Welcome to Defenders for Sale Spain, the blog where we share our passion for Land Rover Defenders and off-road adventures. Today we have a special treat for you: an exclusive interview with Oriol Calders, the CEO of Dropcampers
, a specialist workshop for building personalized off-road teardrop trailers in Spain. The company started with Mario and Alberto Fernandez back in 2017 they are a visionary entrepreneur brother team who has combined his love for camping and nature with their engineering skills and creativity. Alberto and his brother Mario has created a unique product that allows you to explore the most remote and beautiful places in the world with comfort and style.
Today in 2024 Oriol Calders is the CEO of the company please lets hear what he has to say about his journey, his challenges and his vision for the future of Dropcampers.
Q: Hi Oriol, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into the business of building off-road teardrop trailers?
A: Hi, thank you for having me. I'm a mechanical engineer by training and a camper by heart. I've always loved traveling and discovering new places, especially in nature. I've been camping since I was a kid, first with my parents and then with my friends. I've tried different types of tents, caravans and camper-vans, but I was never fully satisfied with any of them. They were either too bulky, too expensive, too uncomfortable or too complicated to set up and maintain. I wanted something that was simple, practical, affordable and fun. Something that would allow me to go anywhere I wanted, without compromising on comfort or safety. That's how I came up with the idea of Dropcampers
Q: What is Dropcampers and what makes it different from other teardrop trailers?
A: Dropcampers.com is a workshop where we build custom-made off-road teardrop trailers for adventurous campers. A teardrop trailer is a small, lightweight and aerodynamic trailer that can be towed by almost any vehicle. It has a sleeping area for two people and a rear hatch that opens to reveal a kitchenette. A teardrop trailer is perfect for weekend getaways or longer trips, as it provides a cozy and convenient place to sleep and cook, while being easy to tow and park.
What makes our teardrop trailers different from others is that they are designed and built specifically for off-road use. We use high-quality materials and components that can withstand rough terrain and harsh weather conditions. We also customize each trailer according to the customer's preferences and needs. We offer different options for the exterior color, the interior design, the mattress size, the kitchen equipment, the solar panel system, the roof rack, the awning, the storage space and more. We want each trailer to reflect the personality and lifestyle of its owner.
Q: How do you work with your customers to create their dream trailer?
A: We work closely with our customers from the initial consultation to the final delivery. We start by listening to their ideas and expectations, and then we propose a design that matches their vision. We show them sketches, photos and videos of previous projects, and we explain the features and benefits of each option. We also invite them to visit our workshop in Barcelona, where they can see our work in progress and get a feel for our quality standards. Once they are happy with the design, we start building their trailer with care and attention to detail. We keep them updated on the progress and we send them photos and videos along the way. When the trailer is ready, we arrange a delivery date and location that suits them best. We also provide them with a user manual and a warranty certificate.
Q: What are some of the challenges you have faced while running Dropcampers?
A: One of the biggest challenges we have faced is finding reliable suppliers for some of the parts and materials we use. Since our trailers are not mass-produced, we need to source some items from niche markets or specialized shops that are not always easy to find or access. Sometimes we have to wait for weeks or months to get what we need, which can delay our production schedule and affect our customer satisfaction. We try to overcome this challenge by planning ahead as much as possible, by maintaining good relationships with our suppliers and by looking for alternative solutions when necessary.
Another challenge we have faced is raising awareness and trust among potential customers who are not familiar with our product or brand. Many people have never seen or heard of off-road teardrop trailers before, so they may have doubts or questions about their functionality, durability or safety. We try to overcome this challenge by showcasing our trailers on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, where we share photos, videos and testimonials from happy customers who have used our trailers in different locations and situations. We also participate in events such as fairs, festivals and exhibitions where we can display our trailers in person and interact with potential customers face-to-face.
Q: What are some of the benefits of owning an off-road teardrop trailer from Dropcampers?
A: There are many benefits of owning an off-road teardrop trailer from Dropcampers , but I would say the main ones are:
- Freedom: You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, without worrying about booking a hotel, finding a campsite or renting a car. You can explore places that are off the beaten track, away from the crowds and the noise. You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, from the mountains to the sea, from the forest to the desert. You can follow your own pace and schedule, and change your plans as you go.
- Comfort: You can sleep in a comfortable and cozy bed, with a soft mattress, pillows and blankets. You can cook your own meals in a fully equipped kitchenette, with a stove, a sink, a fridge and a kettle. You can store your belongings in spacious cabinets and drawers. You can charge your devices with a solar panel system that provides electricity. You can relax under an awning that provides shade and protection from the rain.
- Fun: You can have fun with your partner, your friends or your family, sharing memorable experiences and creating lasting bonds. You can play games, listen to music, watch movies or read books in your trailer. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking or surfing. You can meet new people and discover new cultures along the way.
Q: What are your plans for the future of Dropcampers?
A: Our plans for the future of Dropcampers are to keep improving our product and service, to expand our market and to grow our community. We want to keep innovating and experimenting with new designs and features that can enhance the performance and comfort of our trailers. We want to reach more customers in Spain and abroad, especially in the united states & Canada where there is a growing demand for alternative and sustainable tourism. We want to grow our community of loyal and satisfied customers who share our passion for camping and adventure. We also want to collaborate with other businesses and organizations that share our values and vision, such as eco-friendly campsites, local producers or environmental NGOs.
Q: Thank you Oriol for this insightful interview. Do you have any final words for our readers?
A: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk about Dropcampers. I hope I have inspired some of you to try our off-road teardrop trailers and to join us on this exciting journey. If you are interested in learning more about us or in ordering your own trailer, please visit any of our trusted sellers and partners like defendersforsalespain.com
our on the website www.dropcampers.com
or follow us on Instagram @dropcampers. We would love to hear from you and to help you make your camping dreams come true.