Choose a Camping Trailer

Going camping in a trailer is incredibly fun but you need to make sure you have the right size trailer for your needs. Therefore, the best way to choose a camping trailer is to first understand your recreational goals, such as how often you plan on traveling and what kind of environments you like to visit. After you've done this, ensure that your tow vehicle can pull a trailer safely under weighted conditions, then visit an RV show where you can see multiple models in one place.

Steps

Choosing a Trailer Style

  1. Choose a lightweight tent-style trailer if you'll be traveling in summer. If you plan on traveling only in warmer climates, then a more lightweight trailer is probably the best option for you. They are cheaper and also tend to be much easier to move around.[1]
    • These types of trailers are great for summer as they are really open and have lots of ventilation to keep temperatures down.
    • Buying a lightweight trailer can save you a lot of money up front. There isn't really a need for an insulated campervan-style trailer if you'll be primarily traveling in warm climates so look at light options to get the best value for money.
  2. Pick an insulated campervan-style trailer if you'll be traveling in winter. Many trailers are not designed to be brought into cold, wintery climates. As such, it's important that if you plan on doing this, you find a trailer that can keep you warm enough in these areas.[2]
    • Many of these trailers that can handle harsh winters are on the more expensive end of the spectrum so you may have to be prepared to spend a little bit more.
    • These campervan-style trailers usually have driving capabilities inside them.
  3. Buy a trailer with driving facilities if you plan on moving around a lot. Trailers that have driving facilities within them are a massive advantage as you don't need to tow them anywhere, you can just drive them. They are, however, much more expensive as they are usually entirely self-contained.[3]
    • These trailers are ideal if you plan on moving around a lot in your trailer rather than staying in one location. With other trailers, you have to set up your campsite from scratch each time you move location.
    • These trailers are sometimes more commonly known as “campervans.”
    • If you don't plan on taking your trailer to many locations on each trip, a towable trailer might be a more suitable option as these are usually much cheaper.
  4. Get a trailer that's light enough for your vehicle to safely tow. This information is in your vehicle manual. Understanding this number will help you choose a trailer that does not exceed your vehicle's weight allowance when fully loaded with gear and water.[4]
    • Buying a trailer that is too heavy to be towed by your vehicle is a complete waste of money and also very dangerous as you may find yourself broken down in the middle of nowhere if you try towing it.
  5. Choose a trailer that will comfortably fit all of your passengers. There are a variety of sizes of trailers that you can purchase. They range from extraordinarily large all the way down to quite small. Finding the right size means that you won't be stuck with too much or too little room when you eventually purchase the trailer.[5]
    • It's important to find a trailer somewhere in the middle of your needs as the last thing you want is a trailer that is far too large or too small for your purposes.
    • Most trailers will have a maximum number of people that they can facilitate for sleeping purposes. Make sure you factor this number in when thinking about what size you are going to buy.

Picking Accessories and Features

  1. Get a trailer with a kitchen if you plan on cooking. Most trailers will have some kind of cooking facilities and these facilities range from a simple stove all the way through to fully-equipped kitchens.[6]
    • Having a more substantial kitchen allows you to be more self-contained while you are traveling and means you don't need to worry so much about how to deal with cooking duties.
    • If you plan on being in areas where you will not have access to communal cooking spaces or bought food then having cooking facilities in your trailer is a good idea.
  2. Get a trailer that has an awning if you'll be sleeping a lot of people. Trailers come in all different shapes and sizes and it's important to make sure you have enough room to sleep all the people you want to in your trailer. Many trailers have space for an awning to be attached to the side of it, which can provide several extra sleeping spaces.[7]
  3. Opt for a trailer with a bathroom if you'll be camping in remote areas. Toilets in trailers range from almost non-existent all the way through to full bathrooms. Depending on where you travel with your trailer, it may be crucial that you have toilet facilities housed within.[8]
    • If you rely exclusively on toilets that are open to the public while you're traveling, it's more than likely that you find yourself in a position of needing a toilet but not being able to find one.
  4. Get a trailer that has some solar facilities to save money. Solar panels are environmentally friendly and also have the potential to save you a lot of money. Many newer models of camping trailers are fitted with solar panels to help you keep costs down and reduce your carbon footprint.[9]
    • The amount of power you can generate from solar will vary depending on the trailer so ask the salesperson to be sure.
    • Solar power can prove to be incredibly useful when you are in a remote location away from any other sources of power.
  5. Choose a trailer with extra storage space if you'll be packing lots of gear. It's obviously very possible that you have all manner of bikes, bags, and other things with you when you travel. Because of this, it's important to make sure you account for a good amount of storage space in the trailer.[10]

Tips

  • When trailer shopping, look for a manufacturer with the longest warranty available. Trailers are almost constantly in motion, which causes objects to break more often than in a stationary house. A warranty will often cover you during the first 18 months and extended warranties can be purchased with coverage up to 7 years.

Warnings

  • If you are considering a used trailer, look for signs of water leakages around vents and window seals. Avoid any trailers with water stains on the interior ceiling, which can indicate dry rot and structural problems.

Related Articles

References

  1. ↑ https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/things-to-ask-yourself-when-buying-an-rv.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/8-step-program-for-choosing-your-first-rv/
  3. ↑ https://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/best_rv/
  4. ↑ https://www.doubledtrailers.com/dangerous-trailer-loads-how-to-determine-if-you-are-hauling-a-safe-weight/
  5. ↑ https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/8-step-program-for-choosing-your-first-rv/
  6. ↑ https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/things-to-ask-yourself-when-buying-an-rv.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/8-step-program-for-choosing-your-first-rv/
  8. ↑ https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/things-to-ask-yourself-when-buying-an-rv.htm
  9. ↑ https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/how-much-solar-do-i-need-on-my-rv/
  10. ↑ https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/things-to-ask-yourself-when-buying-an-rv.htm
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