Canadian Teardrop Trailer Manufacturers

Low-Cost RVs - Ultralight Travel Trailers Made in Canada

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Typical Teardrop Trailer by Martin Sigge - Liftarn
Typical Teardrop Trailer by Martin Sigge - Liftarn
Light, compact, and inexpensive, the teardrop trailer is a trend from the fifties that is gaining new adherents. Find out why, and where to get these RVs in Canada.

There are a number of Canadian companies making small "teardrop" style travel trailers. These retro-style ultralights have been around for half a century, but they continue to offer numerous benefits including simplicity, light weight, towing ease, and relatively low cost. RVing with an old-time look and feel (and price tag)! Almost all can be pulled by a mid-sized vehicle with a Class 1 Hitch.

The units get their name from their side profile, which has a wide rounded leading edge and a slim trailing edge, like a stylized teardrop. This exaggerated airfoil shape, according to Safari Condo, can give up to 75% better aerodynamic performance than a standard "boxy" travel trailer.

All figures given below are taken from manufacturer specifications and are given in the order of interior width X interior length X interior height - dry weight (base, no options).

Endeavor Manufacturing

This Parksville, British Columbia company produces the Wee-Kender Teardrop Trailer in three sizes.. This is a standard, traditional-style teardrop trailer (though with more modern construction and materials) that comfortably sleeps two people and has several options available including custom color.

  • Base - 44" (1.12 m) W X 81" (2.06 m) L X 4 ft (1.5 m) H - 850 Lbs. (390 Kg.)
  • Base Plus - 44" (1.12 m) W X 81" (2.06 m) L x 4 ft H - 850 Lbs. (390 Kg.)
  • Special Edition - 50" (1.27 m) W X 81" (2.06 m) L x 4 ft H - 950 Lbs. (435 Kg.)

Safari Condo

Safari Condo of St-Frédéric, Quebec, offers the Euro-style model Alto 1713 teardrop trailer. In a departure from traditional teardrop trailers which offer a lift-hatch rear kitchen, the Alto offers an interior dinette in two configurations, plus a bed. This is made possible by an electric roof that opens the full length of the trailer, with full-length side windows. Longer and heavier than retro-style teardrop trailers, but with a lot more options and features, the Alto is the most avant-garde of the teardrops. At time of writing, the Alto is only available in Quebec, although the company plans to open an Ontario dealership.

  • Model 1713 - 2,11m (83") W x 5,26m (207") L X 2,10m (83") exterior H closed/ 2,08m (82") interior H open - 1585 lbs base

Tadpole Teardrop Trailers

The Tadpole, made in Brighton, Ontario, is "a modern teardrop for modern times". People will certainly notice these vividly-colored road comets. Simple, light, basic, with a choice of four eye-blasting colors. RVs with a "Look at me!" flair.

  • Egg - 3' 5" W x 7' 8" L x (not given) H - 300 lbs - light enough for a motorcycle.
  • Queen - 5' 2" W x 6' 10" L x (not given) H - under 1000 lbs

Teardrop Trailers Canada

This Kirkfield, Ontario builder creates teardrop trailers one at a time. Vintage features such as swept fenders and whitewall tires give a powerful retro look, but modern materials and construction help reduce weight.

  • Various models, 5' W x 9' Long x (not given) H - under 1000 lbs

Pab's Kustoms

Pab's in Edmonton, Alberta specializes in 49-54 Chevrolet Car Parts, but also manufactures custom teardrop trailers to the specifications of each customer. Very much a retro look and style, to match the vintage vehicles.

  • No model information or specifications available.

These and other Canadian companies provide a wide range of teardrop trailer models and styles for the RV enthusiast seeking something simple yet comfortable, light and easy to tow. A teardrop is a great way to get the RV lifestyle without breaking the budget.

Photography by M. D. Gray, Las Vegas NV, Life is too short to waste in boredom.

Thomas Alan Gray - Tom has been writing for over 30 years; curiosity leads him to dig into a wide variety of topics.

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Comments

Jun 4, 2009 8:18 AM
Thomas Alan Gray :
For 2009, Safari Condo added the 1723 to its lineup. This model includes a shower/toilet combo and queen bed (in place of the toilet and king bed for the 1731). The weight still comes in at 1635 lb/741 kg.
Sep 11, 2009 11:26 AM
Guest :
When and how can a US citizen purchase the Alto?
Sep 28, 2009 12:57 PM
Guest :
I would love to see the Alto 1713 available in the U.S. Hopefully, Alto/Safari will get their U.S. export license straightened out in 2010. They geared up their plant for doulbe production, they could use the U.S. sales?
Sep 28, 2009 3:05 PM
Thomas Alan Gray :
US citizens, like those of us in western Canada, need to go to the Quebec factory. Alto was planning to distribute in Ontario as well but I don't know how that is progressing. Best bet is to contact Alto directly to order.
Oct 22, 2009 1:47 PM
Guest :
Well I'm a US resident who would love to buy the Alto. I contacted them in August, and at that time they said they couldn't sell to the US. Hopefully that will change soon.
Dec 30, 2009 7:48 PM
Guest :
Love the Alto by Safari Condo. It has a style that you don't see in the small ultra light campers sold here in the States. Do you know if Safari Condo will be selling in the US in 2010?
Dec 31, 2009 9:08 AM
Thomas Alan Gray :
I agree, the Alto is an intriguing concept.

The company has expanded its distributorship beyond Quebec to include two outlets in Ontario.

Anyone outside those two provinces who is interested in the product should contact Safari's sales centre at 1-866-836-6664 (English)
Jan 6, 2010 2:58 PM
Thomas Alan Gray :
We have indeed some new dealers in Ontario, so you could mention we have expanded to this market. We also have plans to expand to Western Canada soon, but how soon will be determined by our capacity to increase production sufficiently. We may be able to expand to Western Canada within a couple of years at the most, but we are working hard to ensure it happens sooner than later.

Finally, the US expansion will follow sometime after Western Canada, but it will require another dramatic increase in production. Therefore the time frame on this export project really depends on how soon we begin to sell in Western Canada, and then how fast we can step up production again.

If there is anything else I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Dominique Nadeau
Adjointe à la production/ Production Assistant
Safari Condo
821 du Parc
St-Frédéric (QC), G0N 1P0
Tel.: (418) 426-3666
Sans frais/Toll free : (877) 806-3666
Telec./Fax : (418) 426-1377
Courriel/ E-mail: dominiquepn@bellnet.ca
Web: www.safaricondo.com

Jan 15, 2011 8:59 PM
Guest :
very interesting...i am really thinking baout purchasing one this year...any dealers in alberta?
May 25, 2011 8:02 PM
Guest :
You forgotten arguably the best Teardrop manufacturer in Vernon BC, Acute Trailer Mfg.
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