What is a Travel Trailer?
If you’ve got a thirst for adventure and outdoor recreation, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you prefer campgrounds with all the amenities or a pull-off in some remote national forest, you’ll need a place to sleep. The right travel trailer offers everything you need to get there, stay comfortable, and enjoy your stay. But first, let’s answer the basic question - what is a travel trailer?
We could just say it’s your ticket to freedom that you tow behind your vehicle, but there’s more to it. A better definition is that it’s a trailer meant to provide a place to live while you’re on the road. It’s home away from home that you tow behind your vehicle. It includes various types such as large and small campers, toy haulers, pop-ups, teardrop trailers, and more. Options vary from basic, affordable models to spacious, customized trailers costing more than a house.
A travel trailer allows you to go practically anywhere and remain comfortable, much like an RV. But before we go further, travel trailer information shouldn’t be considered a guide to RV knowledge, and vice versa. And though some of them may look like a type of RV, there is one big difference - travel trailers don’t have an engine. The benefit of not having an engine is that once you park a travel trailer, you’re free to use your vehicle as you wish.
Many travel trailers feature appliances similar to what you’d find in a house, such as stoves, ovens, refrigerators, TVs, and showers. Essentially, your comfort level is restricted by your travel preferences and budget. You can live the RV lifestyle (with the benefit of towing your trailer) and travel the country full-time, or you can visit a national park each summer with the occasional weekend camping trip mixed in. Freedom and flexibility are unmatched and you aren’t burdened with booking hotels or short-term rentals. And unlike tent camping, you get more storage space, better amenities, and a more secure feeling when you sleep at night.
Factors to Consider
The options are endless and there is something for everybody. We’ll spare the boring details and instead address the problem many people face, which is deciding on a type of trailer. For example, maybe you’ve been looking at toy haulers that can transport four-wheelers, but you also want something small for long road trips. Unless you’ve got the money and space to get the best of both worlds, focus on what one you’ll use most frequently.
Perhaps the biggest factor is your available tow vehicles. Some small trailers, like teardrop trailers, can be towed behind a small SUV. But a big, luxurious trailer requires a heavy-duty truck to pull it where you want. Likewise, it will add significantly more cost in maintenance and fuel. If you like remote destinations where utilities and parking space are limited, a smaller, barebones model might be the right choice. But if you have a large family and tend to stay at RV parks, looking at larger trailers could be the best route.
From full-timing adventure seekers to families making the most of the weekends, there is a travel trailer for everyone. With a clear understanding of what a travel trailer is, you can start your journey and make the most of your time outside.