Teardrop caravans are definitely not a common sight here at Horton Common. Though I have had a couple of guests arrive with them in the past. While we have fully serviced pitches, we have no on-site toiler/shower facilities. So while its possible to erect a pop-up tent/awning for toilet/shower facilities which our guests have done with their teardrop caravans, that doesnt appeal to everyone. However, for those who want to visit sites with toilet/shower facilities, a teardrop caravan can be a solid option. So let’s have a look at current teardrop options.
Disclaimer: Hey! By the way… any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon or Caravan Guard are affiliate links, and I earn a commission if you make a purchase, with no additional cost to you 🙂
- Dissolves waste and removes odours naturally and has delightful mild fragrance
Want To Visit Horton Common? – Book Here
Table of Contents
Introduction to Teardrop Caravans
The owners of teardrop caravans I have met have stated the appeal of their micro caravan is to go to more remote locations, places where it wouldn’t be possible to take even other small caravans.
However, I have also heard comments from guests with traditional caravans and motorhomes confused by the appeal of teardrop trailers. Making comments such as, ‘why not just buy a tent?‘.
Well, one reason is a teardrop caravan provides a much more comfortable/secure sleeping area, along with the fact that with a teardrop trailer, you can take along more equipment.
Best Teardrop Caravans (Available in the UK)
While I’ve fully researched the list of companies below, I’m not going to discuss every single product/offering from each company.
I think the best way to provide a general overview of their product offerings is to highlight their lowest cost/budget teardrop camper.
Fyne DIY Teardrop Camper Kit – Starting at £3,500
So just to be clear, this starting price for the kit does not include the cost of the trailer to place the teardrop camper on top of. Furthermore, this is a DIY kit; you will have to build it yourself.
Therefore, while its technically a lower-cost option than the SL Industries teardrop trailers below, the actually total cost of these kits and factoring in your time is the more expensive option.
However, for those looking for a DIY teardrop camper kit and the challenge/rewards of building your own custom teardrop trailer, this kit may be ideal for you.
SL Industries Teardrop Trailers – Starting at £4,300
SL Industries started to make teardrop caravans in 2013. However, the owners have more than 30 years of experience in boat building.
If you are looking for a very simple/basic camping trailer at an affordable price, that’s what the Pod-E offers. Its built on a 50mm steel box section chassis with 750kg rated Avon suspension.
The side panels are made from aluminium & thermoplastic, with an aluminium roof and Birch plywood interior with a satin finish. Various options can be added, such as bike rack storage and additional storage doors.
- The Original Pod-E Key Specs
- Length = 3.46 m
- Width to the outside of the wheel arches = 1.7 m
- Height = 1.62 m
- Unladen Weight = 245 kg
- MTPLM = 750 kg
- Starting price £4,300
- slindustries.co.uk
West Midlands Trailers Teardrops – Starting at £5,400
Here we have another company offering a selection of teardrop trailers in various colours/configurations. The smallest/cheapest of which is called the ‘Sleeper’.
- West Midlands Trailers Sleeper Teardrop Key Specs
- Length = 3.50 m
- Width to the outside of the wheel arches = 1.7 m
- Height = 1.76 m
- Unladen Weight = 200 kg
- Starting price £5,400
- WestMidlandsTrailers.co.uk
Diddyvan Teardrop Campers – Starting at £6,800
Diddyvans are another manufacturer of teardrop trailers offering a very standard/basic offering or a highly customized/bespoke trailer.
- Diddyvans Teardrop Key Specs
- Length = 3.35 m
- Width to the outside of the wheel arches = 1.7 m
- Height = 1.5 m
- Starting price £6,800
- DiddyVans.co.uk
Henki Pod Teardrop Trailers – Starting at £10,500
I don’t think a post on the best teardrop caravans would be complete without a retro option. So that’s where Henki Pod comes in.
Henki states that some customers describe their camping trailers as “the most luxurious rolling tent”. I think the description of teardrop caravans as ‘rolling tents’ is quite appropriate.
The Henki Pod is marketed as a ‘cool’ option, focusing on a perceived stylish and iconic exterior. Its stated that Henki Pods have been ‘re-engineered using SMART technology’.
I don’t currently have details on their SMART construction technology, but I’ll try and find out more.
Purely from the information on their website, I’m unable to provide a summary of the specific differences between their budget option, the Pure and the premium trailer, the Nomad.
All of the Henki Pods are constructed from a one-piece composite shell that comes with a 5-year warranty.
Henki Pods do appear to be available in a range of colours, and bespoke models are available. Therefore, purely from the information on their website, I’m unable to tell which colour options are standard and which images are of bespoke models.
- The Henki Pod Key Specs
- Length = 3.20 m
- Width to the outside of the wheel arches = 1.65 m
- Height = 1.63 m
- Unladen Weight = 340 kg
- MTPLM = 500 kg
- Starting price £10,500
- HenkiPod.co.uk
Caretta Teardrop Trailers – Starting at £11,539
The Caretta teardrop caravans come in two versions, the base Caretta 1500 and the 1500 Off-Road. The Off-Road features larger tyres and greater ground clearance.
The MTPLM of the Caretta 1500 Off-Road is also higher at 750 kg compared to 400 kg for the standard 1500. However, the Off-Road also demands a higher price point of £16,199.
- Caretta 1500 Teardrop Specs
- Length = 3.9m (1500), 4.4m (Off-Road)
- Width = 2m (1500), 2.1m (Off-Road)
- Height = 1.7m (1500), 1.9m (Off-Road)
- MTPLM = 400 kg (1500), 750 kg (Off-Road)
- Starting price of £11,539
- Caretta-UK.com
T@B/TAB 320 Basic Teardrop Trailer – Starting at £15,790
In many ways, the TAB teardrop trailers are the classic interpretation of the design. Taller in design than the cheaper teardrop trailers below, creating a more usable interior space with an internal sink etc.
Due to the higher design, while the TAB 320 does not feature a dedicated toilet/wet room area, there is sufficient space/height for a porta potty to be used within one of these TAB trailers.
- T@B 320 Basic Teardrop Specs
- Length = 5.1m
- Width = 2m
- Height = 2m
- MTPLM = 800kg
- Starting price of £15,790
- Barnsdale-Leisure.co.uk
Lion Caravans Cub – Starting at £15,995
The Cub from Lion Caravans features a single-piece GRP shell, and its finished in a rather nice two-tone colour design that I think makes it look quite special.
As standard, you get a solar panel built into the roof along with the electrical system. Furthermore, there is a Webasto diesel heating system which is a nice feature, especially for the British climate.
Another nice feature of the Cub is the panoramic roof which lets natural light into the cabin. On smaller/cheaper teardrops, natural light into the cabin is normally pretty minimal through a side window.
- Lion Caravans Cub Teardrop Specs
- Length = 4.30m
- Width = 1.99m
- Height = 1.70m
- MTPLM = 750 kg
- Starting price of £15,995
- LionCaravans.com
Go-Pods – Starting at £16,295
Ok, Go-Pods may not be specifically a ‘teardrop caravan’. Even the company behind the Go-Pod describe them as a ‘micro-tourer’.
However, my main thought here is anyone who is considering a leisure vehicle the size and weight of the teardrop caravans above would also likely be interested in this micro tourer.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s look at what this micro-touring caravan offers. In terms of their budget and premium offerings, there is the same Go-Pod but in different trim levels.
Go-Pods are made from a one-piece GRP shell. This, therefore, reduces the chances of water ingress/leaks/damp. Any car with a towing capacity of 750kg or above could tow this caravan.
The Go-Pod features a fully galvanised steel chassis rated to 1,000kg with AL-KO brakes, running gear and hitch.
Notably, Go-Pods have a pop-up roof to provide a head height of 6′ when up and 5’1″ when down.
As someone of above-average height, I’m always curious about the size of the bed in such small campers. With the Go-Pod, the bed, when set up as a double, is 1.57m wide and 1.95m long.
- Go-Pod Key Specs
- Length = 4.2m
- Width = 1.85m
- Height = 2.05m roof down, roof up adds 30cm
- Unladen Weight = 540 kg
- MTPLM = 750 kg
- Starting price of £16,295
- Go-Pods.co.uk
Mink Campers Teardrop Trailer – Starting at £19,999
The Mink Camper has a similar design to the Lion Caravans Cub teardrop above but with a higher price point. However, unlike the Cub, the Mink Camper is described as an ‘Offroad camper’.
An interesting thing to note about the Mini Campers is you look at them and presume they are a GRP shell (at least I did). However, the shell is actually made of injection moulded ABS plastic panels.
As can be seen in the video above, you can also get a custom awning for the Mini Camper, which would add a lot of very useful living space., you use a portable shower/toilet in there, for instance.
- Mink Camper Key Specs
- Length = 4.16m
- Width = 2.08m
- Height = 1.83m
- MTPLM = 750 kg
- Starting price of £19,999
- MinkCampers.com
Fun Fit Adventure Teardrop Trailers – Starting at £21,000
Based in Northumberland, offering a wide range of teardrop caravans with an equally wide range of accessories.
While the HQ for the company is in Northumberland, they do have various ambassadors (previous customers) located around the UK who you can go to see to check out one of their teardrop caravans.
The main range of teardrops that Fun Fit Adventure appears to sell are the Hero Campers, which are apparently from Denmark. The Hero Campers come in two main versions, the Ranger and the Traveller.
The Ranger, when set up with larger wheels/tyres, is better suited to off-road travel.
In terms of price, the Hero Travel currently starts at just over £21,000, and the more heavy-duty ranger also starts from just over £21,000
There are lots of accessories/features which can be added to these campers. I’ll let Richard, the owner of the company, explain in the video above.
- Fun Fit Adventure Hero Teardrop Key Specs
- Length = 4.5m
- Width = 2.19m
- Unladen Weight = 780 kg
- MTPLM = 900 to 1,200 kg
- Starting price of £21,000
- FunFitAdventure.co.uk
Things To Consider With Teardrop Caravans
So briefly, the basic concept of a teardrop caravan is a small, lightweight trailer that commonly just features a bed inside.
The design is rather round/bulbous at the front of the trailer near the caravan hitch, and it tappers off to the rear of the camper. Hence the teardrop shape.
While the interior of a typical teardrop caravan only features a bed, the exterior has various lockers and storage space. Its also common for a rear door on a teardrop caravan to lift up to reveal a kitchen space.
However, there are also larger caravans that still have the teardrop shape but feature kitchen utilities and seating inside the caravan.
While the modern term of ‘teardrop caravan’ accurately describes the general design of these micro caravan/campers, the concept of a micro caravan/camper is pretty old.
Most of the original caravans towed behind the first cars were small and of a similar teardrop design. And very small campers have been made ever since.
For instance, you may or may not be aware of Eriba caravans. They are a German manufacturer of caravans which started way back in the 1950s.
Eriba caravans are generally smaller than many examples of common touring caravans you will find today, especially those offering 8-foot wide caravans.
They commonly employ a pop-up roof to reduce the height of these micro caravans when towing. I once had a guest turn up to Horton Common with an Eriba Puck.
The Eriba Puck micro caravan has been produced since the 1960s. I believe Eriba stopped manufacturing the puck in the mid-2000s.
However, with the growing popularity of teardrop caravans, they might want to reconsider that decision. I see the Eriba Puck as the spiritual successor to the modern iteration, which is the teardrop caravan.
The Eriba Puck shares much of the same appeal as modern teardrop caravans.
Essentially a stylish micro caravan/camper that can be towed (efficiently) by a wide range of small vehicles and go to locations that would be unwise with a larger caravan.
What Is The Appeal of Teardrop Caravans?
So obviously, anyone who is interested in or considering a teardrop caravan is not primarily focused on the size of the internal living space.
Hence, a traditional touring caravan from the likes of Swift or Bailey is not what they are looking for.
If we put the difference in exterior design between traditional touring caravans and teardrop caravans to one side for a moment, let’s consider the other factors of appeal.
Teardrop Caravans Are Generally Targeted At A Younger Demographic
I believe teardrop caravans are generally targeted at a younger demographic for a couple of reasons.
I also believe they appeal to people who do/did enjoy camping but are looking for additional space, utility and security.
Finally, younger people, due to lower incomes and other factors, generally own smaller cars. Small cars which are efficient to run but are very limited in their towing abilities, potentially even an electric car.
Let’s take the example then of someone who enjoys camping, but tents obviously have their downsides. When you arrive at a site, you have to erect the tent.
Now while blow-up air tents are growing in popularity for their convenience and speed to put up, its no fun putting up any type of tent in poor weather conditions.
Hence, the first appeal of a teardrop caravan over a tent is once you arrive on-site, you instantly have somewhere to sleep.
Furthermore, in the scenario above of purely going camping in a small car, you have very limited storage space. You have to fit into the vehicle the tent as well as all your belongings.
Hence, a teardrop caravan removes the need for a tent. This opens up more storage space in a small car, not to mention the storage space within the teardrop caravan itself.
Towing A Teardrop Caravan With A Small Car
What teardrop caravans offer, due to their small size and low weight, is that a small car can tow them.
This includes many small cars which would normally not come close to the power, weight and chassis requirements to tow a larger touring caravan.
Now, that’s not to say every small car is capable of towing a teardrop caravan. First, not every small car has suitable mounting points for a tow bar.
Secondly, some cars (particularly many small electric cars) cannot tow without voiding the warranty. However, the point remains that a teardrop caravan can be towed by a huge range of small cars.
There is also less of a debate around the benefits of 2WD vs 4WD for towing with small teardrop caravans.
Another scenario is if you already own (or wish to own) a small campervan, but you are looking for additional space. You want a campervan due to the benefits of campervans vs motorhomes.
Therefore, towing a teardrop caravan behind a campervan is an option. However, I have actually seen full-sized motorhomes towing teardrop caravans as well for additional storage/sleeping space.
The Lower Cost Of Towing A Teardrop Caravan
Due to the general low height of a teardrop caravan compared to most touring caravans seen on UK roads today, more efficient towing performance is to be expected.
When towing a caravan, the general rule of thumb is a 50% reduction in MPG with an internal combustion car. Likewise, an electric car will commonly see around a 50% reduction in range when towing a caravan.
Its not just the weight of the caravan which causes this impact on efficiency, its the increased air resistance when towing.
Therefore, as a teardrop caravan is not only lighter but generally shorter in height, less of an impact on MPG/Range is to be expected.
Manoeuvring & Storing A Teardrop Caravan
The weight of teardrop caravans varies. However, as a general rule, they are up to or below 750kg.
For instance, in my section below on the best teardrop caravans/campers currently available in the UK, one example has an unladen weight of just 245kg!
With such lightweight trailers, you avoid many of the issues that can scare people off towing a ‘full-sized’ touring caravan.
For instance, you don’t really need to be concerned about reversing a caravan with a teardrop on the open road. Also, its unlikely a caravan stabiliser will be required.
Most people, even on their own, if they got really stuck, could just uncouple and push a teardrop caravan to a turning spot.
Furthermore, due to the small size of a teardrop caravan, its more likely you would be able to store it on your driveway as opposed to a storage yard.
While insurance is not a legal requirement for caravans, its still not a bad idea to insure a teardrop caravan.
Teardrop caravan insurance would also be much less than for any standard full-sized touring caravan. However, you would also still want to consider security devices such as a hitch lock and wheel lock.
DIY Teardrop Trailers
Now I like a bit of DIY, but I would never consider trying to design/build a full-sized touring caravan.
Though it is reasonably possible to buy a good quality/legal small trailer chassis and design/build your own teardrop caravan.
Some are built from scratch following the instructions from books, such as the example below. However, others, such as the image of the Eriba Puck above, are conversations of old camping trailers.
For me, its easy to see the appeal of designing and building your own teardrop caravan.
If you are into DIY such as myself I can imagine designing and building your own teardrop caravan as a very rewarding project: Image – Amazon.co.uk
My Conclusions On Teardrop Caravans
From reading various websites and watching YouTube videos, I believe the range of different makes and models of teardrop caravans globally must have passed triple digits, or its pretty close to.
The point is, there is a strong demand for this type of leisure vehicle as a bridge between purely camping with a tent and a full-sized touring caravan or motorhome.
In terms of which type and style of teardrop caravan or micro tourer is going to be best for you, you need to consider a couple of factors.
Budget obviously being one factor, but there are also many others to consider. For instance, do you want to opt for ‘style over substance’?
That is not to say retro-style caravans don’t have their appeal. Many of them, I personally think, are pretty ‘cool’. My point is you need to carefully consider where you want to take a teardrop caravan.
One of the appealing factors of such a small trailer to me is you can take it to places where no sensible person would dare take a full-sized caravan.
If that’s the case, there are circumstances where an off-road spec teardrop caravan would be more suitable than a retro camping trailer. I have another post on the best small caravans beside teardrops if you’re interested.
Thanks for reading my ramblings above. I hope you found this post on teardrop caravans etc, informative/useful.
I also hope, at some point in the near future, you will consider coming to visit us here at Horton Common caravan site. 🙂
Want To Visit Horton Common? – Book Here