Teardrop trailer
Definition 1
A teardrop trailer, also known as a teardrop camper trailer, is a streamlined[1], compact[2], lightweight[2], travel trailer, which gets its name from its teardrop profile. They usually only have sleeping space for two adults and often have a basic kitchen in the rear.[3]
Teardrop trailers first became popular in the 1930s and remained so until the mid 1960s when they disappeared from mainstream camping. However, in recent years teardrop trailers have made a resurgence and are again growing in popularity.
A teardrop trailer is generally small, ranging from 4 to 6 feet in width and 8 to 10 feet in length. They are usually from 4 to 5 feet in height. Wheels and tires are usually outside the body and are covered by fenders. Since teardrop trailers are so light, usually less than 450 kg (1000 pounds), just about any vehicle can tow one and gas mileage is minimally affected.
There is room inside a teardrop trailer for two people to sleep as well as storage for clothes and other items. Outside, in the rear under a hatch, there is usually an area for cooking referred to as the galley. Teardrop trailers tend to have lighting and other electrical power supplied by battery, although some have 110 power hookups like regular travel trailers.
Some teardrop trailer owners participate in camping events for teardrop trailers (called 'gatherings'). The teardrop trailer phenomenon is not local to any one country. Builders reside throughout the Americas, Europe, South Africa and Australia.
Magazines such as Mechanics Illustrated, published plans in the mid 1930s. The first teardrops were designed around the idea of utilizing standard 4 by 8 foot sheets of plywood with hardwood spars. In the late 1940s, plans became available on the internet. Temporary builders found that with the advent of modern urethane glues, trailers could be built more easily from less expensive woods because the strength of the glue created a monocoque and also compensated for a lack of professional woodworking skills.
Teardrop trailers have received media exposure on the Travel Channel, HGTV, the Speed Channel, the Price is Right, and the internet.
Definition 2
The phrase teardrop trailer has more recently been used to describe a new shape of goods carrying articulated trailer for use with commercial tractor units. The commercial version differs in that the trailer aerodynamics are considered in conjuction with the tractive unit. As such, the "teardrop" phrase refers to the entire combination, not just the trailer.
Initially introduced in 2007, the numbers of teardrop trailers continues to grow in the major commercial fleets; predominantly due to the sharp increase in fuel price and the ever increasing public pressure to reduce CO2 emissions.
Current versions only exist in the United Kingdom due to their overall height in the centre (4.5 m) which cannot exceed 4m in Europe and many parts of the US. In addition, they extend to 13.6 m in length with the capacity to carry 26 pallets (1000x1200 mm) and up to 44 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
The average commercial tractor/trailer travels approximately 60,000 miles (100,000 km) per annum at an average of 8.5 miles per gallon (3.01 km/L). This consumes 33,222 litres of diesel and creates 87 tonnes (87,000 kg) of CO2; creating a huge impact on the environment. The established aerodynamic shape has been reported to save 10% in fuel in comparison to a flat roof trailer, which will reduce CO2 emissions proportionately (8 tonnes per annum).
References
- ^ "Trailer For Two", Mechanix Illustrated, September 1947[1]
- ^ a b New York Times: Teardrops of Joy for Campers Who Don't Mind Small Spaces
- ^ "Nostalgia makes a comeback", RVBusiness, volume 59, number 3, June 2008[2]
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