Travel Trailers
With your tour guide,
Anne P. Mitchell
| Summary: Travel trailers are small trailers that are attached to a vehicle, and are used as transportation and accommodation at the same time. Travel trailers fall under the "recreational vehicle" (RV) category, and vary greatly in size, amenities, and functions. |
Travel trailers are small trailers that are attached to a vehicle, and are used as transportation and accommodation at the same time. Travel trailers fall under the “recreational vehicle” (RV) category, and vary greatly in size, amenities, and functions.
There are basically three sizes of travel trailers; compact (small), mid-size, and large. Compact travel trailers include teardrop trailers, which are so named for their distinctive shape, as well as folding camp trailers and tent trailers. These trailers are up to 18 feet long and can be hooked up to and towed by a mid-size car. They are easy to set up and maintain, and provide very basic accommodations. Another advantage to small trailers is that they are easily stored when not in use. Small travel trailers are best suited for one or two people traveling together, short trips, or longer trips in which a hotel stay is included at the destination.
Mid-size travel trailers range in length from 18 to 25 feet. They are heavier than compact trailers, and should be hooked up to a small pickup truck or sport utility vehicle. Mid-size trailers offer more living space than their compact counterparts, and are more suitable for family travel and/or longer trips.
Large travel trailers can be up to 40 feet in length, and offer up to 400 square feet of living space. A larger vehicle that is built for towing is required for a large travel trailer. These trailers offer more amenities and extras, such as pull-out seating areas and bunks for added sleeping space. Large trailers are perfect for long trips, or larger groups of people traveling together. Many people across the country even live in these trailers, either seasonally or year-round.
Travel trailers come with either a battery or a generator for their power supply, and most also have an external hookup to use when the trailer is parked. Other basic amenities include sleeping berths, heating, water faucets, a refrigerator and stove or other cooking surface, a toilet, shower, and television and radio hookups.
More luxurious travel trailers also offer air conditioning, extra water and waste water tanks, microwave ovens, external awnings, space to carry smaller recreational vehicles such as motorcycles or jet-skis, and satellite television.
Travel trailers can be purchased from RV dealers, or rented for a single outing. Most RV dealers will lease, sell, or rent travel trailers, so do some comparison shopping before making your purchase. Extra insurance will also be necessary before heading off on your travel trailer adventures.
If you love to see the countryside while you travel, or enjoy making frequent detours to see the sites, consider a travel trailer for your next vacation!
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