A Look Inside Teardrop Camper Interiors

Outdoor and camping enthusiasts are increasingly turning to teardrop campers as a way to get outside and enjoy nature while retaining many comforts of home. Lightweight and easy to haul behind most vehicles with a hitch, modern teardrop campers can have many of the amenities you could find in the larger recreational vehicles.

These small-but-mighty towable homes typically have a very distinct, iconic look. While some larger recreational vehicles try to mimic the unique curved shape, one thing that makes a classic teardrop camper special is its small size. Classic teardrops generally come in two sizes: 5’ x 8’ or 5’ x 10’. The photo above is 5’ x 10’ while the one below is 5’ x 8’. You can learn more about all Vistabule specifications here.

Another important distinction between classic teardrop campers and their larger competitors is the absence of indoor bathroom, shower, kitchen or stand-up space. While some RVs that borrow the desirable teardrop shape do include these amenities, we wouldn’t consider these to be traditional teardrops due to increased weight, size and complexities of accommodating these features inside.

Fortunately, the teardrop camper community has been busy creating innovative solutions for years. Numerous awnings and quick set up screen shelters are available to provide a range of weather protection and extend the covered space around smaller teardrop campers, which are easily accommodated even in smaller campsites. Bathroom and privacy shelter solutions exist like simple popup privacy shelters, sun showers, portable hot water shower systems, and portable bathroom systems.

Today’s teardrop campers usually have common features fashioned in a standard layout, which includes a sleeping area for two people inside the front cabin with a rooftop vent and access doors, as well as a galley off the back end with space for kitchen amenities and related storage. Exactly how these common features and layout come to life in different makes and models varies.

Modern teardrop campers have a number of design and amenity options but every teardrop manufacturer starts with their own version of a base package. While balancing features and price, ideally this includes what’s needed to hit the road and enjoy an elevated camping experience compared to tent camping. Some include more than others and these base features generally drive starting price along with design and construction quality.

A Teardrop’s cabin is the foundation of the camper and largely determines how you’ll interact with and use it. A simple more confined cabin will likely serve the solely utilitarian purpose of bed and storage for clothing and personal items. It will feel cozy for sleeping but may limit interactions with the outdoors and feel a bit claustrophobic on a rainy day. The more windows the better to keep you connected with nature. Good ventilation will provide comfort in a wider range of conditions. Flexible lighting and multi-purpose space can dramatically expand possibilities.

Space and functional efficiency in a teardrop is often optimized by incorporating multi-use elements. Vistabule includes an almost queen-sized bedroom that quickly converts into a couch with pop-up table for morning coffee, work space or lounging with a good book. Flip-up door tables double as side tables for the bed, and under-bed storage bins provide abundant space while doubling as footwells when in sofa mode.

Teardrops share some version of a cabinet wall or headboard cabinets to organize clothing, personal items and other adventure gear. Any other storage in the form of in-floor bins, wall hooks, nooks or book shelves is a bonus.

Pay attention to ventilation if you want to be comfortable inside your teardrop! Great ventilation starts with a quality rooftop fan. These include dual direction plus speed control and very quiet operation so you can hear what nature has to say and get a good night’s sleep. These fans and an evening breeze make quick work of cooling down the relatively small volume of a teardrop cabin.

Next, look for flexible airflow in the form of operable vents and screened windows that allow each camper to fine tune their comfort. Especially when sleeping, getting it just right for both campers is key.

Teardrop trailer kitchens are an extension of the interior and most include the following minimum features:

• Countertop
• Organization and storage for food and kitchen gear
• Lighting
• Some degree of weather protection with hatch open

Located at the rear of the trailer, the galley kitchen comes to life when you pop the hatch. Enjoy cooking outside with the added protection of the hatch lid extending over your head to protect your favorite camping meal from the elements. All of this combined with well placed galley lighting should allow you to set your headlamp aside for a more enjoyable cooking experience.

This is an area that offers plenty of customization to match your cooking aspirations.

As capable as any base package is, customizing your teardrop camper is almost irresistible. Many owners possess carpentry, sewing or technical skills to make their own modifications but manufacturers all offer ways for you to co-create the camper of your dreams.

At Vistabule, our owners often choose to customize their camper down to the tiniest details, from colors to climate control, plumbing to propane.

Are you a passionate cook? Vistabule’s kitchen options let you bring gourmet meals to the great outdoors. Add a two-burner propane cooktop and there’s no limit to what sort of feasts you can dream up.

You can add a fresh water system that includes a nine-gallon water tank, pump, sink, faucet, and sprayer. You can also add a pullout cabinet which conveniently fits an ice cooler or small refrigerator to keep food fresh longer, a three-drawer cabinet with a breadboard for preparing food, as well as additional storage for kitchen utensils. When it comes to galley customizations, we can create a kitchen any chef would be envious of – right down to the color of the countertop laminate.

Here are some of our popular add-ons that bring the comforts of home to your camping experience – no matter how far off the beaten trail you want to go:

• Propane Furnace – Perfect for when the nights start to turn a little colder, this efficient heat source helps ensure you stay cozy and comfy while you make the most higher elevation adventures or avoid the crowds on extended season camping trips.

• Air Conditioning – Adding a small air conditioner can provide a refuge when you hit that unbearable heat & humidity, and that’s why Vistabule campers can be equipped with a 5000 BTU air conditioning option. This 120V unit is a small window air conditioner you might find in someone’s home so requires being plugged into an electrical hookup or portable generator.
• Rooftop or Portable Solar Panels – These are a popular option for many campers who want to have the power to keep most things running but still have the flexibility to explore and stay in more remote, off-grid locations. With these flexible rooftop panels, you get a continuous supply of 12V power literally anywhere the sun is shining!

• Li-Ion Power System – This system offers over 70 percent more usable energy than our standard AGM battery. It includes an upgraded onboard charger and an advanced battery monitor. These components are Bluetooth enabled and integrate with a free smartphone app to provide a simple power management setup.

• Interior lighting options – From multi-color LED lighting in the headboards to bendable galley lighting for directable low intensity illumination to our Stargazer package, which includes cabin front reading lights, dual USB outlets and device shelves on each side, we have lighting options to help you build out your dream teardrop camper.

Are you ready to get started with your very own custom teardrop trailer? Check out some of our additional luxury teardrop camper features.

If you’re interested in getting a teardrop camper but are worried about it not being comfortable or having to leave some of the luxuries of home behind – fear not! A teardrop is truly a tiny home on wheels that can be customized with style and functionality to let you enjoy many of the comforts of home away from home.

To get started on your own Vistabule journey, download our pricing worksheet or get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.