What kind of camper are you?

A friend recently said he thought most teardrop buyers and builders did so because they thought they were cute and later found out that the teardrop camping style didn't fit them well. These folks seldom make even 50 nights after years of ownership. Here are some general categories:


Classes of Campers


Tent campers - spend most of their time outdoors and take raincoats.

Teardrop campers - spend most of their time outdoors and take canopies.

Small standee campers - spend time outdoors if weather and shade are compatible.

Large campers and 5th wheels - spend about 20 - 25% of their time outdoors weather permitting.

Class A & C campers - spend 10% or less of their time outdoors.

Does teardrop camping fit your style? Those with over 50 nights need not answer as it surely does. Try not to kid yourself.

Hilditch, 1%er

 

Hildith,

That is your version, which I disagree with.

I have camped in:

Tents, pop ups, teardrop, travel trailers, and 5th wheel, and always bring a rain coat.

The idea is to be outside, regardless of the form of recreational vehicle.

What statistics do you have to support your catagories?

 

Yes, teardrop camping does suit my style of camping and my needs. Like many on this forum, I started out tenting and then transitioned into a 22 foot recreational trailer with every imaginable bell and whistle that was available at that time. The microwave, oven, and shower weren't used after the initial inspection though. Out of all the camping structures I have owned (from the tent, conventional holiday trailer, to the Raindrop), the Raindrop has been the best fit for me. Will the Raindrop still be the best fit for me 20 years down the road? Time will tell - my needs and interests may be ordered according to different priorities in the future.

Do I regret any of the camping accommodation purchases I have made? Yup, sure do: I regret having bought the 22 foot conventional trailer. I am sure there are many others who similarly regret buying a gas guzzling house-on-wheels, but interestingly those are rarely mentioned.

Which trailer did I take the most heat from my acquaintances for purchasing? Hands down: the Raindrop. Because of the vehement pressure that my "friends" and acquaintances exerted upon me to essentially follow the pack by purchasing a "normal" or what I call a "conventional" trailer instead, there were many times when I waivered on whether I should purchase the Raindrop. Their criticisms caused me to wonder if I was making the right decision to purchase a Raindrop. But I did it anyway. My gut said to keep the lessons of prior purchases in the forefront of my mind and stick with what I knew was right for me: and, yes, that was the Raindrop.

My take away impression (upon having turned my back on conventional recreational units in favour of the Raindrop) is that those who questioned my decision, actually revealed a great deal about themselves: discomfort with those who break the norms of conventional holiday units and the "bigger is better" mentality are common underlying issues.

Kelly

 

We started out tent camping with 4 kids, 1 was a baby - that didn't last! We moved up to a Pop-Up and were out in it literally all the time - we homeschooled the kids and hit the road more often than not with their friends and additional tents. We loved it and missed it terribly when it finally wore out. The kids got into that stage of life where they were so busy with sports, dating, etc. that we didn't camp as much because we were so busy. We always had a dream of going full time in an RV and after Bill retired we bought the 33 ft. 5th wheel with the intention of doing just that. But we found that after his stroke and with me doing all the driving that it really was too much for us to handle. But because we loved it, we decided to move out of the big 3300 sq. ft. home into a 33 ft. home - the RV! We lived in it for 9 mos. sitting stationary in 2008 and now for the past 17 mos. (and still counting) we still live in it stationary. We bought the Raindrop because we love to CAMP - not RV. It's easy to haul, load, turn around and ALMOST easy to back up (for me.) We love showing it off and have had it out and about since March. Not as much as we have wanted to however because we've been house hunting - and once we get settled in a home, hopefully before the holidays, then we plan on really hitting the road on many long hauls. We'll also be using it as an overflow bedroom for 6 of the grandkids who will be living close and when they want to spend the night they'll all be fighting over who gets to stay there. Do we think it's cute? Absolutely! But since we like to CAMP and be outside, it fits the Bill (& Linda too!)And after moving back to Houston I guarantee you we'll be outta there move often than not!

 

We took delivery of our 550 Ultra the first week of May, and to date have spent +30 nights on the road so far this year. In that period of time we have seen one 560 traveling down the road, one 550, and one homebuilt in campgrounds, so we are indeed a rare breed. Based on observation, most of the td owners are experienced campers graduating from backpack to tent to popup to tt and then to the td. In a td camper you have to like being out in the outdoors, and have gotten to the point where you want to simplify your outdoor life, I like to refer to it as a Zen RV experience. Last week I watched a guy spend two hours setting up his 39 foot home on wheels. Once set up he realized he could only run his generator between the hours of 12 and 4, he moved to a powered site where the process was repeated, all together he spent 5 1/2 hours setting up, tearing down and setting back up again. I was tempted to ask if we were having fun yet but my wife was afraid this might start something unpleasant.

If you like being in the outdoors you will love teardrop camping once your bones can no longer tolerate the hard ground often associated with backpacking, or tent camping. As an interesting side benefit you will also get to meet a lot of interesting people who are blown away by the workmanship and efficiency of these small units.
Leo

 

Interesting points. After we spend some time on the road with our Firefly I will probably re-visit this particular question. We are graduating from tent campers to teardrop campers. Aside from the beauty of the raindrop, we see it as a hard-sided tent with wheels graced with the convenience of a galley we don't have to haul separately. AC in the Southwest won't hurt either. We have a small house so it will double as a guest bedroom and sleepover area for the cousins.

However, having known folks in each of the categories, I would just have to say that many defy the general definitions. I've known tent campers who refused to camp with clouds in the sky or fled at the first sign of bad weather. Conversely, a couple of folks use their Class C for a basecamp when back packing. Here in the Southwest the TT are great for taking toys (ATVs, etc) out to the desert and spending a lot of time under the stars. My friends with Class B or van conversions tend to spend quite a bit of time outside fishing (even in the rain) but I know from the forums that others use theirs as a hotel room. Pop-up camper families I've seen spend a lot of time outside and seem to be more physically active.

Yes, the teardrop is a choice that makes a statement in itself. Whether to conserve gas, reduce RV impact on the environment, increase comfort, our own home on the road, or the zen of simplicity we all have our own motivations and uses for opting for a teardrop. However, the categories are helpful for folks who are trying to figure out if the actual use of the teardrop is likely to suit their lifestyle.

Yes, teardrops are cute. So is a sleek sports car. I wouldn't buy a sports car. It wouldn't meet my needs or personal style. For anybody considering an RV, I recommend knowing your own camping style / limitations and visit on-line forums. It will be interesting to see what everyone else here thinks.

 

I am, actually, a very happy camper, thankyou!

 

Jenn provided the best answer of all....

 

And on that note, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this invigorating discussion.

Happy camping!