For years, most people have associated RV camping with retirees who prefer to spend time outdoors. The mind typically paints a picture of elderlies in nature next to a camping van and a solar generator. Things have changed; RV camping is now a popular outdoor activity for most of us in this generation. Already, it’s a resurging trend, and more families are beginning to have an RV trailer.
RVs, however, can be towable or motorized. The towable trailer is a good start compared to a fully loaded motorhome. It also comes in a wide range of sizes, designs, and prices. Trailers are cheaper ways to enjoy the RV lifestyle since you can easily haul one with a truck or an SUV. Although it’s doubtful you become a camping expert without some trial and error, let’s get you started on some tips to find a friendly travel trailer.
Different Types of towable RV Trailers
From the different types of RVs, the choice for you depends on the type of camping you prefer, your camping location, the size of your family, and the capabilities of your tow vehicle. Let’s introduce you to some types of camper trailers.
Pop-Up and Folding RV Trailers
As the name implies, it’s foldable and can collapse about 4 feet when towed. You can either raise it electrically at the campsite or hand-cranked to its natural height. That’s how light and compact the Pop-up trailers are. The sides are naturally soft, tent-like material to make it easy to tow even by some midsize sedans. Others have more rigid walls for more insulation and durability during extreme climate conditions.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight for easy towing by RV newbies
- Low aerodynamic profile to economize fuel.
- Versatile pull-out extensions can serve as house beds and form sufficient sleeping space.
Cons
- Insufficient insulation from cold or noise.
- Not enough luxuries from larger trailers such as private bathrooms or toilet facilities
- Tent fabrics aren’t durable enough and may eventually require more maintenance or replacement.
- Potential dangers from bears and other wildlife due to the soft tent side
Travel Trailers
These hard-sided safe RV camping trailers are the most common type of Rv trailers you will find on the road. This is because they vary in size, design, and versatility. You can choose to go for the fiberglass model designs for the teardrop trailers, essentially a small tent and bed on wheels. Other alternatives like the mid-priced trailer offer more space and features, and the more luxurious Airstream model with a distinctive aluminum body and aerodynamic feature. The lighter travel trailers will typically require a large sedan or midsize SUV to move, but as the trailer size increases, you may need a vehicle with increased towing ability.
Pros
- Enclosed living space with rigid walls and better insulation from noise and cold
- Safer than pop-up trailers
- Minimal setup time
- More options in different designs and sizes
- Some exotic models offer private bathrooms
Cons
- Requires a powerful vehicle to tow
- Difficult to RV newbies with little skill to drive.
- Larger models can be fuel draining and won’t fit into smaller campsites.
Fifth-wheel Trailers
Pickup truck owners will find the fifth-wheel RV trailer a reliable option. Although it’s often larger and heavier than other traditional towable RVs, it has a unique design that extends over the truck bed with the hitch sitting beneath the forward quarters.
The size and weight require a unique mount in the pickup bed. This implies that you need at least a half-ton truck to handle the payload of the fifth-wheel RVs, while the largest sizes require trucks with dual rear wheels.
Pros
- More spacious with some having a dedicated bedroom.
- More storage spaces and closets
- Luxurious design with residential fixtures and amenities
Cons
- Often needs special equipment and a heavy-duty truck with towing setup
- Maybe tricky to move below bridges and other tight spaces due to the height.
- Limited use of truck bed when you’re towing
Toy Hauler
Some prefer to call this towable RV trailer the sport-utility trailer. It comes in several types and is the most versatile on the road. Toy haulers are typically traditional trailers with an enclosed garage in the back for storing outdoor playthings like motorcycles, ATVs, or just anything. It lets down a ramp off the back to allow you to drive these machines out. The front half also offers some living amenities such as Kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and a fold-down bed.
Pros
- Extremely versatile with more storage space
- Garage offers space for outdoor events or just additional sleeping space
- More space to store tools.
Cons
- Limited living space with more outdoor toys
- Heavy vehicles can cause disbalances while towing.
Truck campers
For those who prefer a non-drivable RV, truck campers can serve as an alternative. The truck camper is the most compact since it slots directly into the back of the truck’s bed without needing towing. The small size allows for smaller living quarters good enough for two to three people.
Pros
- It eliminates the need for towing
- Allows for more off-road adventures
- Some fit nicely in mid-size trucks
Cons
- Small living quarters
- Too high for camping trips with kids
- Difficult to install and uninstall from trucks
- Often more expensive for the size.
Best Camper to Pull with a van
Most things related to travel and the outdoors can prove that there’s almost no “best.” Your opinion will always be subjective to personal preferences and a few other factors. We have found the five types of towable trailers we mentioned above to be excellent choices from small, medium, to large sizes.
Although your experiences with handling a van towing vehicles matter, significantly larger trailers. On this issue, to be on the safer side, you should begin with smaller trailers that are easy to handle on roads. You never know when you need to make an urgent turn.
Tips to find a Friendly Travel Trailer
With your Acevolt Campower 2000 to light up your camping space and power your necessary appliances, you must-have tips to guide you towards getting the perfect travel trailer. For you to find a friendly travel trailer, here are some tips you should look out for:
Weight: a lightweight trailer gives you more space for food and equipment you need on the trip
Design: A space-saving design provides more room for gear and convenience than a compact space.
Storage: You should size up the stuff you need and ensure you go for a trailer that won’t crowd you out with your items in it. Some cabinets, wire racks, wardrobes, and small plastic shelves can provide more storage space.
Fold up bed: this gives you extra space to store items under the mattress
Size: This may not be a primary factor for lightweight trailers. With a good, capable truck, you can get it moving.
Towing ability: You need to know the capacity of your truck or pickup’s ability and ensure your trailer is under the tow limit. The total weight you need to check includes the food, equipment, supplies, and everyone in the trailer.
Appearance: You need a towable trailer that looks good enough and is in good shape.
Conclusion
Owning an RV provides comfort, convenience, and adequate mobility while camping. It helps you enjoy the best RV camping resorts and saves vacation costs. You never have to worry about public lodging or long waits at restaurants and restrooms. You can go for any type as long as it is made from top-quality materials and can meet your needs for years. The main factors here are ensuring your truck and handling the weight and size of the trailer you choose.
