Teardrop campers in Australia are not as popular as they are overseas, however their use here is slowly growing. With the rise in the caravanning and camping movement, teardrop campers provide a smaller, simpler approach, while still being afforded some of the creature comforts that make a trip more enjoyable.
Teardrop campers became popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s once World War II came to an end. After the depression was over and the economy was getting back on track, people wanted to be able to get away for holidays again. The lightweight teardrops could be towed by the cars of the time, which had smaller engines and people even made their own teardrop campers at home! Teardrop camper popularity ran right up into the 1950’s.
The unique shape is what traditionally gives the teardrop camper (or teardrop caravan) it’s name. One end will be rounded, with the other end tapering down and being narrower – like a teardrop.
One of the biggest perks of teardrop campers and caravans are their smaller size and weight, meaning that almost any car (with a tow hitch) can pull a teardrop. Without the need for a big, modified 4WD, teardrop campers offer a much more attainable camping solution for the average vehicle.
If you’re looking for tiny caravans that you can stand up in, check out Micro Caravans and Lightweight Caravans Under 1,200kg posts for the full lists.
To help you out on your tiny camper quest, I’ve pulled together all of the teardrop campers and caravans in Australia that I can find to create a complete directory.
This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please see our full disclosure policy here.
Teardrop Campers vs Pod Campers
With the comeback of the teardrop caravan, some manufacturers are opting for a more modern take – enter the Pod Camper. While both the teardrops and pods are basically a bed on wheels with an external kitchen, the pod campers are generally a bit more rugged and built with off-roading in mind.
Teardrop & Pod Similarities:
- Cabin with solid walls
- Double or queen sized bed
- External kitchen
- Can’t stand up inside the cabin
- No bathroom facilities
- Light enough to be towed by most standard vehicles
Check out this post for the full directory of pod campers Australia.
Teardrop Campers Australia
Key Weight Terms (used below):
- TARE – empty weight of the camper
- PAYLOAD – the amount of weight (i.e. “stuff”) you can add
- ATM – maximum allowable fully loaded weight of the camper
To work out all of your camper weights and make sure you’re legal and safe, check out this post on camper trailer weights.
*Note – all weights and figures below are based upon the entry level models without non-standard upgrades.
Apple Campers
Apple Campers offer the traditional teardrop style camper, aptly named ‘The Pod.’ The base model is a pretty light little number, which gives you a decent payload for a few accessories and your luggage.
Apple Campers Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Pod | 280 | 470 | 750 | – |
Caretta Australia
Caretta teardrop caravans are built in Turkey by a company who’ve been making caravans for 44 years. Caretta Australia have been importing and testing their teardrop campers in Australia since 2013. The off-road model has been extensively tested in the Outback and in conditions including sand, gravel, corrugated roads, water, snow and ice.
Caretta Australia Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Road Camper | 500 | 200 | 700 | – |
| Off Road Camper | 580 | 420 | 1,000 | – |
Century Trailers
Century Trailers are a market leader in the Australian trailer market. While they make a huge variety of car, boat, cattle and other trailers, they also have three caravans in their range (with one being a teardrop).
Century Trailers Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury 10 | 805 | 695 | 1,500 | $29,999 |
Cool Beans Campers
Every single Cool Beans Teardrop Camper is handmade in Fremantle, Western Australia. They will work with you to fully customise exactly the type of camper that you’re looking for.
Cool Beans Camper Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retro Model | – | – | $41,800 |
| Off-road Model | – | – | $45,100 |
Cruizy Campers
Cruizy Campers are proud to be the only Australasian importer of South Africa’s oldest manufacturer of Vagabond Teardrop Campers. These days, Vagabond Caravans are made by EVOFibre, with over 50 years of combined outdoor, caravan and fibreglass experience.
Cruizy Campers Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vagabond Possum | 580 | 170 | 750 | – |
| Vagabond Joey | 580 | 560 | 1,140 | – |
| Vagabond Brumby | 580 | 560 | 1,140 | – |
Jolly Caravans
As a global caravan manufacturer, Jolly Caravans are imported from Europe and run by an Australian family. Currently, Jolly do a mini caravan, a teardrop caravan and a camper trailer.
Jolly Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolly Teardrop | 410 | 340 | 750 | $23,500 |
Little Guy Australia
Little Guy Australia specialise in making teardrop campers that are compact and will go anywhere. Every camper is airtight and leakproof thanks to decades of industrial design experience, paired with the latest laser technology and computer driven cutting machines.
You’re welcome to visit the workshop in Woodville, South Australia (upon appointment).
Little Guy Australia Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | 380 – 427 | – | $16,925 |
| Deluxe Plus | 420 – 500 | – | $17,425 |
| Cruiser | 530 – 570 | – | $18,625 |
| Rough Rider | 585 – 620 | – | $20,390 |
Livin Life Teardrop Campers
Livin Life Teardrop Campers are 100% Australian made and are based in Woori Yallock in Victoria. They have over 10 years experience in the industry, with many extra years in the building industry.
Livin Life Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Getaway Bed | – | – | – | $19,990 |
| The Optimum Classic | 780 | 720 | 1,500 | $35,154 |
Marli Campers
Marli Campers are a family operated business, making Australian made teardrop campers out of Dandenong in Victoria.
Marli Campers Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marli One Gangurru | 450 | – | – | $15,400 |
| Marli X Gangurru | 500 | – | – | $18,850 |
Navitear
Navitear offer Australian made custom teardrop campers, built in Bedigo, Victoria. They work one-on-one with their customers to create the perfect camper to fit everyone’s lifestyle and travel needs.
Navitear Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom built camper | 660 | 90 | 750 | – |
NooKee
NooKee (pronounced “New-Key”) offer both on-road and off-road models with in-built solar and custom awning. You also have a wide range of colour options, which is a great way to personalise your camper. The brains behind NooKee have over 30 years experience in the construction and aviation industry.
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS-24 | 600 | – | $22,650 |
Ridge Teardrop Campers
Ridge Teardrop Campers offer handmade campers, built in Sydney, Australia. They are made from a modern fibreglass, which keeps them as lightweight as possible. Fridge and solar set-ups are all included as standard, making it a super simple set up. Just throw in food, drinks and clothes, then off you go.
Ridge Teardrop Campers Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridge Teardrop Camper | 480 | 270 | 750 | $32,950 |
Riptide Campers
Riptide Campers reckon life’s too short for long set ups! These guys offer on-road and off-road models, ranging from small to large in size. All Riptide teardrop campers are fully self-contained with queen bed, stereo, TV, fridge, cooktop, power, water and storage.
For the largest production teardrop camper in Australia, Riptide are your crew. Their campers have up to 40% more internal volume and up to 300mm more head room than others on the market.
Riptide Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swell | 500 | 150 | 650 | $21,500 |
| Breeze | 780 | 220 | 1,000 | $38,500 |
| Tsunami – Off Road | 1,140 | 360 | 1,500 | $47,500 |
Smidge Teardrop Campers
All Smidge Teardrop Campers are completely built in-house with all of the qualified trades on hand. No out-sourcing means that the build is able to be tweaked to reach the customers desired outcome.
Smidge Campers are manufactured by Suncamper Motorhomes in Sydney, who have been in the motorhome business since 1977.
There are two ranges in the Smidge collection:
- Teardrop models (on-road)
- Squaredrop models (off-road)
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teardrop ‘Dash’ | 500 | 250 | 750 | $26,500 |
| Teardrop ‘Drop’ | 550 | 450 | 1,000 | $31,500 |
| Teardrop ‘Dram’ | 550 | 450 | 1,000 | $38,000 |
| Squaredrop ‘Dash’ | 800 | 250 | 1,050 | $30,500 |
| Squaredrop ‘Drop’ | 850 | 200 | 1,050 | $35,500 |
| Squaredrop ‘Dram’ | 890 | 160 | 1,050 | $42,000 |
Stockman
All Stockman pod trailers and campers are proudly Australian made. Their campers consist of rooftop tents, ute tents and the Rover – an off-road teardrop style camper trailer.
Stockman Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rover | 1,080 | 520 | 1,600 | $44,490 |
The Teardrop Camper Company
The Teardrop Camper Company are based in South Windsor, NSW. They offer teardrops that weigh between 330 – 760kg, so even a small 4-cylinder car or trike motorcycle could tow one.
Their teardrops are fully customisable, so you can personally order exactly what you’re looking for. The Teardrop Camper Company trailers are 100% Australian made, with all parts being manufactured in house.
The Teardrop Camper Company Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Kasbah | 330 | – | – | $17,634 |
| The Grand Tourer | 490 | – | – | $25,831 |
TrackStar Campers
TrackStar are mostly in the business of building hybrid caravans and camper trailers. However, they do have one teardrop caravan in their range.
TrackStar Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrackStar Tear Drop | 750 | 550 | 1,300 | $26,990 |
Travelbug Teardrop Camper
Travelbug Teardrop Campers came about in response to the booming camper industry, while fulfilling the need for something smaller, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. Travelbugs come in three different teardrop models, starting from $15,500.
Travelbug Teardrop Camper Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Pod Longreach | 480 | – | $15,500 |
| Escape Pod Emerald | 480 | – | $16,500 |
| Snuggle Pod | 480 | – | $15,900 |
Tucana Teardrop Camper
The Tucana Teardrop Camper Caravan is the only teardrop produced by Stonegate Industries. The double bed can easily convert into a lounge area, with the addition of a large, fully enclosed tent for extra living space.
While this teardrop camper is a bit larger than some, the extra features are worth the extra weight.
Stonegate Industries Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucana Teardrop Camper | 750 | 450 | 1,200 | $32,999 |
Wild Monkey Teardrop Campers
Although Wild Monkey Teardrop Campers have only been around since 2019, the owner has been working with custom design and building for over 20 years. Wild Monkey Campers are handmade on the Sunshine Coast, QLD and are all self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.
Wild Monkey Teardrop Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Splendour DX | 600 | 400 | 1,000 | $30,490 |
| Splendour LX | 600 | 400 | 1,000 | $35,490 |
| Splendour GT | 600 | 400 | 1,000 | $37,490 |
The ULTIMATE Caravan Buyers Guide
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- Questions to ask, handover, hitching up & more…
Teardrop Camper Directory
Here is the full directory of teardrop campers and caravans in Australia. If you’re specifically looking for Australian made teardrop campers, look for the tick below.
| MANUFACTURER | ADDRESS & WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN MADE |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Campers | Unit 22/55 Commerce Circuit Yatala QLD 4207 teardropcampervans.com.au → | ❓ |
| Caretta Australia | Unit 1/21 Mulgul Road Malaga WA 6090 caretta-australia.com → | ❌ |
| Century Trailers | 706 Beaudesert Road Rocklea QLD 4106 centurytrailers.com.au → | ❌ |
| Cool Beans Campers | coolbeanscampers.com.au → | ✔️ |
| Cruizy Campers | Unit 6/236 Manns Road West Gosford NSW 2250 cruizycampers.com.au → | ❌ |
| Jolly Caravans | 2/148 Toongabbie Road Girraween NSW 2145 jollycaravans.com.au → | ❌ |
| Little Guy Australia | Unit 34A, 34 Burleigh Avenue Woodville North SA 5012 littleguyaustralia.com.au → | ✔️ |
| Livin Life Teardrop Campers | Woori Yallock VIC 3139 livinlifeteardropcampers.com.au → | ✔️ |
| Marli Campers | Factory 1/11 Egan Road Dandenong VIC 3175 marlicampers.au → | ✔️ |
| Navitear | 155 Carolyn Way Maiden Gully VIC 3551 navitear.com.au → | ✔️ |
| NooKee | 177 Killarney Road Acacia Creek NSW 2476 nookee.com.au → | ✔️ |
| Ridge Teardrop Campers | 22 Carter Road Brookvale NSW 2100 ridgeteardropcampers.com.au → | ✔️ |
| Riptide Campers | Unit 3/14 Logistics Place Arundel QLD 4214 riptidecampers.com.au → | ✔️ |
| Smidge Teardrop Campers | 9 Sefton Road Thornleigh NSW 2120 smidgeteardropcampers.com → | ✔️ |
| Stockman | 13 Sahra Grove Carrum Downs VIC 3201 podtrailer.com.au → | ✔️ |
| The Teardrop Camper Company | 3/20 Walker Street South Windsor NSW 2756 theteardropcampercompany.com.au → | ✔️ |
| TrackStar Campers | 3/45 Buckingham Drive Wangara WA 6065 trackstarcampers.com.au → | ❌ |
| Travelbug Teardrop Campers | Unit 4/96 Link Crescent Coolum Beach QLD 4573 travelbugteardropcampers.com.au → | ❓ |
| Tucana Teardrop Camper | 1/120 South Pine Road Brendale QLD 4500 stonegateindustries.com.au/tucana-teardrop → | ❓ |
| Wild Monkey Teardrop Campers | Sunshine Coast QLD wmcampers.com.au → | ✔️ |
If you notice any teardrop campers that need to added or removed from this list, please let me know in the comments below. Good luck on your hunt for the perfect teardrop camper!
Teardrop Camper & Caravan FAQs
Most people should be able to sit up in a teardrop camper, unless you’re particularly tall, in which case, sleeping may also be a bit squishy. The average height inside a teardrop camper is about 5 feet or 1.5 metres.
No, regular teardrop campers do not have enough internal height to be able to stand up in them.
Teardrop campers are specifically designed for sleeping in. Most models will have sleeping room for two adults, while some of the bigger trailers can sleep up to five (although that’s not the norm). Another option is to add a rooftop tent to accommodate more people.
A regular teardrop camper will only sleep 2 people as the main cabin will generally only have a queen mattress. Be aware that for people who are over 6 ft, try out the bed before you buy as they’re not particularly long. Some teardrops are able to have a rooftop tent attached, which can then sleep a few extras.
Most modern-day teardrop campers are built with 12 volt power, which includes a solar panel and battery system. This will power the lights, TV, fridge and power sockets for charging devices. For using appliances with a heavy draw (example: toaster, kettle, air conditioner), you will need to plug into 240 volt power.
Not all teardrop campers will have air conditioning or heating, however you can usually install it if you wish. Be aware that to run an air conditioner, you will need to be plugged into 240 volt power – it won’t run off the solar power. These 10 tips for keeping a caravan cool in summer are handy. As for heating, you can go for a diesel heater, which is perfect for keeping warm off-grid.
Body heat in such a small space is one way to keep warm in a teardrop camper. Another option is to install a small diesel heater, which will heat the space in no time. Here are 17 tips for heating a caravan and keeping warm off-grid.
Yes, teardrop campers have a small external kitchen on the back of the trailer. There is usually a hatch that opens up and doubles as a roof, which then reveals the kitchen underneath. Most teardrop kitchens consist of a gas cooktop, sink, storage cabinets and a fridge.
No, teardrop campers do not have a shower, toilet or bathroom. A few of the more clever designs can be set up with an outdoor shower, you just need to pop a tent around the shower head. A few even have a storage slot for a portable toilet, but again, you would need a pop up tent for privacy.
Here are the standard additions that your car will need for towing a teardrop camper:
• ANDERSON PLUG – to charge the camper battery from the car’s alternator while driving
• ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER – to use the camper’s electric brakes (if fitted)
• TOW BAR – correctly rated for the weight that you’ll be towing
• TRAILER PLUG – to have the trailer lights & indicators working with the car
Absolutely. A standard Toyota Corolla can tow up to 1,300kg, which will well and truly cover many teardrop camper models. Teardrop caravans are generally about the same width as a standard size car, so you won’t have to worry about overhang.
The average Tare Weight (empty) of a teardrop camper is 600kg, while the average ATM Weight (maximum full weight) is 1,038kg.
Teardrop campers are easy to tow, even in windy conditions. Due to their aerodynamic design and short profile, they easily follow along behind the car.
Not all teardrop campers will have brakes as it depends on their weight. Generally, electric brakes will be used on trailers that are over 750kg when fully loaded. Legally, all caravans that have a GTM (Gross Trailer Mass – maximum allowable weight) over 2,000kg must have electric brakes fitted.
Most teardrop campers are designed for sealed or well-graded roads, much like any on-road vehicle. If you want to take a teardrop camper off-road (without voiding your warranty), go for an actual off-road model. These will be fitted with an off-road coupling, upgraded suspension and have higher clearance.
The speed rating of a teardrop camper depends on the rating of the tyres that are fitted.
Below are the Australian speed ratings and maximum speed that each tyre has been rated for:
| Tyre Speed Symbol | Maximum Speed Rating (km/h) |
|---|---|
| N | 140 |
| P | 150 |
| Q | 160 |
| R | 170 |
| S | 180 |
| T | 190 |
| U | 200 |
| H | 210 |
| V | 240 |
| Z | 240 |
| W | 270 |
| Y | 300 |
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I didn’t see GUMNUT CAMPERS on your list. They’re one of the best in Australia.
Hi Craig, Gumnut Campers are actually on the Pod Campers list over here https://myrigadventures.com/pod-campers-australia/