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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Popup Camper vs Teardrop: Read Before You Buy
The debate between popup camper vs teardrop is worth exploring in the world of compact, towable camping units. While both types provide a convenient solution for outdoor enthusiasts, your choice ultimately depends on your travel style and desired comfort level.
- Size & Space: Popup campers are larger than teardrops.
- Amenities: Popup campers equipped with amenities other than teardrop.
- Towability: Teardrop is more easily towable.
- Setting Up: Popup camper setup is more time-consuming than a teardrop.
- Price: Popup campers are generally more expensive than teardrop.
There is a middle ground right between the massive RVs and the traditional tent: the trailer.
Typically sufficiently light to be pulled with a small car or even a bike, for ultra-light models, the teardrop style and popup trailers give users every home comfort without the extra bulk you get with an RV.
The two pull-along trailer styles are sufficiently small to be placed in most driveways, making them a tremendous open-road option.
If you are interested in upgrading from a tent to a camper but aren’t sure you are ready to fork out additional money for a pickup truck or SUV, you would most likely be considered a popup or teardrop camper.
Both campers are compact and seamlessly pulled. They also both offer more comfort compared to a tent. However, there are some advantages that one style of the camper has that the other doesn’t share.
This article aims to highlight these advantages, enabling you to make an informed decision when selecting the style of camper you so desire.
Definition of Popup and Teardrop Campers
Teardrop campers were first manufactured in the 30s. Teardrop campers were the camper of choice for many RVers in the 30s and the 40s.
However, they lost some trendiness due to more complicated and intricately designed campers becoming prevalent.
That said, teardrop campers have enjoyed a resurgence, given that automobiles created today are becoming smaller and less powerful.
Teardrop campers are pull-along campers designed to have a single structure, with the roof and walls forming a fully enclosed and hard-shelled top.
Popup campers, on the other hand, typically come with a hardtop that is either raised by hand crank or hydraulic.
The hardtop “pops up” to raise the room’s height, exposing floored tents and soft sides that move out from both ends.
Design
While both campers are easy to tow and lightweight, teardrops typically have an aerodynamic design, while popups are boxy and square.
The two campers come with expansive sleeping areas and kitchens, the complexity of which depends on the unit’s price point.
Setup
When tearing down and setting up camp, teardrops get the edge. While very few popup campers still require a manual crank to raise the top, they offer no value until the roof is presented and its interior is arranged.
Cabinets at the top might have to be folded out, and the tent pull-outs will have to be stretched out and lifted before the popup camper resembles its finished form.
Moving the camper is not as easy as a teardrop, as you must do the entire process in reverse, ensuring that cabinets are folded in and emptied, pull-outs are taken in, and the roof is lowered.
Conversely, teardrops are ready for use when you are parked and unhitched from the vehicle.
With a teardrop, you get a sleeping area that is always ready to be used as such with minimal arrangement unless it has been used as a storage compartment.
A teardrop’s kitchen area can be seamlessly accessed from the exterior, ensuring that cooking doesn’t come with maneuvering.
You have a sleeping compartment that is wholly enclosed thanks to a hard shell. This differs from a soft top as the sound associated with heavy rain is unlikely to disturb you as you sleep.
Benefits of Each Style Over the Other
This section of the article highlights the standout benefits of each camper style and why its owners choose it. Let us begin!
Popup Campers are Affordable and Easy
The popup camper has pull-out bunks and collapsible walls on a lightweight trailer.
The popup roof can be folded into the unit, transforming the high ceiling and wide, spread-out walled camper into a square trailer. This also ensures that the entirety of the camper is secure and locked.
Regarding price, popup campers are pretty affordable, with about $1,000 being enough to purchase a preowned popup camper.
This ensures that upgrading from a tent to an actual camping trailer is not as financially demanding. A popup camper offers generous space in the interior, large enough for everyone to stretch out.
A negative associated with the popup camper is that the roof material, particularly the ones made from canvas, can interact with the weather.
Additionally, the design of a popup camper calls for tent fabric to be used, which can make the camper stuffy and hot when placed directly in the path of the summer sun.
The interior will get the full brunt of the cold weather in winter. This design might prove cumbersome should you live in a rainy locale.
One issue that does plague popup campers is the somewhat tiresome process of putting the roof up and setting up camp.
Teardrop Campers Offers an Iconic Design
One of the reasons why teardrop campers are making a comeback to become a popular choice for RVers searching for a lightweight camper is its classic design.
It has become trendy due to a shift in consumer thinking. For one, RVers now prefer to tow their campers using a car rather than SUVs or massive trucks.
The general aesthetics of the teardrop camper also have practical applications. Its hard shell has a curve that ensures the camper is aerodynamic.
This, in turn, ensures that the camper is fuel-efficient. Given their popularity, it is no surprise that a teardrop camper costs a bit more than a popup camper.
The materials used to create the teardrop camper are sturdy and less likely to be affected by the elements and noise.
Additionally, a teardrop camper can be fully lockable. This means you can be assured that your belongings inside are safe, and you do not have to collapse the camper or do anything you usually do with a popup camper.
Heading out for the day does not mean a process where you have to take down and set up camp before you leave or after you come back.
Are Popup Campers Safe?
The safety of popup campers can be subjective and largely dependent on the location and environment in which they are set up.
While these campers provide a certain level of comfort and convenience, they may not provide optimal safety in specific settings.
For instance, several campsites and parks, including Yellowstone, have restricted popup trailers and exposed canvas campers.
These restrictions are primarily safety concerns, particularly in areas where bears and other predators are prevalent.
Do Teardrop Campers Have Toilets?
Indeed, teardrop campers have toilets, though the specifics can vary from model to model. For those concerned about their sanitation needs while traveling, rest assured that many teardrop campers have various toilet options to cater to your needs.
Some models feature a simple yet effective composting toilet, offering an eco-friendly waste management solution.
Alternatively, others incorporate a wet bath setup, enabling users to clean themselves off after an adventurous day in the great outdoors.
A few even boast a compact but fully equipped bathroom, demonstrating that comfort and convenience need not be compromised even in a small space.
Wrapping Up
When considering the purchase of a recreational vehicle, it’s essential to understand the differences between popup camper and teardrop trailers.
Size and space are significant factors; popup campers are generally larger, offering occupants more interior space and storage than their teardrop counterparts.
Regarding amenities, popup campers typically come equipped with additional features such as cooking facilities, bathrooms, and sometimes even air conditioning units, often not found in Teardrop trailers.
However, the teardrop shines in aspects of towability and setting up. Their compact size and lightweight design make them easier to tow behind various vehicles, making them a more versatile option for spontaneous trips.
Additionally, setting up a Teardrop trailer at a campsite is quicker and less labor-intensive than a popup camper, which can be time-consuming to erect and dismantle.
In terms of cost, popup campers are generally more expensive than teardrop trailers due to their larger size and additional amenities.
However, the choice between a popup camper and a teardrop ultimately depends on an individual’s camping needs, budget, and the type of vehicle they plan to use for towing.
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