squaredrop vs traditional teardrop

[doris s.]

Hi teardrop builders,

My hubby and I are pondering our second build. We have a 6x10 big tex trailer on order. We have been discussing what style to build. I'm thinking of building a squaredrop because it is more contemporary and barn doors on the back are easy to build, easy to keep water out vs. a curved back. The inside of a squaredrop can be built without the kitchen step which makes for a bigger sleeping space.

My questions are....Have any folks here built a squaredrop? If so what is the height of the side walls 4, 5 or 5 and 1/2 feet? How does this design tow? Does your camper have a bike carrier on top the camper?

Any pics, ideas and opinions are welcome!

Thanks,
Doris

[Tom Kurth]

I too have thought about a squaredrop--even the name but I guess it's yours as you published it first. That's if I ever get it built at all. My interest in the square rear end is because of my interest in outdoor cookery. For a simple weekend camping trip I've been known to fill the whole bed of our pick-up. My idea for the squaredrop is to have 4-6" thick doors on the back with semi-trailer hinges allowing extra storage in the doors. There will also be a fold-up door over the outside of the storage doors. It would be erected to form a rain/sun shelter when cooking.

Best,
Tom

[doris s.]

Tom, I love cast iron cooking too. I only have one dutch oven and one frying pan, but I can see how one could bring lots of cookware camping. We love to cook out with our cast iron. I'm tall and our teardrop hatch has to be propped up very high so I can't get an easy up over the kitchen. I was thinking a barn door back would be great under an easy up for shelter from the weather.

Doris

[rowerwet]

My mercury teardrop is all square, the rear hatch is shaped with a reverse slope for headroom.

[Shadow Catcher]

The grasshopper design is actually a traditional design. I know that Nancy appreciates the ease of access to the galley.

[doris s.]

Shadow catcher your teardrop is great. I love the kitchen! I'm betting the sleeping area is roomy.

Doris

[ChrisB]

Shadowcatcher, would you happen to have a build thread on your trailer?

Thanks,
Chris

[TheOtherSean]

IIRC, Shadowcatcher's teardrop was purchased. There's a lengthy thread somewhere hereabout his ordeal.

[Tomterrific]

I have a square drop. Thanks for the name, I now know what to call the contraption. :-) The sides are the traditional 4 ft. tall. My hatch opens upwards to form a top over the back. We can stand under the hatch. Curtains drop down to make side walls for changing clothes.

When considering the design note that a true streamlined teardrop has very little drop angle and thus would be very long. The most streamlined is not a traditional camper shape but a truncated teardrop call a Kammback. I don't see any made this way but it would not be difficult.

As cute as traditional tears are, I would make another squaredrop.

T