Teardrop Trailers Vs. Pop-Up Campers: Which Is Right For You? - Vistabule (2024)

Choosing an RV or camping trailer is no easy feat. With so many options and things to consider, it can be difficult to even begin to narrow it down. If you’ve made it to our page, we are going to go ahead and guess that you have decided you want to stick with the convenience of smaller trailers.

Smaller trailers come with a slew of benefits: they are easier to tow than their bigger counterparts, easier to maintain, are less obtrusive at the campground, have a much smaller footprint, and the list goes on.

But there are quite a few styles of smaller trailers out there. Let’s talk through two of the more popular options for smaller trailers: Teardrop Trailers vs. Pop-Up Campers.

In this guide, we are going to answer:

• What is a Teardrop Camper?
  • Advantages of Teardrop Campers
  • Drawbacks of Teardrop Campers
• What is a Pop-Up Camper?
  • Advantages of a Pop-Up Camper
  • Drawbacks of a Pop-Up Camper
• Teardrop Camper or Pop-Up Camper: Which is Right for Me?

One Size: Teardrop Trailers do not need to be expanded, making them easier to manage while camping. Other than any optional additions and the exception of leaving your galley hatch open, there are not multiple compartments or expansions to worry about securing.

Easy to Tow: A Teardrop Trailer can be towed by almost any vehicle –including sedans! Check your vehicle’s manual to find out its towing capacity.

One Place for Everything: Teardrop Trailers offer the convenience of having all of your gear in one place. Should you choose to go out for a hike or any other adventure, you can keep all of your belongings locked safely in your teardrop, rather than having to constantly pack up or worry about things being stolen.

The Sturdiness of an RV: Teardrop Trailers are made to withstand wind, weather, even kids!

• Protection from Weather: In the event of a heat or cold wave, or other unexpected weather, you can find comfort and safety inside of your teardrop camper. Many models of teardrops offer heat and air conditioning options.

We’re all about transparency, so let’s talk disadvantages:

• Cost and Production: Teardrop Trailers are generally more expensive than a Pop-Up Camper. There is also a waiting period before you can take your new teardrop home that could deter someone from buying when they are ready to adventure now!
• Smaller Interior: Teardrops are cozy. Depending on the size of your family or group, you may need to pack a tent to accommodate everyone.
• Limited Storage: Though there are plenty of storage options available, a larger RV or Pop-Up Camper may offer more storage space than your teardrop. However, there are ways to maximize your storage.

A Pop-Up Camper, also known as a tent trailer, is an expandable trailer. Similar to a teardrop, the Pop-Up Camper is more compact than a standard RV, but usually larger than a Teardrop Trailer.

Pop-Up Campers have walls made of canvas or other sturdy materials, depending on the model you purchase. These campers come in a variety of sizes, including multiple bed options, the option to add a small bathroom, or a kitchen extension.

A pop-up tent trailer. “JaycoPopupCamper-2009-11-17” by Korey99 – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Affordability: Compared to other larger RVs and trailers, Pop-Up Campers tend to be more affordable.
• Easy to Tow: Similar to teardrop campers, Pop-Up Campers can be towed by most vehicles, as long as the vehicle has the proper towing capacity.
• Generous Interior Space: Pop-Up Campers are designed to have optimal storage and space for your family while you are camping.
• Bathroom: Depending on the model of camper you choose, you may have a toilet inside of your Pop-Up Camper.
• Customize to Fit Your Needs: If you have a larger family, you can choose a camper that will accommodate all, or more, of you.

• Security: Though convenient for additional space, the expandable fabric spaces can make the camper less secure.
• Less weather protection: Some styles of Pop-Ups do not offer much protection from the outdoors, leaving you prone to heat and cold. The fabric walls can also produce a lot of annoying rustling noise in high winds.
• Tedious set up: Compared to a teardrop camper, the set-up process for the Pop-Up Camper is almost as tedious as a tent set-up. Cranking open the “pop-up” part of the trailer requires time and muscle; this process is much more involved than simply pulling up to your campsite in a trailer that is ready to go as soon as you are parked.

If we are being honest, most people choose a camper not only to provide them with the comforts of a standard RV but to avoid the hassles of tent assembly.

Take into account how much time you will spend setting up and tearing down and how many other responsibilities you will need to juggle while doing so. If you are camping with younger kids or pets, you may want to minimize the time spent setting up and tearing down.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer here. Choosing a camper is a personal decision. If you are considering a teardrop trailer, seek no further!

Here at Vistabule, we want to make sure you get the teardrop trailer of your dreams. Our interactive pricing sheet will walk you through all of the options available to you and help you design your dream teardrop.

Still have questions? We are here and ready to answer them!

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