© Teardrops NW
American Pastime
In the early days of motoring after the turn of the 20th century, Americans managed extended road trips by staying with friends or camping in tents outside their cars. As car travel and camping grew by necessity during the Great Depression — and afterward as highways improved — DIY-prone road warriors built tiny teardrop-shaped towable structures for sleeping and gear storage, and the travel trailer was born. Perhaps the most recognizable travel trailer is the shiny aluminum Airstream, first designed and built by Wally Byam in the 1930s.
© Dub Box
Teardrop and Tiny Trailer Popularity
One of the most popular travel trailer styles, the teardrop’s small stature makes it easy to tow behind most properly equipped passenger vehicles. Thanks to a teardrop trailer’s aerodynamic shape (or a tiny trailer’s footprint), drivers can still see the road behind them, and when maneuvering in close quarters — such as backing around a corner — it’s easier to see beyond a teardrop or small trailer rather than a boxy trailer or bulky fifth-wheel. Most teardrop and tiny trailers are typically not tall enough for adults to stand up inside, although they will accommodate most in a seated position.
© Escapod
Made in the USA: A Trailering Trade
The popularity of RVing and budget travel remains strong, and demand for unique teardrop and tiny trailers continues to grow at a rapid rate. Today a surprising number of American businesses — both small and large — manufacture high-quality travel trailers so folks can feel a sense of pride when they buy a product made in the USA from a local company. By no means an exhaustive list, read on for details about some amazing teardrop and tiny trailers made in the USA today — all with starting prices less than $30,000.
© Aero Teardrops
Aero Teardrops
Portland, Oregon
Steel 5 x 10: Starts at $16,999
A small company on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon, Aero Teardrops builds lightweight, affordable handcrafted trailers. The company offers three models of differing sizes and price points, and with as many standard features as possible there’s a limited number of options, so buyers have less chance of extending beyond their budgets. With a decidedly retro design, Aero Teardrops have a look of sturdy, solid comfort. Now Aero Teardrops offers roof-rack tent options for groups of more than two adults.
© Aero Teardrops
Aero Teardrops
Portland, Oregon
Steel 5 x 10: Starts at $16,999
The interiors of Aero Teardrops are a sight to behold. From the clear alder wood cabinetry to an amazing kitchen out back, these teardrops take camping to the next level. There’s even an additional bunk bed option in the 5 x 10 to squeeze in an extra body of small stature. The company’s website offers an excellent Trailer Builder tool that allows a shopper to configure and price a trailer in real time — and then order it.
© Aliner
Aliner
Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania
Scout-Lite: Starts at $13,995 (est.)
A trailer that puts a slight twist on the standard teardrop shape, Aliners are pop-top A-frame campers with hard walls. Made with pride in Pennsylvania, Aliner models range from the minimalist Scout-Lite to the decked-out Expedition for families. The cool thing about an Aliner is that drivers have maximum rearward visibility while towing, and once at a campsite the Aliner can be popped up into a completely hard-sided camper trailer in less than a minute.
© Aliner
Aliner
Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania
Scout-Lite: Starts at $13,995 (est.)
Another big draw of an Aliner is the interior standing room — a big benefit not found in most teardrops and tiny trailers. Many Aliner models also have pop-out dormers for increased interior space, such as at a dinette (shown above). Aliner A-frame trailers are also lightweight so they can be easily towed by most properly equipped crossovers, SUVs and pickups.
© American Teardrop
American Teardrop Trailer
Auburn, California
Osprey 3.5: Starts at $4,945
A custom-build trailer company out of California, American Teardrop’s 2021 models range from the entry-level, twin-mattress-width Osprey 3.5 that starts at $5,000 to the Harrier, which can accommodate a California King bed and starts at $12,295. American Teardrop offers a plethora of options (wooden icebox, anyone?) and packages (Classic, Baja, Off Road) that helps customers configure the exact trailer for their needs.
© American Teardrop
American Teardrop Trailer
Auburn, California
Osprey 3.5: Starts at $4,945
Standard features of an American Teardrop Trailer include a welded steel frame, an aluminum exterior, carpeted interior walls, linoleum floors and birch cabinets. Packages and options can be added to all five ATT models so owners can configure trailers to their exact custom specifications.
© Bean
Bean Trailer
Salt Lake City, Utah
Bean Stock: Starting at $18,990
Bean Trailer is the 2020 Utah Manufacturer of the Year award winner for good reason. Bean builds four impeccable models (Bean Stock, Classic Bean, Mean Bean and Meaner Bean), and the trailers differ in size, features and off-road abilities. The company says the Mean Bean is their most popular model, and when outfitted to order it typically pencils out around $28,000.
© Bean
Bean Trailer
Salt Lake City, Utah
Bean Stock: Starting at $18,990
Inside, a Bean Trailer has a Euro-cool vibe thanks to clean lines, subdued colors and ingenious cabin arrangements. Trailer options run the gamut from spare tire covers and pop-up tables to Truma heaters and rooftop tents. Bean also is running a limited-time offer on a Mean Bean off-road trailer with specific features for $20,900. The Bean website ranks among the best for navigating and ordering.
© Big Woody Teardrop Campers
Big Woody Teardrop Campers
Elk Mound, Wisconsin
Deluxe: Starts at $8,979
A company that recalls trailering days of yore, Big Woody Campers offers not only complete trailers, but also teardrop plans (with CD and templates), U-Finish models as well as teardrop trailer kits (wood, kitchen, galley) for handy DIY folks, harking back to trailering’s kit-based roots. The company’s two complete trailers are the Deluxe and the Ultimate, which are all wood and absolutely beautiful to behold.
© Big Woody Teardrop Campers
Big Woody Teardrop Campers
Elk Mound, Wisconsin
Deluxe: Starts at $8,979
The Bid Woody Deluxe comes with a galley that includes a 54-quart Coleman cooler, upper and lower cabinets, a sink and water pump, and a 12-volt power outlet. The trailers also have an over-the-foot storage closet, an overhead shelf and a 12-volt light as standard equipment.
© Colorado Teardrops
Colorado Teardrops
Boulder, Colorado
Basedrop: Starts at $16,000
A now-familiar story among trailer companies, Colorado Teardrops started as a family business when an experienced boat builder and woodworker in the Centennial State discovered he could not rent a teardrop before purchasing, and the waiting period to obtain one would be six months. So he decided to build a teardrop himself, and from those humble beginnings the company was born.
© Colorado Teardrops
Colorado Teardrops
Boulder, Colorado
Basedrop: Starts at $16,000
Colorado Teardrops offers a line of trailers from the Basedrop — the smallest trailer designed around a queen-size bed — to the Summit Pinnacle, an extreme off-road trailer with bunk beds that convert to a sofa in addition to a queen-size bed. And since the owners believe in trying before buying, Colorado Teardrops rents camp trailers to potential customers so they can try their hand and catch the trailering bug.
© Dub Box
Dub Box USA
Aurora, Oregon
Dinky I (Sleeper Only): Starts at $18,625
Adventure II (With Kitchinette): Starts at $35,000
A company out of Oregon, Dub Box USA produces not only camping trailers but also retail carts, turnkey mobile food and beverage carts, sleepers and toy haulers. The unique aspect of all these units, as one might guess from the name, is that they resemble iconic VW buses of the 1960s and ‘70s. All Dub Boxes can be tailored to a customer’s specific needs.
© Dub Box USA
Dub Box USA
Aurora, Oregon
Dinky I (Sleeper Only): Starts at $18,625
Adventure II (With Kitchinette): Starts at $35,000
In terms of campers, the Dinky I sleeper includes a lightweight aluminum chassis, fiberglass body and bumpers, a 7-pin wiring harness, Reflectix insulation, “moon” style hubcaps, a queen-size mattress and a 30-amp power center. The Dinky II (Sleeper with Indoor Kitchenette) starts at $20,690. The Adventure I and II are larger units (interior shown above), with the II including a kitchenette.
© Earth Traveler Teardrop Trailers
Earth Traveler Teardrop Trailers
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Earth T300: Starts at $10,000
Earth T250LX: Starts at $30,000
These amazingly lightweight teardrops are inspired by avian concepts. Beautifully birdlike in design, the tent trailers feature a one-piece shell with pop-out walls and roof. The two models currently offered — the Earth T300 and Earth T250LX — are the same size and design; the difference is in their construction and materials. The Earth T300 is made from fiberglass, wood, Kevlar and resin-reinforced feathers.
© Earth Traveler
Earth Traveler Teardrop Trailers
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Earth T300: Starts at $10,000
Earth T250LX: Starts at $30,000
The Earth Traveler T250LX is constructed of carbon fiber, Kevlar and corecell. While these minimalist units have few creature comforts other than sleeping quarters and storage, additions are available such as a kitchen station and a table. Weighing less than 300 pounds, Earth Travelers can be towed by almost any tow-ready vehicle to virtually any campsite. A downside: delivery is 12–15 months out due to demand.
© Escapod
Escapod Trailers
Coalville, Utah
TOPO Series: Starts at $19,750
The trailer with the funky name (a play on escapade), Escapod trailers are handcrafted masterpieces. The attention to build detail is stunning, and every trailer this company in Coalville, Utah, cranks out brings in new loyal customers. The company’s hashtag #towandbehold brings up stunning images of customer trailers, customer images and press shots that showcase the personal attention and genuine care that goes into the creation and delivery of each trailer.
© Escapod
Escapod Trailers
Coalville, Utah
TOPO Series: Starts at $19,750
The TOPO Series is a 5 x 8 trailer constructed on a 2-inch by 2-inch welded and powder-coated frame. All exterior walls are aluminum. The extra standard features for 2021 are incredible at this price point (ENO 2-burner stove, propane tank, NOCO battery charger) and trailers are easily configurable online. (Escapod also offers the TOPO2 single-piece fiberglass model starting at $39,500.) One caveat: As of September 2021 the current lead time for a new trailer is 11 months.
© Forest River
Forest River
Elkhart, Indiana
R-pod 171: Starts at $25,000 (est.)
Forest River is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers and toy haulers. At 19 feet long and weighing in at 2,500 pounds, the R-pod stretches teardrop size to the extreme but deserves inclusion in this series about small trailers made in the good ol’ USA. Forest River bills the R-pod as the best-selling RV in its class, and that is likely because it is a true standup trailer with many convenience features for campers.
© Forest River
Forest River
Elkhart, Indiana
R-pod 171: Starts at $25,000 (est.)
Forest River employees build the R-pod using quality materials including steel and aluminum frame construction and a one-sheet fiberglass roof to eliminate any seams (and therefore less chance of moisture intrusion). Want even more convincing? Forest River is a Berkshire Hathaway company — if Warren Buffet believes in this company and its trailers, customers can too.
© Happier Camper
Happier Camper
Los Angeles, California
HC1: Starts at $29,950
Another decidedly retro-hip unit built in California, the Happier Camper HC1 is a fiberglass tiny trailer and not a teardrop, but its small stature and modular interior system make it a standout. The HC1 sleeps five, has a solar panel integrated with the trailer roof and an interior height a bit over 6 feet.
© Happier Camper
Happier Camper
Los Angeles, California
HC1: Starts at $29,950
Called the Adaptiv system, the interior of a Happier Camper is comprised of blocks that can be interchanged and moved around (even outdoors!) for a variety of trailer configurations to suit a camper’s needs. Happier Camper now offers the Traveler, which is larger than the HC1 at 14 feet of living length and it starts at $49,950.
© High Camp
High Camp Trailers
Portland, Oregon
High Camp: Starts at $21,500
Built in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, High Camp Trailers out of Portland, Oregon, has a design and build philosophy that many consumers will appreciate. The company has one model, they load it with lots of quality standard equipment instead of trying to upsell options, and build the trailers one at a time to exact customer specifications.
© High Camp
High Camp Trailers
Portland, Oregon
High Camp: Starts at $21,500
Standard equipment on a High Camp includes a remote-controlled 13-speed roof vent, a queen-size quilt-top mattress, anodized aluminum skin, a 3-burner cooktop and a stainless steel Coleman cooler, to name a few. New standard features for 2021 include a 12-volt Dometic CC40 refrigerator, a large capacity deep-cycle battery, a tongue utility box, dual composite propane tanks and a rear hitch receiver. The ordering process is spelled out in detail on the website, and the company is so customer-focused they even have a cancellation policy that is extremely thoughtful and fair.
© Hiker Trailer
Hiker Trailer
Denver, Colorado and Noblesville, Indiana
Highway Deluxe 5 x 8: Starts at $5,595
Hiker trailers come in four variants: Highway Deluxe, Mid-Range, XL Off-Road Hiker and Extreme Off-Road. The entry-level Deluxe has a rear galley door and some cupboards. Featuring a boxy style (think volume), all Hiker Trailers are aluminum-skinned for protection from the elements. The top-of-the-line Extreme Off-Road performs as the name implies: it has beefier everything to handle excursions off pavement.
© Hiker Trailer
Hiker Trailer
Denver, Colorado and Noblesville, Indiana
Highway Deluxe 5 x 8: Starts at $5,595
The Hiker Trailer website has order-form style inquiries, and a rep from Hiker Trailer will contact prospective customers to iron out details and final price. Unique aspects of Hiker Trailer are the company’s two build locations in Colorado and Indiana. The two relatively equidistant locales allow customers more access to the company if they choose to visit, and since Hiker Trailer has a rental program it gives prospective customers more access opportunities if they want to rent before purchasing.
© InTech
inTech RV
Nappanee, Indiana
Luna Rover: Starting at $22,000 (est.)
InTech RV makes three ranges of teardrop-style trailers: Flyer, Luna and Sol. The entry-level Flyer trailers are the smallest versions, with the Sol being the largest teardrop style. Midway is the Luna range, which features the Base, Rover, and Platinum.
© InTech
inTech RV
Nappanee, Indiana
Luna Rover: Starting at $22,000 (est.)
Lunas have doors on each side of the trailer, a front panoramic windshield, and LED lights at each door. Galley amenities include a sink with a residential-style faucet, a 2-burner LP stove and a slide-out 12-volt refrigerator, as well as blue LED accent lighting. Other standard features include a Bluetooth stereo/DVD player, in-floor storage compartments and a 2-inch receiver hitch for a bike rack.
© Little Guy
Little Guy Trailers
Uniontown, Ohio
Mini Max: Contact Dealer for Pricing
A division of Liberty Outdoors, Little Guy Trailers is one of the “big little trailer” companies in operation today. Although we don’t have specific pricing, the Mini Max starts right around $30,000. Little Guy trailers are sold throughout the U.S. as well as in Canada, Australia, Chile, Colombia and South Korea. In America, models are the MyPod, Little Guy Mini Max and Little Guy Max. The MyPod is an ultralightweight trailer molded in fiberglass that can be towed by compact cars. Weighing in at a mere 760 pounds, the MyPod features a full-size bed, air-conditioning, a 3-speed fan, and an entertainment center.
© Little Guy
Little Guy Trailers
Uniontown, Ohio
MyPod: Contact Dealer for Pricing
Priced around $23,000 and up, the popular Little Guy Mini Max has a more traditional teardrop shape, weighs about 2,300 pounds, sleeps 2–3 on dual twin beds or a queen-size mattress, has hardwood cabinetry, a 2-burner stove, a refrigerator, a dinette set, a furnace, a toilet/shower wet bath, a microwave and air-conditioning — to name a few features. These Little Guys really let a person camp with creature comforts and flair.
© New Wave Teardrop
New Wave Teardrop
Lewis Center, Ohio
5 x 8 Teardrop: Starts at $5,995
New Wave offers custom-configured, solid trailers with a clean, minimalist interior and plenty of combinations and options. Customers start with a base and then add a half or full galley unit (or no galley), and customization can go up from there. New Wave will customize any options to a customer’s preferences.
© New Wave Teardrop
New Wave Teardrop
Lewis Center, Ohio
5 x 8 Teardrop: Starts at $5,995
Standard exterior features on a New Wave teardrop include a 2-inch welded frame, 15-inch tires, aluminum fenders, all-aluminum exterior (painted white), two flip-down stabilizer bars, and an outside power hookup. Available options include a fan, air-conditioning, an exterior aluminum toolbox, Jeep-style fenders, an awning and a graphics package (at no additional charge), to name a few.
© Oregon Trailr
Oregon Trail’R
Eugene, Oregon
DoDrop: Starts at $6,150
FronTear Starting at $14,000
With its pioneering name and Pacific Northwest location, Oregon Trail’R is owned and operated by two talented brothers from Southern Oregon who have years of fabrication experience. (The videos on their website reveal the time, attention to detail and craftsmanship that go into each handmade trailer.) The company’s trailers get built on three platforms: DoDrop, FronTear and TerraDrop. The DoDrop is the entry-level trailer, a minimalist platform built to the exacting standards of all Oregon Trail’R products.
© Oregon Trailr
Oregon Trail’R
Eugene, Oregon
DoDrop: Starts at $6,150
FronTear Starting at $14,000
The FronTear is the brothers’ take on the classic teardrop with a refined art deco flair. The TerraDrop is logically the company’s most off-road-oriented version, touting more headroom and space. The DoDrop and TerraDrop can also be configure with the ALPHA package for extreme off-road trailering. The package includes full-body armorcoating, special laser-cut components (including the frame), integrated stabilizer jacks and Timbren axleless suspension.
© Polydrops
Polydrops
Glendale, California
P17A: Starting at $24,490
The tagline of this unique trailer is “Your own space.” The funky geometric design of this aluminum trailer’s exterior shape make it both aerodynamic and easily maneuverable. A fully loaded Polydrop weighs about 1,200 pounds, so it can be trailered by most roadworthy vehicles set up for towing.
© Polydrops
Polydrops
Glendale, California
P17A: Starting at $24,490
The P17A trailer looks like a space capsule that sleeps two cozy adults on a full-size mattress. It has many standard features including a heater and air-conditioner (both are battery powered), an inverter, 260-watt solar panels, Timbren independent suspension, and a removable table. Buyers can pip for battery or solar upgrades, as well as a potti module.
© Relic
Relic Trailers
Tacoma, Washington
Vintage Camper Essentials: Starting at $29,950
With a motto of “Rediscover. Reimagine. Recreate.” Relic Trailers builds a unique small trailer — one that recreates a nostalgic notion: a travel trailer with 1950s and 1960s Cadillac fins. Relics are constructed of fiberglass and a bare trailer weighs about 1,000 pounds.
© Relic
Relic Trailers
Tacoma, Washington
Vintage Camper Essentials: Starting at $29,950
Relic trailers sleep two adults. Standard features include 110-volt outlets, vintage reproduction hardware, blinds, standard RV windows and taillights, Marmoleum flooring, solid wood cabinets, laminate countertops (vintage glitter look optional), and chrome cabinet and drawer pulls. Options include a cooktop, a heating or cooling package, a sink with water tank, and buyers can also choose Cadillac or Pontiac style taillights. Standard colors are Relic Red, Celeste Blue, Buttercup Yellow, Flamingo Pink and Jetson Black.
© RetroRide
RetroRide Teardrops
Plover, Wisconsin
4 x 8 2-door: Starts at $6,650
RetroRide trailers are sleek, minimalist units that shine like diamonds thanks to their fingerprint-resistant aluminum skins and fenders. All RetroRide trailer frames are made in-house with both angled and round steel tubing. The trailers come in three sizes: 4 x 8, 5 x 8 and 5 x 10. Interiors are constructed using America-sourced woods.
© RetroRide
RetroRide Teardrops
Plover, Wisconsin
4 x 8 2-door: Starts at $6,650
Standard features on all three Retroride Teardrop sizes include a front rack, a Fantastic 3-speed roof fan, LED taillights and running lights, 110-volt outlets, a galley, a power control charger box and a 2-inch receiver hitch. Options include a 12-volt battery, additional windows, a spare tire, a toolbox and a roof rack. The more spacious 5 x 10 model starts at $9,850.
© Road Toad
Road Toad Campers
Necedah, Wisconsin
Road Toad ABODE: Starts at $6,767
Road Toad is a relatively new venture to build lightweight composite trailers at competitive prices. Road Toad trailers have unibody construction, which means they employ an integrated body-and-frame system (instead of body on frame) that the company says produces the lightest trailers available. Road Toads weigh 400–450 pounds and can be towed by a vehicle with as little as a 1,000-pound tow rating.
© Road Toad
Road Toad Campers
Necedah, Wisconsin
Road Toad ABODE: Starts at $6,767
The two models are the TOTES cargo teardrop utility trailer and the ABODE, which is a sleeper with a galley. Trailer features include a queen-size sleeping area, two side doors, screened windows, a large galley countertop, aluminum Jeep-style fenders, all LED lights and a composite body. Buyers have options to consider, including hitch-ball size, 12-, 13-, 14- or 15-inch wheels and tires, power packages, solar panels, storage boxes, powered fans and mattresses.
© Runaway Campers
Runaway Campers
Summerfield, Florida
CoolCamp: Starts at: $5,260
Billed as America’s most affordable mini-camper, Runaway Campers in Marion County, Florida, pays attention to every detail of their camper builds. With three models to choose from, Runaway has two sizes: 4 x 8 and 6 x 8. Their bread-and-butter model is the CoolCamp, which has a plethora of standard equipment.
© Runaway Campers
Runaway Campers
Summerfield, Florida
CoolCamp: Starts at: $5,260
The Runaway CoolCamp includes LED taillights, diamond-plate fenders and front plate, 13-inch chrome center-cap wheels, a 5,000 BTU air-conditioner with cover, a wheeled front jack, 110-volt power with a six outlet strip, aluminum exterior walls and square-tube welded frame construction. Options include extra shelves, windows, a roof rack, custom wheels. Runaway also offers the Venturist off-road trailer in two sizes, 4 x 8 and 6 x 8. Three option packages are offered as well. Venturist starts at $8,760.
© Rustic Trail
Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina
Koala Bear: Starting at $8,950
Sold on words such as affordable, handcrafted and easy to tow, Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers come in four models for 2021 ranging in price from the Koala Bear to the Kodiak Stealth ($13,950, shown above). All trailer models include a 3,500-pound frame, electric brakes and a 15-inch wheels including a spare. A family business that started in 2010, RTTC is always improving its products and features.
© Rustic Trail Terdrop Campers
Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina
Koala Bear: Starting at $8,950
Rustic Trail’s extensive, easily navigated website displays all trailers, accessories and options in an easy to build format. Available trailer options include a 5,000 BTU air-conditioner, a front rack or tool box, a deluxe MaxxAir fan, an outside table and aluminum rims, to name a few. One note though: all new trailer orders have an estimated lead time of 24 months.
© Scamp
Scamp Trailers
Backus, Minnesota
13-foot Scamp: Contact for Pricing
Built since the 1970s and billed as the world-famous fiberglass trailer, Scamps are not technically teardrops, but the smallest model puts it in the teardrop consideration set. Longer and taller than most of the tiny trailers covered thus far, Scamps come in lengths of 13 , 16 and 19 feet. Scamp trailers are built to order and sold factory direct through a dealership in Backus, Minnesota.
© Scamp Trailers
Scamp Trailers
Backus, Minnesota
13-foot Scamp: Contact for Pricing
The 13-foot model, which can be towed by most 4-cylinder vehicles, features a 2-piece fiberglass shell, full walk-in height, a screen door, sleeps 2-4 people and has a dining area that seats four and converts into a bed, and a sofa that converts into two bunk beds. Options include a powered roof vent, air-conditioning, a furnace, refrigerator, an awning and more.
© TAXA
TAXA Outdoors
Houston, Texas
TigerMoth: Starting at $18,550
TAXA Outdoors manufactures seven “habitats” from the tent-only Wooly Bear ($11,800) to the Mantis Overland ($50,990). Towable by many 4-cylinder vehicles, the TigerMoth has a unique, large side hatch that creates a “corner window” effect, letting the outdoors into the trailer. The TigerMoth’s large rear pull-out offers a versatile workspace for cooking. Flush with innovative features incorporated into intelligent design, the TigerMoth can go 7-plus days off-grid thanks to its integrated electrical systems.
© TAXA
TAXA Outdoors
Houston, Texas
TigerMoth: Starting at $18,550
Standard features for the teardrop-like 2-person TigerMoth are extensive and include Kynar-painted and UV-treated aluminum panels, tempered tinted windows, a torsion axle suspension with electric brakes, wiring for solar panels, a slideout kitchen with stove, foam-core interior walls, LED lighting, a single-speed vent fan and USB charging ports. Options include Thule load bars, screen doors and awning, a tongue-mounted tool box, an air-conditioner and a rooftop tent.
© Teardrops NW
Teardrops NW
Salem, Oregon
Trek: Starts at $14,500
Another great trailer company out of Oregon country, Teardrops NW manufactures two highway models — the Trek and Sojourn — and four off-road models — Scout, Recon, Ranger, Commander — to give folks freedom of choice. Teardrops NW also sells DIY kits and options for those independent folks who want to go their own way . . . and personally build the trailer that takes them there.
© Teardrops NW
Teardrops NW
Salem, Oregon
Trek: Starts at $14,500
The 5 x 8 Trek starts at $14,500 and includes cadence cabinetry, a rear galley, a 72-inch folding mattress, a 13-speed Fantastic vent fan, round fenders, 15-inch wheels in black or silver, a 2-inch receiver hitch, 110-volt, 12-volt and USB ports, LED lights, trailer brakes, a 7-pin wiring harness and a black powder-coated steel frame.
© Timberleaf
Timberleaf Trailers
Grand Junction, Colorado
Pika: Starts at $14,500
Classic: Starts at $23,400
Timberleaf’s attention to detail and quality craftsmanship have few peers in the industry. The trailers have so many incredible features and thoughtful touches it would be tough to list them all. The entry-level trailer is the Pika, which is 36 percent smaller than the Timberleaf Classic, the company’s first model. The Pika, like the Classic, has all wood construction from Baltic Birch, incorporating fine cabinetmaking features such as dovetail joints.
© Timberleaf
Timberleaf Trailers
Grand Junction, Colorado
Pika: Starts at $14,500
Classic: Starts at $23,400
The Pika shell is all aluminum, and other standard features include a roof vent, LED lights, two windows, two doors, a skylight, a full mattress, a retro laminate countertop with period aluminum edging, a power center, a deep-cell marine battery, two USB ports, a 110-volt GFCI outlets, a sink, a pullout drawer with cooktop shelf and a solid rear hatch. Options include an exterior side shelf, a tongue storage box, solar panels, a roof rack and awnings. (Classic model shown above.)
© Trail Marker
Trail Marker Outdoors
Barneveld, New York
Bushwacker: Starting at $8,995
Trail Marker trailers claim to be better than teardrop trailers for a number of reasons, although the most important one is that the trailer has no wood to rot – it is made of insulated aluminum walls and composite materials to withstand years of use and abuse. Trail Marker trailers are a product of Rolling Star Manufacturing, a company that makes all types of military, corporate and industrial trailers.
© Trail Marker
Trail Marker Outdoors
Barneveld, New York
Bushwacker: Starting at $8,995
The basic Bushwacker is 6 feet wide, 5 feet tall and has a 10-foot cab, no power, a queen bed and an awning. The top-line Sequoia is Trail-Marker’s flagship model featuring a power-lift bed (shown above), LED lighting, solar power, wood accent walls, stainless steel countertops, two awnings and many other features. Note that Trail Marker says on the website that they are not taking any new orders until January 1, 2022 and current lead times for a build are at 12 months, but that might shorten by January 2022.
© Vintage Overland
Vintage Overland
Grand Junction, Colorado
Tuco: Starting at $18,000
Another wood and aluminum trailer designed and built to the exacting standards of finish carpentry, Vintage Overland teardrops are created by three brothers in Colorado who pride themselves on integrity and craftsmanship. The brothers call their trailers caravans (as the Brits do) and they view them as vehicles to nowhere.
© Vintage Overland
Vintage Overland
Grand Junction, Colorado
Tuco: Starting at $18,000
Beautifully built to a minimalist aesthetic with a goal of simplicity, Vintage Overland trailers are intended for off-road use, and more like escape hatches from everyday life than mere recreational vehicles. Vintage Overland builds three models ranging in starting vistabuleprice from $18,000 to $24,500, plus add-ons including showers, racks, awnings and baskets. The trailers weigh from about 600 to 1,000 pounds so they can be towed by nearly any vehicle with a trailer hitch.
© Vistabule
Vistabule
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Base: Starting at $22,995
A teardrop trailer with an appropriate name thanks to its large picture window up front, the Vistabule puts a twist on teardrop design. In contrast to most teardrops that have the taller portion of the unit up front (nearest the trailer tongue) and then tapering to the rear, Vistabules reverse the shape and put the taller portion at the rear of the trailer and then the living space tapers toward the front. This design offers a forward-facing orientation.
© Vistabule
Vistabule
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Base: Starting at $22,995
Vistabule configuration starts with a base trailer containing a plethora of standard feature (flip-up sofa bed, side tables integrated into the door window coverings, a Maxxair fan, porthole windows, onboard battery charger, to name a few). Buyers can customize their trailers via four option groupings: Galley, Interior, Climate Control and Trailer. Vistabules also have a clever, convenient feature not found in most teardrops: a pass-through from the rear galley up front to the living space.
© Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries
Forest City, Iowa
2022 HIKE 100: Price TBD
Winnebago launches the 2022 HIKE 100, a new trailer that slots in as the entry model of the popular HIKE line. This tiny unit is less than 16 feet long and has a dry weight of 2,700 pounds, so it can be towed by properly equipped small SUVs. Notable exterior features of the HIKE 100 include a rear galley/storage area (with a Truma portable fridge/freezer), an exoskeleton Thule-compatible roof-rack system for larger gear such as kayaks; a powered awning on the camp side as well as a batwing awning covering the rear and driver side; and a 190-watt rooftop solar panel with a 30-amp charge controller. Even the trailer’s utility fenders have storage.
© Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries
Forest City, Iowa
2022 HIKE 100: Price TBD
The diminutive HIKE 100 sleeps two, but this weekend getaway trailer manages to pack in a lot of features thanks to creative solutions. Up front the unit has a wet bath with toilet and shower; a sink; and a cleverly stacked tiny galley that has a microwave up top, a refrigerator below and between them a slideout counter for food prep. (The unit also has an indoor/outdoor induction cooktop). At the rear, an east-west bed spans the trailer’s 7-foot width; designers even squeezed in a closet with hangers. The HIKE 100 comes with TV and Wi-Fi prep as well as USB and wireless charging.
