The outdoor recreation industry, particularly camping, has seen explosive growth in the post-pandemic era, and thanks to the increasing number of remote jobs available, it's now easier than ever to start exploring your surroundings.
When the lockdowns ended, many people took up an outdoor activity or more and many others rekindled their interest in camping, fostering the current boom. Another trend that has taken the world by storm in recent years is that of downsizing, with many people jumping on the "tiny living" bandwagon. And now, the two trends seem to collide in the camping industry, with teardrop trailers enjoying tremendous popularity.
While big RVs are popular among those who love glamping and want to enjoy the most luxurious features imaginable even when they're away from home, the majority of people prefer adhering to minimalism principles when it comes to camping rigs as well.
ROC Trailers' latest offering - the ALD09 travel trailer - is a tow-anywhere micro-camper that blends comfort, minimalism, and security to ensure that you can enjoy the great outdoors. It boasts a teardrop shape but is styled like nothing else out there. The designers strayed away from the soft curves of classic teardrops and went for a more angular design with unpolished angles that don't seem to follow any specific pattern.
However, it's this peculiar shape that makes it stand out from the crowd, even among other hard-angled squaredrops or prism–shaped trailers. The trailer boasts a long, sloped roof that the builders equipped with an optional rack that levels the design a bit. Said rack can carry cargo, outdoor gear, or even a rooftop tent.
Photo: ROC Trailers
In terms of dimensions, the new teardrop trailer measures 177 inches (450 cm) in overall length, 86 inches (218 cm) in width, and stands 72 inches (183 cm) high with the roof rack installed.
Another feature that sets this adventure camper apart is its lightweight design inspired by yacht construction. ROC Trailers ditches the regular alu-skinned wood frame structure in favor of an insulated fiberglass-composite construction. It features a steel frame with rock sliders, 16-inch steel wheels shod in General Grabber all-terrain tires, and reinforced fenders.
Built with superior materials that give it strength, reduce weight, and are engineered to last for decades, the ALD09 rises to marine quality standards and is able to provide boundless adventures to generations to come.
According to the Georgia-based manufacturer, the waterproof body of the new teardrop camper"utilizes space age technology to create a laminated system that consists of a fiberglass composite material that creates a protective outer skin with superior strength to weight ratio." Meanwhile, the center layer consists of quality insulation, and the inner layer is made of marine-grade plywood for increased strength.
Photo: ROC Trailers
With pricing starting at just $16,999, this new teardrop is bound to appeal to budget-conscious adventurers who want a smaller RV that is easy to tow behind most family vehicles. Its lightweight composite design means it can easily be hooked to both electric and diesel-powered vehicles and taken on on-a-whim outdoor adventures. With a 1,200-lb base weight, it can be towed even behind smaller SUVs.
Moreover, with 2,000-lb axle-less independent suspension and 20 inches (51 cm) of ground clearance, the camper will exceed your expectations both on highways and off-road trails.
Designed to offer both comfortable, easy travel and fully functional camping, regardless of whether it's used for quick weekend getaways or longer camping trips, ROC Trailers' ALD09 teardrop camper comes with a snug, comfortable interior.
The ALD09 is able to accommodate two individuals inside and comes standard with a single side entry door. Future owners can customize it with an extra door if they wish so that each camper can have a dedicated entry.
Photo: ROC Trailers
The interior is nothing revolutionary in terms of layout, boasting the regular teardrop-style configuration with a near-queen mattress (57 x 80 inches or 145 x 203 cm), open shelving, LED lighting, and 12V/USB outlets. However, the designers focused on versatility with this model, so its accommodation capabilities can be extended with an available rooftop tent. In addition, the shelf over the foot of the bed can double as a bunk bed for a child, if necessary. A Molle rack above the bed helps campers keep the small space organized and uncluttered.
The teardrop camper is also equipped with a small galley at the back, hidden behind the flat, flip-open tailgate. It is constructed with powder-coated aluminum and durable stainless steel countertop, but it only includes a few drawers and cabinets and a sink and is way smaller than what other teardrops on the market offer. ROC solves the issue by equipping the trailer with a tongue box with fridge/cooler slide and a deployable side table that can hold a portable stove or grill.
Other standard features include LED lights, exterior lighting, a MaxxAir fan, a 2-inch hitch receiver, and electric brake hubs. The tongue box with fridge slide, a Cadac dual-burner stove, an awning, an off-grid power package, and a James Baroud or Front Runner rooftop tent are available as optional features.
Overall, the new ROC Trailers ALD09 teardrop camper is a versatile, affordable camping solution that can bring you closer to nature and open up a whole new world of sightseeing.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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