Did you know that more than 91 million people went camping last year? While some people might enjoy the rustic nature of tent camping, the reality is that a trailer can provide a lot more ease and comfort.
Unfortunately, choosing the right camping trailer is never an easy task — especially if it’s your first time. If you aren’t sure about which trailer fits your camping and travel needs, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the popular types of camping trailers. Then, we’ll help you decide which one works best for you. Let’s get started!
What Are Some of the Popular Types of Trailers?
Before we dive into the right camping trailer for your camping needs, it’s important to understand the difference between the models. To help we’ve organized a brief list of the five popular types: classic travel trailers, airdrops trailers, pop-up trailers, airstreams, and five-wheel trailers.
1. Classic Travel Trailers
Classic travel trailers can be slightly hard to define since they embody so many things. However, it’s generally agreed that it’s a trailer that’s pulled behind a vehicle.
They can be small and short, or long and wide. As long as they have a hitch, these smaller models can be carried by most cars. This is thanks to their lightweight design.
However, others heavier options will need larger SUVs and trucks. Essentially this model is like a mobile home with wheels. There are also plenty of variations on this design. For example, Caravan Woods offers a hybrid camping trailer with a luxury interior design.
2. Airdrop Trailers
If you want a slight upgrade from a tent, without needing to carry around a huge trailer, then the airdrop model is for you. These models typically offer a single bed and outdoor kitchen or storage area. They don’t provide much in terms of luxury. But, they’re affordable and lightweight which makes them great for traveling.
3. Pop-up Trailers
Pop-up trailers are models that come with sides that retract in and out. These models are a step up from airdrop trailers in that they provide a bit more space and sleeping space.
Some options even come with a bathroom. However, like the former option, they’re also lightweight and affordable. These types of trailers are particularly popular for camping since they mimic the feel of a tent with their canvas sides.
4. Airstreams
Airstreams come with an instantly recognizable design — rounded edges and an exterior metallic covering. These types of classic designs utilize their floorspace well.
Unfortunately, they can be a bit difficult to come to buy since they’re starting to become more vintage. You can sometimes find deals with secondhand dealers, but you may need to go searching. They’re also heavier than many modern trailers, so you will need a strong vehicle to transport them.
5. Five Wheel Trailers
The fifth support wheel on these types of trailers allows them to offer a lot more floor space than the average mobile home. As such, these types of camping trailers tend to be reserved for those who want to squeeze in a lot of luxury features.
If you’re in the glamping and luxury, then this is the model for you. However, like the airstream, it sacrifices space for price and maneuverability.
You Can Also Check: An Overview of What to Pack for Camping
What Type of Camping Trailer Fits Your Needs?
Now that we’re more familiar with some of the different types of trailers we can find out which one best suits your needs. To do this, we’ll need to take a look at three important factors. Once you consider these, then you should have a good idea of the right camping trailer for your needs.
How Far Are You Traveling?
The first consideration is the distance you plan on traveling. If you plan on going on a cross-country camping trip, then a bulky camping trailer might not be the best option for you.
The heavy nature of these can slow you down and requires a lot more gas. Instead, look for a lightweight model if you plan on covering large distances. However, if you plan on camping around your immediate area, then a heavy trailer is fine.
What Type of Vehicle Do You Drive?
It’s important to make sure that the vehicle you drive can handle the weight of the trailer you want. SUVs and trucks are usually capable of carrying most heavy types of trailers.
However, compact cars will likely only be able to handle lightweight camping trailers, like the airdrop models. Ideally, your trailer dealer will inform you whether or not the vehicle can handle the weight.
How Important Is Comfort to You?
If comfort is important to you, then you will want a camping trailer with lots of amenities, like a functional kitchen, bathroom, and entertainment space.
For this purpose, we recommend the more expensive fifth-wheel and airstream options. Or, a luxury hybrid might be a good selection too. If you’re on a budget, or you don’t care about comfort, then a barebone travel trailer or airdrop represents a more practical solution.
How Much Space Do You Need?
If you plan on camping solo or with a partner, then you likely don’t need much space. In these cases, a simple, bare-bones travel trailer should suffice. However, if you’re camping with an entire family, then you will want more space to spread out. For multiple people, we recommend investing in larger, heavier camping trailers — like the airstream models.
Want More Content? Keep Exploring
We hope this article helped you find out which camping trailer best serves your travel needs. As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the questions.
Instead, you need to think about how you’re going to use a camper, and then select the one that best serves your needs and budget. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more articles you’re sure to love.
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