The “Woodie” teardrop camper from Silver Tears Campers in Roanoke, Virginia, represents a distinctive approach to teardrop design—combining the classic teardrop silhouette with mahogany plywood exterior paneling that evokes the wood-sided station wagons of the mid-20th century.
Size Options
The Woodie design is available in two sizes:
- 4′ x 8′: Full-size bed (47″ x 72″), approximately 1,000 lbs total weight, 65 lb tongue weight
- 5′ x 10′: Queen-size bed (58″ x 80″), heavier but still towable by most vehicles
Both sizes feature a 2,200 lb capacity axle, providing ample margin for cargo and accessories.
Why Teardrop Trailers Work
Teardrop trailers offer distinct advantages for camping enthusiasts:
- Easy to tow: Lightweight and aerodynamic, most can be pulled by 4-cylinder vehicles
- Easy to store: Compact footprint fits in most garages
- Easy to maintain: Simple systems with fewer components to fail
- Affordable: Lower purchase price and operating costs than larger RVs
- DIY-friendly: Many builders construct their own from plans
Exterior Features
The Woodie’s distinctive exterior includes:
- Mahogany plywood: Weather-resistant hardwood paneling
- ’32 Ford-style fenders: Vintage aesthetic detail
- Rain gutters: Positioned over windows to direct water away
- Awning windows: With integrated screens for ventilation
- 15″ Smoothie wheels: Custom wheels complementing the retro design
- Exterior lighting: For campsite visibility
- Keyed door locks: Security when parked
Interior Features
Inside, the Woodie uses wood veneer for a warm, cabin-like atmosphere:
- Custom cabinetry: Built-in storage throughout
- Electrical system: Three-circuit fuse panel with power outlet and lighting switches
- Sleeping: 4″ high-quality foam mattress
- Ventilation: Fantastic Fan 7000 Series roof vent
- Port-a-potty storage: Dedicated compartment
Available Options
Additional equipment commonly available for this style of build:
- Deep cycle battery with charger
- Hot water shower system
- Portable toilet
- Stainless propane stove
- Privacy tent
Galley Kitchen
The rear galley—a hallmark of teardrop design—provides outdoor cooking facilities:
- Custom cabinets: Weather-protected storage
- Overhead lighting: For evening meal prep
- Custom countertops: Work surface for cooking
- Stainless steel faucet: With hand pump
- 7-gallon water tank: Onboard fresh water
- Keyed hatch lock: Secures galley when traveling
The Appeal of Woodie-Style Teardrops
Wood-sided teardrops like the Woodie appeal to campers who appreciate:
- Vintage aesthetics: The warm look of real wood versus aluminum or fiberglass
- Craftsmanship: Visible joinery and natural materials
- Uniqueness: Standing out from mass-produced trailers
- Tradition: Connection to early teardrop designs from the 1930s-1950s
Woodie-style teardrop campers combine the practicality of compact camping with the warmth and character of natural wood construction—proving that even the smallest travel trailers can have distinctive personality.
Photos Courtesy of Silver Tears Campers
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Alex
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Thanks? Alex! Its fine!
If this is not the ORVIS Teardrop it might just be it’s twin—perhaps the same builder? Very similar even to the wood used. That one is drop dead gawgeeous.
Hmmmm–I have a 4 cyl car and a 6 cyl motorcycle—hmmmm! Both have tow hitches!
For anyone who is interested in teardrop campers, I have been on a website for several years called “Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers”, at tnttt.com. For anyone interested in these tiny trailers, the website is chock full of info from how to build one to how to live in one. Although they are mainly for camping I believe in the right climate where one could spend lots of time outdoors, it would be more comfortable than living out of a personal vehicle, which is done all over the U.S. and probably more than anyone realizes. You just can’t “stealth camp” with a teardrop though.
Thanks Martha, I attest that is a great website 🙂
I live near Roanoke VA, but have never heard of this company. But I will definitely stop by next time I’m in Roanoke and check them out.