Teardrop campers have come back into the mainstream for hardcore campers and weekend wanderers alike. These tiny homes on wheels make it easy for people to pack up and go off the beaten path while bringing some of the comforts of home along with them.
With a spot for a bed, plenty of storage, and a kitchen unit for cooking and storing food, teardrops turn the camping experience into a luxurious one and are lightweight enough to be hauled behind most vehicles with a hitch.
Wondering what kinds of parts and accessories go into building a teardrop trailer? You’re not alone. Many potential buyers and builders alike are curious to know more about the parts that make up this iconic American trailer. Follow along as we guide you through the world of teardrop trailer parts.
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Common Teardrop Trailer Parts and Accessories
Of course, the parts you’ll find on a teardrop camper will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. There’s no one standard “teardrop trailer parts” list.
However, as with automobiles, there are features that most teardrop campers tend to share. Here are a few of the important parts you’ll find on a modern teardrop camper.
Teardrop Trailer Doors
On every teardrop trailer you’ll find a door, and sometimes two: one on each side. Understandably, doors on a teardrop trailer are often small, with one window. Having just a single door or even two small doors with small windows can sometimes limit visibility and make a teardrop trailer feel claustrophobic.
On Vistabule teardrops, you’ll find larger custom-shaped doors with large windows on both sides of the camper. These can be flung open to let a cool cross breeze through the camper and make the inside of the camper feel more spacious.
“On Vistabule teardrops, you’ll find larger custom-shaped doors with large windows on both sides of the camper.”
Teardrop Trailer Windows
If you’re like most people, you’re going to want to see out of your teardrop trailer. In a small space like a trailer, it can feel cramped without the perfect teardrop camper windows.
Traditionally, many teardrop windows have been small, and the entire trailer may only have 1-2 spots to look out and enjoy nature. We thought this presented an opportunity to improve the teardrop camping experience.
Vistabule’s huge front window, which you won’t find on other teardrops, is positioned right at the front in the cabin area. This window to the world lets you take in the amazing scenery during the day or stargaze while laying comfortably in bed at night.
It lets in tons of natural light so the camper feels cozy and bright, not claustrophobic. This window makes the surprisingly roomy teardrop camper interior feel even more spacious while also providing exceptional views.
Galley Kitchen
The kitchen may be more of an “area” than a “part,” but stay with us. If you’re going to be out on the road, you’re going to need to eat. And while eating out and making PB&Js may tide you over for a while, that won’t cut it for very long. Plus, one of the most fun parts of camping is cooking up good old-fashioned camping meals.
That’s why on many modern teardrop campers you’ll find a galley kitchen area at the rear of the trailer. This provides a space to prepare meals, wash dishes, and sometimes offers additional storage.
The Vistabule’s robust galley kitchen covers all the essentials and adds a unique pass-through that lets whoever is manning the kitchen chat, serve a cocktail, or share dinner with the person inside the trailer.
“The Vistabule’s robust galley kitchen covers all the essentials and adds a unique pass-through that lets whoever is manning the kitchen chat, serve a cocktail, or share dinner with the person inside the trailer.”
Popular Teardrop Trailer Accessories
There are a variety of different teardrop trailer accessories you can purchase to add to your pint-sized rig. Some of our favorites include:
An awning
Solar panels
A portable AC unit and/or furnace
A teardrop-sized refrigerator
A tongue box
Vintage Teardrop Trailer Parts
Many teardrop campers have a vintage look, with wood paneling or colors that evoke a sense of nostalgic Americana camping and teardrop campers’ rich history. This classic look is in high demand, and Vistabule’s parts strike the perfect balance between iconic design and contemporary style.
Now that you’ve had a chance to think through some of the important features of a teardrop camper, and what it takes to tackle the DIY project, you have an important decision to make. If you’re ready to build your own, best of luck (and send us a picture of the finished product!).
But for those who opt to buy a customizable teardrop, take a look at our pricing and options, download a pricing worksheet, or get in touch and let us know how we can help.
When to Buy vs. Build Your Teardrop Trailer
For those looking to head to the great outdoors but still enjoy some creature comforts, a teardrop camper might be a good option. Once you’re ready to get a teardrop, you may be wondering if building one is an option for you. Here are some of the top considerations for deciding whether to do it yourself or buy a custom trailer.
Buying a Teardrop Trailer
Building a camper from scratch can be a great way to customize the teardrop – but that’s only if you’re handy and have experience in building, woodworking, electrical, and design.
If you’re set on going the DIY route, you’ll want to start by thinking through all the various features you’ll want. What size bed? What will storage look like? How many windows will you have? What sort of lighting options do you want?
Next, you’ll need to procure the teardrop trailer parts. Often, you can’t just run to your local hardware store to pick up these items. You may need to special order some of the parts.
This can include big things like frames, tires, windows, doors, and lumber to small things like hinges, sealants, electrical components, vents, trim, shocks, and more.
You’ll also need to think through protecting the trailer from the elements, including sealants to keep out damaging moisture, as well as insulation to make sure occupants stay cool.
In addition, you’ll need to make sure the DIY trailer is safe, not only for you as the one hauling it behind your vehicle, but for others on the road.
These teardrop trailer parts and materials may need to be sourced from a variety of manufacturers to create a complete, modern teardrop trailer (not a plywood box on wheels). These materials can add up, and you may end up needing to rent additional tools.
When you add in all the materials plus the time spent building a trailer (not to mention the multiple trips to the hardware store that come with any DIY project, you may find that the cost savings really aren’t that great when compared to buying a teardrop.
“Building a camper from scratch can be a great way to customize the teardrop – but that’s only if you’re handy and have experience in building, woodworking, electrical and design.”
Building a Teardrop Trailer
But if you’re handy and resourceful and have the time, money, and space to build your own trailer, there are a number of benefits to building one yourself. The main benefit of doing this is that the trailer will be custom-made to your preferences from top to bottom.
For those of us who might not have the craftsmanship skills to build a teardrop from scratch, or perhaps have been banned from taking on more DIY projects by our significant others (or is that just me?), buying a base model camper from a manufacturer and then customizing it to your liking might be the best route.
For example, at Vistabule, our campers are high-end with all the comforts you might want, but we have a full range of customizable options to help meet your desired functionality, comfort, and budget.
Vistabule’s parts and quality, craftsmanship, and design set it apart from both other manufacturers and DIY trailers. When you’re getting ready to invest in a teardrop camper, whether that’s building one yourself or buying one, even the smallest details can have a big impact on the overall functionality.
This is why the quality of the parts and construction play such a big role in deciding on a teardrop. You can read about the full range of pricing and options or explore our interactive pricing worksheet. Of course, our team is always available to discuss certain options and which features are available to help build the teardrop camper of your dreams.