If you’re not already familiar with today’s selection of teardrop trailers, there’s alot of manufacturers that have taken their well-known design and function to a whole other level. However if you are familiar, you’ve probably seen that many of these are not necessarily an affordable teardrop trailer, coming with a stout price tag of $10K, $15K, even $20K. If you’re a couple or individual in the market for a new teardrop camper, here’s a list of some affordable teardrop trailers to consider that come in under the $8,000 mark:
TC Teardrops (Pictured Above)
Based in Wisconsin, TC Teardrops base model called the “Oasis”, has a range of 4 different affordable teardrop trailers that fall between $6,700-$8,200 and range in size from 4’x8′ all the way up to 5’x9′. Beyond this, TCTeardrops has upgraded models as well that start just over the $8K mark. Not only are these some really visually unique and appealing teardrops, there’s a laundry list of standard features included. Here’s some of the highlights:
- Powder-coated sides with the option of 188 different colors.
- Aluminum diamond plate roof and fenders
- 2 tinted windows and doors with screens
- LED lighting: interior and exterior
- Custom-built cabinets w/ slide our table inside
- 12V accessory outlet, 2 port USB, voltmeter. 12 Volt battery box w/ fuses
Runaway Campers
Runaway makes two semi-teardrop models that come in about $8K or less. The 4’x8’ Runaway CoolCamp, is their most popular and affordable model, starting around $6,000 and the RangeRunner, a 6’x8’ camper which is pictured comes in at roughly $7,700.
- Diamond Plate Fenders
- LED Tail Lights
- 5,000 BTU Air Conditioner
- 2″ Rear Accessory Hitch
- Dual Folding Stabilizers
- 2 Tinted Glass Windows with Screens
- Locking Entry Door with Keys (2 on the RangeRunner)
- 110v Power Connection with 6 Outlet Strip
- Fiberglass Exterior with Aluminum Trim
- Fully Welded Square Steel Tube Frame Construction
Tiny Teardrops and “Canned Spam”
Originally, we came across Tiny Camper Company due to an affordable, unique teardrop design they offered, cleverly called “Canned Spam” due to its shape. This allowed for full stand up space inside. (see pic below).
Today, Tiny offers a base 4’x8′ teardrop model that comes in right at $6,999, the “Classic Sleeper” style that also comes in a 5’x8’ size for $7,999, fitted for standard travel or upgraded to “rugged” for off-road purposes. Tiny’s “Rugged Rhino” model is more of a squaredrop styling and the company’s most popular model. As the name alludes, this trailer exterior is coated with Rhino Liner, making it incredibly durable, but it is over the $8K mark along with their other models. Lots of amenities and features offered in these teardrops, and larger models available.
RetroRide Teardrop Trailers
Clearly modeled (and branded) after the elegant designs for teardrop trailers of the past, RetroRide Teardrops have one models under 8K, their 4×8 foot model. Standard features include:
- Front hitch rack
- 3-speed roof vent
- 12-Volt & 110 power with lights & outlets
- Power control charger box
- Leveling jacks
- Custom wood cabinetry galley
- LED running lights/tail lights
- 2 doors
Peewee Half-Pint & Small-Fry
Coming in at around $8795 so a little over our $8K ceiling for this article, the Half-Pint base model is a 5’x8′ trailer. There are of course lots of options, but the features included are:
- 12-Volt charger, USB port and deep cycle battery
- Smoke detector and fire extinguisher
- LED interior and exterior lights
- Side door with window and screen & small slide window with screen
- Roof vent
- Stabilizer jacks
- Dexter Axle
- air conditioner 5,000 BTU
- 7 pin heavy duty wiring harness
- diamond plate fenders
Peewee also offers the smallest teardrop on our list, the Small-Fry which is a 4’x6′ trailer that’s towable by even standard cars, and comes in at $8K. This trailer has many of the same standard features as the Half Pint, but because of its tiny size, the rear becomes a full door as standard.
Simple Sleeper by Trekker Trailers
*NOTE – Trekker Trailers website seems to have gone dark, so it is assumed they are out of business and you can probably find one on the used market.
Pictured above is the 4 foot wide Simple Sleeper teardrop trailer with their optional outdoor kitchen. Standard features include:
- Air conditioning!!!
- A drop floor for more interior room
- Bed converts to couch
- Mattress
- 2 doors
Star City Teardrops
*NOTE – Star City’s website seems to have gone dark, so it is assumed they are out of business and you can probably find one on the used market.
Star City Teardrops are very lightweight trailers, thanks to lightweight materials used, including a custom, aircraft-grade aluminum frame. Star City Teardrops clearly states that their teardrop trailers “can be towed by small auto such as Honda, Subaru, Miata, Mini Cooper, Fiat 500, Chevy Cruze, etc.” What I personally like about these teardrop trailers is their practicality for the price, including all of the following as standard features:
- Leveling jacks in the rear, swivel jack in the front
- Memory foam mattress
- Interior/exterior LED lights
- Baltic Birch Plywood interior
- Entire exterior coated in epoxy sealer. Underside waterproof coating
- Quiet 3-speed roof vent
- Tongue-mounted storage box
- 12-Volt and 120-Volt electrical system. USB charging ports. Can plug into campground power if available.
- Screened doors with deadbolt locks
- 2 locking exterior storage compartments under the trailer
Honey Badger Wood
*NOTE – Honey Badger’s website seems to have gone dark, so it is assumed they are out of business and you can probably find one on the used market.
Right off the bat you can tell what’s unique about Honey Badger – a wood teardrop exterior made of hand-picked birch, coated with multiple layers of high-grade polyurethane to protect it from the elements. All of Honey Badger teardrop models start between $2,500 – $3,300 and are very lightweight at approx. 450-500 lbs. Standard Features include:
- AC power outlet, 2 USB charging ports
- Shelf and Cabinets
- Roof Vent