Timberleaf Trailer Model Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit
We understand that not everyone is able to make it out to our shop in Grand Junction, CO to see Timberleaf Trailers in person – and so we’ve created this guide to help you decide which of our trailers is right for you!
From dimensions and weights to feature differences, this article is the place to quickly get the rundown on what makes the Classic so classic, the Kestrel a lightweight beauty, and the Pika a Goldilocks of a teardrop.
The Timberleaf Trailer Legacy
In 2015 Kevin Molick and his wife Paula found themselves in the market for a teardrop trailer. They loved how these tiny trailers could replace the cold, hard sleeping conditions of tent camping, without limiting their ability to go just about anywhere.
However, when it came time to find their dream trailer they found the market was lacking a trailer that offered ergonomics, aesthetics, and build quality. Instead of compromising, Kevin decided he would set his lifetime of experience as an expert woodworker to the task and create his own trailer. From this early inspiration the Classic trailer was born.
Today Timberleaf offers three models, the Classic, Pika, and Kestrel, ranging in size from small to smaller to smallest. All three models proudly carry on the long tradition of teardrop trailers with their timeless aerodynamic shape and incredible utility.
Overview of Timberleaf Teardrop Trailer Models & Specs
The Classic Model
- Dry Weight: 1500 pounds
- Tongue Weight: 150 pounds
- Overall Dimensions (standard trim) [L x W x H]: 168” x 83” x 67”
- Body Dimensions [L x W x H]: 120” x 61” x 48”
*All weights and dimensions are for the Standard Trim with typical options
The teardrop camper that started it all – our Classic teardrop trailer has a galley kitchen, a Colorado queen-sized mattress, skylight, optional Maxxair cabin vent fan, built-in storage cabinets, GFCI outlets, and integrated LED lighting.
The galley kitchen includes a sink (with up a 17.5 gallon fresh water tank), a two-burner stove, and an optional 35L Dometic refrigerator.
The Pika Model
- Dry Weight: 1025 pounds
- Tongue Weight: 110 pounds
- Overall Dimensions [L x W x H]: 144” x 77-½” x 66”
- Body Dimensions [L x W x H]: 96” x 55-½” x 48”
*All weights and dimensions are for the Standard Trim with typical options
The Pika is our mid-sized teardrop, providing a lighter weight and smaller footprint when compared to the Classic. Like the Classic, the Pika has a skylight, built-in LED lighting, GFCI outlets, and a cabin vent fan.
While super compact, the Pika still offers a galley kitchen prep space in the back with an optional 35L Dometic refrigerator and 21-inch by 54-inch countertop for preparing delicious backcountry meals.
The Kestrel Model
- Dry Weight: 860 pounds
- Tongue Weight: 100 pounds
- Overall Dimensions [L x W x H]: 138” x 77-½” x 66”
- Body Dimensions [L x W x H]: 90” x 55-½” x 48”
*All weights and dimensions are for the Standard Trim with typical options
The Kestrel is our super lightweight, minimalist teardrop trailer. Unlike the larger models, the Kestrel comes standard without electrical power and does not include a kitchenette, making for an experience more akin to traditional tent camping – albeit with an insulated R-7 ceiling and standard plush 6-inch thick double mattress.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Model
Size and Weight
All Timberleaf Trailers are lightweight teardrops that are capable of being towed by nearly any vehicle which can mount a tow-hitch. However, the size difference between the models is worth considering when making your decision.
Every model offers the same cabin height with an internal headroom of 35 to 37-inches depending on your mattress selection. The Classic’s greater body length and width makes for a larger sleeping area than those found in either the Pika or Kestrel.
The shorter overall length of the Kestrel makes it incredibly easy to keep out of the way, even when storage space is at a premium. However, even the Classic is shorter than a Toyota Yaris.
Model-Specific Features
The biggest difference between Timberleaf Trailer models is found in the galley kitchen. The Classic offers a true kitchenette – complete with running water, a two burner stove, and an optional 35-Liter Dometic refrigerator. The Pika still has an external galley, but does not offer a sink or stove. Finally, the Kestrel completely does away with an external galley in favor of a super compact design.
Another consideration to keep in mind is electrification. Both the Classic and the Pika include a 100 amp-hour deep cycle marine battery which powers LED lights, a cabin vent fan, and GFCI outlets. The Kestrel, in keeping with its minimalist ethos, does not include standard built-in power, although it is available as an option.
Additionally, the Classic is optimized for cold weather travel and incorporates R-7 insulation into both the walls and the ceiling, while the Pika and Kestrel only include ceiling R-7 insulation.
Intended Use and Terrain
Every Timberleaf Trailer can be equipped with our full range of suspension options:
- The Standard package is perfect for long miles spent on the highway and paved roads and includes a standard 2-inch ball hitch.
- The All-Road package replaces the standard torsion axle and retro-inspired round fenders with a Timbren Axle-less suspension with electric brakes, diamond plate Jeep-style fenders, and upgraded wheels and tires. This trim is perfect for everywhere from highways to forest service roads.
- The Offroad package is perfect for overland adventures and rock crawling. In addition to the Timbren Axle-less suspension and diamond plate fenders, we add a 4-inch lift for additional ground clearance, 31- or 33-inch BFG All-Terrain tires, rock armor, and a Max Coupler articulating hitch.
Budget
Timberleaf Trailers are handbuilt by expert craftsmen right here in Grand Junction, Colorado. Our trailers aren’t the cheapest on the market, as they are built atop fully-welded and powder coated steel trailer frames to provide decades of reliable service.
Our Classic trailer, as the largest and most well equipped teardrop camping trailer, is also our most expensive. The Kestrel, as our minimalist trailer, is our most affordable option and is approximately a third of the price of the Classic. And of course, the Pika sits in the middle of the two – in size, features, and price.
Customizations and Add-Ons
Timberleaf Trailers are custom built to order. These are some of our most popular customizations and upgrades to enhance your travel trailer experience:
- Upgrade to an 8-inch thick mattress. The standard 6-inch foam mattress is excellent, but without a question the triple-density 8-inch mattress is one of the best sleeping surfaces you can find – in or out of a trailer!
- Dometic Fridge or Canyon Cooler. The Classic and the Pika have room for up to a 35 liter insulated cooler or Dometic fridge – perfect for keeping your perishables cool even in the backcountry.
- Propex Heater: This propane heater is mounted below the floor of your trailer and keeps you warm even in the coldest conditions.
- Roof Rack: A roof rack massively increases your trailer’s storage capacity. All Timberleaf Trailer roof racks are rated to 200 pounds dynamic load (while driving) or 700 pounds static load (at the campsite).
- Awnings: With a variety of awning options, you’ll have your choice of how to stay cool even when the sun is up, or dry when the rain rolls in.
- Locking tongue storage box: With 7.5 cubic feet of lockable storage, our tongue mounted storage boxes are a tremendously popular choice.
The Right Trailer is the One That Meets Your Needs
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to teardrop trailers. The Classic comes with more features and more space, but these benefits come with additional size and weight. The Kestrel is light as a feather, but without a galley of its own you will need to bring kitchen gear for longer trips. The Pika sits somewhere between the two – representing a great middle ground for those who want more storage space but don’t need a full kitchenette.
If you find yourself in the Grand Junction area, let us know and you can schedule an appointment to view our trailers in person. If a trip out to western Colorado isn’t on the table, we also offer private video tours of our trailers to help you make your decision!
Want more information about our trailers? Visit our trailer page where you can see every feature they offer and even customize your own with our Trailer Builder!
