Which Teardrop Model is Right for You?
Are you considering a teardrop trailer for your travels, but unsure what the best fit may be? Here’s a breakdown of our models! If you are wanting a project, DIYing is the way to go. You are able to build all of these models yourself using our detailed DIY plans. Maybe DIYing isn’t for you, order a custom built Vaga from us!
The Vaga
The Wander Tears Classic
We originally designed the Vaga for our own travels. It was important to us that we had enough space for the two of us and of course our dog, Nola. Our non-negotiables were a queen bed, doors on each side, as much storage as possible, and a galley with ample counter top space with space for our cooler.
We designed everything ergonomically around Danny’s 6’2” body. (Don’t worry we incorporated some wiggle room for you taller folks). We’ve traveled over 30,000 miles in our teardrop camper, visiting just about every landscape and climate in the US. Our tiny camper has kept us cosy and comfortable, and we’ve been able to easily traverse to each location we wanted.
Custom Built Vaga
Custom Built Vaga
SPECS
FRAME: 5' x 8'
TOTAL LENGTH: 9’
DRY WEIGHT: 1200-1400 Ibs
INTERIOR: Queen mattress, headboard w/ shelf, full cabinets w/ doors
GALLEY: Full galley, cooler slide, water slide, more storage
ELECTRICAL: 12 volt system, LED lights throughout cabin, galley, & exterior, power panels, vent fan, etc.
DIY SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
AVAILABILITY: DIY & Custom Built
The Renegade
The Half Hatch Teardrop
Our goal in designing the Renegade was to simplify the build and design, while keeping all the aspects of the teardrop we love. The interior still has a queen bed, but we’ve switched out the cabinets and headboard with a large open shelf (which could double as a bunk) and side tables. You actually gain a bit of headroom when sitting up compared to the Vaga.
In the Galley, you still have ample countertop space with the cabinet doors turning into side tables and lots of storage. The electronics are located in one of the lower cargo storage areas while the other is open for whatever you choose!
Custom Built Renegade
Custom Built Renegade
SPECS
FRAME: 5' x 8’
TOTAL LENGTH: 8’
DRY WEIGHT: 900-1200 Ibs
INTERIOR: Queen mattress, storage shelf, and side tables
GALLEY: Half hatch galley with countertop storage, cargo storage
ELECTRICAL: 12 volt system, LED lights throughout cabin, galley, & exterior, power panels, vent fan, etc.
DIY SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
AVAILABILITY: DIY Plans
The Hopper
The Minimalist & Budget Teardrop
With the Hopper, or goal was to design a tiny trailer that was extremely budget friendly, and simple to build. This is the perfect option if you are looking for the cheapest way to build an adventure trailer to get you out into nature, but stay comfortable and dry!
The Hopper is designed on a 4’x8’ frame, but can be easily adapted to different dimensions.
DIY Hopper Photo from @longwalkshortlegs
DIY Hopper Photo from @longwalkshortlegs
SPECS
FRAME: 4'x 8'
TOTAL LENGTH: 8'
DRY WEIGHT: 600-900 lbs
INTERIOR: Storage Shelf, 46" wide
GALLEY: Cargo doors for storage
DIY SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
AVAILABILITY: DIY Woodworking Plans
“I’m a pretty handy guy, but I don’t know how I would have ever built this had I not had the plans from Wander Tears. They turned what would have been months, maybe years of planning into mere weeks, and walked me through every step of the build process; down to every cut I needed to make, and screw I needed to place so that I could work with confidence.”
FAQ:
Can I use the plans if I want to use a different size trailer?
Yes! We’ve had numerous DIYers adapt the plans to a larger frame, or a frame that they already own and wanted to repurpose.
How long does a build take?
This honestly depends on the time you have to allocate to the project. We’ve had DIYers build each of our models in as little as 30 days, while some take their time and it’s upwards of 6 months. On average, most DIYers working on the weekends complete their build in around 3 months.
How much does a build cost?
This is another question that doesn't have just one answer.
DIYers usually spend between 5-8k on Vaga and Renegade Builds and around 3K on a Hopper. Depending on how thrifty/basic/all out you go it could be a little on either side. A few of the most expensive items are the trailer frame, aluminum (could use raptor liner or fiber glass), and doors.
Additionally, the quality of materials (Baltic birch vs from a hardware store) you use and whether you’re wanting a budget camper to get you out of the elements, or an overloading rig will all have a big difference.
Marie and Ethan built their Vaga for under $3000 after lot’s of research to save as much as possible. While Josh and Haley spent about $10,000 on their off road Vaga. You can read about other featured DIYers to learn about their build and costs here!
Lastly, here is a cost breakdown from our first build. Prices have gone up a bit since then but it will still give you a good idea of everything that goes into a build.
Hope that helps!