Teardrop trailers are viral nowadays. Whenever I go overlanding, they seem to be everywhere. So, it got me thinking, are teardrop trailers safe? Will it be worth it? I started to look into these things to come up with the answer.
Without a doubt, teardrop trailers are safe and secure. There are risks that you have to be mindful of, but there’s nothing that you have to worry about if you opt for a high-quality trailer. There are also several tips that you have to remember to ensure your trip’s safety further.
If you’re one of those who are planning to buy a teardrop trailer for yourself and want to be sure you’re making the right choice, we have asked several experts to come up with accurate information about the topic. Everything you need to know is in the following sections.
Despite Misconceptions Teardrop Trailers Provide Safety?
Teardrop trailers are safe. Despite its irregular structure and common misconceptions about how it looks unbalanced, it’s actually stable enough to cater just like how a regular RV would.
To add, the said trailer also has just the right visibility. This means that you won’t have to worry about being caught up in an accident despite owning a relatively smaller trailer.
What About Security?
When it comes to security, teardrop trailers are also just like regular ones. It has windows, doors, a tongue, and all the other essentials to keep you safe when you’re resting or sleeping inside. There are also teardrop trailers equipped with added locks to enhance security features.
Moreover, the warmth of camping inside a trailer is maintained by a teardrop. The built-in bed is above the ground, and thus, you won’t have to struggle with keeping yourself comfortable during your rest time.
Risks with Teardrop Trailers
Of course, a teardrop trailer is still tied with certain risks, even if it’s innately safe.
Another risk that you have to take note of is suffocation and heightened issues for people with claustrophobia. These are serious issues, but it will be easy to solve them.
To avoid suffocation, you simply need to equip your trailer’s interior with a well-functioning ventilation system. Install a vent if the unit you bought doesn’t have one yet. An air conditioning system will also help with this. Some people recommend leaving a window open when sleeping inside for long hours. This is the same for claustrophobic people.
All in all, a teardrop trailer is safe to ride around, even for long trips. Just spend time and effort providing essentials, such as proper ventilation and car and driving tools, to get rid of your worries fully.
How Fast Can You Drive With a Teardrop Trailer and Still Be Safe?
You can drive a teardrop trailer from 55mph to a maximum of 75mph. This is the acceptable range for drivers to avoid road accidents in general.
Note that the exact speed should still depend on what kind of terrain you’re driving on, the country you’re in (since each country has varying speed limits for trailers), and the driver’s overall expertise in driving a trailer.
For a rule of thumb: if you’re a beginner still learning the ropes of driving while towing a teardrop trailer, the slower, the better. Moving at 55mph will be the best case for this.
For a guide on towing your teardrop trailer, we went to the California DMV for help. Check out their guide here.
Stay Safe: Trailer Safety Tips
A teardrop trailer, in itself, is safe to use and ride around. However, the overall safety of your trip will depend on more than just the trailer. You still have to consider the driver’s capability, the people you’re traveling with, and the environment that you will bring the trailer to.
That said, here are some trailer safety tips that you should know:
1. Set up proper ventilation.
We have already talked about the risk of suffocation in a teardrop trailer, especially during sleep. Because of this, it’s just right that you equip your trailer with proper ventilation. Make sure that air can freely flow inside your trailer, so your breathing is regularized at all times.
2. Use the right towing vehicle.
Teardrop trailers are popular for their compatibility with most towing vehicles. It’s lightweight and won’t take up a lot of space. Even so, you should still ensure that you will be using the right vehicle for your towing needs. Check the towing and weight capacity, and make sure that it goes in line with the trailer’s weight, the passengers that will be riding in it, and your luggage.
3. Check the trailer’s condition before every drive.
Before driving with your trailer, check its lights, brakes, and tires to guarantee that you won’t run into any kind of issue when you’re already on the road. It’s also necessary to regularly avail trailer maintenance, such as cleaning, tire pressure checking, engine checkup, and the like.
4. Ensure that your trailer meets your traveling needs.
Teardrop trailers are one of the best types out there, but you should know that they won’t fit everyone’s needs. At best, it can cater to up to two people, four if you plan on using your towing vehicle’s space. Still, if you will be traveling with a big family, you may want to invest in a regular trailer instead.
Final Thoughts On “Are Teardrop Trailers Safe?”
So, are teardrop trailers safe? Although teardrop trailers look a little different from others, rest assured that if you use a functioning, high-quality unit, you will be able to enjoy a safe trip.
Like any other trailer type, teardrop trailers still have risks if you don’t pay enough attention to factors like their weight, towing vehicle, ventilation, and maintenance. Of course, properly taking care of the trailer is also necessary to keep it in its best state. If you do all these, safety will be the least of your worries.
Overall, it will be worth getting one if you want a budget-friendly trailer for your overlanding journey. Just note that it will be most suitable for a two-person trip because of the limited space it offers.
Continue to learn about teardrop trailers…next up, How Heavy Are Teardrop Trailers?
