If you’ve been looking for teardrop campers for sale here in Australia, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve been thinking about teardrop campers ever since we had a couple of these little campers come in to the show grounds where we were staying.
One turned up on a bit of a windy, blustery day, so we set about finding them a reasonably protected spot (right beside the chooky sheds, as it happened) since they needed to cook their dinner without the wind whipping out the flame on their gas cooker.
This got me thinking about the pros and cons of a teardrop camper trailers and whether or not I could travel in a camper that is so small.
If you like small campers, check out these Best Small Campervans, Pop top caravans Australia or Small fifth wheel trailers.
In my opinion, the pros and cons of teardrop campers are pretty much at the opposite ends of the spectrum. What makes teardrop campers great… can also be what make them horrible!
Pros
- Small – basically a bed on wheels
- Light weight – can be towed with almost any vehicle
- Have most things you need – a warm bed, cooking facilities, somewhere to retreat in the rain
- Price – not as cheap as a tent, but certainly not as expensive as a full caravan. You’re more likely to be looking in the $10-20k price range for a teardrop camper, compared to $50k+ for a caravan.
Cons
- Small – you can’t stand up in them, so it’s really just for sleeping and relaxing
- Outside living – it’s basically just a bedroom so you’ll be doing most of your living outside (which can also be a ‘pro’!)
- No bathroom – so you may be limited to staying in caravan parks or campgrounds that have facilities
There’s not a whole lot to be said about teardrop campers, really.
They have that distinct shape, they’re generally only a little big bigger than a double or queen bed, and have a kitchen on the rear end.
Teardrop campers range in price from $10,000 – $20,000 with some going all the way up to $35,000 AUD.
Teardrop campers are not so common in Australia, but I have seen a couple and it got me to wondering if there are many manufacturers here in Australia. Thanks to google, this is what I’ve found…
For clarity, I’m only going to look at campers that are in that classic teardrop shape that are only about as big as a bed, and have the kitchen on the rear.
There are plenty of other small campers that are only as big as a bed, but just to keep this list from becoming bigger than Ben Hur, I’m limiting it to teardrop shaped campers.
- Teardrop Campers Australia
- Jag Camper
- Friday Trailer Co
- The Teardrop Camper Company
- Little Guy Australia
- Riptide Campers
- Tucana Teardrop Camper
- Cool Beans Campers
- Smidge Teardrop Campers
- Caretta Camper
- Travelbug Teardrop Campers
- Ridge Teardrop Campers
- Jayco JPOD
- Navitear
- Wotpods
- Cruizy Campers
- Wild Monkey Campers
- Jolly Caravans
- Livin Life Teardrop Campers
- Marli Campers
- Hero Ranger
- Nimble Campers
- Rugged, off-road teardrop camper hybrid trailers
- Teardrop Campers from around the world
- What about if you want to build your own teardrop camper?
Teardrop Campers Australia
First up, let’s look at teardrop campers manufactured here in Australia, then we can look at those that are manufactured overseas.
Jag Camper
Jag Camper started for father and son duo, Frank and Jack, during the COVID lockdowns.
With Jacks foray into vanlife, and Franks many years of camping experience, they combined their engineering and design skills to create a teardrop camper that’s practical, innovative and beautiful!
For more details, photos and contact, go to: https://jagcamper.com.au
Price: from $44,990
Friday Trailer Co
Friday Trailer Co. make bespoke teardrop trailers in the foothills of Adelaide.
They are a larger format teardrop with a full queen size bed and premium level of fittings and features. Their kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, sink and plumbed water, as well as unique offerings such as induction cooktop and off grid power systems.
To dive deeper into what they have on offer, go to www.fridaytrailer.co
Price: from $49,990
The Teardrop Camper Company
The Teardrop Camper Company are a NSW based company that specialises in teardrop campers Australia.
They currently have 5 teardrop camping trailers in their range but talk to them if you have some special requirements. They’re a small company who are keen on R&D so you’re not just a mindless number with these guys.
Check out The Teardrop Camper Company website for the full specs on these beauties.
Price: from $20,499
Little Guy Australia
With four models in their range, Little Guy Australia is based in Adelaide. The ‘Deluxe’ (below) is the lightest of their models but has everything you need for a great Aussie getaway.
For more information on these teardrop camping trailers and where to find dealers, head to the Little Guy Australia website.
Price: $16,925
Riptide Campers
Riptide Campers are more on the larger side of teardrop campers, but still retain that classic teardrop shape.
Below is the Swell which is the lightest of the Riptide Campers. See the rest of the Riptide Campers over on their website.
Price: $22,500
Tucana Teardrop Camper
The Tucana Teardrop Camper produced by Stonegate Industries is a a bit larger than the others, with the inside bed area able to be converted to a dinette set up, and the addition of a large tent to the side of the camper increases the protected space by a lot.
There are a lot more photos on their website, so go and check out the Tucana Teardrop Camper here.
Price: $32,999
Cool Beans Campers
Cool Beans make hand made custom teardrop campers in Western Australia. They’ve got a great little kitchen set up and a vibrant colour scheme.
Find out more about Cool Beans Campers on their website.
Price: $45,000
Smidge Teardrop Campers
Smidge have years of design and manufacturing experience behind it.
Smidge is manufactured by Suncamper Motorhomes and have 3 campers in their range (the ‘Dash’, ‘Drop’ and ‘Dram’)
See more on the Smidge website here.
Price: $26,500
Caretta Camper
The Caretta Camper is a cute little number (aren’t all of these teardrop campers though!) that produce both an on-road and an off-road version of their teardrop.
Check out their full range on their website
Travelbug Teardrop Campers
With names like Snuggle Bug and Escape Pod, these cute teardrop campers are a winner with me.
A family owned and run business from Darling Downs, there are four camper models for you to choose from.
See more on Travelbug Teardrop Campers website.
Price: $15,500
Ridge Teardrop Campers
These lightweight beauties are a fibreglass construction that is hand made in Sydney.
Jayco JPOD
The JPOD is barely in the teardrop shape, but with Jayco being such a big name brand, I thought it likely that many people would think of this model. It doesn’t have the kitchen on the back like most of these teardrops, but it is still small and light.
Price: $24,723
Thanks to some very helpful comments from readers, we’ve got some more Australian teardrop campers to add to the list:
Navitear
Builders of custom-made tear drop campers. Their design includes a queen size bed that converts into a seat, perfect for those rainy days when you’re stuck inside! And I love that huge window in the front!
Wotpods
Built in Byron Bay, the Wot Pods have 3 models; the Wotapod, Q-pod and Bosspod.
Check out the Wotpods website to see them all for yourself.
Price: $22,990
Cruizy Campers
Cruizy Campers have 3 models to choose from (Possum, Joey, Brumby) and you can customise almost everything.
See all the Cruizy Campers models here.
Price: $32,000
Wild Monkey Campers
Just going by the photos on their website, the workmanship of these Wild Monkey Campers is amazing. They’ve got 3 models to choose from, and you really should check out their website for yourself and see if you’re not a bit amazed, like I was. Wild Monkey Campers
Price: $23,990
Jolly Caravans
The ‘Jolly’ tear drop camper is a little different in it’s shape from the other teardrops I’ve shown here, and it doesn’t have the kitchen at the back, although there is room for one.
Price: $23,500
Livin Life Teardrop Campers
Here’s another camper that differs a bit from the classic teardrop shape, but it still looks very cute! They have 3 models; the Puddle Jumper, The Getaway Bed and The Optimum Classic.
Livin Life Teardrop Campers website
Price: $19,853
Marli Campers
I want to put these campers in the off road teardrop camper hybrid section below, because the look as hard-core and rugged as the others… but as their slogan says, they’re ‘Made for on-road, suitable for off-road’.
Either way, they look the business and you can see more details on the Marli Campers website.
Price: $15,400
Hero Ranger
Brought to us by Royal Flair Caravans, the Hero Ranger is a Danish designed tear drop camper that is lightweight yet resilient.
See all the details on the Royal Flair website.
Nimble Campers
These cute and colourful campers are in the classic tear drop shape, but just a bit bigger than most of the tear drops we have listed here.
The interior can be converted to either a queen size bed or a dining area.
See more of the Nimble Campers here.
Price: $26,990
Rugged, off-road teardrop camper hybrid trailers
The following campers are that hybrid between a teardrop camper and … something else? Maybe a camper trailer? Or are they just called pods?
While they are the teardrop shape, they’re not necessarily that ‘classic’ shape we’re all familiar with. But they do have the kitchen on the back.
It’s just that they’re a teardrop camper … with more.
More suspension. More ground clearance. More solar. More awning. More high tech.
Bruder
With that roof top tent option, this may be what some families are looking for? Click here for the Bruder website
Lumberjack
The Sheoak is another rugged teardrop / pod by Lumberjack Camper Trailers. Check out the Lumberjack website.
Stockman
A great little camper that gets into the spots you want to explore. See the Rover on the Stockman website.
BRS Offroad
The Sherpa is a striking camper has been aptly named, it carries everything you could need. It’s got a roof-top tent, bat wing awning, ensuite tent and all in a small and light package. See all the details over the Sherpa on the BRS Offroad website.
Teardrop Campers from around the world
Below are some of the most popular and well-known teardrop camping trailers from around the world.
I’m including these so you can get an idea of what else is available on the market.
nuCamp
I’ve already swooned over United States based nuCamp on my other blog (RVObsession.com) where I talked about the T@B trailers (you can see that post over here), but nuCamp also have the T@G teardrop trailers.
These are very stylish little campers, with luxuries like TV and air-con! And plenty of upgrades for going off-grid if you want to.
You can see lots more photos and models, over on the nuCamp website.
Tiny Camper
Now across to Lithuania where they’re building these great, little Teardrops.
They have just two models, the Mini and the Expedition.
Tiny Camper do have teardrop camper kits but they’re based in the EU so not really much good to us in Australia.
Check out the TinyCamper.eu website.
Timberleaf Trailers
The beautiful Classic Cabin from Timberleaf Trailers makes me feel like you’re really experiencing the rough and rugged outdoors… without too much of that uncomfortable rough and ruggedness!
She looks a beauty, doesn’t she! And fit’s right into her natural environment.
See more pictures, details and specs over at Timberleaftrailers.com
Vintage Overland
You can tell just from the pictures that Vintage Overland take great pride in crafting each of their teardrop campers.
See these beautiful designs and read the story of how they got started over at: www.vintageoverland.com
What about if you want to build your own teardrop camper?
You may be looking for teardrop camper plans or even teardrop camper kits, but I’ve found them pretty hard to come by here in Australia.
However, I have found a website that’s a wealth of information for anyone building their own teardrop camper trailer.
The Aussie Teardrop Campers website has heaps of really helpful information.
Teardrop Camper Kits
The only Teardrop Camper Kit I’ve been able to find here in Australia, is a Chesapeake Light Craft Australia kit sold by Denman Marine. Here’s a link to the kit so you can check it out for yourself.
Do you think it’s worth considering a teardrop camper for your holidays around Australia?
Personally, I think a teardrop trailer is perfect either short-term (2 weeks or less) holidays or a trip where you’re going to be moving around a lot (like on a road trip right around Australia). You have all the important amenities (somewhere to sleep and somewhere to cook) in something that’s small, lightweight and easy to tow, while also being way more comfortable than a tent and easier to set up than an RV.
Does this make you want to hop straight online and look for teardrop campers for sale near you?
Maureen Brown
Wednesday 22nd of February 2023
Hello benandmichelle 😊 Thank you for this great list of teardrop vans and links to their manufacturers. Several years ago I saw an actual t@b caravan here in Australia. It was secondhand and for sale privately but although only it sold for only $13000 that was out of my price range at the time. After it sold I almost immediately regretted not buying it even if I had needed to stretch the budget a bit more. The seller told me that she believed there were only two in Australia at the time. I really liked that although still classified as a teardrop caravan one could still stand up inside and it had an interior kitchen. I’ve looked on and off for another or something really similar almost from the time I passed on the one I mentioned. I just got really excited when I saw the t@b and t@g vans on this post, until I realised that those were from an American manufacturer. 😌
I’m just wondering if you might know if something really similar is available in Australia, or how to get one here from overseas? I expect I would be looking at a big expense to import one though, even if it were possible. I don’t know if any caravan sales places get caravans from overseas or if all are made here in Australia.
I know they have secondhand t@bs for sale at times in the UK where they are pretty big (although I’m not sure if those t@bs have toilet and wash facilities inside…as the t@g does and which would be a bonus). Getting one here though is a problem.
I’m sure there must be more people in Australia than I that would love a van such as the t@b or the t@g!
I’d be most grateful for any information you can give me, and thank you again for this comprehensive list.
Kind regards, Maureen.
Michelle
Sunday 26th of February 2023
Hi Maureen, I'm sorry I can't help you with any more info about the t@g or t@b unfortunately. Hopefully someone here might be able to offer some insight or have more information about the costs involved in importing a caravan.
Cate
Sunday 28th of March 2021
Hi there, We are looking to purchase a teardrop camper.....just one concern. How can we enclose the side area of the kitchen with a more permanent awning. Most of the options on the market appear Very light weight and take away from the appearance of the teardrop.....is there a manufacturer or tent maker out there that custom makes awnings? Specifically to suit teardrops? Vistabule a company in the USA seemed to have one, but not available in Australia...😀
Donna & Gav
Sunday 20th of September 2020
Hi, currently travelling in NW WA in our T@B 320 for past six weeks. Over the past 14 years of owning & travelling in our T@B teardrop, the only downside is people asking & interested about our van and the surprise they get with how much is fitted into a small space. If your travelling requirements enable you to live the teardrop lifestyle, please don’t delay and buy one ASAP. Donna & Gav
Mandy
Sunday 13th of December 2020
Hi Donna and Gav, did you purchase your t@b secondhand from me in Mornington?! A yellow one?
Debbie Iddles
Friday 4th of December 2020
Great advice Donna & Gav. Any hints on where to purchase a T@B in Australia?? Deb
Heidi
Sunday 23rd of August 2020
Can anyone help me with a 4 sleeper Tear Drop? I have contacted all the companies listed in this article & am having no luck! We have 2 small children & ive seem some interesting set ups including a bed above the queen & bunk beds. Some people have made their own but I don’t have that capability! Help! This is what I want for my family to adventure in!!
zen
Monday 14th of September 2020
obviously a bit in expensive side, however you may be able to adapt using the hammock/bunk idea with a Bruder exp-4 https://bruderx.com/brochure/exp-4/
Chris Harrison
Sunday 9th of August 2020
Having a teardrop camper for last 5 years or so, it has been well-worth the purchase. Longest trip was about 6 weeks around Tassie, no problems. Need to make sure you keep things quick and simple, eg have some kind of shade- instant up gazebos do the trick, lightweight and quick to take down. You need to be organised with your gear with a teardrop. If you are not going to use something, don't take it.
One of my friends built the Denman Marine kit. It's an impressive lightweight unit. There's one for sale in Melbourne for $11K- painted grey though.
There are some other local manufacturers, though they come and go: http://sawhorse.com.au/teardrop-campers/ (classic 1940s style traditional build) Karavana- Gippsland, (more a retro/gypsy vibe- website not loading today, have a look on pintrest) http://nookee.com.au/ (a modern interpretation, lots of built in solar, pretty cheap price) http://www.wombatco.com.au/services/teardrop-campers/ (clamshell fiberglass teardrop, interesting design, made in Horsham I think) https://navitear.com.au/ (pretty slick design, with folding couch, Bendigo built?) Apple Pod (Queensland, site not loading. Aus build fibreglass, will customise)
And for more off roady- but you are going to need deep pockets... https://www.lumberjackcampertrailers.com.au/product/sheoak/ https://podtrailer.com.au/stockman-rover/ https://www.brsoffroad.com.au/sherpa-2/
Lastly something a bit bigger but well designed Canadian teardrop-styled van for sale in Aus. http://www.altocaravans.com.au/
Michelle
Sunday 9th of August 2020
Wow, that's lots of helpful info Chris! Thanks so much. :-)