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This Futuristic Teardrop Trailer Is Just $9K For the First 20 OwnersView 7 Photos

This Futuristic Teardrop Trailer Is Just $9K For the First 20 Owners

The limited-edition Polydrops trailer is a lightweight, aluminum pod shaped like a geometric teardrop.
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Kyung-Hyun Lew built his first trailer prototype out of frustration with his schoolwork. Tired of designing spaces for other people, the SCI-Arc student decided to build one of his own, in the form of a 680-pound trailer, in 2017. Lew and his wife then took that trailer on a long road trip, hauling it with a 4-cylinder car, and the interest it generated led him to release the trailer in a limited-edition run this year. 

The 2019 Polydrops Limited Edition trailer weighs 760 pounds. Only 20 will be available in this run, each currently priced at $9,000.

The 2019 Polydrops Limited Edition trailer weighs 760 pounds. Only 20 will be available in this run, each currently priced at $9,000.

Taking the form of a multifaceted teardrop, the geometric shape gives the Polydrop its name.

"What I’ve designed is not a camping trailer. It is a portable private space that you can travel with," says Lew. He has used the flexible trailer as a quiet study spot in his college parking lot, a micro office, and a tiny home on the road.

A Timbren 1,200-pound independent suspension and Titan hydraulic disc brake system make for a smooth towing experience.

A Timbren 1,200-pound independent suspension and Titan hydraulic disc brake system make for a smooth towing experience.

An aluminum skin keeps the model lightweight and at its widest point, it clocks in at just 5.5 feet. A rear storage compartment is easily accessible.

An aluminum skin keeps the model lightweight and at its widest point, it clocks in at just 5.5 feet. A rear storage compartment is easily accessible.

Gull-wing doors flank a three-quarter-size mattress that sleeps two adults.

Gull-wing doors flank a three-quarter-size mattress that sleeps two adults.

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The interior is enclosed in pine plywood with black, perforated leather accents. Wall insulation maxes out at 8.2 inches in order to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.

The interior is enclosed in pine plywood with black, perforated leather accents. Wall insulation maxes out at 8.2 inches in order to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.

Integrated storage shelves are located over the foot of the bed. The integrated panel controls the LED lights and heater, and also has USB and 12V charging outlets. The trailer garners power from a 100W solar charging system.

Integrated storage shelves are located over the foot of the bed. The integrated panel controls the LED lights and heater, and also has USB and 12V charging outlets. The trailer garners power from a 100W solar charging system.

Integrated LED lights make it easy to set up the rear cargo space as a kitchenette, which has two drawers.

Integrated LED lights make it easy to set up the rear cargo space as a kitchenette, which has two drawers.

The original prototype now sits in the start-up’s incubator as a shared workspace. Visit Polydrops online to snag one of your own with a $6,000 deposit.  

Related Reading: 

Dwell's Top 10 Campers and Trailers of 2018

No Trailer, No Problem—This Cozy Teardrop Is For Rent

Melissa Dalton
Dwell Contributor
Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon, who has been writing for Dwell since 2017. Read more of her work about design and architecture at melissadalton.net.

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