Can You Live in a Teardrop Trailer?

As an increasing number of jobs are becoming fully remote, it is now easier to get creative with living arrangements. The camper van trend, especially during the pandemic, got us thinking: can you live in a teardrop camper? The short answer is yes!

As long as you’re willing to make some sacrifices and spend some time getting creative with your accommodations, a teardrop camper can make for an adventurous home on wheels. Check out this comprehensive guide to help you decide whether a life on the road is right for you.

• What to Expect Living in a Teardrop Trailer
• Advantages of Living in a Teardrop Trailer
• Challenges of Living in a Teardrop Trailer
• Tips for Living in a Teardrop Trailer
• Picking the Right Spot for Your Teardrop

When deciding whether or not to live in a teardrop camper there are many factors to consider. Here is a breakdown of what to expect inside a teardrop:

One thing to keep in mind is the size of a teardrop camper. In terms of recreational vehicles, they are one of the smaller options. While this may deter some, to others it is an advantage to be able to fit in those small rustic camp sites and have less to customize and maintain.

Check out the full specs on the Vistabule teardrop camper.

Sleeping Area

The sleeping area of the teardrop comfortably fits two people and is completely customizable to include any additional storage and lighting that you may need.

In most teardrop campers this area easily converts into a couch with a small table to enjoy a meal, work from “home”, or play a game with your travel companion.

The Kitchen

In most teardrop trailers the kitchen exists in the back of the camper and is protected by a hatchback covering.

These kitchens are completely customizable with tons of add-on options to choose from. From the way you cook, to how you store your supplies, you can decide what to prioritize and what is necessary for you to be comfortable living on the road.

If you truly want to live on the road in your teardrop camper planning how you’ll access amenities might be the most important aspect of the the process. Learning how to safely and legally gain access to power and water are two of the biggest challenges facing the nomad lifestyle.

Here are some tips from Vistabule to make these challenges a little easier:

Power

When it comes to powering your teardrop camper there are a few ways to do so.

The first and arguably most important method is via your trailer’s onboard battery. This powers the majority of the features and options on a trailer. Your trailer battery can be charged via your tow vehicle with the proper 7-Pin connection, using solar power (Vistabule offers both fixed rooftop panels, as well as a portable panel), or through a 120V connection to a wall outlet or designated outlet at a campground.

Plugging directly into a power source, often referred to as city or shore power, at an established campground, is the simplest and most reliable way to obtain power and charge your battery, but it isn’t always going to be the most accessible. As trailer camping grows in popularity, booking or reserving these designated hook-up sites can be a greater challenge. They also tend to cost more per night than a more rustic site.

The last option for powering a teardrop camper is by using a gas generator or portable power bank like the Jackery. Please be aware that energy heavy appliances like an AC unit will drain these devices quickly, especially a Jackery, so it is advised that you do not rely solely on these to power an AC. Also be aware of the noise pollution created by a gas generator and its potential negative impact on those trying to enjoy nature.

Related Reading: How to Power a Teardrop Trailer?

Water

Similar to powering your teardrop camper, having access to water is another element of living on the road that requires planning ahead. Planning ahead by storing water or being sure you have access to a fresh water connection is crucial.

At Vistabule, we have options for both water storage and water systems. So whether you’re enjoying a rustic site or you are hooked up at a campground, your teardrop trailer is equipped with everything you need.

With options like the Fresh Water, a propane stove, furnace, powered cooler, and more, the Vistabule offers versatility with its many available amenities.

There are many advantages to living in a teardrop camper. Some of our favorite reasons are:

• Minimalism: Living with minimal belongings can be an escape from a lifestyle prone to overconsumption.
• Portability: Life on the road makes it easy to make home where ever you want it to be.
• Sustainability: Minimal belongings can mean minimal waste.
• Community: There are so many people adapting to this type of living. Whether you find them online or at the next campsite over this lifestyle can introduce you to an entire community of like minded individuals.
• Affordability: Living minimally means spending minimally. As long as you plan ahead it is easy to make living in a teardrop camper affordable.

When making this decision there are some pretty major challenges to consider. Some of these are:

• Limited Space: Getting used to minimal space and storage can be a huge adjustment but Vistabule is here to make it easier with tons of storage solutions to choose from
• Lack of Amenities: Planning ahead for things like power and water may seem like a lot when it is something that requires minimal effort now. However the adjustment might be easier than you think with solutions from Vistabule like the water storage tanks.
• Legal Limitations: The legal requirements for living on the road vary by state so it is important to research your limitations ahead of time.

Adjusting to life on the road? Check out these tips to make it a little more comfortable:

While teardrops may not have bathrooms inside the camper there are many ways around this. The obvious solution is to use a campground restroom or finding a remote area near your campsite. If you choose to do the latter it is important to leave no trace.

The camping community has come up with creative solutions to this problem. The most common solution is to have a portable toilet that lives outside your teardrop trailer. Campers have found impressive ways to make this solution more comfortable and improve privacy.

When it comes to storage in a teardrop camper the best thing to do is minimize belongings. However, to store the belongings you do need all it takes is creativity and some customization. Here are some of Vistabule’s favorite storage solutions:

1. Headboard Storage
2. Trailer Tongue Box
3. Front Storage Compartment
4. Pullout Cooler Cabinet

Related Reading: Teardrop Trailer Storage Ideas

One of the biggest advantages to living in a teardrop camper in comparison to a large RV or camper van is that your living space is disconnected from your daily driver. This makes it so you can set up a cozy living site but also take your vehicle to find new hikes or run errands.

This means that choosing your towing vehicle is one of the more important decisions you’ll need to make when planning your life on the road.

Here are just a few things to consider:

• Gas Milage
• Towing Capacity
• Room for Extra Storage

Once you settle on how to customize your new home on wheels it is time to decide where to set up camp.

Finding a campground is by far the easiest way to enjoy your teardrop. Many people who live in teardrop trailers spend as much time as they can camping in more remote and scenic areas and then spend a night or two at a larger more establish campground when it is time to fill their water tanks, charge their batteries and have a bit of a more luxurious shower.

Boon-docking is what people in the camping world call free camping. If your batteries are fully charged and your water tank is full there are great options for sites that allow you to save some money while getting a rustic camping experience immersed in nature.

Related Reading: Primitive Camping

With this full guide it should be easy to decide if living in a teardrop trailer is right for you? Whether you’re ready to live in one full time or just looking for some added adventure in your life check out Vistabule to design and build a custom teardrop trailer. For all of our options check out our pricing guide or contact us to come check them out for yourself.