Photo: Jetstream Teardrop Trailers
By now you may have gathered that the world is full of campervan and caravan brands that promise to be the next big thing. Well, this time, a South African brand called Jetstream is taking the timeless teardrop camper and putting their own spin on it, and if I do say so myself, a Jetstream is something different.
Let’s say you’re passionate about the outdoors and RV travel. If so, chances are you’ve thought about getting a teardrop camper and hitting the road like countless generations before you. After all, the teardrop camper has to be the most popular of RV designs and styles, with countless nations trying their hand at this timeless machine and even going so far as to redesign it to fit the modern times, just like Jetstream Teardrop Trailers.
Now, this South African brand is breathing new life into the teardrop camper by taking a slightly different approach to its construction. For example, teardrop campers are traditionally built using a wooden frame with insulation and an aluminum skin placed over it to create the habitat or shell. The only fiberglass you might find on some is an outer skin.
However, Jetstream has abandoned these construction materials in favor of a monocoque construction for their units. Yes, what you see is just one solid piece with no joints, no seams and with the strength of a “ostrich egg.” That last bit is Jetstream's words about their units, and if you've ever played with an Ostrich Egg, you know just how strong they are.
Photo: Jetstream Teardrop Trailers
What material does Jetstream use for this feat? None other than the old and tried fiberglass. This also means that these jewels are quite light. According to the manufacturer's website, the Standard Classic unit they build weighs only 530 kg (1,168 lbs), not bad for a less than careful crew.
Besides being lightweight, fiberglass has another advantage: it can withstand the elements; composites are just good at that. Heck, with the right amount of love and care, fiberglass campers have even been found to be functional after 40 or 50 years of sitting in a garage. Oddly enough, it’s pretty much the same fiberglass expertise that Jetstream brings to the table, and they’re constantly updating their units, so be sure to check in on this team periodically.
Thanks to the use of fiberglass, a Jetstream unit features a seamless exterior that can handle countless add-ons. These include a front cone storage compartment, multiple awnings, spare tire mounts, and roof tents, to name a few. All of this is then placed atop a chassis with an eight-leaf off-road suspension system. Be sure to check out the list of options that Jetstream has in store here, and don’t be shy about checking out some of the more fully equipped units available; the XT Xtreme is one you definitely need to explore.
Photo: Jetstream Teardrop Trailers
For the rest of this introduction to Jetstream’s work, I’d like to invite you to pretend that you own one of the units you see in the gallery and that you’re in the middle of nowhere with your family or significant other, ready to settle in for the next few days.
Once you have taken the time to stretch your legs, it is time to set up the campsite. It is at this point that we can admire one of the most beautiful teardrop kitchens I have seen in recent years; thanks to the use of fiberglass and the monocoque design, even the kitchen is a unique piece, with cabinets and cubicles integrated into its shape.
Full integration seems to be the name of the game here, as we can also spot the hob nestled beautifully into the countertop, the fridge and even the sink. The kitchen also expresses subtle differences as you move up the Jetstream model range. Take a moment to imagine yourself preparing a meal here.
Photo: Jetstream Teardrop Trailers
With a full belly, it might be time for a nice nap, and to do that, you can climb into a roof tent if you have one added to your dream unit, or simply open the side doors and rest on that bean-beam mattress. But before you do that, you might want to grab a book from the fiberglass bins. There's also an entertainment center inside.
Now, while you sleep, most campers are still working their magic in the background, capturing energy from the sun and storing it in batteries. While solar panels aren’t standard on a Jetstream, they do have batteries, a BMS, and plenty of outlets throughout. In total, there’s only 50 liters (13 gallons) of fresh water, so you may need to bring more for longer trips.
However, there is one major problem with the fiberglass magic we see here: it comes from South Africa. That means that even if you end up shelling out around $12,300 (at current exchange rates) for a teardrop-shaped Standard Classic, you’ll still have to pay a bit more to get it to your home country, not to mention import duties. But South Africans can get their hands on these beauties for as little as R215,500.
If I may give a personal opinion on the matter, I don't think this is the last we'll hear about a fiberglass teardrop camper hitting the market. I mean, look at it; it's gorgeous!