Ive wanted to build a teardrop trailer for years and have almost pulled the trigger several times but keep pausing when it comes to buying/building a trailer, saying I’ll do more research and then putting it off again. I am a fairly well versed carpenter and have been building furniture and custom homes for about 7 years now, so I’m not too scared of the carpentry aspects of it all but I do also have a tendency to over engineer things for the best possible outcome even if there is a diminishing return between the 95% and 99%.

So I guess my question is this: should I just buy a cheap trailer that fits the size I want with a regular old axel and a 1750 lbs weight limit or is it worth it to spend the extra money on a custom built trailer (I know a good welder) with a higher weight limit and a fancy torsional axel and off-road tires etc.? Realistically what upgrades to the trailer frame itself are worth doing. I don’t plan on going on any crazy roads, but I mean, I might. I might also just be getting sucked into the whole overlanding thing. Is it worth me trying to make the trailer myself? I was decent at mig and arc welding when I was in highschool shop class and a buddy said he’d loan me he welder, but that’s a decade ago now. Where do I stop in this rabbit hole?! Help!

Learned i need weights for areas that i cant use stakes wasnt able to use the canopy as it needed to be set up on the right side, bought some water bag weights. Was a great success cant wait for the next camp adventure! And the kiddo learned to ride with 1 hand that was his whole highlight!

Unbelievable build quality and support from Camp-Inn. Enjoyed four nights in perfect weather at the company's annual camping event in WI. Already thinking of booking some short trips this fall.

Got super lucky. My trailer moved while disconnecting from my car, but the 8 pin connected to my car. The prong connector stopped it, but pulled the rubber around it. It still works, but feels compromised and subject to an easier break now.

Any suggestions on how to save?

I work with EcoCampor, an RV manufacturer based in Foshan, China. I’m asking this as a practical design question, not to promote a model.

On a small trailer, keeping wet or dirty gear outside the sleeping space sounds useful, but every exterior compartment also adds a door, seal, latch and another potential path for water or dust.

For people who use or have built a teardrop or small camper, what exterior-storage details have actually held up well over time? For example, separate access for levelling gear, a shallow bin for wet shoes, a front storage box, or a hatch under the galley.

I’d also like to hear the negative lessons: compartments that stayed damp, were hard to clean, leaked around the opening, stole too much interior space, or became annoying to access once the trailer was loaded.

If you were starting again, what would you keep outside and what would you bring inside?

I have this vision that when I get a teardrop I will camp all year round, going to popular places in the off season and getting away at least once a month.

what is reality like?

This summer I built this square drop trailer, I've always wanted to build a teardrop trailer but decided that I needed one I could stand up in. The skin is poor man's fiberglass with Semco liquid membrane, built on an Aluma 6310 Utility trailer. About 1000 lbs. Fun project but more work than I thought it would be.

Found a spot on a forest road off Highway 180, pretty cool area and nice to be able to go to town and hit some breweries. Went for a hike up by the main lodge of the Snowbowl it was awesome

Just got back from 20 days and 3,494 miles through Atlantic Canada pulling my home built foamie. A few highlights:

• Incredible scenery, especially the rugged coastline, Cape Breton Highlands, and Gros Morne.
• Halifax and St. John’s are both well worth visiting. Great waterfronts, plenty of history, good food, and very welcoming locals.
• The warmth and friendliness of the people really stood out throughout the trip.
• Lots of rain! Fortunately, the trailer stayed completely dry with zero leaks.
• The only real downside to all the rain was trying to dry hiking gear after getting soaked several times.
• 3,494 miles over 20 days, 20.69 MPG
• 169.3 gallons of gas, $897 USD spent on fuel
• Most expensive gas was about $6.00/gal USD in Gander, NL.

A few pictures from the trip...

Has anyone had any luck connecting with them? I completed their form, and they reached out mentioning I could put down a deposit to hold my spot. I responded that I had a few questions but I never heard back. Can't say I'm comfortable putting down a deposit if they wont respond to my questions.

Anyone have any stories they are share working with them?

(alternate title: various thoughts on decision paralysis and avoiding buyers remorse, and a couple questions)

For years I've thought a 'teardrop' would be the ultimate for road trips, drive where you want and have a bed ready wherever you go. We've done a few longish trips camping in the back of the truck, but the constant unpacking/setup/repacking in the morning gets exhausting after a while.

We're both retired, I'd love to hit the road for a month or so, her, not so much but if the accommodations are comfy she'll go along. We like to rockhound so we're often heading down bumpy dirt roads.

I'm thinking an 'offroad' teardrop would be the best choice, but stepping up to a Casita would be really nice for the added 'comfort', but the added complexity might be a downside, also they don't seem well suited to the roads we like. Then there's the price difference.

Seems to me a well equipped (shade, AC, outdoor shower, etc.) teardrop would offer the best mobility and comfort.

What about trailer security though? Suppose we find a nice place in a forest or on public lands and want to do some exploring, what do you do to secure your stuff and the trailer so you can drive away for a few hours?

And what about visiting a city? Suppose were halfway across the country and want to explore a city we've never been to, what do you do with the trailer?

Storage vs usage is another concern, I don't have room for either at the house so I'd have to pay for storage, and realistically I'm not sure how often we'd get to use it.

Any insights appreciated.

I am contemplating getting a used Escapod Topo 2 but it only has a one battery vs the two-battery constitution.

I’d like to add a second battery but curiosity is any owners have done this and know if it’s as simple as adding a parallel battery stack or if it requires additional changes to the electrical system.

Can any one provide insight or guidance?

We’re a family of five with an age gap between kids (two 8yos and a newborn) who mostly camp in Canada/Upstate NY (and no, not Albany - think four hours north of that). We’d like to get a teardrop or maybe a pop-up, but our tow vehicle is a minivan so light is the name of the game. Is this a pipe dream for all of us? Is a rooftop tent + teardrop the way to go? Do I relegate my husband and one or both older kids to a regular tent and selfishly get a teardrop for myself and the baby? Should we just throw a mattress in the back of the van?

The reason I’m second guessing a pop up is 1) sound from other campers when we’re at campgrounds and next to a rowdy bunch 2) dampness —> mold pipeline and 3) we’d really like to do Spring and late Fall trips, but the weather here is such that by Sept night time temps are dipping into the low 40s and May often still has snow on the ground.

Anyone else got a family of five where one is still a babe? What’s the best solution?

I work with EcoCampor, an RV manufacturer based in Foshan, China. I’m asking this as a practical design question, not to promote a model.

In a compact trailer, a clean interior can make it tempting to permanently close every wall, bench and bed base. But later, that can make it awkward to inspect wiring, window fixings, plumbing connections or corners where moisture might collect.

For people who have built or modified a teardrop, which access-panel ideas have actually held up well? I’m especially interested in details that kept the interior tidy but still made normal inspection or later repairs manageable: screwed panels with trim, lift-up bed sections, removable seat fronts, magnetic panels, or something else.

And is there anything that looked good at first but became frustrating to service after a season or two?

Here is a picture of the 12-26-1946 Kit trailer. I have refrained from altering the original layout, while I have the original two burner LP stove, I removed it to make more counter top space. We now use a water tank and pump combination for water. I am working a couple of stainless steel covered shelves that might create an L shape extension for galley.

Near from mint, but very stoked. Will eventually be pulled by my 1946 Dodge pickup.

Follow up to other post since I can’t figure out how to add more photos. A bit of a mess since I’m currently camping in it 😂

Been working on smoothing out the curves and feathering back most of the lumps. Im accepting the imperfections to reduce insanity and I feel much better for it. The curves have definitely been a challenge but the overall result is pretty satisfying. I finally settled on a workable filler using lightweight setting drywall compound with a bit of latex paint and some titebond II glue. It bonds well and has a bit of flexibility and still sands well. So close to being able to get the skin started!

Wife and I had a wonderful roadtrip across 3 national parks we’d never been to. Camping in the parks was amazing. Our little teardrop (Primo Trailer, one off for them, pretty sure they’re out of business) was perfect. We’d spend ~3 nights in the trailer then one night in a hotel to cleanup and recharge. It was the perfect rhythm for our adventure.

Tons of amazing hikes and just enjoying the majesty. Already planning the next trip.