All of these small trailers (usually no more than 19 feet long) can easily be towed by a 1/2-ton pickup, and most can be towed behind a car or van. Their aerodynamic design is not only visually appealing, but aids fuel efficiency (see How to Tow Safely Guide CD). When a low center of gravity is added to the equation, good stability and an ability to "follow" well behind the towing vehicle is achieved. The axle can be set well back toward the rear without unduly increasing the hitch weight, further reducing the trailer's tendency to sway.

The number of manufacturers producing these trailers continues to grow, and at least one makes a lightweight fifth wheel with the same type of two-piece fiberglass body. Manufacturers claim that this method of construction eliminates leaks and rot caused by road moisture. The seamless roof and solid molded fiberglass bottom helps keep the interior generally dry. Because leakage is a major problem in many aluminum and wood-framed trailer brands, this is a big plus for durability.

Many owners of small fiberglass trailers say the floor plans are so well designed that they are as comfortable as larger trailers when used for extended vacations. They are also enthusiastic about the relatively low price tags. Because these trailers tend to wear so well and hold their value, RVers keep them longer. Finding a used model at a good price could be a challenge, however. New models range in price from under $10,000 for the shortest ones to $20,000 and up for the few models over 20 feet in length.

The Teardrop Phenomenon

Another type of small trailer that has seen a renaissance is the teardrop. Typically, a teardrop is a small, round-backed camping trailer with a sleeping compartment in front just big enough for a mattress and a rear kitchen/storage compartment that opens like the trunk of a car. It's been said that some of the smallest ones can even be towed with a motorcycle. Most have no headroom, but the few that do sometimes offer a choice of floorplan — either a sleeping compartment for two or kitchen/lounge facilities. Models of these wood-framed, aluminum-skinned trailers range from about 8 feet to 15 feet in length and have dry weights as low as 500 pounds to just under 1500 pounds. Prices of factory-built trailers vary from a low of about $5,000 to around $15,000. Custom-built replicas of popular antique teardrops can be had for $11,000 and up.

The teardrop design was first conceived in the 1930's as a lightweight camping trailer with trendy Art Deco styling. Slow to gain wide acceptance, teardrops really took off in the mid-1940's to early '50's, with several dozen manufacturers offering factory-ready models or producing them as kits that could easily be assembled in home workshops.

When bigger, heavier vehicles came into vogue in the mid-to-late fifties, the teardrop all but disappeared from the market. However, teardrop clubs and individual enthusiasts kept the style alive, and in the late 1990's the demand for "antiques" peaked, along with the growing public desire for small, efficient, low-priced camping trailers. At about that time, a few manufacturers started making them again, and the number of available brands and models continues to increase.

While the safety and economy advantages of teardrops are similar to those of small molded fiberglass trailers, it must be kept in mind that all trailer coaches are, to some extent, subject to sway and handling problems (for more on safety-related issues of trailers in general, see chapter 4 of the How to Tow Safely Guide CD).

Make no mistake: Teardrops are strictly camping trailers. They are definitely not for RVers who require more than the simplest amenities of sleeping quarters and the most basic camp-stove-type cooking. None have toilets as standard equipment. With some of the smallest models, you may even need to pitch a tent. Low price notwithstanding, be sure the compromises in comfort will suit your travel needs.

Summary

Smaller trailers are an excellent alternative for young families and folks who simply want to get away for the weekend or a short vacation — without leaving their entire vacation pay at the fuel pumps.

The camping experience, as we've known it in the past decade, will change. Camping sites sizes and fees, fuel costs, and insurance rates will play a major factor in those changes. We hope that part of those changes include smaller, beautiful, and safer built trailers.

RVCG Staff