How Much Does a Teardrop Trailer Weigh? [Answered]

When considering a teardrop trailer for camping adventures, it's important to understand what the travel trailer weighs.

Teardrop trailers have become increasingly popular due to their aerodynamic design and lightweight build. The weight of these trailers plays a significant role in determining your towing needs.

Their weight varies from 500 to 3,200 pounds, depending on their design, style, and amenities. Teardrop trailers usually weigh about 1,000 pounds. Models weighing over 1,500 pounds often have more features or are larger.

Our guide covers teardrop trailer weights, ranging from ultra-light to more comfortable models. We'll also give key tips for towing these trailers safely and effectively.

What Is The Average Weight Of A Teardrop Trailer?

Teardrop trailers are known for their small size and light build, making camping convenient and efficient. The weight of a teardrop trailer is crucial. It determines the type of vehicle you need for towing and how much gear you can carry.

It's important to know the weight categories of teardrop trailers. 'Dry weight' means the trailer's weight without gear, water, or fuel. The 'gross weight' or maximum loaded weight includes gear, water, and fuel.

Teardrop trailers are designed for easy towing and comfort. They're ideal for outdoor adventures without the size of traditional RVs.

When choosing a teardrop trailer, consider its weight. Also, make sure your vehicle's towing capacity matches it for a safe trip.

What Is The Lightest Teardrop Trailer?

More Americans are choosing lightweight and ultralightweight teardrop trailers for their outdoor adventures. In this section, we explore five of the lightest teardrop trailers currently available on the market.

Earth T250LX by Earth Traveler

The Earth T250LX by Earth Traveler is among the lightest teardrop trailers. Its dry weight is about 250 pounds, but some sources say it could be as light as 216 pounds. Its 100% carbon-fiber shell makes it very light yet strong.

The T250LX is compact and fully functional, with an expandable design featuring a pop-up rooftop and flat-lying sidewalls covered by weatherproof tents.

Learn more about this trailer and its sister, the T300, in the video below.

The Tuco by Vintage Overland

The Tuco by Vintage Overland is a handcrafted teardrop trailer that weighs 600 pounds. It's designed for gear hauling, with extra racks for versatility, and comfortably sleeps two people.

You can learn more about Vintage Overland's trailers and story in the video from Bloomberg below:

The Kestral by Timberleaf

Timberleaf's lightest model is the Kestral, weighing just 860 pounds. It has a double-size mattress cabin and ample storage. It offers three suspension package options: standard, all-road, and off-road.

Timberleaf hasn't released a video tour of the Kestral, but you can see the Classic and Pika in the video below.

P17 Essential by Polydrop

The P17 Essential by Polydrop, a stylish teardrop trailer, weighs 820 pounds. It includes a 54-by-75-inch mattress, a movable table, and a rear-open galley. Optional features like a skylight and solar panel enhance its long-trip capabilities.

The Hütte Hut

The Hütte Hut is a premium teardrop trailer weighing 900 pounds. Its wood and canvas construction and barn doors give it a modern look.

It uses marine-grade Okoume plywood and birch, featuring a screwless, water-repellant double-ply canvas canopy. However, its base price of $63,900 may be high for some.

Press on the Hütte Hut is limited, but you can see more images of this gorgeous teardrop in the slideshow below.

These five models represent the diverse range of lightweight teardrop trailers available, each offering unique features to suit different camping preferences and styles.

Teardrop Campers With Bathrooms

Many adventurers find teardrop trailers appealing for their compact size and easy towing. Adding an onboard bathroom increases their comfort significantly.

This section highlights four teardrop trailers that blend classic efficiency with the luxury of built-in bathrooms.

iCamp Elite by United Recreational Vehicles

The iCamp Elite by United Recreational Vehicles features a modular bathroom in its lightweight design. This teardrop trailer has a dry weight of approximately 2,366 lbs and can weigh up to 2,890 lbs when fully loaded.

It remains manageable for smaller vehicles and includes a rear bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet, a kitchenette, and a dinette that transforms into a queen-sized bed.

The Plus S by Pro-Lite

The Plus S, Pro-Lite's smallest model, is a lightweight teardrop trailer with a shower and toilet. It weighs just 1,390 pounds.

Its compact design includes a wet bath, a front kitchenette with a two-burner stove, sink, and refrigerator, and a dinette that converts into a queen-sized bed.

The TAB 320 CS-S by nüCamp

Another viable option is the TAB CS-S 320 by nüCamp, which has a dry weight of around 1,907 lbs.

It features a rear clamshell hitch for kitchen access, a wet bath with a cassette toilet, sink, and shower, and an interior with a convertible dinette/queen-sized bed.

Little Guy Max by Little Guy Trailers

The Little Guy Max by Little Guy Trailers is notable for its full wet bath, including a marine-style toilet and adjustable shower head.

Its dry weight is around 3,010 lbs. This trailer offers indoor kitchen and dining facilities, adaptable to various weather conditions, with a dinette that converts into a queen-sized bed.

These four teardrop trailers offer both the convenience of a bathroom and the benefits of being lightweight and easy to tow. They are ideal for short getaways and extended camping trips, providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience.

How Much Towing Capacity Do I Need For A Teardrop Camper?

Teardrop trailers are popular due to their compact size and lightweight design, making them easy to tow. To safely tow a teardrop camper, you need to match the trailer's weight with your vehicle's towing capacity.

Always check your vehicle's manual or consult with your dealer to know the exact towing capacity. While many vehicles can tow up to 2,000 pounds, not all are suitable for towing.

It's important for safe and comfortable travel to use no more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This is especially helpful in challenging driving situations like going uphill or handling crosswinds.

A towing capacity of 1,000 pounds is often enough for the lightest teardrop trailers. But, it's vital to consider the total weight, including cargo and fuel, to stay within safe towing limits.

Accurately assessing your towing capacity ensures a secure and enjoyable driving experience with your teardrop trailer.

Learn more about towing with the Accent and get general advice on towing with a car in our article: "Can a Hyundai Accent Tow a Trailer?"

Do I Need Trailer Brakes On A Teardrop Camper

Knowing if you need trailer brakes for a teardrop camper is important for safe towing. Trailer brakes, a crucial safety feature, help slow down the trailer and towing vehicle. However, their inclusion varies among teardrop campers.

Many teardrop trailers, especially the heavier ones or those from states with strict towing laws, come with electric brakes. But, base-level trailers might not have these brakes, depending on the trailer's design, weight, and the manufacturer's specifications.

If your teardrop trailer doesn't have trailer brakes, you might still safely tow it. This depends on the trailer's weight, your vehicle's capacity for towing without brakes, and the towing laws in your state.

For example, states like California and Idaho require brakes for trailers over 1,500 pounds.

If you're unsure how to weigh your camper, our guide 'How and Where to Weigh Your Travel Trailer can help.

Selecting The Ideal Teardrop Trailer For Your Camping Adventures

Choosing the right teardrop trailer isn't just about its size. It involves finding a balance between easy towing and desired features. Teardrop trailers come in various weights, depending on their style and features.

When selecting a trailer, it's important to consider both the trailer's weight and your vehicle's towing capacity. This ensures your camping adventures are safe, enjoyable, and tailored to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 500 lb teardrop trailer weigh?

• A teardrop trailer weighing 500 lb is on the lighter end of the spectrum. The weight of these trailers can range from about 300 lb to 1,500 lb. For accurate weights, refer to the manufacturer's specifications.

What is the weight capacity of a double axle trailer?

• Double axle trailers have varying capacities, usually between 2,000 lb and 10,000 lb. Their dual axles distribute weight more evenly, increasing their capacity.

How much towing capacity do you need for a teardrop trailer?

• Your vehicle's towing capacity should at least equal the trailer's weight. For example, a 1,000 lb trailer needs a vehicle with a towing capacity of at least 1,000 lb. It's recommended to use only 80% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity for the best safety and performance.

How heavy is a 20 ft camper?

• The weight of a 20 ft camper can vary, typically ranging from 3,000 lb to 7,000 lb. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity to ensure it can handle the camper's weight.

What is the weight of a 35 foot camper?

• A 35-foot camper generally weighs between 7,000 lb and 14,000 lb. Always consult the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm if your vehicle can tow it safely.

When considering a trailer's weight, remember to include the weight of cargo, equipment, and fluids. Ensuring the total weight is within your vehicle’s towing capacity is vital for safe and legal towing.