If you are planning to buy a teardrop trailer or have just bought one then you must read this extensive checklist of all the essentials you need. In this article, i am listing all the teardrop trailer must haves.
Teardrop trailers are much smaller than other standard sized RV’s. They are very modest and barely include anything. Its basically an upgrade from a tent camping that provides much needed sleeping space when you need to rest.
The essentials you need may vary based on your preferences but having these can really make your camping a great one.
So, without any further do, lets go through all the basic things you would need.
Tongue Box for Extra Storage
You may need a tongue box if your teardrop trailer doesn’t have a designated storage space. The tongue box will help you organize sorts of items including your clothes. Consider getting one made of aluminum for it to serve your storage needs for a long time.
Roof Rack or Roof Rails
Adding a roof rack to your camper will make it easier to carry additional items if needed. The rack cannjolf items such as kayaks, bicycles and paddle boards.
It also allows you to add extra storage space on top of your trailer for convenience while camping. Other items you can add on the rack include a portable grille and camp chairs.
Side Mount Tent
If you want some additional living space on your teardrop trailer, a side-mounted tent will do. Find one that’s compact and easy to install. The tent should fit perfectly to your recreational vehicle. It should also have apparatus for mounting it on the ground.
Awning
Awnings add a cozy feel to camping trailers. Find one made of heavy-duty, waterproof material (preferably polyester) for your RV. The awning should also provide a wider sheltered space enough for two or three people. It should be foldable to allow visibility and ventilation and sturdy enough to protect you against harsh weather conditions.
since teardrop trailer are tiny and will have very little interior space. An awning can provide you much needed living area outside of your camper. Having an awning allows you to setup chairs, tables outside the trailer.
Most teardrop trailers may not have awning initially and therefore you will have get one installed. You can get one at a price between $150 to $450. My favorite way to get this one installed is through a local company rather than going for an online delivery. Not all campers are same and therefore do check if the trailer company itself makes awning that you can get as an addon.
Tire-mounted Table
A tire-mounted table helps create a minimalist workstation that you can use while camping. Consider getting one that’s compact, portable and collapsible for extra comfort. It should also use your trailer’s tires as the main support and feature a retractable leg for additional support.
Choose a tire-mounted table made of aluminum or steel for increased durability. It should hold up to 60 pounds of weight (mainly from your table items). Ensure that the table’s design allows it to perfectly fit on the wheels of your camper.
Trailer Wheel Dock
If you’re looking for an accessory that will help hold your teardrop trailer in place, consider getting a wheel dock. The product should feature an extremely durable and high impact material (preferably a polymer). It should also be strong enough to accommodate the weight of your camper.
Wheel docks can help minimize the risk of your trailer wheel sinking into the ground. They make it easier to pack a RV on a campsite. Find one that can adapt to any camping terrain.
Camping checklist
You can go camping with Teardrop trailer at a campground, but it also allows you to travel through narrow roads and boondocking at any location you want. Being at a boondocking site needs you to be prepared at a different level specially when the location is secluded or remote. Here is a camping essentials checklist.
- First Aide kit
- Drill
- Screw driver
- Gloves
- Tire pressure monitor gauge
- Thermometer
- Duct Tape
- Trash bags
- Paper plates, glasses, spoons
- Tire patching kit
- RV Antifreeze
- Knife
- Bug spray
- Axes
- Hammer
- Foldable ladder
- Paper towels
- Toolkit
- Battery monitor
- Water filter
Coupler Lock
Enhance the safety of your trailer while camping using a coupler lock. Get one that has an aluminum structure and a heavy-duty steel lock bar for extra protection. It should be adjustable and strong enough to lock into your trailer. The lock is ideal for campers looking to safeguard their trailers without compromising on their experiences at the campsite.
Hanging Party Lights
Your outdoor living area, at the campsite, can look much better when you have hanging party lights installed. Get outdoor lighting devices that have several unique yet colorful styles. The lights will help you or your kids identify your trailer from other people’s trailers at night.
The lighting system should have a connector to hook several 120V strands together. It should also feature a spare fuse and spare bulbs to allow you to replace defective bulbs. Choose a spot that is close to an electrical outlet to hang the lights.
Bicycle Rack
With a bike rack attached to your RV, you can carry your bicycle to any campsite and ride it as you wish. The rack should mount nicely on your trailer and accommodate bicycles of different sizes. It should also not exert too much force on your RV.
Camper Cover
Get a camper cover specially designed to shield your teardrop trailer from harsh weather conditions. The product should be easy to clean, abrasion resistant and mold/mildew resistant.
Choose one with a zippered door opening to facilitate movements in and out of your recreational vehicle. Other features to consider include adjustable straps that snap together to secure the cover and a sturdy design to perfectly fit your vehicle.
AC/DC Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
A refrigerator/freezer combo that runs on both AC and DC can be a great addition to your RV. The device allows you to conveniently carry or make your favorite icey foods such as ice cream. Choose one with a low voltage battery protection cover and an electronic thermostat for temperature regulation.
The refrigerator/freezer combo should be portable and sizeable enough to fit in your trailer. Its power demands should suit the power output of your electrical outlets. You can use the device to store fruits and vegetables or leftover food as you wish.
Portable Water Heater
A water heater allows you to have hot water for showering, cooking, washing or beverages. Consider getting a portable one specially designed for outdoor use. It should also have a carrying case, a water container and temperature control functions.
The heater can run on propane or electricity depending on your power preferences. You may get one with matchless ignition, a shower head and a 12V charging port. Either way, ensure that the device is safe to use in your teardrop trailer.
Camp Oven
If you enjoy baking cornbread, muffins or cinnamon rolls while at a campsite, a camp oven may be a great investment. Consider getting a portable one that will make it easy to bake your favorite dishes without taking too much space in your kitchen or requiring a lot of effort to carry. The oven should fit on your propane stove.
Other features to consider when getting a camp oven include an easy-to-read thermometer and a rack for holding your utensils. The appliance should also feature a smooth aluminized steel cover that is easy to clean and resistant to scuffs, scratches and corrosion. Get one that’s safe to use inside a mini trailer.
Waste Holding Tank
A portable waste holding tank can help you manage waste at the campsite. Get one that is easy to fill, empty, store and clean. It should also feature UV-stabilized and blow-moulded HDPE material for durability. The tank’s structure must be sturdy enough to prevent leaking or deterioration from harsh weather conditions.
Other features to look out for in a waste holding tank include bearings for seamless transportation, a hook for attaching it to your RV when not in use and grooves to securely hold it in place. The device needs to have a smooth interior and rinser for easy cleaning. The manufacturer must have industry accreditation for making portable waste handlers.
Air Dehumidifier
If you are camping in a humid area, you may need an air dehumidifier to suck out moisture from the air. Humid conditions usually attract odors and speed up the growth of mildew. The dehumidifier will also ensure that your living space is habitable and comfortable enough regardless of the weather conditions outside your camper.
Portable Solar System
With a portable solar system in your teardrop trailer, you get to enjoy a cleaner source of energy needed to power your devices. Consider investing in a solar system that features rechargeable batteries, a solar panel that matches the battery voltage, charge controller, an inverter, bulbs (if needed) and chargers. Choose a system that has the capacity to meet your camping power needs.
License Plate LED Lights
License plate lights make it easier for you or someone else to distinguish your trailer especially if you’re camping at a site with recreational vehicles that look like yours.
Go for LED lights that are easy to install and have a low power consumption rating. The lighting appliance should also feature a waterproof case to protect it from the rain or high humidity.
Leveling Blocks
Most camping sites don’t feature a properly levelled terrain. Once you pack your year drop trailer, you may notice that one side of the vehicle lies on a higher ground than the other side.
Leveling blocks can help you achieve a flat surface to accommodate your bed or indoor accessories. You can find them in different sizes depending on the terrain and shape of your mini trailer.
Water Filter
Finding clean water at a camping site may prove difficult especially if you’re visiting a remote area. A portable water filter can help prevent you from contracting water borne diseases if the drinking water isn’t clean enough. Consider getting one that’s lightweight and simple to use. The water filter should also work like a straw to allow you to directly drink from a water source.
Choose a water filter that requires zero maintenance and won’t need any batteries or moving parts to run. The device should feature a compact, durable and sturdy structure that allows you to safely stow it away in your backpack. Find one that has replaceable filters to ensure that you are always drinking clean water.
Freshwater Hose
You’ll need a reliable water connection if you want to wash the utensils, bathe or use the bathroom in your teardrop trailer. A freshwater hose can help connect your bathroom or sink to a water source. Consider getting a hose that’s up to 50 feet in length and features a five-layer design for increased strength and durability.
The water hose should be lightweight (under five pounds) enough to carry. It should also feature a protective outer cover to shield it from harsh weather conditions and have a 300 psi burst rating (recommended for freshwater hoses).
Find one with an easy-to-grip connector that will help you direct water from a reliable source to your recreational vehicle. The hose manufacturer must also be FDA-compliant and NSF-certified.
