inTech’s Teardrop Takeoff

In a world where travel trailers have evolved into ever-larger behemoths, the teardrop trailer remains a charming reminder of simpler times.

The lightweight campers — named for their distinct aerodynamic shape — captured American imagination in the 1930s as families sought Depression-era vacations. The United States highway system was underway, and teardrops could be towed by the family car, which boasted up to 100 horsepower at the time.

Despite the modernization of today’s rigs, OEMs such as inTech have shown the truth behind the French maxim, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” The Nappanee, Indiana-based manufacturer began its foray into the RV space in late 2016 and launched its first teardrop model, dubbed Luna, one year later.

“We had a two-prong focus when entering the market,” says Keith Fishburn, head of sales at inTech. “Number one was to bring units that offered a fresh look and were feature-filled (so, very few options) to the marketplace with every product, and secondly, as we are a very high-quality manufacturer of custom aluminum motorsports trailers, we wanted to introduce the RV market to our level of quality as well.”

inTech’s cross-industry experience boded well for the ongoing success of Luna. The teardrop was built with an all-aluminum, fully welded cage frame, making it lightweight enough to be towed by almost any vehicle without the risk of rusting. Its all-tube construction was designed to last. And while the historically small size of a teardrop is still fitting for today’s customers seeking less-traditional forms of camping, Fishburn says, “We do not limit our focus on any particular size, but instead are always looking for layouts and sizes that we feel can bring something of high-quality, with the unique inTech touch, to the market.”

On Luna, that touch includes its signature front cap, which made way for an automotive-style panoramic windshield that “provides a fantastic view and allows a smaller unit to feel much larger,” he says.

At its start, Luna and other inTech products were geared toward smaller units at 20 feet and under. Eventually the company expanded with its Aucta and OVR travel trailers for customers wanting larger rigs — but the company credits its teardrop takeoff for the ongoing success of its RV segment.

“With Luna coming out in the first year of our entry into the RV market, we were still learning a lot about what our customers were looking for in the overall layout. So, over the first couple years, we made a lot of changes based on feedback. Many of the things we learned from our Luna customers helped us as we designed our Sol and Aucta lines,” Fishburn says.

Like its other products, Luna’s aluminum makeup has remained tried-and-true over the years, but customer input sparked feature updates in the models’ newest editions — most notably the addition of a cassette toilet.

“This was based on feedback from existing and potential customers as something they’d like to have available,” he says. “Research and development (R&D) is critical to our success, as it not only helps us to build a better product but also enables us to make it more productionable right out of the gate — leading to fewer startup issues.”

Campers increasingly want better kitchens, especially with growing interest in off-grid travel. The company says its rear outdoor setup was inspired by modern kitchen conveniences, boasting a two-burner LP stove with a cast-iron cooking surface, a large farmhouse sink and a 40-quart, 12-volt cooler. Customers can also opt for a microwave and 12-volt refrigerator, with other options such as a fireplace, futon mattresses, a straight awning and windshield cover to round out Luna’s offerings.

Keeping the Door Open

Feedback from inTech’s owners’ groups and social media is an essential factor to consider for new model changes, Fishburn says. Paired with its R&D efforts, today’s Luna layouts have evolved to offer creature comforts in a compact setting. The units sleep up to four adults, have an 8,000-Btu air conditioner and are loaded with entertainment features, such as a Bluetooth AM/FM stereo with a built-in DVD player and a 32-inch TV. Ample storage is scattered throughout the rigs.

For travelers who prefer the adventurous look, a Rover package boasts an adjustable roof rack, integrated side steps, an aluminum tube rear bumper and rugged decals. The line’s sportier Base package has black powder-coated fenders and 15-inch aluminum wheels.

“We continue to see interest grow for small, lightweight options and customers that are interested is less traditional forms of camping,” says Fishburn.

The small travel trailer segment, originally expected to be the hot market for first-time buyers, eventually drew a Baby Boomer crowd before becoming the go-to for millennial individuals, couples and small families. Today, the average low weight of the sector ranges from 2,000 to 5,000-plus pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and continues to gain popularity for its towing convenience. Increased interest in off-grid travel has boosted desire for the sector — with teardrops coming in at some of the lowest GVWRs and more maneuverability by Jeeps, Toyota 4Runners, Subaru Outbacks and more.

“The simplicity of minimal systems, easy maneuverability, garage storage and not needing a large tow vehicle are all reasons we see this segment of the market has a lot of appeal. At inTech, we are continuing to look at new and innovative ways we can meet these needs,” Fishburn says.

Although major changes aren’t currently on inTech’s horizon, he says, “We always want to keep the door open to changes as we receive feedback from both our customers and our dealers.” The openness to move with the market is one of the reasons for inTech’s solid RV segment success — and it all started with the timelessness of the teardrop trailer.