Teardrop Trailers 101

Our goal is to provide you with an intutive hub to easily find valuable information and support your research into the wonderful world of teardrop campers. We welcome your feedback on how we can improve this page and any other content on our website. Simply email info@vistabule.com with your thoughts.

Maybe the most distinctive feature of a teardrop trailer is the shape from which it gets its name. Teardrops are typically 4′ or 5′ wide by around 10′ long with a large, round front that tapers towards the rear. A true teardrop trailer will have enough space in which to sleep and sit, but not to stand up. Despite their iconic aesthetic, most modern teardrop trailers offer many of the comforts of home. True teardrops won’t have a bathroom inside and you won’t be able to take a shower.

The two sizes most common to teardrop trailers are the 4′ x 8′ model and the 5′ x 10′ model. As you might’ve guessed, the 4′ x 8′ models are usually less expensive than their 5′ x 10′ counterparts. Trailers big enough to stand up in are in an entirely different class of trailers. Even if they happen to be teardrop-shaped, the storage, towing weight, and system complexity implications make owning one of these larger trailers a very different experience from owning a teardrop. Want to learn more about teardrop trailers? Head to our ultimate guide for all you ever wanted to know (and more).

Teardrops strike the perfect balance between comfort and flexibility. Having a cozy enclosed space lets you extend the camping season far beyond what it would be if your were sleeping in a tent. Added storage space offers a place for more of the things you love to bring with you on the road. A galley kitchen provides the tools and space you need to prep delicious meals once you’ve grown tired of roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. At the same time, teardrops are significantly more affordable and easy-to-use than motor homes.

The average motor home runs around $100,000. Pop-up campers, while cheaper than a teardrop, can still range from $7,000 – $20,000 for a mid-level model. This doesn’t include the costs of ongoing maintenance and rapid depreciation. Luxury teardrops, on the other hand, start at the $20,000 – $25,000 range and are more likely to retain their value over the long term.

One of the biggest advantages to owning a teardrop trailer is convenience. When you get the itch to get away for a week (or a month), all you need to do is hook up your trailer and hit the road. And don’t worry about needing to have the right automobile for the job; most true teardrop trailers, including the Vistabule, can be towed behind almost any vehicle with minimal impact on fuel usage.

Unlike larger motor homes, teardrops can go wherever your car can. Plus, with a teardrop, you can leave the crowded campgrounds behind and head to the back country for a real adventure.

We’ve put in some serious work creating a design that’s tailored to the needs of our customers down to the smallest detail.

The huge front window, which you’ll only find on Vistabule trailers, offers a view to the outside world and makes the interior feel spacious, not claustrophobic. The birch and maple interior create a sense of warmth and coziness that pairs perfectly with cool nights in America’s back country. The cabin is roughly the size of a queen bed and quickly transforms into a sofa for comfortable sit-up lounging.

Our selection of optional features has been carefully curated so you can customize your Vistabule trailer to your needs.

Views are in, claustrophobia is out. Check out our base package options for more details.

We’re proud of the collection of options we’ve assembled to help you balance functionality, comfort, and budget. Vistabule options are grouped by category: galley, interior, climate control, and trailer. Choose from our most popular add-ons or create a custom combination that is entirely your own.

At Vistabule, we’ll work with you to turn your dream into a reality. Do you envision a comfortable cabin with mood lighting and climate control for luxurious lounging day and night? Or do you picture a kitchen with all of the equipment needed to cook up your favorite camping meals? Whatever you have in mind for your teardrop, our expertly-curated options will help you get there.

But we’ve just scratched the surface when it comes to options. For more information read our article on how to create your custom teardrop trailer.

From climate control to the large front window, from added storage space to the ingenious pass-through between kitchen and cabin, Vistabule teardrop interiors are designed with the user in mind. Our base model interior features maple and birch woods, a collapsible queen-sized sofa-bed, warm, bright lighting, door tables, and more.

Our interior options make it easy to bring many of the comforts of home with you when you’re on the road. Need USB outlets? Vistabule has duel USB and device shelves on each side of the trailer included in the Stargazer package. Stickler for the right temperature? Heating and cooling options let you maintain the internal temperature you want, year-round. Bookworm? Plentiful interior lighting lets you enjoy your favorite book late into the night.

Ready to learn more? Head to our article on teardrop trailer interiors or contact our team for the full scoop.

Teardrop trailer specifications will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Below is an overview of Vistabule’s most important specs. For more detailed information, head to our specs page.

Body length – 10′
Total length – 14′
Body width – 5′
Width including wheels & fenders – 6′ 10″
Tongue weight – 130-160 lb.
Approx empty weight – 1330 lb.
Approximate weight of a fully loaded trailer WITHOUT gear and water – 1695 lb.

Good news: at a weight of 1300-1600 lbs, Vistabule teardrop trailers can be pulled behind most vehicles with little effect on fuel usage. Keep in mind that a trailer hitch and a seven wire pin will be required for towing.

We recommend storing your Vistabule inside if possible. If that’s not an option, use a fitted, beatheable cover for extended storage. Like all other things man-made, your Vistabule will appreciate protection from the elements when not serving you on your adventures.

Owners living in or traveling through freezing temperatures need to be prepared to “winterize” the water system. This is a simple process of draining the water out of your fresh (and gray if you have one) water tanks followed by adding about a quart of propylene glycol antifreeze to your freshwater tank. Then turn on faucet and sprayer until you see antifreeze flowing. This ensures your pump and fixtures are protected when temps drop. Thoroughly flush and fill up when things warm up and you’re good to go.

Another cold weather storage requirement is to take proper care of your battery. Cold temps are not kind to batteries. Fully charging your battery before removing and storing indoors is your best solution. The only other requirement is to keep your battery in a charged state. Lead-acid batteries, which can loose significant voltage over time when stored require a little more attention than LiFePO4 batteries. Checking battery voltage every month or two during the off season will tell you if you if you need to top it off.

Vistabule will provide you with a certificate of origin and a PAID invoice document. Those are the two items you need to take with you when you go to register your trailer at your local DMV.

With your teardrop trailer you have the freedom to explore America’s great wildernesses. Plan a camping trip to Glacier National Park or take a road trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see the fall colors. Whether you’re into “glamping” or getting off the beaten path, your Vistabule is your ticket to outdoor adventure. Below are links to help you get started planning your next trip. Of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Vistabule team or community for tips and ideas. You’ll find a community that’s passionate about sharing their experiences!

• Find a national park
• Find a state park
• Plan your next road trip
• Vistabule Facebook page