If you’re looking to purchase or use an RV, you may be asking yourself, what exactly is a travel trailer? And, what are the benefits of a travel trailer? Travel trailers are an incredibly popular RV type due to their many advantages, but in order to decide if a travel trailer is the right RV choice for you, it’s important to know exactly what a travel trailer is, and what the pros and cons are.
What is a travel trailer?
A travel trailer is a unit on wheels that is pulled by a tow vehicle; travel trailers do not move with their own power and require another vehicle to pull them. A travel trailer is essentially a miniature home on wheels that provides a more secure alternative to tenting that has far more amenities. Travel trailers have a wide range of sizes. They can be small trailers that have a fold-out bed, small bathroom, and kitchenette, or they can be much larger and have multiple sleeping spaces, a three piece bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The two main categories of travel trailers include a standard trailer towed by a bumper hitch and fifth wheel trailers, which are connected to a tow vehicle via a hitch on the rear bed of a truck. However, fifth wheel trailers are typically considered their own type of RV.
Many different kinds of vehicles can tow a travel trailer, it all depends on the size of the trailer. A normal sized sedan that has a hitch option can usually tow a small travel trailer, and larger SUVs can tow medium sized trailers. Trucks are usually the go-to option for towing travel trailers as they have the most towing capacity, so you can have a larger trailer with more items in it. If you are unsure about the towing capacity of your vehicle, you can always ask the sales team at an RV dealership.
Benefits of a Travel Trailer
1. Cost Effective
One of the biggest benefits of a travel trailer is cost savings! Travel trailers cost significantly less than Class A, B, or C motorhomes. They also don’t require a motor or other mechanics, so you end up paying much less. Using your personal vehicle and only paying for the trailer is a major front-end cost savings.
2. Simplicity
Travel trailers are one of the most simple kinds of RVs. Without an engine and transmission the list of things that can go wrong with this type of RV is much shorter. They are easier to take care of, and if something is damaged, it’s easier to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it.
3. Versatility
There is a lot more to choose from when it comes to travel trailers and their floor plans. Without the requirement of a driver’s seat up front, or a raised section above the hitch (like in a fifth wheel), there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to floor plans. There are also many different sizes of travel trailer to choose from, starting as short as eight feet right up to 30 plus feet long.
4. Fuel efficiency
It is typically more fuel efficient to travel with a tow vehicle and travel trailer than it is to travel by motorhome. There are even some trailers available where the roof section can be lowered, helping to create less drag and a lower center of gravity on the road.
5. Usable space
Compared to a motorhome, trailers have more available space. A travel trailer doesn’t need a driver or passenger seat, which can make a big difference, especially in a smaller unit.
6. Convenience
Towing a travel trailer gives you access to a regular sized vehicle, which is a lot more convenient once you’re at your campsite. When you get to your campsite, you can set up your trailer then go exploring in your tow vehicle. It’s a lot easier than driving around a city in a motorhome or having to tow a car behind a motorhome.
If you’re considering purchasing a new RV, travel trailers are a great choice! They’re the most popular RV type for a reason, after all. And then benefits of a travel trailer are compelling!
Still have a few questions about choosing the right travel trailer for your family? Our team of experienced RV experts would love to speak with you! Get in touch today.
