California-based trailer manufacturer Polydrops has built its reputation by creating ultralight, geometric travel trailers. Their teardrop-shaped campers have attracted adventurous young individuals who favor minimalist camping experiences. However, as these customers grow older, start families, and develop new needs, they often find that the compact teardrop campers no longer suit their lifestyle.
Recognizing this shift, Polydrops introduced the P21, their largest trailer to date, signaling a significant evolution in their lineup. The P21 is designed to meet the needs of growing families while maintaining the company’s signature lightweight and electric-powered approach.
The transition from ultralight to family-sized
Polydrops has long focused on designing trailers that are lightweight and compact, catering to individuals or couples looking for an easy-to-tow, no-fuss camping solution. Their previous model, the P19 Shorty, weighed just 640 pounds (290 kg) and was less than 12 feet (3.7 m) long. However, this model, like many ultralight teardrops, had limitations when it came to space and amenities. For a single person or a couple, the P19 was ideal. But for those transitioning into family life, its size became restrictive.
Enter the P21. At 21 feet (6.4 m) in length, the Polydrops P21 offers significantly more room than any of its predecessors. This added space makes the trailer suitable for families or campers looking for a more comfortable experience. It adds about 7.5 feet (2.3 m) of extra stretch compared to previous models, bringing a fresh perspective to Polydrops’ traditionally compact designs. The P21 is a statement that Polydrops is evolving along with its customer base, offering more space and features without sacrificing the lightweight, aerodynamic approach that defines the brand.
Aerodynamic design meets increased functionality
Despite its larger size, the P21 stays true to Polydrops’ commitment to innovative design and efficiency. One of the standout features of this new model is its highly aerodynamic profile, a rarity among larger trailers that often prioritize space over streamlined performance.
Polydrops utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to refine the P21’s shape, ensuring minimal drag. From a bird’s eye view, the trailer resembles a fish or projectile, with its front and rear ends tapering sharply. The front sports a wedge-shaped nose for better aerodynamics, while the rear features a narrow boat tail design topped with a slight roof spoiler.
This design not only gives the Polydrops P21 a distinctive look on the road but also contributes to its fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for those towing the trailer with an electric vehicle (EV). Given the rising popularity of EVs, the P21’s focus on aerodynamics makes it a strong contender for eco-conscious campers who want to maximize their vehicle’s range.
All-electric power and off-grid capability
In keeping with Polydrops’ environmentally friendly ethos, the P21 is an all-electric trailer, meaning there’s no need to haul around propane tanks for cooking or heating. Instead, it relies on a 5-kWh battery bank that powers the onboard appliances, including the air conditioner/heat pump and an available induction cooktop. This battery is charged via a 1,300-watt solar system, ensuring that campers can stay off-grid for extended periods without needing to hook up to an external power source.
This all-electric approach appeals to modern campers who prioritize sustainability and seek to reduce their carbon footprint. The absence of fossil fuel-powered systems makes the P21 a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional propane-powered trailers. While solar charging systems are becoming more common in the RV industry, Polydrops takes it a step further by fully committing to electric power, a decision that aligns with the increasing trend towards renewable energy in camping gear.
A flexible, modular interior
Inside the P21, Polydrops has opted for a modular design that allows campers to customize their space depending on their needs. The only fixed furnishings in the trailer are a queen-size bed at the rear and an integrated dining lounge. The dining table, when not in use, drops down to form the front part of the bed. During the day, the table lifts up to create a dining area with two vis-a-vis seating benches. The rear bed itself has a polygonal shape, thanks to the trailer’s tapered rear wall, offering a unique aesthetic and functional design.
Additional furnishings are modular and can be added as needed. For example, the kitchen module includes an 1,800-watt induction cooktop, a 700-watt microwave, and overhead storage, all of which drop into the entryway storage console. Notably, there is no built-in sink in the kitchen area. Instead, the sink is part of a separate “sanitation module,” which includes a water heater, shower pan, and portable toilet. The 34-liter fresh water tank supplies water to the sink via a Dometic Go faucet. This modular setup makes the P21 adaptable, allowing campers to decide which components they need for each trip.
Sleeping arrangements for the whole family?
One of the key selling points of the Polydrops P21 is its ability to sleep an entire family, although this claim comes with some caveats. The main bed can comfortably sleep two adults, but the optional kid’s bed, located at the front of the trailer, measures just 58 x 60 inches (147 x 152 cm). This size is sufficient for two small children but may become impractical as the children grow older. At only 5 feet in length, the kid’s bed is unlikely to accommodate teenagers or young adults, limiting the long-term use of the trailer for families.
This design limitation has drawn some criticism, as the P21’s overall length and available space suggest it could have been more effectively utilized. Without a rooftop tent or bunk bed option, families with older children may find the sleeping arrangements less than ideal. Nevertheless, for families with young children, the P21 could serve as a comfortable and functional travel trailer for several years.
A practical choice for EV towing
While the P21 may not offer the most expansive interior, it strikes a balance between size, weight, and aerodynamics, making it an excellent option for towing with an electric vehicle. The trailer weighs between 1,200 and 1,800 pounds (544 to 816 kg) depending on the chosen setup and options, making it lighter than many trailers of comparable size. This lightweight design is a significant advantage for EV owners who want to preserve their vehicle’s range while towing.
The P21’s aerodynamic shape, combined with its all-electric functionality, positions it as a forward-thinking choice for the growing number of campers who are transitioning to electric tow vehicles. Its design minimizes drag, allowing for more efficient travel and less frequent recharging stops. For EV drivers, the P21’s combination of light weight and aerodynamic efficiency offers a solution that many larger, heavier trailers cannot match.
Pricing and availability
The Polydrops P21 is currently available for preorder with a starting price of $38,900. While this price reflects the trailer’s sleek design, all-electric system, and modular interior, it may seem steep compared to other similarly sized trailers on the market. Polydrops has yet to announce pricing for the individual add-on modules, but it is expected that customers will have the opportunity to customize their P21 with the specific components they need once production begins in Q4 2024.
Source: Polydrops
