The Teardrop got its name from its streamlined design, and was very popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Teardrop camping trailers were born out of a desire for people to have a simple and affordable means to explore the country without the "roughing it" aspect of tent camping. The teardrop was the perfect

compromise between a tent and a full travel trailer. The sleeping compartment was cozy and dry, and the built-in kitchen out back was very handy and complete. Since the teardrop was all about thrift, there was no reason to waste materials, and the small size provided just the right amount of space with no waste.

The true Teardrops evolved after World War II, and were constructed with materials obtained from surplus markets. The chassis was made of steel U channel, when it could be found, and from round steel tubing otherwise. Wheels came from Jeeps which were salvaged from sunken ships, and many had bullet holes in them which were welded up. The exterior skin was of surplus aircraft grade aluminum, often made from the wings of World War II bombers.