Teardrop trailers have seen a remarkable surge in popularity, and for good reason. These compact campers offer a perfect blend of comfort and simplicity, letting you enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of towing a full-size RV.
But with so many manufacturers out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most respected names in the teardrop trailer world, each bringing something unique to the table. From innovative designs and rock-solid construction to thoughtful features and outstanding customer service, these manufacturers represent the best of what’s available in today’s market.
1. TC Teardrops
TC Teardrops is a great story of a family business. Founded by Todd and Carol Mowrer (that’s the “TC”) in their Wausau, Wisconsin garage back in 2008, they’ve grown into a successful manufacturing facility making custom teardrop camping trailers.
What makes them one of the best is their attention to detail – they build each trailer one at a time to match exactly what their customers want. It’s hard to find a customer who isn’t happy with the build quality of their camper!
These teardrop trailers are built to last, using quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. If any issues come up, Todd and Carol are known for being quick to respond and solve problems. They’ve built up quite a following, and it’s rare to find an owner who isn’t happy with their purchase.
TC Teardrops has something for everyone, from their basic “Oasis” model to more rugged options like their “Off Road Expedition” (ORE) and “Adventure Edition” models. You can customize any trailer with add-ons like solar panels, water systems, and various storage solutions. And if you’re particular about looks, there are a boatload of colors to pick from as well!
Author Note: They also just launched the “Terrain” which is a squaredrop, and it’s a model we’re very interested in. Stay tuned…
2. Bean Trailer
Bean Trailer started in Utah back in 2016 when Mark Harling and his business partner decided to take their success from Sterling ATM and channel it into something new. They must be doing something right – they’ve already picked up some impressive recognition, including Utah’s 2020 Manufacturer of the Year and the 2019 “Coolest Thing Made in Utah” award.
Bean Trailer has a clever approach to construction. They use a one-piece fiberglass shell for the sidewalls and roof, which solves one of the biggest headaches in RV design – leaks. Many of their designs give you about 12 inches more headroom than your typical teardrop, and they finish it with either marine-grade gelcoat or Raptor Liner to keep it tough and protected from the sun.
Bean really shines when it comes to taking care of their customers. When someone needs help with maintenance or repairs, they’re always available. They add personal touches too – every trailer comes with signed letters from everyone who worked on it, plus company shirts and holiday ornaments. Nice touch, right?
They offer a wide product range from the basic Bean Stock or the more rugged Black Bean. They pack in plenty of space, clever storage, and modern comforts, but they’re still light enough for smaller SUVs to tow.
3. Timberleaf Trailers
Timberleaf Trailers started with a simple problem – Kevin Molick and his wife Paula couldn’t find a teardrop trailer that checked all their boxes for comfort, looks, and quality. So in 2015, they decided to build their own in Colorado. That personal project has grown into something special, and now they offer three distinct models: the Classic, Pika, and Kestrel.
These teardrop trailers are built with serious attention to detail. They use premium materials throughout – we’re talking R-7 insulated walls, clear anodized aluminum roofs, and beautiful Baltic Birch plywood on all the surfaces you can see. Each trailer is carefully handcrafted to order at their facility in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Timberleaf really thinks through the details that make a difference. Here are some of the things we like:
- Their galley kitchens are designed like residential kitchens, with a smart “kitchen-triangle” layout that makes cooking easier
- The sleeping area is super comfortable, with mattress options up to 8 inches thick
- They add plenty of skylights and well-placed windows to let in natural light and fresh air
They also have three suspension options so you can make sure your teardrop is ready for the kind of camping you do.
- Standard package for regular highway driving
- All-Road package when you want to explore forest service roads
- Off-Road package that gives you up to 23 inches of ground clearance for serious adventure
All these elements – the quality construction, smart design choices, and personal attention – have earned Timberleaf a spot among the most respected teardrop trailer makers out there. Their teardrop trailers are especially popular with folks who want something that can handle tough weather and rough terrain while still being comfortable to use.
4. Hiker Trailers
Hiker Trailers has been making compact squaredrop camping trailers in Indiana and Colorado for over a decade, and they’ve found a sweet spot in the market. Their approach is refreshingly simple: build high-quality, customizable trailers that don’t break the bank. While many competitors have gone upmarket, Hiker keeps things affordable with base models starting around $5,000.
They’ve got a trailer for every budget and adventure:
- Highway Deluxe: Their entry-level model that’s light on the wallet ($5,999-$7,999)
- Mid Range: The people’s choice ($8,499-$10,499)
- Mid Range XL: Like the Mid Range, but with a lift kit for extra clearance
- Extreme Off Road: Their top-of-the-line model for serious adventuring
One of our favorite things about Hiker Trailer is that their trailers punch above their weight when it comes to quality. They’re built solid and sealed tight to keep the weather where it belongs (outside), and each one is built by hand, so you can get exactly what you want while staying within your budget. They’re also light enough for smaller vehicles to tow, but don’t sacrifice durability
5. nuCamp
nuCamp has made quite a name for themselves in Ohio, where they build their TAG and TAB teardrop trailers (they also make other styles of campers as well). They’re quite a popular manufacturer and have been doing a great job for years.
When it comes to their teardrops, here’s what they offer:
- TAG: Their compact champion, weighing under 1,400 lbs – perfect if you want to keep things simple
- TAG XL: Like the TAG, but with a bit more space and some extra features
- TAB 320: Steps up to mid-size with a nice U-shaped dinette
- TAB 400: The big brother of the family, with the most living space
nuCamp doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality for these teardrops. Every trailer showcases beautiful Amish cabinetry and premium materials, and they come nicely equipped with electric brakes, outdoor showers, and solid composite flooring.
They also have a few packages to choose from:
- Standard (Classic) package for the essentials
- Boondock package if you’re planning to go off-road
- Black Canyon package for serious off-grid adventures
6. inTech
inTech does a great job with their Flyer series – they’re all about aluminum construction, creating lightweight teadrop (squaredrop) trailers that can really take a beating. Their Flyer Pursue starts at $14,350, while the Chase comes in at $13,174, and both models show why they’ve earned such a solid reputation.
What makes inTech stand out is their approach to building trailers. They use an all-aluminum, fully-welded cage frame that’s both tough and light. These trailers come with the following:
- A generous 11.5 inches of ground clearance for those bumpy back roads
- Materials that won’t rust or corrode
- High-end furniture and hardware that’s built to last
They also come standard with a number of great features like:
- A comfy bed that’s 59″ x 78″
- Plenty of cabinet space for your gear
- MaxxAir fans to keep the air flowing
- Ready for solar power if you want to add it
- All the power outlets you need (12V, USB, and regular household plugs)
These teardrop trailers have really caught on with outdoor enthusiasts who want something that’s light enough to tow easily but tough enough to handle adventure. Whether you’re sticking to campgrounds or heading off the beaten path, the Flyer series can handle it.
7. Oregon Trail’R
Out in Eugene, Oregon, there’s a small company doing big things in the teardrop world. Oregon Trail’R lives by a simple motto: “Beautiful, Rugged, Teardrops,” and they’ve earned quite a reputation for building some of the finest teardrops you can find.
These trailers are built like tanks, but with style. They keep the water out and look great doing it, with beautiful woodwork inside. They also have a chassis that’s built tough, with a nice articulating hitch. The exterior coating is basically armor for your teardrop, and the kitchen area stays dry and dust-free, which is huge when you’re out adventuring
As an example of what you can get, here are features you’ll find on their TerraDrop Alpha:
- An impressive 20 inches of ground clearance for tackling rough terrain
- Smart independent suspension that smooths out the bumps
- Keeps things light at 1,640 lbs empty
- Fits a queen-size mattress for comfortable sleeping
- Cabinet work that would make a furniture maker proud
You might have to wait a while to get one, and they might not have all the bells and whistles of some other brands. But for many people, that’s exactly the point. These trailers are built for folks who want something rock-solid that can handle serious off-road adventures while keeping things beautifully simple.
If you want more features, their Deluxe models add things like water systems, lithium batteries, solar prep, and built-in kitchens. But at its heart, Oregon Trail’R is about building trailers that last, whether you’re hitting the backroads or just heading to your favorite campground.
Featured image photo credit: beantrailer.com
