Don't Have Nearly $14K for This Teardrop? Just Build Your Own With DIY Instructions!

Why bring to light a website that's clearly about nothing other than teardrop trailers? Because it's here that we find two surprises that are sure to brighten up your day and even summer. Grab your toolkit and off-grid vehicle, and let's hit the road in a "1930s Replica," which is the essence of this team and website.

Now, whenever I bring a camper to light, I typically focus on the unit and point out a tad about the manufacturer. However, I also mentioned a website, and the reason is that this crew also gives lovers of these campers and lifestyle the necessary steps to ensure you build your own teardrop camper.

No joke; TheTeardropTrailer.com (TTT) takes us through four to five web pages where we are shown what we need to consider when building a DIY teardrop, where to put things, how to set them, and what other steps may be needed to see yourself off into the wild by the end of next month, assuming you're handy with a toolkit and some carpentry.

As you'd expect, step one would be to find a trailer that best suits your needs, but TTT does give out their instructions based on a particular size of the trailer, either a 4 x 8-foot or 5 x 8-foot chassis. You'll then be taught how to put in a base and false floor, putting up walls, roofs, wiring, insulation, and most importantly, whipping up a galley that's sure to get some attention as you open up the rear hatch.

It's all there, and in 14 steps, you'll have a solid understanding of how to build a teardrop camper, having put one together yourself. Sure, I make it sound easy, and it's bound to be a challenge if you've never completed such a project, but you're never too old to learn something new.

Yet, TTT also handles this industry like any other brand, selling completed units, and, to see how they like to roll, I've decided to bring to light the 2024 Diamond Deluxe teardrop they currently offer on their website. Oh, and just so we're on the same page here, TTT is asking for no more than $13,700 (€12,800 at current exchange rates) for what you see, minus a few features. Let's see what's in store here.

For starters, TTT builds the Deluxe upon an existing model they offer, the Diamond In the Rough, a 5 x 8-foot unit that TTT offers for no more than $10,400. That's a bargain there, too, in case the Deluxe isn't up your alley or too far out of your budget.

Overall, TTT doesn't mention the sort of trailer used to craft the Deluxe, but judging by the price, it's going to be a basic one. But, the manufacturer does add a few extras to ensure a safe journey: a checker plate undercarriage and 14-inch rims let you venture a tad off-road but nothing too wild.

Yet, it's once you make it to your destination that the Deluxe will begin to show us what it has in store. Once you've stabilized and unhitched your unit, you'll want to head to the rear of your camper, open up the hatch, revealing your spiffy new galley, throw an eye on battery levels, and let the sun do its thing; there's a standard 100 W solar panel included in your purchase, along with a 3,000 W inverter. Nothing is mentioned about water tank capacity.

From here, you're basically ready to go, so why not whip up a meal at the rear; your significant other can continue setting up the outdoor dining set. Just be aware of the fact that TTT doesn't mention there being any appliances included in your purchase. But, equipping this galley with some rather capable gear shouldn't cost you more than a couple of thousand dollars, assuming you don't buy the top-of-the-line features.

With bellies full, most of us like to retire to the interior of our cameras for some siestas. If that's the case, we'll retire to the interior of the Deluxe but leave the doors open to hear the sounds of the local fauna and let the breeze keep you cool as you nap. You can always turn on the ceiling fan if things get too hot or install an AC unit. However, that may require you to upgrade your battery and solar panel. There are plenty of storage options inside, too, so don't be afraid to pack that Jenga or Monopoly set.

Personally, I cover units like these every day, and it's not often that I find a teardrop camper that looks this good, has the basics we need, and gives it all up for a price that's rarely beat in this economy. It's just something to think about if you're looking to get away from the quotidian.