Teardrop caravan's age and journey

Nearly 80 years after its factory release in California, a Kamp Master 1947 teardrop caravan continues to travel between New Jersey and France. Its pop-up roof and clever interior design still hold some surprises.

Design and era

Manufactured in 1947, this teardrop caravan in the shape of a drop approaches 80 years, but continues to enjoy real weekend trips outdoors. With its aluminum body in the style of Airstream and its low profile, it seems to have come straight from a postcard from the 1940s, according to AutoEvolution.

Manufacturer and history

The lightweight camping trailer was presented in an online video. It also tells the story of a discreet manufacturer, King's Trailer Company, located in Torrance, California. At the time, its water drop design emphasized simplicity and aerodynamics, with comfort rather than sheer size.

Model and variations

The Kamp Master model appeared in 1947 at King's Trailer Company in Torrance, California. The manufacturer would later move on to larger King caravans, then to one of the first modern cells for pickup trucks. The model was also marketed under the name Cap Master, during a short period between 1947 and 1950.

Dimensions and structure

The body measures 8 feet long, approximately 2.4 meters, and 6 feet wide, about 1.8 meters. The empty weight is between 840 and 870 pounds, approximately 381 to 395 kg. The whole thing rests on a steel frame, with wide wheels, chrome wheel covers, and white-wall tires.

Aerodynamic design

An aluminum skin covers the wooden structure, with riveted strips on the sides. Gutters and awning rails complete the equipment, while the elongated water drop profile carefully handles aerodynamics. The pop-up roof is one of the most original features of this small teardrop caravan.

Roof mechanism

Instead of opening forward, the movable part is located at the back, where teardrops place the kitchen. The roof is hinged at mid-length of the body and lifts widely. This creates real ceiling height in the kitchen area and keeps a low silhouette on the living and sleeping side.

Interior details

A presentation video shows how the owner opens the roof and locks the articulated mosquito net door. He then installs two side poles before clipping the fabric panels. The fabric panels have ventilation openings with mosquito nets. A button press system, placed high inside and lower outside, guides rainwater to the outside.

Kitchen and storage

On the film model, alternative side panels, fully gridded, offer a more open atmosphere. The source notes that it remains difficult to know whether it is original equipment or a custom addition. On the kitchen side, the so-called "wet" block opens onto the right side of the campsite, with a fold-down worktop.

Sleeping and living areas

This reveals a water tank and an integrated refrigerator from the era. Opposite, there is a three-burner metal stove, several drawers and shelves. A removable tray rests on the two pieces of furniture to form a small dining table. At the back, a sliding sofa transforms into a double bed, providing comfortable accommodation for two campers.

Additional features

Under this seat, storage compartments are found. At the back, rods welcome the clothes that one prefers to hang. A small fold-out table serves as an auxiliary desk. This detail refers to an era when one still wrote postcards by hand.

Modern adaptations

On this model, the owner has added a battery in a dedicated compartment without betraying the original atmosphere. A 5-pound propane cylinder, approximately 2.3 kg, installed on the tongue, powers the kitchen. The caravan also benefits from 12 V outlets, an external connection and 110 V outlets.

Lighting and aesthetics

An LED lighting is hidden among the furniture, the vintage flashlights and the metal condiment boxes of the era. With its pop-up roof and streamlined silhouette, the Kamp Master holds a unique place among American caravans.

Similar models and community

A specialized blog presented a 1949 model 10 feet long, approximately 3 meters. It described it as "almost a tear-drop, almost a pop-up," according to Canned Ham Crazy. This formula can be translated as "almost a teardrop, almost a pop-up."

Current ownership and value

The 1947 model visible in New Jersey now belongs to a private collection. It was presented by Patrick Botticelli, from the New Jersey Outdoor Adventures chain. The enthusiast calls it "the ultimate teardrop," which can be translated as "the ultimate teardrop," cited by Autoevolution.

Market and restoration

The trailer is not officially for sale. According to the source, an auction could justify a price of at least 23,000 euros. Restored 1949 Kamp Masters can still be found. Some have even been reproduced for an American magazine dedicated to tiny houses.

International interest

A 1950 caravan was also imported in 2016 by a French retro camping club, via the Tin Can Tourists community. Nearly 80 years after its release, this teardrop caravan continues to interest campers and collectors.