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CLC Teardrop Camper
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The CLC Teardrop Camper raises your level of adventure.
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The  Galley insert for the Teardrop Camper stores kitchen equipment and doubles as a base for the electrical system.
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ICC Rear Storage
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Teardrop camper interior holds a queen-size mattress.
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Teardrop Passagemaker & Subaru in the wild.
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Teardrop with roof rack kit
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The Integrated Cargo Carrier fits  neatly below the Teardrop Camper and has 23 cubic feet of storage space.
CLC Teardrop Camper Thumbnail
The CLC Teardrop Camper raises your level of adventure. Thumbnail
The  Galley insert for the Teardrop Camper stores kitchen equipment and doubles as a base for the electrical system. Thumbnail
ICC Rear Storage Thumbnail
Teardrop camper interior holds a queen-size mattress. Thumbnail
Teardrop Passagemaker & Subaru in the wild. Thumbnail
Teardrop with roof rack kit Thumbnail
The Integrated Cargo Carrier fits  neatly below the Teardrop Camper and has 23 cubic feet of storage space. Thumbnail

CLC Teardrop Camper

Builder Testimonials

This camper is small and light enough to be towed behind an electric car. It is also big enough to hold a queen-sized mattress. Storage and galley modules add more space and functionality.

  • Skill Level Beginner
  • Estimated Build Time 250 Hours

Build this boat if...

  • You have been dreaming of an RV you can tow with a small car.
  • You have never forgotten the magic of sleeping in your treehouse as a kid.
  • You like the idea of building your own "escape pod."
  • You are an avid camper who has reached the age where sleeping in a tent is losing its appeal.
  • In-Depth Manual

    Meticulous, fully-illustrated instructions

  • Superior Support

    Tech support is free and unlimited

  • #1 Seller

    Thousands of kits shipped

  • Sophisticated Design

    Nothing else like it to buy or build

Build Your Kit

Build Your Own Teardrop Camper

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.

Specifications

Interior Headroom
44"
Interior Floor Dimensions
80" x 60"
Length of Shell
96-1/4"
Width of Shell
66"
Height of Shell
45"
Height of Shell From Ground
62" to 68"
Weight of Completed Shell
250 lbs.
Weight of Camper and Trailer
500 - 600 lbs.
Kevin L. and a friend explored the American West with their CLC Teardrop Camper and a pair of bicycles.
Kevin L. and a friend explored the American West with their CLC Teardrop Camper and a pair of bicycles.

Overview

A "teardrop" trailer is a type of small camper, usually with a rounded, streamlined shape, that dates back at least to the 1930's. As cars get smaller, storage space more expensive, and recreational time more precious, a new appreciation is growing for the efficiency of really good teardrop campers.

A fan of small boats, small cars, and small houses, designer John C. Harris found the concept of a teardrop camper irresistible. "Think of it as a big step up from a tent in terms of comfort and utility.  But it's so compact and light that I could tow it behind my MINI Cooper. "

CLC Teardrop Trailer Kit

He continues, "Even the smallest standard RV trailers are going to require at least a mid-sized tow vehicle, and they will make a giant dent in your gas mileage."

Brand New Teardrop Camper for Sale

Teardrops have always been available as build-your-own projects. You can find ads for kits and plans in old magazines from the 1930's and 40's. Some of these are pretty sophisticated, but most are clumsily-built, and look and feel cheap.  "What if we take the same boatbuilding materials and techniques we've been refining for 25 years at Chesapeake Light Craft and build a teardrop trailer? And we apply the same sculptural approach that we bring to boat design?" Harris asks.  

The result is the 5' x 8' (1.5 x 2.4m) teardrop you see here, with much more elegance than the common "canned ham" teardrop designs. Drawn around a 60" x 80" (1.5m x 2m) queen-size air mattress, this little camper is small on the outside but surprisingly roomy on the inside.  Two adults up to 6'6" (198cm) tall can stretch out in great luxury.  Large doors on both sides and a 15" square hatch on the roof provide easy access and copious ventilation. There's room for a 12-volt electrical system to run lights, fans, a stereo, and charging plugs for devices.


A large galley occupies the locker in the rear of the trailer.  While this space could be customized in many different ways, staff designer Dillon Majoros has devised a brilliant shelving unit that drops in as a separate module, and which we offer as a kit option.  For car-camping or tailgating, this will be a giant improvement over a tent.  No need to fool around setting up a tent after a long day. Simply arrive at your destination. Park. Open door. Climb in. Go to sleep.

CLC Teardrop Trailer Kit

Our friends at Arbortech wanted a CLC Teardrop to use as a mobile display at woodworking shows. To build it, they tapped YouTube and Netflix woodworking star Paul Jackman. The result is the lively and detailed construction video that can be found below.

When we started this design project in Fall 2014, we took our time, documenting every step with carefully staged and lit photos and video, which we then used to create an extensively-detailed start-to-finish instruction manual and a how-to video

Meanwhile our longtime collaborator Geoff Kerr of Two Daughters Boatworks helped his daughter Sheldon build a "beta" version from a kit in November 2015.  Sheldon Kerr, a professional mountain guide, towed the completed teardrop camper from Vermont to her home in Colorado, reporting that even after the long drive "it was still so much fun that we slept in the camper on the street in front of the house."  There were no leaks during the rainy road trip, and the doors and hatch stayed tight and leak-free.  (We spent weeks designing and integrating a locking door latch that clamps the doors tight against gaskets.  The doors can be locked from the outside.)

"My dad and I finished mine about 10 days ago, and I think I've spent 5 out of the last 7 nights bunked in it. It's like having a treehouse on wheels," Sheldon writes.  "I think people like us are united by the fact that we all still want a whimsical backyard fort from which to launch adventures. Our 'backyard' is just a little bigger now."

 

While a trailer isn't included in the basic kit package, one of the key features of the design is that it will fit on nearly any small trailer. "We started with the cheapest and most basic trailer, a Harbor Freight flatbed that cost $189 delivered," Harris explains.  "But the architecture lends itself to fitting on just about anything with wheels.  Boat trailers, flatbeds, whatever.  Just bolt it down and go."  CLC collaborated with Trailex to design the Trailex SUT-1000-CLC Flatbed Trailer Kit, a custom ultralight trailer just for the CLC Teardrop Camper.


Trailex SUT 1000 CLC Flatbed Trailer Kit

Construction of the CLC Teardrop will be familiar to anyone who's built a stitch-and-glue kayak or small boat. Starting from a kit, computer-cut marine plywood panels are bent into a simple mold (included with the kit).  The seams are reinforced with epoxy and fiberglass tape.  The teardrop is flipped over, the mold removed, and the streamlined, sculptural shell is sheathed on the exterior with a tough coating of fiberglass for strength and durability.  Doors and hatches are cut on marks engraved by the computer cutter.  Then lots of sanding, install the galley, and you're done.  We finished ours "bright," i.e. varnished inside and out.  It makes a striking statement on the highway, parking lot, and campground.

The roof has been reinforced from the start for optional roof-racks, so you can carry kayaks or bicycles atop your CLC Teardrop.  An optional lockable storage box, sized to fit a 48-quart cooler, mounts forward of the camper on the trailer tongue.

More recently, we developed the 23-cubic-foot Integrated Cargo Carrier that can hold anything from surfboards to skis to tents.  You can learn more about this in the Buying Options below.

Buying Options

Choose Your Kit-Building Experience

Start your kit-building experience by choosing the options that best suit your experience and itinerary. You can also join a Teardrop Building Class, or hire us to build a custom Teardrop Camper for you.

  1. Select Your Configuration

    Standard Configurations

    The Teardrop Camper Base Kit includes the computer-cut mold and the marine plywood components that make up the camper, as well as the fiberglass and epoxy. Also included are critical parts like the marine acrylic windows, door hardware, gaskets for all openings, hatch pistons, and more. The lavishly illustrated, spiral-bound assembly manual is included and reading it is the first step to building your new camper!

  2. Choose Options and Add-ons

    The Integrated Cargo Carrier, Galley Module, Storage Box, and roof racks are not part of the base kit, but each adds to the Teardrop Camper's functionality. Most builders add vents and an interior headliner as well.

  3. Get Building!

    Leaf through the assembly manual and familiarize yourself with the project. Organize your parts so you can find them easily. You'll find construction videos for the CLC Teardrop on YouTube!

Standard Configuration

The Standard Base Kit includes the Teardrop itself. Buying the Integrated Cargo Carrier, Storage Box, and Galley Module now will save time as you can work on them concurrently.

$3,465.00 $3,110.00

The Base Kit includes everything you'll need to build the bas...

$1,899.00

The Integrated Cargo Carrier is an add-on module to the CLC ...

$394.00

Click here to order from the "Additional Components" list.  T...

$484.00

Bolted on the trailer tongue forward of the Teardrop Camper, ...

Alternative Configurations

Customers with their own supply of epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware can build from a Wood Parts Only kit. Some build from scratch using the full-sized plans and the manual. If you like to work that way, you will find what you need here: The Study Plans are a great way to introduce yourself to the Teardrop Camper. We offer the Wood Parts Only Kit as a stand-alone option. Typically, buyers of the Wood Parts Only kit have their own supply of epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware. Assembly Manuals are available as downloadable PDFs or in print. Scratch-builders can build from the Full-Sized Plans package, which includes the assembly manual.

$2.99

You can get printable study plans for most of your favorite ...

$2,199.00

This version of the Teardrop Camper comprises only the CNC-cu...

$349.00

For builders working from plans, this option gives you just t...

$259.00

This package is for builders who want to start from scratch a...

$170.00

This package is for builders who want to start from scratch a...

$89.00

This option comprises the latest version of the spiral-bound ...

$79.00

Version 2.3 - August 2018 This option comprises the latest ve...

$59.00

This option comprises the latest version of the spiral-bound ...

Additional Options

Vents will allow air circulation inside the Teardrop Camper. Our roof rack will hold bikes, solar panels, or two kayaks without obscuring the roof-top vent.

$135.00

The plywood hinges previously provided in the CLC Teardrop Ca...

$579.00

This roof rack package was designed specifically for the CLC ...

$89.00

A good ventilation hatch makes the CLC Teardrop Camper hospi...

$99.99 $13.99

Adding mushroom vents allows for excellent air circulation in...

$39.00

Adding an interior liner to your Teardrop Camper is a quick a...

$20.00

This 36" x 24" full-size paper pattern contains the locations...

Teardrop Camper under the stars in Queensland, Australia. Photo courtesy of Steve M.
Teardrop Camper under the stars in Queensland, Australia. Photo courtesy of Steve M.

What builders are saying

After nearly a year of work, Connie and I made our first trip to Olympic National Park in our Teardrop camper last week. Thanks to all of you for your creative work on the design and the great instruction book that led me to a successful project conclusion.

I met several of you at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival in September, and in the course of construction I received helpful advice over the phone from Terry and others on your staff. Thanks for keeping me on track. I’m impressed with your courteous and helpful customer service.

As a former varsity oarsman at Cornell when Pocock cedar shells were the only game in town, I have always wanted to build a wooden boat that reflected the quality and appearance of those shells. The Teardrop almost did the trick! Thanks again for a great experience. I’ll look forward to saying hello next year in Port Townsend.

Vic E. | WA
Verified Builder

First I want to thank you all for your inspiration support and dedication to detail. I ordered the Teardrop Camper Kit earlier this year and after a couple of test runs and additions a I wanted to finally send you my thank you e-mail with a few pictures of the project. The project proved to be easier than I thought for variety of reasons among which are your extremely detailed manual and very precise cuts on all the parts. I was quite amazed at how perfect everything fit continually throughout the building process. The only time I went against the manual is the placement of the front puck vents. I placed them to the sides, to be mirroring the rear as well as to stay out of the way of the storage box and to be fully operational when when I am in a semi seated position inside the camper. Over all I am extremely happy with the kit. The couple of times I had taken it out, my trip doubled in time due to pull overs for other drivers to take pictures and simply inquire about it. Thank you again for everything and keep up the great job team. You are great guys.

Radoslav S. | VA
Verified Builder

Just wanted to thank you guys for a great build. This was way out of my comfort zone as a carpenter but it forced me to go there and I had a lot of fun doing it. BTW your instruction manual for the Teardrop Camper was great.

Craig S. | CA
Verified Builder

I got my CLC Teardrop Camper built in 12 months of evenings and spare weekends, including the CLC galley, Integrated Cargo Carrier and trailer build. The camper includes brass fittings and accessories as well as leather trims and old style analogue gauges. Photographed in the state of Queensland, Australia, under the Milky Way showing the well known constellation The Southern Cross. Used for hunting trips with my son, and camping retreats with my wife!

Steve M. | AUS
Verified Builder

We want to send a personal note of thanks for your ingenuity and innovation in designing the teardrop, as well as your company's care and dedication during our building process.  While we finished our camper last year, my wife and I just used it to complete our honeymoon, traveling three weeks on the road to visit our National Parks in the Southwest.  This was our most significant trip with our camper to date, and it would not have been as fun, comfortable or stylish without the teardrop - not to mention economically feasible!

The headliner had some trouble in the heat, but overall the camper held up extremely well in the hot, sunny conditions.  It is by far the best project either of us have accomplished.  The camper is pictured in Lone Rock park in Utah on Lake Powell.

Thank you so much!  Good luck to you and the rest of CLC!

Andrew K. & Andrea C. | OK
Verified Builder

We built a CLC Teardrop over the summer and had a great 3 week, 4500 mile maiden voyage with it between New York and Colorado this Fall. The build experience was great and we are so happy with how beautifully the camper turned out! On our trip we had sun, and rain, and cold, and some snow and stayed snug and comfortable the whole time. As we were warned, we spent LOTS of time at gas stations, rest areas, and campgrounds talking with people about the teardrop. People just couldn’t believe we built it and we just kept smiling knowing that we did. Thanks for such an innovative design and well thought out kit. We are looking forward to many years of travel with the Teardrop.

Marji & Jim R. | NY
Verified Builder

I wanted to share some pics of my Teardrop Camper build and show you a couple of additions!  It was such a fun project.  We've taken our little guy to Lake Tahoe, Grover Hot Springs and a couple other locations in the Sierra Nevadas.  I pretty much built it by myself with the help of my kid.

I decided against the hatch lock and tried a cleat instead-I thought it would work with the boat building theme.  I'm not worried about theft.  I figured if cleats hold my boat to a dock, they should do the trick on the camper.  It has held very solid every trip and doesn't cause any scratches. 

Also, the inside of the camper is so darn cozy! I installed some plaid wool curtains and painted chalkboard paint on either side of the shelf.  My son painted a mural on the inside which makes me so so happy!

I think the worst part of owning this camper is all the attention! I have always gone camping to escape. With the lil teardrop everyone stops by, drives slowly and is just in awe of how beautiful it is. I started bringing along my build hymnal to help explain how it came about. Unfortunately, I can't take all the credit.

Thanks again for this amazing project!

Melissa N. | NV
Verified Builder

Videos

Introducing the CLC Teardrop Camper

Teardrop Camper Kit by Chesapeake Light Craft

Building an Upside Down Boat (CLC Teardrop Camper)

3 Years Later - A Review of our DIY Teardrop Camper

Chesapeake Light Craft Teardrop Camper -- Phil Hatton Playlist

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order a Teardrop Camper?

Ordering a Teardrop Camper is just like ordering any of our boat kits. Click on the Buying Options table the top left of this page and follow the directions.

What's included in the Teardrop Camper base kit?

Everything you need to build the basic camper:

  • Parts CNC-machined from BS1088 marine okoume plywood
  • Slot-together CNC-cut plywood female mold
  • Fiberglass
  • Epoxy kit
  • Copper wire for stitching, various fasteners
  • Marine acrylic windows
  • Door and galley hatch hinges
  • Gasket material for doors and galley hatch
  • Hatch lift pistons and hardware
  • Door and galley hatch latch assemblies
  • Bezel for roof hatch
  • Standard fit-kit for trailers
  • Spiral-bound illustrated step-by-step assembly manual
What is NOT included in the Teardrop Camper base kit?

The actual trailer itself. Whether you get your trailer from us or elsewhere, you'll be providing the wheels and frame that hitch to the tow vehicle. (Your trailer tag and registration will derive from your trailer, not from the Teardrop Camper.) Also sold separately are the roof hatch (many styles fit), the "mushroom" vents, galley cabinet module, electrical system, interior headliner, roof racks, and tongue storage box. You'll can order these items either concurrently with the base kit, or add them later as desired. Or fabricate or source them yourself. While you'll be supplied with plenty of epoxy to coat and seal the Teardrop Camper, the necessary final finish - varnish and/or paint - is sold separately.

Can a first-time builder complete the Teardrop

Yes. First-timers should probably work from a pre-cut kit, for the accuracy of the joinery this affords.  Builders working from plans might want to have built a stitch-and-glue boat or two first.

Although the Teardrop Camper is okoume marine plywood and most builders will give their shells a clear finish on the outside (like our display model), there really isn't much woodworking if you start with a kit. 

To someone unfamiliar with the stitch-and-glue construction technique, it is probably easiest to picture the project as a giant airplane model kit. We've cut out the parts, you assemble them with glue, then sand and finish. There's quite a lot of epoxy and fiberglass work, all intended to make the camper light, strong, and waterproof. Assembly itself goes quickly, while much of the elapsed time will be consumed by sanding and finishing.  

We also offer Teardrop classes from time to time, if you would like a little bit of assistance in this construction project.

What is Teardrop Camper construction like?

The CLC Teardrop Camper is built from high-quality okoume marine plywood in a simple slot-together female mold, stitch-and-glue style.  In this system, you assemble pre-fabricated components with temporary wire stitches to form a sturdy, rigid, elegantly-shaped camper shell.  The exterior is sheathed in a rugged coating of fiberglass cloth and epoxy, and all surfaces inside and out are sealed with epoxy.  This will make the camper absolutely waterproof and give it longevity to rival any fiberglass or aluminum body. Built as directed and given reasonable care, the camper will outlive you.

Is construction of the Teardrop Camper suitable for first-time builders?

Yes. First-timers should probably work from a pre-cut kit, for the accuracy of the joinery this affords. Builders working from plans might want to have built a stitch-and-glue boat or two first. The Teardrop Forum is a great source for help and tips and photographs of campers under construction.

Although the Teardrop Camper is okoume marine plywood and most builders will give their shells a clear finish on the outside (like our display model), there really isn't much woodworking if you start with a kit. To someone unfamiliar with the stitch-and-glue construction technique, it's probably easiest to picture the project as a giant airplane model kit. We've cut out the parts, you assemble them with glue, then sand and finish. There's quite a lot of epoxy and fiberglass work, all intended to make the camper light, strong, and waterproof. Assembly itself goes quickly, while much of the elapsed time will be consumed by sanding and finishing.

How long will it take to build the CLC Teardrop Camper?

Feedback from many builders indicates that 250 hours is average.  Basic assembly goes very quickly, and most will have the shell complete after a few weeks of evenings and weekends.  Coating, sanding, and finishing are straightforward but moderately time-consuming.  The fit-out (galley, electrical system, interior liner, and so on) will vary a lot from project to project.  Some builders will keep it really simple, others will outfit their teardrops with extravagant electrical systems and galley fittings.  That is part of the fun of doing it yourself!

Will you have video instructions to help with Teardrop Camper construction?

You can watch our introduction to the construction process here. Also, our friends at Waterlust posted an entertaining and informative series of videos of their Teardrop Camper build.

Do you offer a build-your-own class for the Teardrop Camper?

Yes, we offer several classes each year. You will find information about classes below. Because of the size and parts-count of this kit, this is a two-week class, in contrast to our normal one-week programs. The price of a class includes the kit, a Trailex trailer to bring your camper home, and tuition for two people. If you would like to take a Teardrop Class, but don't see one that fits your schedule, please send an email, subject line "Teardrop Class," to info@clcboats.com, and let us know the dates that would work for you.

Where can I see a completed example of the CLC Teardrop Camper?

The Teardrop Camper is on display here at CLC in Annapolis and available for inspection during our normal business hours

How much room do I need to build a Teardrop Camper?

A clear space of eight feet by ten feet would be the absolute minimum for a Teardrop Camper build. Ten by twenty feet would be better.

What sort of tools will I need to build a Teardrop Camper?

If you're building from a kit, just common hand tools and a good 5-inch random orbital sander. A pair of sawhorses, a cordless drill, a few dozen spring-clamps. A saber saw. Lots of disposable gloves, disposable brushes, and epoxy mixing cups. A router is nice for some steps but not required. For a more detailed discussion of tools and supplies, click here.

What does the Teardrop Camper kit itself look like?

The Teardrop Camper "Base Kit" ships in 6 boxes. The weights and dimensions of the boxes, as well as the shipping rates across the U.S., can be found further up the page, here. Of course, if you're within driving distance of Annapolis, you can pick up your kit here at the factory.

What are the dimensions of the CLC Teardrop Camper?

You can link to a high-res drawing, with dimensions in standard and metric units, here. The Teardrop Camper shell itself measures 96-1/4" long, 65-7/8" wide, and 44-7/8" tall. The actual height off the ground will vary a lot depending on your trailer choice, but expect between 62 and 68 inches. Mounted on the custom Trailex trailer, our demo model is 66-3/8" tall, not including the vent hatch. You can link to a high-res drawing, with dimensions in standard and metric units, here. The shell itself measures 96-1/4" long, 65-7/8" wide, and 44-7/8" tall. The actual height off the ground will vary a lot depending on your trailer choice, but expect between 62 and 68 inches. Mounted on the custom Trailex trailer, our demo model is 66-3/8" tall, not including the vent hatch.
The interior floor measures 80" x 60", the same as a queen-sized mattress. Headroom is about 44".

How much does the CLC Teardrop Camper weigh?

About 250 lbs. fully outfitted and accessorized. The basic Teardrop Camper shell and galley weighed 176lbs on our digital scale. Trailer weight will vary wildly; our aluminum Trailex trailer weighs 196lbs. Figure on a total of 500-600 lbs. all-up, with typical outfitting.

Is my car big enough to tow the Teardrop Camper?

If your car can be fitted with a trailer hitch, it is big enough to tow the CLC Teardrop Camper. The two prototypes that we built in 2015 are towed by a Honda Fit and a VW Golf GTI.

Will I/we actually fit inside the CLC Teardrop Camper?

Do you fit on a queen-sized mattress? ( )Yes ( )No If "yes," then you fit in the Teardrop Camper.

How's the headroom in the Teardrop Camper?

There's loads of headroom for people up to about 6'5". Hanging out inside the Teardrop Camper on a rainy day is a lot more comfortable than in the typical tent!

Can I install roof racks on the Teardrop Camper?

Absolutely! This functionality was designed into the Teardrop camper from the start and the roof engineered for the loads. We have installed Thule racks on ours, suitable for a pair of kayaks, or bicycles, etc. The rack towers are high enough to allow the roof hatch to open at least partially when the roof racks are loaded.

What about ventilation in the Teardrop Camper?

This is important for comfort, and we've provided for many options. Our Teardrop Camper display model has four "mushroom" vents, one at each corner. These can be opened while at rest for passive cross-ventilation, even in the rain. We also fitted a roof hatch with an integral 12-volt fan, which will exhaust a lot of air. The hatch can be opened a few inches while raining, at least if it's not raining sideways. In addition, we've fitted two small 12-volt fans on the interior for air circulation. It's hard to arrange for much more ventilation than that. Yes, it'd be muggy inside on a hot, rainy August night in Louisiana. But so would ANYTHING without air-conditioning on a hot, rainy August night in Louisiana... One option for really hot weather is to carry an inexpensive 10x10 pop-up tent with screened sides. This could be set up over the 6'x8' Teardrop Camper in minutes, allowing you to sleep with the big side doors open, and access the galley out of the rain.
Both prototypes were given a foam-backed liner on the interior to eliminate the annoyance of interior condensation. Looks nice, too.

What if I want to build from scratch? What are the Teardrop Camper plans like?

Plans comprise full-sized patterns for every part in the Teardrop Camper. Spread the patterns out on your plywood sheets, transfer the shapes, and cut them out with a sabersaw. Click here for a complete overview of what plans-building looks like. The plans package includes patterns and instructions for options such as the galley module and the storage box.

Wouldn't a bigger Teardrop Camper be better?

The CLC Teardrop Trailer is not designed to entice people out of their 20-foot Airstreams. Instead, it is a major upgrade from tent-camping. That's the proper frame of reference for this design. Think of all of the conveniences you're gaining over a tent! Excellent on-the-road gear storage; the ability to be out of the weather and asleep in minutes; no fooling around with ground-cloths and tent stakes; a comparatively plush cooking setup.

Are you working on a larger version of the Teardrop Camper? One that has sit-down seating, a toilet, a bigger galley, berths for eight people, a screening room, and a bowling alley?

Not at present. If we did a "bigger" teardrop, it would still be quite small, for the simple reason that as the kit gets bigger, you quickly pass a price threshold where a kit ends up costing more than a decent used RV trailer found on CraigsList.

Can the CLC Teardrop Camper design be modified so that it's larger?

Not easily. From a design perspective the Teardrop is an intricate, interlocking geometry puzzle. Change one piece of the puzzle and all the other pieces have to be redesigned, too.

Couldn't this Teardrop Camper be turned into a boat somehow? Mounted on floats, or a raft, or something?

Google "Shanty Boat" for a far better selection of small floating homes. This is a machine for the highway. Carry your boat on the roof racks.

Effective Storage and Functionality

Integrated Cargo Carrier

This clever and adjustable cargo has multiple drawers and movable dividers so you can store almost anything. It nests so smoothly between the trailer and the camper, you barely notice it.

The CLC Teardrop Camper Storage Box will hold a 48-quart cooler

12 Gallons of Storage

Store a 12-gallon cooler inside our compact storage box. Locking hasp ensures the contents stay where you put them.

The  Galley insert for the Teardrop Camper stores kitchen equipment and doubles as a base for the electrical system.

Galley Module

This well-thought-out galley module has plenty of room for a stove and large cutting board. Storage compartments provide space for dishes, staples, utensils, pots, paper towels, and even a spice rack.

It also does double-duty as a base point for the camper's electrical system. There are compartments for a 12-volt battery, a pair of stereo speakers, and an electrical panel

Extras

Waterlust Builds a Teardrop

In a series of 12 videos, the crew of Waterlust shows us tips, tricks, and trials as they build a CLC Teardrop Camper, which they use in their travels as they work to help us better understand and take care of the environment. You can find their video series on YouTube here.

Classes

Build Your Own Teardrop Camper

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.

View Classes
Take a class at CLC and build your own Teardrop Camper in a week.
Take a class at CLC and build your own Teardrop Camper in a week.

Need Help Building it?

We’re here to help with any questions you might have during the build process.

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