7 Teardrop Campers For Every Budget (Video Walkthrough)

Shopping for a teardrop trailer can seem daunting and depending on your budget, it can make things more complicated. We did the research for you and have showcased 7 Teardrop Camper Trailers that can be purchased for any budget level. From Entry Level to Top-Tier, here are the 7 Best Teardrop Campers for any budget!

What is a Teardrop Trailer?

Getting into the idea of a teardrop camper trailer? Imagining yourself hitting the open road this season and getting off-grid for a bit? A teardrop trailer gets its name for the architectural design of the trailer itself as the trailer’s side profile is in the shape of a teardrop. It’s really that simple!

This design allows for the cabin area to house the sleeping quarters while the rear of the “teardrop” generally lifts up like a hatchback design revealing the galley area for cooking. However, beyond the aerodynamic design, there really isn’t much of a difference between a teardrop trailer and any other trailer.

Wondering if your family can fit or if a teardrop trailer is going to be a good fit for your family? Check out CJ’s excellent write upon his experience with a family of 5 and camping with their Escapod Teardrop trailer here in this article.

How Much Does A Teardrop Camper Trailer Weigh?

While manufacturers and features will vary based on the model to model, there are some consistencies with weight when it comes to teardrop trailers. CJ, a managing partner here at Off-Grid Essential owns an Escapod Topo Series Teardrop and that comes in at 1600lbs dry and 1850lb loaded up (water tanks, propane, gear).

After doing some research around the current industry, it seems that the consistent weight ranges are between 800lbs and 1600lbs dry.

There may be some that come in slightly over or under that 800-1600lb range but that covers the bulk of them and is a good starting point when planning to buy.

What Kind Of Car Can Tow a Teardrop Trailer?

If you own a rigged-out truck or jeep, you already know you can tow a teardrop. However, if you own a small sedan you might be wondering if you can tow a teardrop trailer and I have good news for you!

Most modern vehicles are rated at a towing capacity that can handle a teardrop trailer due to their minimalistic design, small frame, and overall small footprint.

Buying a teardrop trailer brings up one quick question for most potential buyers, and that is “Can my vehicle tow a teardrop trailer?”. It’s a valid question and a factor you must consider.

After all, if you show up to the teardrop manufacturer with a 1984 Honda Accord, I’m pretty sure it might be tough to get your new teardrop home.

To give that some reference, a 2dr Jeep Wrangler has probably the lowest towing capacity of an off-road vehicle at 2,000lbs making it capable of towing a teardrop trailer.

Take this a stretch further and looking at the Colorado Flagship vehicle of the Subaru Outback, it’s rated at 2,700lbs, again, highly capable of towing a teardrop trailer.

Let’s go one step further and really put this in perspective, A Toyota Prius is rated at 1,598lbs and in all practicality is rated and capable of towing a teardrop trailer!

What Does a Teardrop Camper Cost?

This is a fun topic these days because it truly does vary, but for the sake of keeping you informed, there are a couple of ranges we should discuss.

For example, one teardrop trailer could have had a high-end hardwood cabinet and frame standard, while on the other hand, a teardrop on the lower end could have plywood.

Things like suspension, tires, articulating hitches, craftsmanship all come into play here. To be honest, the build quality and amenities for each of these price ranges will greatly vary as well, so, we will keep that in mind.

With that said, here are some Price Ranges in the Low (Under $7,000), Medium (Between $8,000 and $15,000 and High ($16,000) categories.

Try Renting a Teardrop Camper If Your Not Sure

Outdoorsy runs an excellent Rental service nationwide that will give that first-hand experience of a camper without your wallet having the firsthand experience of buying one.

Coming with 1Million dollars in insurance with your rental you can rest sure that you are safe by doing your homework before the new purchase. Plus, with the current outdoor season aiming to be the biggest yet, lead times for new builds are stretching from 12 to 18 months! Check out Outdoorsy Camper Rentals here.

Teardrop Trailers Under $10,000

Oregon Trailer Do-Drop (Base Price $6,150)

As. simple as it gets but featuring the basics you would need in a teardrop trailer. The Oregon Do-Drop comes with the following standard features at this price point (Per thier website):

Base Price: $6150

Chassis:

*Light weight but very strong 2″x2″x.120″ square-tube steel frame with A- style tongue
*Tounge mounted stabilizer jack
*2″ ball coupler mounted to tongue with grade-8 hardware
*Rubber torsion axle – providing smooth well manered towing charactaristics
*14″ Steel wheels and tires
*4-Pin Tow connector
*Industrial strength powder coating

Body:

*Beautiful Oregon Trail’R original profile teardrop shape
*(Body: 48″ wide x 42″ high x 84″ long)
*All plywood components are made from Marine Grade Pre-Finished Baltic Birch.
*one 26″ x 32″ standard teadrop door with tinted glass and screened opening window
*One 21″ x 14″ opening screened window with tinted glass
*All seams and end-grain are well-sealed against the elements
*All high-quality fasteners throughout – exterior fasteners are all stainless steel
*Floor, partitions, and bulkheads are dado-joined into walls
*Exterior skin and roof are Powder-coated aluminum (various colors and finishes available upon request)

Cabin:

*Beautifully finished Birch interior
*Baltic Birch storage/shelving with hardwood trim
*LED dome light powered by AA batteries
*integrated storage shelf

TC Teardrops Oasis Model (Base Price $4,500)

Probably the best bet for getting started on a tight budget. TC even advertises on their site you can pay with a credit card.

Based out of Wisconsin, TC teardrops has a lot to offer in almost all price ranges. I was playing around on their site and was able to build out a 5×9 Teardrop Oasis model complete with a Queen Mattress, TCT Platform Roof Rack and a Toolbox Front-mounted outfitted and ready to roll for a very reasonable $7,405.

If thats still too much, their entry-level 4×8 Oasis model starts at $4,500 and you could just add your own mattress, rack, and toolbox.

No frills, no cabinetry or electricity, just the basics. Designed for the “minimalist”, the “Oasis” TCTeardrop can be used as is, or you could add your own cabinets, lights, and accessories.

The choice is yours! The 14″ Steel Wheels and Radial tires are more than capable of handling any Forest Road. Two locking doors are included (left and right sides) and each door has a screened window that opens for extra airflow.

Included with the “Oasis” TCTeardrop:

Two doors with locks and built-in windows w/screens
Window Gray side color
14″ Steel Wheels with Radial Tires
Flat Front Storage Platform
2 Passive Air Vents
Wheeled Tongue Jack
Wire harness / Tail lights / Side marker lights

Upgrades available:

TCT Roof Rack (side rails and bars) + $380
TCT Mattress + $270/Full or $300/Queen
Full Zipper Screen Doors + $250/Pair
Diamond Plated Toolbox on front platform + $325/48″ or $375/60″

Timberleaf Trailers Kestrel Model (Base Price $7,800)

Timberleaf offers quite the package at a price that leaves some breathing room coming in with a base price of only $7,800. For that price, let’s take a look at what you get.

R-7 Insulated ceiling
.040 clear anodized aluminum roof
.040 custom painted aluminum sides
Passive cabin roof vent
Three AA-powered cabin lights
Running lights
Baltic Birch plywood on all exposed surfaces
Large headboard cabinet
Two 14″ x 16″ venting windows with screens
Two 26″ x 39″ doors with vented windows
Double Mattress – 6″ foam
All wood finished in low VOC acrylic Polyurethane
205/75r15 spare tire

Now, like all trailers, this is the standard features but there are plenty of available upgrades including (but not limited to):

Off-Road Suspension and Tires
Topographic Imagry Wrap
Skylights
Powdercoated Trim
Upgraded Shelving
Upgraded Mattress
Propex Heater
Roof Racks

Once you add-on the above upgrades, it takes the price to upwards of $17,000. So, you can still get tons of options and upgrades for a price that rivals the big dogs.

Teardrop Trailers Under $15,000

Once your budget moves up past the $10,000 mark, you start to get a bit more bang for your buck. Let’s take a look at the teardrop trailer options under $15,000.

SoCal Teardrops “Buzz-Off” Model (Base Price $13,225)

Marketed by Socal as a minimalist’s “dream” this tiny, yet capable teardrop comes in at a base price of $13,225. So, what do you get for $13,225? Let’s take a look. Here’s the best part, the Buzz-Off Model weighs only 1,000lb dry! Meaning even your grandma’s honda could pull this baby!

2”x3” 120 Wall Steel Tubing.
Old Man EMU Leaf Springs
30” Tires
3,500lb Axle
10” Electric Brakes
Rancho RS9000XL Shocks
4” Thick Mattress (47” x 78” Dimensions)
Cabin Light
12V Outlet
22” Ground Clearance

Timberleaf Trailer Pika Model (Base Price $13,200)

Another option under 15k weighing in at only 1,025lbs. These small camping trailers are built for rugged simplicity, the Pika may be just what your heart desires.

Named after the American Pika, a small rabbit-like mammal that lives and thrives in the high-alpine terrain throughout the Rocky Mountains, the Pika is an adventurous miniature rabbit that has evolved to traverse the rough and rocky tundra.

Pika Base Model Features:

R-7 Insulated ceiling
.040 clear anodized aluminum roof
.040 custom painted aluminum sides
Maxxair cabin vent fan
Seven 12v. LED lights; two porch, two galley, three cabin
Running lights
Baltic Birch plywood on all exposed surfaces
Cabin cargo storage stretch netting
Two 14″ x 16″ venting windows with screens
Two 26″ x 39″ doors with vented windows
Large tinted polycarbonite skylight
Pull down shades on skylight
Double Mattress – 6″ foam
21″ x 54″ countertop surface

Retro laminate countertop, standard
Power Center; manages all the 110V power, converter and 12V battery power100 amp-hour deep cell marine battery
Six USB power outlets
Two 110v GFCI outlets
One general 12v charger
Galley cabinets with sliding doors and lower storage
All wood finished in low VOC acrylic Polyuerathane
Rear hatch with 2 hydraulic gas props
205/75r15 spare tire

Optional Upgrades include:

Off-Road Suspension and Tires
Topographic Imagry Wrap
Skylights
Powdercoated Trim
Upgraded Shelving
Upgraded Mattress
Propex Heater
Roof Racks
Dometic Fridge Cooler
23-Zero Awening
Roadshower
Solar Panel w/cotroller
HD Jacks
Rear Awening
Underbody Storage

Once you add-on the above upgrades, it takes the price to upwards of $27,000. Now we are getting up there in price.

Teardrop Trailers $15,000 and Up

Now once you crest the 15k mark, the trailer’s quality and features really start to step up and separate themselves from the more budget options.

For example, most in this range will come standard with All-Terrain Tires, upgraded suspension (compared to other models), and higher-end finishings. Like the other options, even these trailers can be upgraded to surpass the $30,000 mark.

Escapod Topo Series (Base Price $19,750)

Now, understand, we are a little partial here as CJ owns an Escapod Topo Series and we camp with it all the time, it’s super high quality, really well built, and looks great. So, with that said, understand we just love the Escapod. We cant really continue this section now without starting with….you guessed it, Escapod!

Oh, and we should mention, Escapod offers Rentals if you would like to try them specifically, click here to see Escapod rentals.

Standard Features:

Fully-Insulated Walls, Ceiling, & Floors
5″ Queen-Size Foam Mattress
Baltic Birch Interior Cabinetry
Angled-Headboard with Additional Storage
LED Lighting Throughout
Double Entry-Doors with Windows & Screens
Double-Pane Stargazer Window
Cover-Ready Magnetized Window Frames
Magnetic Exterior Door Catches
HDPE Galley with Stainless Steel Countertop
Steel Frame with 250-lb. Weight-Rated Fenders & Steps
Two 3000-lb.-Rated, Leveling Scissor Jacks
3500 lb. Torsion Axle Suspension
31″ All-Terrain Tires with 17″ Wheels
20″ Standard Ground Clearance
2″ Rear Hitch Receiver (Weight-Rated to 250 lbs.)

Standard Accessories Include:

2-Burner ENO Stove & 11 lb. Propane Tank
Four USB Charging Ports & One 12V Outlet
Four-Speed MaxxAir Exhaust Fan
YETI Tundra 65L Cooler on 500 lb. Locking Drawer Slides
Built-in NOCO Genius-10 Precision Battery Charger
ROAM Adventure Co. 6.5′ x 8′ Awning
Thule Evo Crossbars
Steel Storage Deck
Collapsible HDPE Side-Table
HDPE Cutting Board

Read that above list again, thats quite a bit of value packed into $19,000. Even with all of those standard Features and Accessories, you can of course add-on lots of other upgrades that will place this teardrop north of $30,000.

Upgrades and accessories available from Escapod include:

Utility Add-Ons:

Water Tank (21-Gallon)
Water Heater & Shower
Propane Heater
Air Cooling Unit
Blackout Insulated Window Covers
Noseeum Door Screens
Clear Bra Protective Film
Integrated Solar Panel
Inverter
Double Battery Bank
Air Compressor
12V Power – Galley

Accessories

Dometic Fridge/Freezer
2nd Yeti Cooler
Hitch-Mount Bike Rack
Roof Kayak Rack
55 in. 3-Season Rooftop Tent
63 in. 4-Season Rooftop Tent
2nd Awning
Awning Annex Room

Tongue Storage

Aluminum Tongue Box w/ Storage Slide & 12V Power
Aluminum Tongue Box
160L ROAM Storage Case
95L ROAM Storage Case
Molle Panel for 160L Rugged Case
Lid Organizer for 95L Rugged Case

Towing Accessories

Freeride Suspension System
Electric Brakes
Spare Tire + Mount
Fully Articulating Hitch
Mud Flaps (Tow Vehicle)

So, for fun, I added all the options on the Escapod website and overall the build cost came out to $37,335. That gives you an idea of how far you can take the Escapod. See our walkthrough video below we filmed last week while camping with the Escapod in Colorado. This video will give you some first-hand views and a complete walkthrough to give some perspective.

Timberleaf Classic Model (Base Price $21,000)

Featuring a fully insulated cabin to keep the wind, heat, and cold at bay. Available in a multitude of colors with stead-fast enamel-baked aluminum siding, and a clear anodized top for a unique look.

Weighing in at 1500-pounds dry, and a 150-pound tongue weight with optional accessories, this featherweight trailer is packed with features and carries an industry-respected name.