Why Choose a Teardrop Trailer for Your Outdoor Adventures

We had found the perfect campsite: sunset views overlooking the Cascade Mountains and only 30 minutes from the charming mountain town of Leavenworth, WA. As the sun went down, the wind picked up. And proceeded to batter our rooftop tent all night- swaying the entire truck, rattling every zipper. Our friends camping next to us in a ground tent fared no better: in the morning, none of us had gotten any sleep.

We had been creative in addressing most other climate problems with our rooftop tent- adding a propane heater option for winter with a heated blanket, etc. But wind was one thing we learned we either had to avoid entirely or endure. This was one of the many factors that led me to explore alternatives including a teardrop trailer as a camping vehicle.

In the world of outdoor recreation, decision-making is a game of trade-offs. There's an old saying that rings particularly true here: "good, fast, or cheap—pick any two." But when it comes to gearing up for the great outdoors, there are more than just these three factors to consider. Comfort, weight, capability, price, design, and environmental impact are just a few of the factors that enthusiasts juggle when choosing gear. If you're still trying to perfect your camping setup, figuring out your top priorities and what you're willing to trade-off will help you narrow down your options.

Before I discovered Campworks, I had decided the teardrop trailer was the way to go. My decision-making process revolved around these key desires:

1. The flexibility to carry a variety of equipment for both active and leisurely pursuits—bikes, paddleboards, or the extra comfy camp chair and cocktail kit.
2. The ability to camp outside of campgrounds (dispersed camping), with the freedom to leave and return to my site at will.
3. Year-round climate comfort that would minimize the need for weather-related preparations or maintenance between trips.
4. Quick and hassle-free set-up and breakdown, making transitions between home and nature as seamless as possible.

Let's dive into the alternatives I considered before arriving at my conclusion.

Teardrop trailers vs. other camping setups

Rooftop Tent: The Accessible Starter

The Rooftop Tent is a great step up in comfort from traditional tent or car camping, while being relatively affordable. This was what I chose when I started dispersed camping and one of my favorite things about it turned out to be the elevated views, allowing me a glimpse above the trees or brushline. Additionally, it didn’t limit my ability to explore any road. However, its limitations become apparent with increased use:

• Insulation Issues: In colder weather, the lack of adequate insulation can turn a night in the wilderness into a chilly ordeal.
• Weather Woes: After a downpour––or drizzle––the tent requires thorough drying, which can be a challenge, particularly in the damp climates of the PNW where sunshine is a rare commodity in fall and winter.
• Noise: Strong winds transform the tent into a noisy environment, despite efforts to mitigate this with softer materials (Pro tip: we removed all the metal pulls on the zippers and replaced with paracord). Campgrounds can also be noisy.
• No Base Camp: Needing to pack up the tent to use the vehicle might limit the activities you can easily do from your campsite. If you do pack up to drive to a trailhead, you may come back to find someone else has claimed your wilderness spot.
• Fuel Efficiency: A constant presence on your vehicle, the rooftop tent affects aerodynamics and fuel consumption. This might be an even bigger negative if the tent is on a vehicle you need to drive daily. The weight of the tent will also raise your vehicle's center of gravity.

Van: The All-in-One Package

A Van conversion offers a leap in comfort and convenience. With the ability to stand up inside and the comforts of home on wheels, it appeals to those looking for a more substantial basecamp. Here’s what it brings to the table:

• Comfortable Living Space: The interiors can be customized to include beds, kitchenettes, and even small bathrooms, creating a cozy living environment.
• All-Weather Friendliness: Insulation and indoor facilities make vans suitable for almost any weather condition.
• Storage for Gear: Vans can haul a substantial amount of equipment, ensuring you have all the necessities for your adventure.

However, the van life comes with its own set of challenges:

• Cost and Size: Vans are a significant investment and their size can limit off-road travel and parking options.
• Campsite Limitations: You may have to vacate your spot to explore, similar to the rooftop tent issue, but with a bigger footprint to consider when looking for the next campsite.
• View Restrictions: Many vans have limited windows, affecting the natural light and views from inside the vehicle.

Truck with Camper: The Compromise Conundrum

A Truck with a Camper, such as a Fourwheel Camper or a Scout, marries the mobility of a vehicle with the amenities of a camper. Here’s why it’s an attractive option:

• Relative Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly than a van while still offering many of the same benefits.
• Removable: The camper can be detached, although this isn’t a trivial task, providing some flexibility in use.
• Weather-Resistant: Many designs offer strong protection against the elements, providing a cozy haven.

Yet, there are trade-offs:

• Insulation vs. Height: Pop-up campers may lack insulation, while fixed-roof options add height and weight.
• Awkward Layouts: The internal design can be cramped or illogical, reducing living comfort.
• Mobility vs. Accessibility: While more off-road capable than a van, the camper still adds bulk and complexity to the vehicle.

Traditional RV: The Comfortable Behemoth

The Traditional RV is often synonymous with road-tripping luxury, featuring spacious interiors and home-like amenities. It's a miniature house on wheels, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters (including room for kids). Yet, its drawbacks are noteworthy:

• Build Quality: Despite their size and amenities, many RVs are infamously built with less durable materials.
• Driving and Towing: They require powerful vehicles to tow and can be cumbersome to drive, especially for the inexperienced.
• Storage and Maintenance: The RV’s size demands substantial storage space and upkeep, both in terms of costs and effort.

Adventure Teardrop Trailer: The Balanced Adventurer

Against these alternatives, the Adventure Teardrop Trailer stands out for its middle-ground approach, offering a blend of comfort and convenience without the bulk and hassle of larger RVs or vans. Here’s why it shines:

• Easy to Tow: Its lightweight nature makes it towable by a range of vehicles, from family SUVs to trucks.
• Ease of Use: Setting up and breaking down camp is straightforward and quick, allowing more time for enjoyment. If you need to use your tow vehicle to shuttle mountain bikes or restock food, you can keep your campsite.
• Versatility: It fits in most garages and is capable off-grid, making it an ally for both weekend getaways and longer expeditions.

The Ideal Choice: Adventure Teardrop Trailer

An adventure teardrop trailer emerged as the best choice for me. It's easy to tow, enabling access to a broad range of campsites. It's quick to set up, increases gear-carrying capacity, and can remain at a campsite while we explore. Its smaller, off-grid capable design facilitates both dispersed camping and traditional campsite use, and it's easily stored in a garage or parking spot. Off road and off-grid capabilities were key for me: I didn't want to sacrifice the ability to explore far from campgrounds. Quality build and sustainable design choices were also important to me, leading me to the Campworks NS-1 electric adventure trailer.

Questions to Guide Your Decision on a Camping Setup

1. What's your budget range? Less than $30k, $30-90k, Over $90k?
2. What equipment do you need or want to bring along for your adventures?
3. Are you inclined towards dispersed camping, or are campgrounds more your style? If the latter, do you need electrical hookups?
4. Consider your activities over a 4-day period. What are your restrictions, and what would you like to enjoy on a typical camping trip?
5. Who's coming camping with you? Is it solo, with a partner, family, or a group of friends? Pets?