Aesthetics will always play an important part in the decision-making process, but let’s be real about it, no one buys a travel trailer just because it looks good. But if they did, the Polydrops P21 would probably be at the top of the list for those looking for something that stands out anywhere it might travel.
Polydrops is a California-based trailer maker that has chosen to put the main focus on that last entry: EV-ready towables.
As per their own words, Polydrops doesn’t make “conventional camping trailer[s]” but units of “personal space that can be transported to any location” and bring together an array of must-haves for clients ranging from comfort, versatility through modularity, durability, and outstanding aerodynamics.
Founded by two architectural students, Kyunghyun (K) and Jieun (J), Polydrops builds smaller towables with a design shaped by the need to enhance aerodynamics – an easily distinguishable combination of sharp angles, geometrical forms, and tapered lines. Since 2017 and until earlier this year, their lineup included only smaller units that could be described as variations on the classic teardrop design.
In late 2023, Polydrops started teasing something different, a model that would mark their first foray into the family segment. That turned out to be the P21, which was formally introduced in the first months of 2024 by means of photos. Details lacked until recently and it was mostly because Polydrops was still ironing them out.
The P21 is designed like a wedge-shaped trailer that admittedly fits the entire 4-member family, as long as the two kids are still young enough to fit into the rather cramped space the P21 allots for their bedroom. With a total length of 21 feet (6.4 meters), it rides on a single-axle trailer and offers standing height at its highest point in the cabin (6 feet/1.8 meters), but it will still entail some crouching when you’re at either end of it.
Photo: Polydrops
The design is modular, and the only fixed feature is the main bed slash dinette. That’s meant to add versatility to the space, allowing every customer to choose whatever feature THEY feel they can’t do without on the road.
On the downside, this also means another, perhaps just as important thing: MRSP for the standard unit doesn’t include the add-on modules that will eventually turn it into a livable habitat on wheels. Polydrops is still working on pricing for those.
The standard layout puts a queen bed at the rear of the trailer, in a hexagonal-like space that resembles the interior of a boat cabin. During the day, the bed converts into a U-shaped dinette with a 4-person dining table and storage built into the side benches. Additional storage options are available overhead in minimalist cabinets.
Photo: Polydrops
Modules include a kitchen add-on on the entry side, with a sanitation module on the opposite wall. The former integrates a 1,800-W induction cooktop and a 700-W microwave, with more storage options.
The sanitation module brings a sink and a modular cabinet that turns into a restroom only when you need to use one. You get a 34-liter (9-gallon) freshwater tank, a Dometic Go faucet, a shower pan, a water heater, a portable toilet, and a Geyser EcoShower system. It’s not the fanciest bathroom you’ll find on a trailer, but it’s meant to cover the basics – and it does just that.
The kids’ bedroom is located at the front of the trailer, in a space that resembles more a nook than an actual room. The initial design included a skylight to open up the space, but the updated one puts windows on the side for a better R-value and to allow the location of a 1,300-W solar panel from Aptera on the roof.
Photo: Polydrops
The bed is a 58 x 60-inch (147 x 152-cm) one, so ideal for smaller kids and, because of it, with a rather limited shelf life. That’s probably why Polydrops is offering it as an add-on module.
The final module you can add is what goes under the kids’ beds – and no, it’s not some kind of monster that eats baby toes. Under the bed, Polydrops tucks a 25-liter (0.9 cu-ft) Dometic cooler and an EcoFlow portable power station, thus adding the final piece to the puzzle of a complete, family-ready mobile home.
The Polydrops P21 features now officially include a 5-kWh battery bank for all appliances and an AC/heat pump to keep the space comfortable regardless of outside temperatures. Polydrops is working on updating the HVAC system and the capacity of the fridge, adding a night vision camera, and making improvements to interior storage compartments.
Photo: Polydrops
Dry weight of the P21 is expected to start between 1,200 lbs and 1,800 lbs (544-816 kg) depending on configuration.
Polydrops has been testing a P21 unit for most of 2024 both with an EV (a 2021 Tesla Model Y) and a standard internal combustion-engine vehicle (a Lexus RX500H). In the latter case, they observed a 15% decrease in fuel efficiency when towing, as compared to a 50% decrease you’d get with a similarly-sized but not as aerodynamic towable.
The Polydrops P21 is expected to go into production later this year. While we don’t have an estimated delivery date just yet, we do have an update on pricing to go with the updated design. Whereas Polydrops initially estimated the P21 would start at $35,900 for the base model, MRSP is now at $38,900 – but the reservation fee is still $100. Again, that’s for the P21 without any of the add-on modules.
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