I’m interested in camping, but I haven’t done much of it in my life. When I heard about the types of vehicles available, like a camper or a Teardrop trailer, I wanted to figure out the difference.

What is the difference between a camper and a teardrop trailer? Below is a table that shows some of the main differences between campers and teardrop trailers:

Besides size and space, there are still more differences between campers and teardrop Trailers. In this article, I will explain some of these differences, and the advantages and disadvantages of each, in more detail.

What are the Advantages of a Teardrop Trailer?

There are several benefits to getting a teardrop trailer. Listed below are some of these advantages, which can then be compared to those of camper trailers.

• They are low-impact: Many teardrop trailers can fit in garages or driveways, with an average of five to seven feet in width. They will fit in nearly all campgrounds, and won’t put as much pressure on a vehicle to drive around. They are easy to tow around and to store. Teardrop trailers have all more space than camper trailers and are still slightly more spacious.
• They are customizable: Teardrop trailers have a lot of add-on options. You can add visors, awnings, shade rooms, and tents to your trailer. This is a cheap way to tent in the way you may prefer, especially since they don’t come with a lot at first. Some builders can even customize these types of trailers for your specific needs.
• They are low cost: Because teardrop trailers are so much smaller than other forms of camping vehicles, they are much cheaper as well. Unlike large trailers with a lot of amenities and extras, these don’t have a lot, and so they cost a lot less as well. That’s a great advantage if you want to camp on a budget.
• They have a great aesthetic: These trailers are not bulky, and the teardrop shape gives them a great aesthetic. They can also have things like wooden exteriors and retro paint designs to bring out the personality of the owner. Many people like this type of trailer purely because of the ways it looks!
• They are versatile: Because of their light weight and the ease in which they can be towed, these trailers can go to a numerous amount of places. They can go offroading and in tighter spots than perhaps a camping vehicle of a larger size.
• They are more spacious than camper trailers: Teardrop trailers are not big, but they do provide a little more room than camper trailers. They have headspace and room to walk around in, unlike many camper trailer options.
• They are easy to tow: Unlike camper trailers, these are a bit easier to tow around. This is because they are heavier, and so don’t swing around as much, making backing up and turning a bit easier for the driver.

What are the Disadvantages of a Teardrop Trailer?

Teardrop trailers seem great, but they do also come with some disadvantages that are important to consider.

• They are pretty small: Teardrop trailers are of the smallest type of camping trailer. This means that if you have a large family or simply want a lot of space, you might not get that with this kind of trailer. This also means that there is limited storage, so it could be difficult for long road trips.
• They don’t have bathrooms: This can be a huge disadvantage for people who need a little luxury in their camping. Teardrop trailers don’t always have the space or capability to have bathrooms. However, pop-up and portable toilets and showers are still an option.
• They don’t always have indoor kitchens: Again, because of their size, these types of trailers don’t often have room for fully functional indoor kitchens. Most do, however, have a clamshell back that opens and can hold kitchen gear, and many campsites have cooking areas available outdoors.

What are the Advantages of a Camper Trailer?

Campers have many differences in size, style, and function to each other, but there are some advantages that they have in general.

• They are low-impact: Like teardrop trailers, camper trailers are small and can easily be towed around. They can be stored pretty easily and don’t take up a lot of space on driveways or in storage units. These trailers typically have just the basics, so it’s also less of an environmental impact as well.
• They are low cost: Camper trailers are also good for lower budget campers. They are small and don’t have many bells and whistles, and so they don’t need a big price tag. They can be cheaper than many teardrop trailers.
• They provide an authentic camping experience: Because they don’t come with a lot, when you use a camper trailer, you truly are camping with a more authentic experience. It’s easier to bring along than most other forms of camping equipment, and it lets you be close to nature in a more personal way than a trailer might.
• They are versatile: Similar to teardrop trailers, camper trailers can go to many places and can include add-on additions. They are great options for shorter trips or ones where you won’t be in need of a lot of stuff.
• They don’t need repairs as often: Because camper trailers aren’t motorized, they are less likely to have parts break and require repairs. If anything does need repairing, it can be done at a relatively low cost because the parts are not too complex.

What are the Disadvantages of a Camper Trailer?

Camper trailers also, unfortunately, come with a few disadvantages, especially when compared with teardrop trailers.

• They have less storage space: While teardrop trailers don’t have a lot of storage space, camper trailers tend to have even less. If you have a lot of stuff to bring, it might not all fit on this type of trailer. Typically these come with a bed and a bit of space for cooking gear and not much else.
• They need to be set up: Unlike teardrop trailers that typically come ready to go, camper trailers are towed behind your vehicle and must be set up once you reach your destination. This can take up time, and while it may not be extremely difficult, it can still be hard, depending on the type you get.
• Drivers need to be careful: Of course, drivers should always be careful, but with camper trailers, it’s important so that the trailer does not get damaged. It can be less maneuverable and more apt to swing around when being towed than a teardrop trailer, and so the driver must be cautious and pay attention when making turns or if it’s windy so the camper trailer makes it to the destination safely.
• No bathroom or indoor kitchen: Similar to teardrop trailers, camper trailers don’t have the space for indoor kitchens or bathrooms. However, also like with teardrop, pop-up or portable options are a possibility, although they come with less storage space, that can sometimes be more difficult with a camper trailer.

Is One Better than the Other?

When it comes to camping, everyone is different. How much space you want, or how much storage, can vary. If you want a more authentic experience or if you don’t mind setting up your campsite can affect what type of trailer you may want to get.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both, it all just depends on the camping style that you feel is best for you.

Related Questions:

What other camping options are there? Along with camper and teardrop trailers, other options are hybrid trailers, travel trailers, camper vans, RV’s, Fifth Wheels, and Motorhomes. Some of these have subtypes and classes as well.

Do you need a license to tow a trailer? If you have a regular car license, you can tow trailers weighing no more than 750kg. You can also tow heavier trailers with a car as long as the total weight of vehicle and trailer isn’t more than 3,500kg.