teardrop trailers first became popular in the 1930s, when magazines such as "mechanix illustrated" published plans. the first teardrop designs incorporated standard 4 by 8-foot sheets of plywood with hardwood spars. teardrop trailers remained popular until the mid-1960s, after which they disappeared from mainstream camping. however, in the late 1990s, plans became available on the internet and in recent years teardrop trailers have made a resurgence and are again growing in popularity.