additional options like a portable toilet, an awning, or a window-mount air conditioner.
You’ll pay more for the added comfort, around $30,000 for the Cricket base models, but if you need a teardrop you can tow with just about any 4-cylinder car and want some extra comforts of home, this can be for you.
The Cricket teardrop is not cheap, but for small families who love the great outdoors and want some added comfort, the years of practical use will temper the cost.
Wide Path and Homie Campers
For those who want to go ultra-lightweight, these two camper options by Wide Path out of Denmark could be for you. If you think one of these is perfect for you, the company does offer US shipping.
If you like to travel by electric bicycle, the Wide Path Camper is bike-towable. This model offers immediate shelter from inclement weather and a table that can seat four adults then convert into a comfy bed for two. Optional accessories like a solar package, sun awnings, and more can take this model to a new level of comfort.
The Homie Car Camper is very lightweight coming in at only 441 pounds (200 kg) with the solar package. The chassis can handle another 650 pounds (300 kg) of payload so that you can pack plenty for your trip. If your car has a towbar, any size vehicle can easily pull the Homie camper.
Both the Homie and Wide Path fold up for travel making it even more compact. Both models are well under $10,000, even with lots of added goodies.
Modern amenities combined with compact design makes Wide Path a top teardrop camper for those looking for an affordable, ultra-lightweight option. Singles and couples can enjoy simple escapes with quick set-up and tear down.
Conclusion
There is nothing that beats spending time outdoors and making wonderful memories for you and your family.
Teardrops are the perfect solution for those who want the fun of camping, with a bit more weather protection, and a few more comforts of home. You can even take a winter trip with these tips on how to stay warm from a camper experienced in teardrops.
I hope this guide to the best teardrop campers will help you find the precise one for your needs.
Do you own a teardrop and have tips or stories to share? Tell us about it and help fellow campers!
