Renting a Teardrop Trailer Minimal Footprint, Maximum Adventure

What Is a Teardrop Trailer?

A teardrop trailer gets its name from its shape — a rounded, aerodynamic profile that tapers from front to back like a teardrop. The interior is primarily a sleeping cabin with a queen or full-size mattress. Some models add storage shelves, USB charging ports, a small TV mount, a fan and basic lighting. That's about it for the inside.

The real feature is the rear galley. The back hatch lifts up to reveal a compact outdoor kitchen — typically a 2-burner cooktop, a small sink, storage for cooking gear and sometimes a small fridge. You cook outside with the hatch as your rain shelter. It's a clever design that keeps cooking smells and heat out of your sleeping space.

Weight is where teardrops shine. Most weigh 1,000-2,500 lbs — a fraction of a travel trailer. Some ultra-light models come in under 1,200 lbs, making them towable by compact cars and hybrids. The aerodynamic shape causes minimal drag. Fuel economy with a teardrop in tow drops only 2-5 mpg from your normal driving — versus 8-15 mpg loss with a boxy travel trailer.

The limitation is honest: teardrops are for sleeping and cooking. There's no bathroom, no sitting area, no room to hang out inside when it rains. If you're active travelers who use your camper as a base camp between hikes, bike rides or beach days, a teardrop is perfect. If you want to spend rainy days reading inside, you need more space.

Teardrop vs Other Small Campers

• → Teardrop vs pop-up camper: Pop-ups sleep 4-8 and have interior living space. Teardrops sleep 2 with no interior space beyond the bed. Pop-ups have canvas walls (less weatherproof). Teardrops are fully hard-sided and sealed against weather. Pop-up guide.
• → Teardrop vs campervan: Campervans are self-driving (no towing) with more interior space and sometimes a bathroom. But they cost $100-$250/night to rent. Teardrops are cheaper and you keep your own vehicle for day trips. Campervan guide.
• → Teardrop vs rooftop tent: Rooftop tents mount on your car's roof rack. Similar "bed on wheels" concept but teardrops have a proper mattress, storage, a galley kitchen and weather protection that rooftop tents can't match. Teardrops don't require climbing a ladder in the rain at 2am.

Pros and Cons

Where to Rent a Teardrop

Teardrops are exclusively peer-to-peer rentals. Private owners list their personal trailers on Outdoorsy and RVshare. Inventory is smaller than travel trailers or motorhomes — teardrops are a niche category. Book 3-4 weeks ahead in summer to ensure availability in your area.

Who Should Rent a Teardrop?

• → Couples who camp actively. If your days are full of hiking, biking, kayaking or exploring — and you just need a dry bed and a way to cook — a teardrop is the right fit. It's a base camp, not a living room.
• → People without a truck. If you drive a Subaru, RAV4 or any mid-size vehicle, a teardrop opens up camping options that larger trailers can't. No need to rent a truck too.
• → Minimalists. If the idea of owning or managing a 30-foot RV makes you anxious, a teardrop's simplicity is the antidote. Hitch, drive, park, sleep. No leveling, no slides, no sewer hookups.
• → Festival and event campers. Teardrops fit in tight festival camping areas. They're secure (lockable) and don't require you to set up a tent in a crowded field. Popular at music festivals and racing events.

Teardrop FAQ