There’s nothing quite like a long road trip. Visiting new places. Meeting new people. A different adventure every day. One of the easiest ways to accommodate your wanderlust is with a travel trailer. Whether you are empty-nesters, outdoor enthusiasts, a hunter or sportsman, or a family with kids, there are great options out there to meet your needs.
Buying a travel trailer is exciting but a big decision. How do you choose the best travel trailer for your lifestyle? The following guide outlines the different factors to consider, like type of travel trailer, size, towing capacity of your vehicle, amenities, and budget to help you make an informed decision.
Of course, doing research online and looking at pictures is great, but it’s always a good idea to see things in person before making your final choice. Stopping in at an RV dealership like Albany RV in Oregon gives you the chance to see a range of options and talk to local experts about what might work best for your specific needs and wants. Before you go to the dealership, though, think about the following:
Type of Travel Trailer
First of all, what exactly is a travel trailer? In general, a travel trailer is the name used for an RV that you tow behind a car or truck. Conventional travel trailers come in a range of sizes from compact (10 to 12 feet) to large and luxurious (up to 40 feet) and attach to a bumper hitch. Other types of travel trailers include:
- Fifth-wheel trailers, which use a specialized hitch to attach to the bed of a pickup. This means they have a good bit of room for storage and are more stable when driving, but they do require a vehicle with a larger towing capacity.
- Pop-up trailers, which are compact, lightweight, budget-friendly, and easy to store. Because they are lighter, they are good for smaller vehicles, but they do offer less space and fewer amenities, so are not ideal for longer trips or bigger groups.
- Toy haulers, which include both living space and garage space for equipment and outdoor gear like ATVs, bicycles, or motorcycles.
Size of the Travel Trailer
How many people will you be adventuring with? As noted above, different types of travel trailers offer a variety of options when it comes to living and storage space. More compact travel trailers (teardrop trailers, pop-up trailers, or travel trailers under 20 feet) are great for solo travelers or couples. However, they might get crowded and uncomfortable or lack appropriate storage space for personal belongings and gear if you’re traveling with a family or groups of friends.
The length of your planned trips will also have a bearing on what size of travel trailer you want. If you generally enjoy quick weekend trips, a smaller, more lightweight to mid-size travel trailer (20 to 30 feet) that still has basic amenities like a small kitchen, basic sleeping area, and bathroom with toilet and sink is probably perfect.
However, for more extended stays or bigger groups of people, you will likely have a more enjoyable trip in a larger travel trailer (30 feet or more) that has a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms or sleeping areas (bunk beds, pull-out sofa, etc.), and a larger bathroom. Some larger travel trailers even have slide-outs that can help you maximize living space when parked. Keep in mind that larger trailers require a larger tow vehicle and may be more difficult to maneuver and store.
Weight and Towing Capacity
Be sure to check the towing capacity of your vehicle, either in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Exceeding the limit listed can result in difficult or unsafe towing conditions. In fact, you should actually choose a travel trailer that is well below the limit because the dry weight (weight of an empty RV) will be different from the gross vehicle weight rating (maximum weight of the RV when it is fully loaded).
Features and Amenities
Just like with sizes, travel trailers have a wide range of features and amenities, from more basic all the way to true elegance. What level of comfort is important to you? If you will be spending most of your time enjoying the great outdoors or sightseeing in various locations, you might be satisfied with the simple necessities like a bed, a small kitchenette, and a bathroom with or without a shower.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a longer trip or want to enjoy an extended stay in your travel trailer, you would be better off looking for a travel trailer with a well-appointed kitchen (with refrigerator, microwave, ample storage, oven with multiple burners, etc.), air conditioning, appliances like a washer and dryer, full bathroom with shower, entertainment systems, and more.
Premium travel trailers sometimes include multiple living areas, including slide-out sections that help you spread out when parked.
Budget and Financing
Of course, purchasing a travel trailer is an investment, similar to other vehicles. Given the different types, sizes, and features, you can likely find several options to fit your budget. Basic models start at less than $20,000, while premium models are likely to be over $50,000. Many RV dealers offer financing options and also keep pre-owned travel trailers in stock, which tend to be more affordable.
In addition to the initial cost, though, don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs such as insurance, storage, and necessary maintenance. Keeping all these things in mind when planning your budget will help ensure that the travel trailer you ultimately choose fits in with your long-term financial goals.
See It in Person
Once you’ve narrowed down what type, size, and weight of travel trailer you need and which features and amenities are most important to you, you should look for an RV dealer that has a wide range of models in stock. You can walk through different layouts and see what fits your style.
Find a dealership with good customer service, financing options, and a knowledgeable maintenance department that sells parts and offers repair services.
Choosing the right travel trailer for your lifestyle and travel needs will ultimately depend on balancing size, comfort, towing capacity, and amenities that fit within your budget. Research your options beforehand, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and you’ll soon be on your way to exciting adventures on the road!