If you’re looking for more ways for your family members to have fun together, a travel trailer might be just what you need. Travel trailers deliver epic adventures without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Hit the open road and explore the great outdoors with enough room for the whole family.
Travel trailers are among the most popular types of RVs because of their versatility and affordability. They open a world of fun and opportunity without having as significant an impact on your budget. When you find the right travel trailer for your lifestyle, you can experience all camping has to offer in a compact home away from home.
You just need to find the best travel trailer for you. Choosing largely depends on your camping goals, hobbies, family size, and which amenities you need for a stress-free travel experience.
While we don’t sell RVs anymore, Albany RV provides RV repairs, inspections, and customizations. We are RV experts, and our service pros want to help you get the most out of your outdoor adventures. So, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you find the best travel trailer for your family. Keep reading, and you’ll be picking out your travel trailer in no time.
Define Your Camping Goals
Before you start exploring the different types of travel trailers and their various layouts or amenities, sit down with the family and define your camping goals. Not everyone enjoys traveling the same way, and not everyone has the same definition of camping. What are your plans when it comes to travel distances, locations, and timelines? What are your preferences for enjoying certain comforts and conveniences?
Think of your goals in terms of the trifecta of comfort, convenience, and adventure. Perhaps you love to explore the world while still enjoying the comforts of home. Maybe you even hope to upgrade your lifestyle while on the road and are looking for premium features. Perhaps, instead, you thrive in extremes and want something more basic while you explore remote regions of the country.
You will also want to consider what type of traveling you and your family hope to do. Will you be mostly camping on the weekends or staying local? Or are you planning extended vacations and visits to more remote locations? Are you considering full-time RV living? To get started, consider these common types of RV camping:
- Full-service RV resorts and parks
- Off-grid camping in remote public land or state and national parks
- Weekend warrior trips
- Full-time or extended road trips
Remember to factor in your hobbies while RVing too. How can your RV help you easily enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, water activities, or visiting local attractions? Your plans, preferences, and interests will help you choose the best travel trailer that supports your family’s needs and lifestyle.
Determine Which Size Accommodates Your Family
The size of your family will largely influence the size of your travel trailer. How many people does your trailer need to accommodate? The number of people traveling will impact the sleeping capacity needed, bathroom facilities, dining areas, and the cargo-carrying capacity (CCC).
Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes, and you should find one that fits your specific needs. They commonly range in length from 12 feet to 35 feet. If your family consists of you and your partner, and you are looking to save money, a 12-foot trailer may be the perfect fit to travel comfortably. However, if you’ll be traveling with kids, friends, or other family members, you’re going to need something bigger. A 35-foot trailer can sleep up to 10 people comfortably, and slide outs can give you extra living space.
Travel trailers also vary in weight depending on their length and build. You will need to factor in the towing capacity of the vehicle you plan to use to tow your travel trailer. Remember to account for the fully loaded weight of the RV. Fortunately, travel trailers can easily be towed by most trucks and SUVs.
Consider Layout
The size of your family and the age range can also impact which layout will best accommodate your adventures. What kind of sleeping arrangements do you need? You can choose from standard beds to bunk beds, convertible sleeping spaces, such as dinettes and sofa beds, and even loft beds. Young children may love the thrill of bunk beds, while more mature family members may prefer a standard bed over climbing into elevated beds such as loft beds or bunks.
Think about your priorities when choosing the layout as well. Some layouts have larger sleeping capacities, while others feature more living or kitchen space. Do you need more room for sleeping or want a cozy living room for maximum leisure time? For more of either or both, slide outs may be a priority depending on the size of your family and how much time you plan to spend inside the trailer.
“Bunkhouse” layouts are ideal for families who need extra sleeping spaces for children or guests, but the living spaces will be tighter. A “rear living” layout, on the other hand, features an expanded living space in the rear and less sleeping space. “Front kitchen” floor plans trade extra living space for an expanded kitchen in the front.
Factor in Your Must-Have Features
What is your idea of comfort and convenience? What features are must-haves to ensure enjoyable and stress-free travel? Do your favorite outdoor activities require a lot of gear and ample storage? Are you traveling for extended periods and need Wi-Fi capability, USB charging ports, and larger appliances? Do you hope to tackle off-grid camping? If boondocking (camping in remote locations without hookups) is on your bucket list, you will need larger holding tanks, solar panels, and a generator.
Some key amenities to consider are:
- Air conditioning
- Water heater size
- 12-volt RV refrigerator that runs on batteries
- Television and satellite receivers
- Wi-Fi access
- Solar panels
- Generator
- Outdoor living features such as an outdoor kitchen and awning
- Hookups for a washer and dryer
- Back-up camera
- Off-road suspension package
- Basement storage capacity
Calculate Your Budget
Buying a travel trailer shouldn’t break the bank. You want to make sure that you have enough room in the budget to accommodate the cost of the trailer as well as repairs, insurance, and fuel. Buying a trailer should not create financial stress. Even if you plan on financing your trailer, make sure to keep to a price that fits your budget. If you are on a tighter budget, buying a lightly used travel trailer may be the best option. Once you’ve invested in your travel trailer, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and care. At Albany RV, our highly trained team of technicians is ready to handle inspections, service, and repairs. We’ll even come to you with mobile service within 30 miles. We’re ready to keep you traveling in comfort and style as you enjoy all our beautiful country has to offer. When adventure calls, Albany RV is ready to help you answer!
