10 Top Reasons Why Teardrop Trailer Camping is Better Than a Tent

Are you looking to upgrade from a tent to a Teardrop Trailer? Or maybe you are just wondering if having a Teardrop Trailer is worth it? Then you have come to the right place.

Our family tent-camped for years before upgrading to our Teardrop Trailer. So we definitely know what we are talking about.

And let me tell you, we have no regrets. We love our Teardrop and couldn’t imagine going back to a tent.

We have put together a list of the top reasons why Teardrop Trailer camping is better than a tent. Let’s jump in!

Top Reasons Why Teardrop Trailer Camping is Better Than a Tent – Quick Guide

If you are in a hurry, here are the top 5 reasons why we prefer camping in a Teardrop Trailer instead of a tent:

Teardrop Trailers can be towed by most vehicles
Teardrop trailers are more affordable than large RVs
Set up and take down a Teardrop is easier than when tent camping
Teardrops have plenty of creature comforts
Don’t have to worry about weather in a Teardrop

Teardrop Trailer Camping is the Best!

Since we are Teardrop owners, you may think we are a little biased. But as former tent campers, here are the top reasons why we love our Teardrop:

1. Teardrop Trailers Can be Towed by Most Vehicles

One of the biggest reasons we went with a Teardrop, is because we didn’t want to upgrade our tow vehicle.

We needed a lightweight camper that we could tow with our Toyota Highlander. And considering we actually own one of the largest Teardrops on the market, that says a lot.

Our Teardrop Trailer and our Highlander at Presquile Provincial Park

If you choose to go with one of the smaller Teardrops, then even a crossover or an electric vehicle will have no trouble towing it.

Not to mention, many people may not feel comfortable towing (or parking) a larger camper. And while you don’t need a special license to drive even a larger RV, towing a Teardrop is not difficult at all.

So this makes the idea of owning a Teardrop a lot more possible for people.

2. Teardrops Are More Affordable Than a Full-sized RV

When we went to our local RV show to browse for our first trailer, we were completely caught off-guard by the prices on some of the rigs.

We actually took a look at trailers that cost more than what we spent on our current home!

Of course, we weren’t looking to get something that big. But even the Sprinter vans were pretty pricey.

Then we came across the Teardrops! We had seen them “out in the wild” before, and they had always caught our eye.

But as soon as I set foot in one, I knew that they were for us! They have all the creature comforts we were looking for, at a price that we could afford.

While Teardrop trailers range in price depending on size, model and make, you can expect to pay between $7,000 and $12,000 for a small base model camper.

If you are looking at something a little bigger, you can expect to pay about $23,000 and up for a higher-end option. (prices quoted are in US dollars)

Teardrops are also more affordable in terms of maintenance requirements, gas needed to tow the lighter vehicle, and even in some cases, the cost of your campsite.

So all things considered, Teardrops offer an affordable and comfortable option for most people.

3. Teardrop Trailers Are Ready to Go When You Are

Unlike camping, where you have to spend a ton of time loading your camping gear into your car, Teardrops are pretty much ready to go when you are.

This is because everything you need is practically already inside. Bedding, kitchen gear, and even other miscellaneous items (like toiletries or games) stay in your trailer at all times.

Kids playing Cards inside Teardrop Trailer

Our trailer is plugged into our house when not in use, so we can even keep our fridge stocked and ready to go.

We also have a dedicated storage container with miscellaneous items we need at our campsite. It is always packed, so all we have to do is throw it in our tow vehicle, along with our clothing, and we are ready to go.

This makes heading to a campsite at the end of the work week so much quicker and hassle-free.

4. Plenty of Storage Options

Have you ever tried keeping a tent clutter-free and organized? We have. And when you are travelling with kids, this is pretty close to impossible.

I’m sure it’s difficult even if you don’t have kids with you. With limited space, useless side nets and pouches, and very few options, keeping a tent clear of clutter is a neverending battle.

Our teardrop Trailer, on the other hand, has built in storage EVERWHERE!

We have drawers, cabinets, shelves, cubbies, hidden compartments under our dinette, and even a large storage compartment accessible from outside (known as the “basement“).

Even the smaller Teardrops have plenty of storage.

No, you are not gonna be able to bring all your worldly belongings along. But it’s definitely more than doable.

We picked up a bunch of plastic storage containers, packing cubes, as well as nicer cloth fold-out storage cubes from Amazon to help keep our rig tidy.

5. Easy Setup and Tear Down

One of our biggest pet peeves when camping in a tent, was the setup and tear down. It seemed to take FOREVER!

Throw in a rainstorm, wind, or freezing temps, and the process was that much worse.

With the Teardrop, all we do is get to our campsite, unhitch it, and put down the stabilizers. That’s pretty much it.

If you have the smaller Teardrop, many people don’t even unhitch it.

The only downside with our Teardrop, is that we have to stop at the filling station for water on the way in and the dumping station on the way out.

And while we are often wasting time waiting in line for these amenities, when it’s our turn, the process does not take too long.

Besides, the fact that we have running water, a flushing toilet and a shower onboard certainly makes up for the wait times.

6. Bring Your Creature Comforts with You

While it may be a slight inconvenience to fill our rig with water at the start of a trip, and dump it at the end, having all the creature comforts with us is priceless.

Our Teardrop Trailer comes with an indoor kitchen, wet bath, and comfortable queen-sized bed. While ALL Teardrops may not have these amenities, most have at least a bed and a decent outdoor galley kitchen.

Bathroom

Let’s talk about the bathroom first! It was the first thing I looked at when purchasing our trailer.

I was tired of late-night runs to the comfort stations, and having to use smelly vault toilets.

Our Teardrop Camper Bathroom in the TAB 400

Having a toilet, sink and shower of my own is amazing. While our bathroom is not huge, and we rarely use the shower, I no longer have to leave “home” in the rain, cold, or dark, to take care of business.

This is even more important when you have younger kids with you.

Kitchen

Having a sink, gas stove, microwave, and decent-sized refrigerator also makes camping in my Teardrop a lot more civilized.

Yes. We still cook outdoors, BBQ, and roast marshmallows over the campfire. But on those rainy nights, I stay warm and dry while enjoying my hot meal.

Bed

Sleeping on the floor in a tent was never comfortable for me, even with an air mattress. When it comes to sleep, I don’t want to “rough it.”

There’s nothing like spending a day outdoors, swimming or hiking, and then being able to shower and climb into a comfortable bed with sheets and a proper duvet. Heaven!

What’s even better? Having a large stargazer window right above your head to see the night sky as you drift off! But now I’m just bragging.

7. Weather is No Longer a Consideration

Aside from the odd tornado warning or freak hailstorm, the weather is no longer something we have to worry about when camping in our Teardrop Trailer.

Not only will we stay dry, but we also have heating and air conditioning to keep us comfortable. All of which a tent is lacking!

Thanksgiving Dinner inside our Teardrop Trailer

When we spent Thanksgiving weekend in Algonquin Park and got hit with a freak snowstorm, we were able to have our dinner in our Teardrop, play some card games, watch movies, and get a good night’s sleep.

Our Teardrop also takes less than 10 minutes to cool off with the air conditioning, even on the hottest day.

John just loves not having to put up a tent in the pouring rain anymore.

8. We Fit Pretty Much Everywhere

The small size of a Teardrop Trailer means that you can easily take it to many places a larger RV wouldn’t be able to fit.

I remember watching in horror (and complete fascination) as a large RV got stuck trying to make the turn on a campground road.

Nellie with Our Tow Vehicle in a parking lot

Between the trees and the tight roadway, he didn’t have a chance! Two park rangers ended up having to come and help him back up the roadway.

And not that we have attempted to Boondock in the backcountry yet, but if we wanted to, we could.

Since our Teardrop has the Boondock package with a heavy-duty pitched axle, off-road tires, and higher clearance, we don’t really have to stick to busy campgrounds.

We even fit across two parking spaces (end to end) in a parking lot.

9. Live or Travel Long-Term in Your Teardrop Trailer

While John and I have absolutely no plans to live full-time in our Teardrop Trailer, we have come across several people in various Facebook groups who do.

It’s probably perfect for people who have that nomadic lifestyle where they can work from anywhere with a WiFi signal.

I could see clothing storage becoming a problem. But realistically, you could store stuff in your tow vehicle if you had to.

However, our family does have plans to eventually do at least a month-long trip in the Teardrop. Something we would never even consider if we were tent camping.

And with all the room in our Teardrop, it would definitely not be a hardship!

10. Generate Income When You Are Not Using the Trailer

While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, renting out your Teardrop Trailer may be something to consider.

It’s a great way to generate income when you are not using your rig.

Queen size Bed inside our Teardrop Trailer

You can list your trailer on sites like Outdoorsy or RVezy. It’s like AirBnB for trailers.

The income you make can pay for the trailer, or, for your grand adventures in the trailer.

Tents can’t do that for you!

Final Thoughts

We love our Teardrop Trailer. So yes, we may be a little biased. We just feel it’s a far superior way to go camping for so many reasons.

Not only did we not have to spend the BIG bucks on a larger rig, but Teardrop Trailers still have all the creature comforts including a bathroom, kitchen, climate control, and comfortable beds.

Not only that, but you no longer have to deal with the prolonged set up and take down process or any kind of inclement weather.

So we will continue to enjoy Teardrop Trailer camping, and leave the tenting for those who have no idea what they’re missing!