A Teardrop for Extended Families Is Possible and Won't Cost an Arm and a Leg To Own

Folks, upon seeing Bend's Double Family teardrop camper for the first time, I couldn't help but look twice; maybe I was still buzzing from the night before. However, no, all is well in the world, and your vision isn't getting worse; what we see is intentional.

The Double Family (DF) is built the way it is precisely so that it can do what its name implies: accommodate families of outdoor adventurers. But there's a bit more to it than that, so let's explore what Bend offers us for a starting price of just $15K (€13,800 at current exchange rates).

Now, to understand how we got here, let's take a quick look at the minds and hands behind the machine. If the name Bend doesn't sound familiar, it might be because you've had no business up in Bend, Oregon, the town from which this brand gets its name.

However, this crew has been active in the camper industry since 2015, and the fact that they're still alive in an industry dominated by timeless brands, the likes of Airstream and Winnebago, among others, is a testament to what this crew can do. By the looks of things, they did all this by granting folks like you and me capable machines at prices that won't make you question your lifestyle decisions.

Overall, four different models exist in their lineup, but it's the DF that I found most fitting to bring up on a Saturday when you're probably sitting around the house with the kids running around. Then again, this year's season is just around the corner, so let's see what's on the table.

As we can all see, the main difference between the DF and any other teardrop we may have seen is the elongated body. This design has been chosen as a way to expand interior space, allowing for more berths without breaking the bounds of what a teardrop is and does; it's meant to be aerodynamic, light, and equipped to handle a couple or so days out in the middle of nowhere.

With a "surplus" of interior space at their disposal, Bedn then throws in a California King mattress, and that's just for those sleeping in the main bay. A second sleeping bunk is also spotted at the rear of the interior, perfect for up to three children or one adult. Under the bunk, storage bays are spotted and LED lighting lines the edges of the space.

Regarding sleeping arrangements, my only question that remains is whether or not this puppy can support a rooftop tent. After all, a rack system is in place, and several images showcase the roofs of these units loaded with awnings and whatever else folks may need. If it can handle a tent, too, then this may just be the most affordable, family-friendly teardrop on the market, if it isn't already.

Back outside, the rest of the DF is just like all other teardrops, with the iconic rear-galley look. Overall, tones of wood are used to craft this unit, and this is true for the galley, too, with plenty of space for utensils, food, water, a cooktop, you name it. All of that is accessible in classic teardrop style with the help of air springs. Be sure to check out the large pass-through storage found running underneath the galley and the nose-cone box, too.

Now let's take all that we've just covered, throw in a few essential extras like portable solar panels, inverter, and backup power, and load up the DF with food, water, and even some toys like fishing rods and inflatable kayaks, grab the gang, and off you go.

A few hours or so later, you arrive at your destination - the steel chassis and leaf-spring suspension held up just fine - stretch your legs, and then it's onto setting up your campsite. The kids are given the task of gathering bits of firewood from the world around while you and your significant other unfurl the awning(s), set up an outdoor dining set, and even dig a hole for what will become the center of tonight's. I'm talking about a fire pit. Actually, you can wait for the kids to return so that you can teach them all about building and maintaining a safe fire.

With everything ready to go, you head to the rear of the unit, grab a sandwich or two, maybe even prepare a salad, and wait for the kids to come back. It's a nice vibe today, with a pink and baby blue sunset, a cold beer in one hand, and a sandwich in the other. A lettuce-filled grin creeps across your face as you look at your partner while your laughter guides the kids back to base. A neat way to spend summer, spring, fall, and apparently, even winter: Bend insulates their units to "stay toasty in the winter and cool in the summer."

Before we started this adventure into a life lived out of Double Family, I might have been of the opinion that an extended-family teardrop camper isn't possible, but Bend proved me wrong, and that's something to consider if you're looking for a new unit.