Motorcycle Pop-up vs Teardrop Campers – What’s the difference?
- Motorcycle Camping Experts
- Aug 2, 2021
- 5 min read
What’s the difference between pop-up campers and teardrop campers for motorcycles?
A pop-up camper, as the name implies, will unfold or “pop-up” to have a footprint larger than its size when folded down while trailering – which typically resembles the size of a small cargo trailer. These are sometimes referred to as Motorcycle Trailer Tents.
A teardrop style camper, which has been around since the 1930’s, is a small hard-sided enclosure that does not expand to have a larger interior space. It gets its name from its teardrop profile. Teardrop Motorcycle Campers usually have sleeping room for only one or two people However, some fancier models may have a small fold out kitchen area and/or canopy.
Advantages of Pop-up Campers
More spacious
Easy setup
Accessories
If you prioritize having some extra space, then getting a pop-up camper is the way to go. Similar to pop-up tents, this style camper will open and expand to a much larger volume than when packed down to tow.
Although there is some setup involved, most pop-up campers can be setup in less than 10 minutes. Some can even be ready to go in less than 5 minutes.
Pop-up campers can come with some cool accessories to help tote additional items. For example, some have luggage racks or even racks that can accommodate a small kayak.
Disadvantages of Pop-up Campers
Requires setup
Susceptible to weather elements
Harder to maintain
Pop-up campers do not come without their pitfalls. As mentioned above, you will have to setup camp by popping out the fabric and expanding the footprint. It isn’t as ready to go as compared to the teardrop style campers.
Speaking of fabric, this design makes it more susceptible to the elements. If you’ve ever slept in a tent during a rainstorm, you already know what this experience is like. Also, given that many pop-ups have flat roofs, you will not want to use these in the middle of a snowstorm – not to mention pop-ups are not very good insulators to the outside temperatures. You will be hot in the middle of summer and cold in the dead of winter.
The fabric and material also make it more cumbersome to maintain, especially if you pick up while it is wet. When you get home, you will have to set it up and make sure everything is completely dry before storing for the long-term. Otherwise, you will find mold or mildew the next time you use your pop-up.
Advantages of teardrop campers
Sturdy and warm
Easy to maintain
Power availability
Customization
Teardrop campers are hard sided and sturdier than pop-up campers. By design, they do not require any setup. With regards to size and footprint, what you see is what you get. Some may have expandable canopies or external components, but the interior space is fixed.
Because they are not constructed of fabric, they are typically warmer and dryer as compared to pop-up campers. Many teardrop campers come with power outlets (battery or solar) and some have built-in A/C units. Depending on your needs, having these amenities may be a welcome trade-off for having less space.
The maintenance on teardrop campers is easier to deal with. Since the outside is constructed of all hard-shell type materials, you do not have to worry about drying it out after a rainfall. Simply park it and let it dry naturally.
If you are into the iconic retro look, then this style would fit your personality. You can even have the outside custom painted to reflect any image that you want to sport. It will also attract interest and inquires from others on the road. You may even make some new friends as a result.
Disadvantages of teardrop campers
Less roomy
Heavier
More expensive
Just like pop-up campers, teardrops come with their disadvantages as well. They have smaller interior space versus pop-ups. Most teardrop style campers will provide enough sleeping space for only one or two people. You still have some storage options, but these campers are either for the solo traveler or cozy couples.
Because teardrops are made with all hard materials, most are typically a little heavier than pop-up campers. You will need a larger motorcycle to pull these campers. You will typically see larger touring style motorcycles pulling teardrop campers.
They are also more expense than pop-ups. The heavier, sturdier construction comes at a cost – especially if you are getting with power and A/C options. Small teardrops start around the $5,000 mark.
Popular pop-up campers
If you are interested in checking out some popular pop-up campers, here are few models to get you started:
Lees-ure Lite Excel
- 265 lbs. - 30 cubic feet of storage - Price: $5,100
Time Out Trailers – Easy Camper
- 320 lbs. - 16 cubic feet of storage - Price: $3,700
Kompact Kamp Mini Mate
- 260 lbs. - 15 cubic feet of storage - Price: $3,500
Popular teardrop campers
And if you are leaning more toward a teardrop camper for your motorcycle, then check out these models:
RunAway CoolCamp
- 580 lbs. - 112 cubic feet interior space - Price: $5,000
Little Guy MyPod
- 760 lbs. - 98 cubic feet of interior space - Price: $10,000
American Teardrop Osprey
- 518 lbs. (twin) - 89 cubic feet of interior space (twin) - Price: $6,250 (twin)
Is it safe to pull a motorcycle camper?
Campers targeted for motorcycles usually weigh in around 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. – plenty light enough to pull with most larger motorcycles. Even a mid-size motorcycle, such as the Kawasaki Vulcan 900, will have no trouble pulling campers on the lighter side of that range.
You will want to make sure to check your motorcycle specifications and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your make and model. Then add up the weight of everything including: the weight of your motorcycle (fueled up and ready to ride), rider(s), and gear. We will call this the wet weight of your motorcycle.
Subtract: GVWR – wet weight = your maximum load weight.
Don’t forget to add the weight of any gear you will store in your camper to the weight of the camper itself.
As long as you are staying under your maximum load weight, it is safe to pull a camper behind a motorcycle. I would recommend using 10% less than your GVWR to be on the safe side.
Example:
Your GVWR of your motorcycle is 1,500 lbs. Your wet weight is 850 lbs. The maximum load of your camper plus gear stowed in camper is: 650 lbs. (1,500 – 850). Recommended to use 1,350 lbs. as GVWR (1,500 – 10%) Recommended max load of your camper and gear is 500 lbs. (1,350 – 850)
In the above example, technically, your camper and gear could weigh a maximum of 650 lbs. and still be within the published specifications.
But to err on the safe side, I would recommend your camper and the gear stored in your camper to not weight more than 500 lbs.
Summary
If you are ready to upgrade your tent and sleeping bag while MotoCamping, then checking out campers to pull behind motorcycles may be for you. Whether you choose a Pop-up Motorcycle Camper or a Teardrop Motorcycle Camper, you can bet that your next trip will be more enjoyable than sleeping on the ground.
Pull behind campers for motorcycles is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Campgrounds are inexpensive compared to lodging in hotels. Plus, with the extra storage space, you will have more room to tote gear with you. Overall, it is a fun, economical way to travel!
I hope that I’ve helped you become more knowledgeable and familiar with some popular options for Motorcycle Camper Trailers. I am sure there is a perfect match for you and your style of MotoCamping.
Ride safely, my friends….