There are a wide variety of travel trailers, and its important to choose the one best suited for your needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the various types of travel trailers and to determine what one is best for you.
Travel trailers are a great option for camping, road trips or seasonal living whether you are looking to do solo trips or bring your family along. Travel trailers provide a more comfortable living space often including a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping arrangements. The majority of travel trailers are towed behind a vehicle making it a great option for those who like to travel. A benefit is that once you have arrived at your destination and unhooked your travel trailer, you can still drive your vehicle. A quick trip into town for a bag of chips or licorice is easy to do and you can leave your living area at the campsite.
There is a wide range of travel trailer types all presenting different benefits and features. The key is to choose the type of travel trailer that is best suited for your needs. If you enjoy camping but would prefer to have your own bathroom and comfortable living space, you may want to consider a classic travel trailer. Or perhaps you are a minimalist and only need a place to sleep, then a teardrop camper or truck camper may be better suited. This blog outlines the different types of travel trailers and their benefits to help you make an informed decision.
A travel trailer, also referred to as a caravan, camper, camper van or camper trailer, is an “engine-out” option where you are pulling your living quarters behind your own vehicle. It is known for being more comfortable with plenty of space, is more protective than a tent, and typically has a higher sleep capacity. Travel trailers come in a range of sizes, and depending on the type of travel trailer, it can also provide amenities such as a bathroom, kitchen, storage space, and guest bedroom. A travel trailer is a great choice for camping, road trips or seasonal living.
The first thing to know about your type of travel trailer is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rate (GVWR). This is the total weight of your vehicle and trailer, including all of the supplies and people that you will be bringing along on your trip. This is very important because you need to make sure that the towing vehicle can handle the weight of your trailer. Not doing so or pulling over towing capacity can result in damage to your vehicle’s engine.
There are many different types of recreational trailers out there. Ontario has a diverse range of recreational opportunities, and depending on your lifestyle, a different type of travel trailer may be best suited for you. Some of the different types of travel trailers include classic travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, toy haulers, pop-up campers, pop-up hybrid trailers, teardrop trailers, truck campers, and park model trailers.
A traditional travel trailer is the most popular type of travel trailer available. It is designed to be towed behind a car, SUV, minivan, or pickup truck, so it is important that you keep in mind the Gross Vehicle Weight Rate (GVWR). This type of travel trailer is perfect for families or groups of people who are seeking comfort while on the road. A classic travel trailer can cost between $12,000 - $120,000. There are a variety of floorplans available and often offer amenities such as kitchen space, bathrooms, and a bedroom suite. Some of the larger models can offer full-sized appliances and wide living spaces.
This type of travel trailer is a similar option to the travel trailer, but larger. A fifth-wheel trailer is the largest type of travel trailer. It has two-levels and is towed by a pickup truck using a specialized hitch made for fifth-wheel trailers. However, the fifth-wheel setup provides significantly more stable towing making it one of the safest types of travel trailers. Fifth-wheel trailers also provide more living space, making them a slightly more comfortable option. You can also fit several people in this trailer, making them a great choice for those looking to bring the whole family along. Prices on fifth-wheel trailers can range between $25,000 - $200,000.
A toy hauler is a type of travel trailer designed to transport recreational vehicles such as ATVs, golf carts, or motorcycles, while also providing a comfortable living space including a kitchen, bathroom, and a private bedroom. Toy hauler travel trailers tend to cost between $20,000 - $180,000, but that extra storage space makes them perfect for those who do not like to pack lightly, or for those who are embarking on a long journey and require extra cargo space for their recreational vehicles.
A pop-up trailer, also known as tent trailers, is where RVing meets traditional tent camping. These are travel trailers with tent sides that “pop up” and turn into comfortable sleeping space. They are collapsible, lightweight and are an affordable choice. A pop-up trailer can cost between $10,000 - $25,000. Ontario pop-up campers can fit up to 8 people, and a truck is not required. You can attach your pop-up camper to just about any vehicle, making this a far more accessible option for most people.
As the name suggests, a pop-up hybrid trailer is a combination of the pop-up camper and the traditional travel trailer. Unlike pop-up campers, a hybrid trailer comes with a washroom - which may be a necessity, depending on your travelling style. This type of hybrid trailer tends to cost between $15,000 - $35,000 and can also be towed by some cars.
A teardrop camper is a compact and lightweight travel trailer resembling the shape of a teardrop. This is a towable camper, so it is important that you have a vehicle with the proper towing capacity. This type of travel trailer is a popular choice for minimalist travelers. It offers the basic amenities and is ideal for a solo camper or a couple. The price of a teardrop trailer can range between $12,000 - $36,000.
A truck camper is a good option for those who are towing adverse. This camper attaches to the truck bed rather than being towed behind it. As the name suggests, a truck is required for this option and prices can range between $15,000 - $75,000 and can sleep up to four people. This type of travel trailer does not provide amenities like a bathroom or kitchen but is an ideal option for those who are looking for a spot to sleep. A bonus of this type of camper is you still have the ability to tow something else behind your truck.
A park model trailer is a spacious, semi-permanent trailer designed for seasonal use at a trailer park or campground. This type of travel trailer offers more space and amenities than a classic travel trailer including extra sleeping space. It's like a small cottage. This type of travel trailer can range between $30,000 - $150,000, however, it is important to note that you may have park fees which can vary depending on the trailer park or campground you are at. This type of travel trailer is great if you are looking for a weekend getaway without the need to tow your trailer.
Travel trailer insurance is essential. A travel trailer is a large investment and protecting it with the right insurance coverage gives you peace of mind on and off the road. Regular travel trailer maintenance is also key to ensuring its longevity and safety. The type of travel trailer you purchase will impact the cost of your travel trailer insurance premium. Speak to a Morison Insurance broker who will compare quotes to get you the best coverage for your pop-up or towable trailer.
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