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Wise Frontier Living

Here’s How To Paint Plastic RV Sink [Easy Tips Ahead]

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Largest US RV Manufacturers & Brands They Own

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Fix Leaky RV Kitchen Faucet Handle [Beginners Guide]

Travel trailer vs tent trailer: 15 reasons to choose a travel trailer.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Airstream vs. Grand Design: Brand Analysis

When it comes to planning outdoor adventures, the decision between a travel trailer and a tent can be a difficult one. As an avid camper myself, I struggled with this decision for quite some time. After months of research and many camping trips, I ultimately chose a travel trailer over a tent for a multitude of reasons.

A significant factor in my decision was the desire for increased comfort and space. Travel trailers provide a more substantial living area, which allows for a more enjoyable camping experience. Additionally, travel trailers offer enhanced convenience and quicker setup as compared to tents. It’s essential to consider how well a camping option fits your lifestyle, and for me, a travel trailer made the most sense.

Key Takeaways

  • Travel trailers deliver elevated comfort and space, enhancing the camping experience.
  • Choosing a travel trailer offers increased convenience and reduced setup time.
  • Consider your lifestyle and preferences to select the best camping option for you.

Comfort and Space

Spacious Interior

One of the main reasons I chose a travel trailer over a tent is the spacious interior. Unlike tents, travel trailers offer more headroom, wider sleeping areas, and a separate living space. Some travel trailers also have a small elevated shower , which is a luxury tents don’t provide.

Weather Protection

I also appreciate the weather protection provided by a travel trailer. Tents can be susceptible to leaks and tears, whereas travel trailers, made with materials like Azdel and Luan , provide better insulation and durability. This is especially useful during heavy rain or strong winds, ensuring a dry and comfortable experience inside the trailer.

Privacy Advantages

Finally, privacy is an essential aspect for me, and travel trailers have some significant advantages in this area. Not only do travel trailers have solid walls – something tents lack – but they also offer facilities like a separate bathroom, complete with a water supply, for a more comfortable camping trip. Speaking of a water supply, a key feature of a travel trailer is determining how long your water supply will last .

Another privacy advantage of a travel trailer is avoiding the issue of yellow water sometimes associated with RVs. This issue occurs when there is a high iron content or sediment in the water supply, which can be easily managed and fixed, ensuring clean water throughout the trip.

Convenience and Setup

Ease of Setup

When I first began my search for the perfect camping solution, I knew that one of the most important factors for me was the ease of setup. Travel trailers were an attractive option due to their simple and efficient setups . With a travel trailer, I can easily park, level, and connect utilities without much hassle. In contrast, setting up a tent often involves more labor-intensive tasks such as staking, erecting poles, and securing guy lines.

Another key advantage of choosing a travel trailer over a tent is its superior mobility. Towing a travel trailer with my vehicle allows me to cover greater distances and explore more diverse destinations. Furthermore, when properly equipped with a tow hitch , even electric vehicles like a Tesla can be used for towing travel trailers, offering a greater range of options when it comes to mobility.

Multi-Destination Travel

One of my favorite aspects of owning a travel trailer is the freedom to visit multiple destinations during one trip. The travel trailer makes it relatively easy to pack up and move between locations without the need to disassemble and reassemble a tent. In addition, my travel trailer can be adjusted to fit in various spaces like garages, giving me the flexibility to explore a wide array of locations without worrying about where to store or park my trailer. This flexibility allowed me to create unforgettable multi-destination trips that simply wouldn’t be possible with a tent camping setup.

Cost Considerations

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Initial Investment

When I decided between a travel trailer and a tent, one of the first factors I considered was the initial cost. A tent can be quite affordable, ranging from basic models costing around $50 to high-end tents at several hundred dollars. On the other hand, a travel trailer’s price varies significantly, from as low as $11,000 up to luxury models costing $60,000 or more, like an Airstream . Additionally, buying a used RV often comes at a lower price, with the best time of year to buy a used RV being during the off-season.

Maintenance Expenses

Owning a travel trailer involves maintenance expenses that are significantly higher than those for a tent. Various costs such as insurance, yearly maintenance, and possible storage fees should all be taken into account when considering the cost of RV ownership . Conversely, tent maintenance is minimal, with cleaning and the occasional repair being the primary costs.

Travel Trailer Maintenance Expenses:

  • Storage fees (if applicable)
  • Regular maintenance (brakes, tires, etc.)
  • Appliance and system repairs

Tent Maintenance Expenses:

  • Repair or replacement of poles, stakes, and fabrics

Resale Value

When considering resale value, a travel trailer tends to depreciate more quickly than a tent, partially due to the higher initial investment. However, well-maintained RVs can still retain a relatively good resale value. In contrast, tents do not have a significant resale market, as they often wear out over time and are relatively inexpensive to replace. Ultimately, I took this factor into account when choosing between a travel trailer and a tent, balancing the long-term investment against my budget and travel preferences.

Lifestyle Fit

Family Needs

When I first began considering a travel trailer over a tent, one of my main concerns was how it would fit with my family’s needs. Travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes, layouts, and capabilities, catering to various family sizes and preferences. Various RV brands, like Jayco and Gulf Stream , offer different benefits and features that were essential in meeting my family’s needs. For instance, travel trailers usually have spacious sleeping arrangements, a bathroom, and a small kitchen, making them the ideal choice for a family like mine.

Remote Work Capability

As a remote worker, having a dedicated workspace is crucial. One major advantage of travel trailers is their potential for accommodating remote work. Just as with the living spaces, you can customize the workspace to your needs. I’ve found that many well-known brands like Winnebago and Lance offer travel trailers with dedicated workspaces, making it easier for me to maintain productivity while enjoying the benefits of this lifestyle.

Community and Networking

Another deciding factor for me was the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals on the road. There is a strong sense of community among RV enthusiasts, which is something hard to replicate in tent camping. As I researched various RV manufacturers , I learned that many of them host rallies, events, and online forums for their customers to network, share experiences, and create lasting friendships. By choosing a travel trailer, I could enhance my travel experience and connect with other travelers who share my passion.

In conclusion, opting for a travel trailer over a tent was a decision that significantly impacted my overall lifestyle for the better. Taking into account my family’s needs, remote work capabilities, and the opportunity for a supportive community, a travel trailer has definitely met and even exceeded my expectations.

Amenities and Features

Modern conveniences.

When comparing a travel trailer vs a tent, the modern conveniences of a travel trailer are incomparable. In a trailer, I enjoy amenities such as indoor plumbing, climate control, a kitchen, and a comfortable mattress, all of which aren’t available in a tent. Even small pop-up trailers offer more comfort than tents. Furthermore, I appreciate the option to have an outdoor kitchen in my RV as it enhances my overall camping experience.

Customization Options

Another reason I chose a travel trailer over a tent is the wide range of customization options available. With an RV, I can choose from a variety of well-respected manufacturers such as Airstream and Lance , offering me the opportunity to select the design and features that best suit my needs. Additionally, having a choice of RV manufacturers allows me to ensure the quality of components used, like a Lippert frame , which is crucial for the longevity and durability of my travel trailer.

Entertainment

Lastly, when it comes to entertainment options, a travel trailer provides much more than a tent. Not only does it offer more space for activities, but it also allows me to integrate various electronic devices and entertainment systems into my living space. This is especially handy during rainy days or when I want a break from outdoor activities. In contrast, a tent provides limited space and minimal protection from the elements, restricting my options when it comes to entertainment. Overall, my decision to choose a travel trailer over a tent was heavily influenced by the modern conveniences, customization options, and entertainment possibilities it offers.

Safety and Security

Structural Integrity

One of the main reasons I chose a travel trailer over a tent is the increased structural integrity that a trailer provides. Travel trailers are built with solid walls and roofs, which provide better protection against the elements compared to a tent. In extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, high winds, or snow, a travel trailer can withstand the elements much better than a tent. Moreover, proper maintenance of an RV, such as lube maintenance , can help ensure the longevity and safety of the structure.

Protection from Wildlife

While camping, coming into contact with wildlife is always a possibility. A travel trailer offers a greater level of protection against potential dangers from wildlife compared to a tent. For instance, if a curious bear or other large animal were to wander into your campsite, you would be much safer inside a solid structure like a travel trailer than in a fabric tent. In addition to protection from large animals, travel trailers can help minimize exposure to insects, snakes, and other small creatures as well.

Secure Storage

Travel trailers come equipped with secure storage compartments that can be locked, offering a higher level of safety for your belongings compared to storing items in a tent. The ability to lock up valuables can give you peace of mind when leaving your campsite for a hike or a day trip. Furthermore, proper maintenance and attention to common issues, such as fixing an RV storage compartment leak , can help ensure the security and protection of your belongings inside the trailer.

In addition to being structurally more secure, travel trailers can also offer added privacy and comfort. Tinting the windows in a travel trailer, for example, provides not only better insulation but also more privacy , which can be particularly important when camping in crowded areas.

Seasonal Use and Versatility

Four-season camping.

One of the primary reasons I chose a travel trailer over a tent is the four-season camping capability. Travel trailers are designed to withstand various weather conditions, from hot summers to cold winters. With features like insulation, heating systems, and double-pane windows, I am able to camp comfortably throughout the year. Furthermore, this RV Atlas article highlights the added benefits of having a seasonal spot, which allows for a hassle-free camping experience with a sense of community. Tent camping, on the other hand, can be limiting during colder months and requires more preparation when dealing with harsh weather.

Adaptability

Another significant factor that influenced my decision is the adaptability of travel trailers. They offer a wide range of options and configurations, allowing me to customize it according to my needs. This Camper Report article mentions that travel trailers are an excellent option for those who don’t have a heavy truck to tow a traditional trailer, making them more accessible. Furthermore, using a travel trailer makes it easier to switch locations and camping spots compared to tent camping, providing more flexibility in choosing the perfect site for my trips.

I am confident that investing in a travel trailer was the right decision for my camping adventures. Its year-round usability and versatile adaptability have significantly enriched my outdoor experiences and offered a comfortable home-away-from-home during my travels.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time on the road, I’ve been very conscious of my impact on the environment. Two of the main deciding factors for choosing a travel trailer over a tent were energy efficiency and adopting sustainable practices .

Energy Efficiency

Travel trailers generally require less energy than other forms of accommodation. For example, some trailers come equipped with solar panels or the capability to install them, allowing me to harness clean and renewable energy. Additionally, modern trailers are designed with better insulation, making temperature control easier while reducing the need for heating or cooling appliances.

Furthermore, I’ve discovered that using an RV wind generator while driving can be a great way to supplement onboard energy supply and reduce the reliance on nonrenewable energy sources.

Sustainable Practices

One major advantage of living in a travel trailer is that it encourages me to be more conscious of my waste and water usage. For example, having a limited water supply has made me more efficient with water consumption, decreasing the amount I need to refill. I also have a black tank (the wastewater storage container in an RV) which makes me more aware of what I’m putting into the environment.

Maintaining the black tank is essential; it’s important to act quickly if there’s a clog due to dried poop , as problems can escalate and negatively impact the environment. By being proactive in managing waste disposal, I am lessening my environmental footprint.

All in all, owning a travel trailer has made me more environmentally conscious. The focus on energy efficiency and sustainable practices, combined with the ability to minimize my dependence on nonrenewable resources, made choosing a travel trailer a clear decision for me.

Legal and Regulatory Factors

As I was deciding between a travel trailer and a tent trailer, legal and regulatory factors played a significant role in my decision-making process. Some of these factors include zoning laws and parking regulations.

Zoning Laws

One concern for me was the zoning laws in various states and campground areas. Zoning laws can restrict the types of trailers allowed in certain areas, which may impact your choices when selecting a campsite. For example, some states have specific laws regarding travel trailer length limits, which can vary significantly between regions. I found that travel trailers had more options for campsites, as they complied with a broader range of zoning requirements.

Parking Regulations

My decision was also affected by parking regulations related to travel trailers and tent trailers. When planning trips, I wanted to ensure that I could park my trailer in different locations without violating local laws. I discovered that many trailer towing laws outline parameters such as maximum trailer length or width and brake system requirements. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid fines and unnecessary complications during my trips. The travel trailer I selected fits within most parking regulations, allowing me to avoid potential issues and giving me peace of mind during my travels.

Overall, navigating legal and regulatory factors enabled me to choose a travel trailer that met my needs and complied with local laws. By considering zoning laws and parking regulations, I was able to make a confident and informed decision.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

After thorough research and consideration, I chose a travel trailer over a tent for the following 15 factors. The main advantages that swayed me towards a travel trailer are the comfort, amenities, and convenience, especially when compared to tent camping.

A significant deciding factor was the availability of comfortable beds in a travel trailer, unlike the floor sleeping style in a tent. This not only improved my sleep quality but also reduced the stress on my body during extended trips 1 . In terms of amenities, travel trailers offer a more home-like experience with a compact kitchen, bathroom, and climate control system. This makes it easier to cook meals, maintain hygiene, and stay comfortable in varying weather conditions 2 .

Travel trailers also provide more safety and privacy compared to tents, as they are built with sturdy materials and have lockable doors. This aspect was important to me, as it allowed for greater peace of mind while camping in unfamiliar locations.

In addition, travel trailers are more versatile when it comes to different camping experiences. While tents can limit you to specific terrain and weather conditions, travel trailers offer more flexibility, allowing me to explore various camping destinations without hassle 3 .

The benefits don’t stop there. Travel trailers also allow for:

  • More storage space
  • Easier packing and unpacking
  • Better protection from the elements
  • A designated place for electronic devices and charging
  • Easier transportation of camping gear

Of course, there are some drawbacks to choosing a travel trailer over a tent, such as increased costs and potential maintenance requirements. However, for my personal preferences and camping goals, the advantages of a travel trailer far outweigh these downsides.

Ultimately, the decision between a travel trailer and a tent comes down to individual preferences, budget, and camping goals. For me, the comfort, convenience, and versatility of a travel trailer made it the best choice for my outdoor adventures.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Exploring the Existence of Airstream 5th Wheels

travel trailer vs tent trailer

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travel trailer vs tent trailer

Fifth Wheel Etymology: The History Behind the Name

Rv classification: are camper trailers considered rvs.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

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travel trailer vs tent trailer

RV or Trailer? Understanding the Differences and Benefits

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel: What’s Best for Your Road Trips?

Our Wander-Filled Life

Tent vs. RV Camping

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Grant

After roughly seven years of tent camping (four major road trips and several other shorter ones), we finally upgraded to a camper. We always figured we would get a travel trailer (which you pull) or a motor home (which you drive) eventually, but for a variety of reasons we ended up making the purchase a bit sooner than we expected.

Our major motivators for making the upgrade were 1) the older we get the harder it gets to not just sleep on an air mattress, but get up from one in the morning and 2) we didn’t like leaving the cat alone for three to five weeks… With a camper, we can take her with us. There were a few other factors, such as finding the right model (a Passport Elite 23RB) for the right price, and the time came to take the plunge into the RV world!

(Disclaimer: When we link to places you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes which earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Tent Camping

There are MANY kinds of tents and many kinds of tent campers. We chose to tent camp when traveling because we both enjoy being outside and the rustic nature of camping. We also enjoy taking rather long road trips and camping is cheaper than getting a hotel every night.

Our Small Tent

We actually had two tents, one “big” and one small. The small tent, which we still have, is the REI Half Dome 2 Plus . This tent is very quick and easy to put up and take down (five to 10 minutes). It is barely big enough for a full-size air mattress (not big enough for a queen) but has a door on each side so that neither person has to crawl over the other to get in or out. It is almost all mesh, so the ventilation is great, and the rain fly works well. We used this tent mainly if we were only staying one night or there were high winds (the low profile helps to keep it from waving in the wind).

Cottonwood Campground in Big Bend National Park

We did learn the hard way with this tent that high winds and sand don’t mix. When staying in Dinosaur National Monument, we set up the tent, including the rain fly, then fixed dinner, sat out and read and went to a ranger program. When we crawled into bed, there was a mound of sand all over the sleeping bag. Take our advice: If there is sand, make sure the rain fly is buckled down very tight and low to the ground!

Our “Big” Tent

Our bigger tent was still pretty small, in the fact that it wasn’t a multi-room or anything like that. It was the REI Hobitat 4 tent. They have since discontinued that line, but it is similar to the Grand Hut 4.

We liked this tent because it did allow us to have extra room on three sides of a queen size mattress and we could pretty much stand up inside (much easier in the middle of the tent, but not if there is an air mattress there). It also had a vestibule “attachment” that allowed a covered entryway and a place to put our camp chairs if it was raining.

Camping in Branson, MO in our REI Hobitat 4.

We enjoyed both tents and usually traveled with both. An outdoor extension cord to charge phones, tablets, lanterns, etc. if we were at a campsite with electricity made it easy to stay connected.

We had bins of clothes, food, cooking supplies and lots of other camping gear in the truck. The system we had worked really well. We would stay in hotels maybe once or twice a week, especially on days we were driving long distances, which was a nice break from the air mattress and public showers.

Pros and Cons of Tents

Our biggest complaint about tent camping was the difficulty we had in finding a place to wash dishes. You can’t use “normal” dish soap if you are washing dishes using the spigot at the campsite and camp soap really is mostly worthless for getting grease off a pan. Most campgrounds don’t allow washing dishes in the bathrooms, and very few of them had a dishwashing sink/station. We ended up eating out at times when we wanted to cook simply because we didn’t have a good way of cleaning up.

It took quite a while, but we found a shaded campsite in Lovewell State Park in northern Kansas.

Another major con of tent camping, especially out West, is it can be hard to find shaded campsites. This can be a major issue in the summer in places like Wall, SD and the whole state of Kansas, both of which we struggled to find shade to keep us somewhat cool.

That being said, tent camping is a great way to start out. If you don’t want hook-ups (water, electricity), you can generally get a campsite fairly cheap (no more than $20-$30). You can easily alternate camping with staying in a hotel to break things up.

With tent camping, you can easily stop somewhere during the day, then head to your campsite and get set-up. Those are some things that you just can’t do when pulling a trailer.

As much as we loved tent camping, we quickly embraced the RV life with the camper!

The first thing about RVs: They are not cheap! There are all kinds of different sizes and prices when buying a camper. I’m sure it is possible to get something for just a few hundred or a thousand dollars if all you want is a place to sleep. Or if you truly want a house on wheels you could spend several hundred thousand or more than a million if you want!

Bonnie relaxing at our campground in Big South Fork NRR.

While we did choose to get a full-fledged camper, rather than a pop-up or camper van, etc., we still stayed fairly small and cheap in the grand scheme of things. Regardless of what size camper/RV you get, one thing to know is that you have to buy MUCH more than just the camper itself to actually be able to use it ( see our articles on Outfitting Your RV ). These expenses will add up, so be ready.

Campsites will also be more expensive, especially if you want sewer and cable hookups. Personally, we can generally do without cable, but if we are staying anywhere for more than two nights, we want a sewer connection. Your gas expenses will be higher as well. These are all things that you have to factor in, in addition to the cost of the camper, before making sure you are ready to take the plunge.

Be sure to check out our cost comparison between road trip styles here.

Driving with a Camper

Driving is also more stressful and you generally can’t drive as fast. Stopping for lunch or gas is more difficult because there isn’t always a place to park your vehicle. We have learned to love the truck stops such as Pilot, Love’s and TA, but even those can be difficult if you aren’t getting diesel. You definitely will not be pulling through the nearest Chick-Fil-A or McDonald’s pulling a camper or driving an RV!

Taking our new RV home.

With the camper, we also had to rethink our itinerary. Sites,  that with a tent would have been a one to two-hour “layover” on the way suddenly became a one or two night stays. Again, you can’t just park the camper anywhere. And with the cat with us, we certainly couldn’t leave her in the truck or camper without AC.

Advantages of a Camper

That being said, there are many advantages of a camper that hooked us immediately! First, you have your own shade. If you are in a big, open campground with very few trees you can extend the awning or even sit inside in the air conditioning (assuming you have an electric hookup).

Grant and Alee hanging out at the campground in Montrose, CO.

You also have a bathroom, which means if the showers are yucky or you just gotta go in the middle of the night, you’re in a much better position. Granted, you also have to clean the bathroom, but you’d have to do that at home anyway and it’s probably a much smaller bathroom, which means less to clean!

Not having to pack and unpack boxes and bins every time you stop just to get clothes or a plate is great! We definitely took a wider range of clothes with us than we ever did when tent camping.

We also loved having a refrigerator and cabinets, which allowed us a lot more freedom at the grocery store and removed the need to buy ice every day. I’m not sure we actually saved money at the grocery store, but we did get to enjoy leftovers a few times, which we rarely did when traveling with a cooler.

Grant grilling pork chops at the Charbonneau Campground!

Lastly, if it is raining, not only can we sit under the awning or inside to stay dry, but we can cook! In the camper, we do have a stove, oven and microwave. Granted, we haven’t actually used anything other than the microwave, because we prefer to cook on the grill, but eventually, we will need them and will be very glad that we have them!

Setup and Take Down

The setup and takedown of the camper is certainly longer than with a tent. We figured that over time we would get better and faster at the routine, and we did get better at setting up. Packing up camp is still a process and took us about an hour every time. Dumping the sewer tanks and making sure the slide is free of pine needles, acorns, etc. can be time-consuming. With the tent we could generally be out within about 20-30 minutes.

This site required a lot to make sure everything was supported.

What About a Camper Van?

In September 2019, we actually rented a camper van for a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. It was a great experience.

Read more about our experiences in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup.

First and foremost, if we had never camped in an RV and switched to a camper van, we would have been blown away by how easy it was. Packing up the campsite was a breeze. If we had gotten any chairs out, we packed them up. We made the bed and started driving. Easy.

Grant relaxing at the campground, reading a book on his iPad.

That said, the RV has a LOT more room and is a lot more comfortable. Having a full-size queen bed is a lot comfier than the bed in the camper van. There was not a ton of room in the van, so that made things like getting dressed in the morning and cooking a bit difficult with two people.

Still, the agility and ease made the camper van a great experience and something I would certainly consider if I were upgrading from a tent. The biggest downside is maintaining the van and its engine. I am not a fan of having a second engine to maintain.

Our Outdoorsy RV Rental - we had plenty of storage below the bed.

Read more about renting a camper van from Outdoorsy here.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Final Thoughts on Tent vs. RV Camping

There are definite advantages and disadvantages to both tent and RV camping. If you are considering an upgrade to a camper, do your research on the financial aspects. Make sure you can afford it. There certainly isn’t any point in buying a camper and then not having the money to enjoy it! If you are new to camping and looking for a place to start, tent camping is a good introduction. Some folks will adapt to it better than others… It certainly helps if you can handle the idea of maybe not being able to take a shower one day!

Whatever your travel style, our hope is that you will get out and explore the world. Get out and discover all the amazing things out there that you never knew you would enjoy.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you just can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

Having done long road trips camping in a tent versus camping in a RV, we look at the benefits of both ways to stay in a campground.

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The Traveling Families Club

Tent Camping Vs Trailer Camping: A Definitive Comparision

My family and I love camping. It is something I have done since I was a kid, and is now our family’s primary form of vacation (although we love travel of all sorts). We have tried just about every style of camping; tent, travel trailer, camper van, and tent cabin. While some were short-term trials (van, tent cabins), I’ve spent more nights in a tent than I can count, and I have owned two separate trailers. 

Each has its individual pros and cons. In this article, I’m going to weigh the pros and cons of tent camping vs trailer camping. I’ll save the camper van, RV camping, and tent cabin comparisons for another time. 

If you are reading this article I’m guessing you fit into one of two groups. Either you are new to camping and are trying to decide whether to try a tent first or jump straight to a trailer. Or you are already a tent camper and are considering moving to a trailer. 

I have written this article with those two audiences in mind, though anyone interested in camping will find the information useful. 

Is Tent Camping Better?

Tent Set up in a scenic camping location.

If you ask a purist, the answer will be yes, tent camping is the only true form of camping. Well, spoiler alert, I’m not a purist. In my opinion, whether tent camping is better than trailer camping depends on a variety of factors, including, your budget, the locations you visit, the camping experience you are looking for, the size of your family, and more. 

Tent camping certainly has its advantages, which I will dive into later, but whether or not it is better than trailer camping, is strictly in the eyes of the beholder. The bottom line is that everyone has their own camping style, what’s right for one, may not be for another.

Is Camping In A Trailer Really Camping?  

Trailer camping in the Mojave Desert.

Okay, so some of you may be asking, ‘is trailer camping really even camping?’. Considering the size, and opulence, of some of the trailers that are available nowadays, honestly it’s a valid question. You can get trailers today that are 40 feet long, have multiple rooms, big screen TVs, fireplaces, and yes, even a bathtub. 

Whether you want to call staying in a trailer like this a camping trip or not, one thing is for certain. It is in no way comparable to tent camping. These types of trailers are, for the most part, meant for, and limited to designated RV parks. 

In this article, I’m really talking about smaller trailers, trailers that are capable of going to many, if not most, of the same places that you would want to go tent camping. Namely, places like national parks, state parks, and other similar locations. 

So my answer is if you are going to the same places, and getting outdoors, then yes, trailer camping is definitely still camping!

Tent Camping Vs Trailer Camping: A Breakdown

I broke my comparison of tents and trailers into five categories; Cost, Ease of Set Up, Comfort, Dealing with Weather, and Cooking. I took an in-depth look at each of these and then addressed some additional advantages and drawbacks of both tents and trailers. 

Keep in mind that there are many different kinds of both tents and travel trailers. There are large tents, small tents, lightweight tents for backpacking, tents with multiple rooms, and even hot tents (with wood-fired stoves). When it comes to trailers there are large hard-sided trailers, pop-up campers, tent trailers, teardrop trailers, and all sorts of additional options. 

I’m going to speak about the general characteristics of tents vs trailers but of course, the specifics of any particular setup will vary. 

The Interior of a tent set up.

When it comes to cost, there is one clear winner, tent camping. A solid tent camping setup is going to be a fraction of the cost of even a cheaply priced trailer. To be clear, when considering the cost of a tent camping set up I have included the following items; 

  • Sleeping Bags
  • Air Mattress (Or other sleeping platforms)

Additional items such as camp chairs, pots and pans, etc…will be needed for trailer camping as well, so the cost evens out. Now there is no doubt you could geek out and drop a ton of dough on the newest, fanciest, top-of-the-line camping gear. 

However, even a very quality setup, for a family of four, can be obtained for under $2,000. If you’re shopping on a budget you could easily keep it under $1,000. 

In comparison, even the cheapest new trailer is going to cost you over $10,000, probably closer to $20,000. You can save some money going with a used trailer, however, you will want to really do your research if you go that route. 

Trailers, all trailers, require a ton of maintenance, if you buy a used one that has been neglected you could be walking into a nightmare. That’s not to say it can’t be done, but if you choose to go the used route, make sure you take your time, inspect it closely, and ask lots of questions about maintenance. 

If you are interested in a trailer but not yet ready to pull the trigger RV rentals are a great way to test the waters. There are a variety of sites, such as Outdoorsy or RV Share, that offer peer-to-peer trailer and RV rentals. Many of which will even deliver the trailer to your campsite if you are uncomfortable towing. 

The Cost Winner: Tent Camping

Ease of Setting Up Camp

A Trailer camping set up. One factor in deciding between tent camping vs trailer camping is how long it takes to set up camp.

This category is actually a little closer than you might think. At first glance, it might seem that there is far less involved in getting your trailer set up in camp than the process of setting up a tent. However, there is often more involved with getting your trailer dialed in than you might think. 

Parking your trailer isn’t always the easiest task. If you are planning to camp in RV parks that are designed for trailers and large RV’s then it is a pretty easy process to get your trailer parked and leveled. However, if you are planning on camping in places like state and national parks it can be a little more challenging. 

Many of the state, national parks, and similar campgrounds weren’t built with trailers in mind. The roads are narrow, often lined with trees, and the parking spaces aren’t always designed to accommodate trailers, especially large ones. All that is to say that it can be a bit of a process to get your trailer parked on your site. 

Once your trailer is parked, the process of getting it leveled and stabilized isn’t particularly complicated but does take a few extra minutes. As you get practice backing up your trailer it does become easier and quicker to get it parked, regardless of the challenges of your site. 

On the flip side, when tent camping you get to pull right in and park. Then starts the process of setting up your tent, setting up your beds, moving your luggage into your tent, and unpacking the rest of your gear from your car. 

Additionally, when tent camping you can pull into your site, and stretch your legs for a bit before diving into setting up. With trailers, you need to get it parked as soon as you arrive. This may seem trivial if you haven’t gone through the process before, but it is nice to have a few minutes to relax, especially after a  long drive. 

One advantage trailers have is that you can keep most of your camping gear stored away and you only have to pull it out when it is needed during your trip.

All that being said, I would still give trailers the slight edge when it comes to setting up camp. Once you are efficient at parking your trailer there is just less overall to do than if you have to set up your tent and bedding. 

The Ease Of Setting Up Camp Winner: Trailer Camping

Trailer in Pinnacles National Park.

The comfort category is clearly won by trailers. Increasing comfort is the very reason most people buy trailers after all, so they better deliver!

 There are a variety of advantages. First, trailers typically have a serious advantage when it comes to beds. Many trailers come with a queen-size actual mattress. Additionally, the beds are elevated, so easier to get in and out of, and you’re not going to have the problem of lumpy uneven ground disturbing your rest. 

Second, pretty much all trailers have a heater so that you can keep it nice and toasty inside when camping in cold conditions. Most trailers also come with an air conditioner, however, these can only be used when hooked up to external electricity like a campsite outlet or a generator. 

Third, most all trailers have an internal bathroom and water heater, which means, hot showers! I have to admit that prior to owning my first trailer I was one of those people that thought hot showers while camping were overkill. However, once I had that experience of taking a hot shower after a day of hiking and climbing into bed clean I understood exactly what trailer owners were raving about!

The internal bathroom on trailers is another great luxury. Some campgrounds have nicer bathrooms than others, but my wife and daughter especially loved the internal bathroom when the only other option was a smelly pit toilet. An unexpected bonus of having the internal bathroom was using the bathroom while on drives. No more dirty gas station bathrooms!

In defense of tents, camping equipment is getting more and more comfortable. Tents are more spacious and easier to set up than ever before. Sleeping pads are far superior to what they were even 10 years ago. And with the right sleeping bag, you can stay warm in any condition. You can even get portable water heaters and shower tents to allow you to have a hot shower!

Comfort Winner: Trailer Camping

Dealing with Weather

Trailer Camping In Oregon

While we all hope for perfectly warm and sunny days while camping the undeniable truth is that if you camp enough inclement weather is inevitable. So, if you are going to go camping, you need to at least be prepared for the possibility of bad weather. In this regard, trailers are once again going to take the edge. 

Weather conditions can heavily influence your camping trip. Trailers offer climate control, they will be dry when it rains, warm when it’s cold, can be made cool in the heat, and will protect you from the wind. Additionally, most trailers will come with an easily deployable awning which will give you dry space to peel off wet clothes before walking inside. 

Most tents these days will do a pretty solid job of keeping you dry inside, when utilizing the rain fly,  in all but the most serious of rain storms. If you have a small tent, you likely won’t have a place to take off wet clothes before climbing into your main sleeping area. However, if you go with a large tent, you can find options that have a changing room, or entry area, that is covered and waterproof but separated from the main sleeping area. 

When it comes to the cold a good sleeping bag will keep you warm at night no matter how cold it is outside, and you can even get tent heaters. We have one that is designed for indoor use and would heat the tent beyond the point of comfort if we turned it to max. 

There are some options for cooling tents but none of them are particularly practical. And when it comes to serious wind tents are not the optimal choice. With light winds tents are fine, but after a certain point tents will either collapse, rip, or just become so loud in a heavy wind that it’s impossible to sleep. 

Dealing With Bad Weather Winner: Trailer Camping

Outdoor Kitchen Set Up. Your cooking arrangements are an important consideration when deciding between tent camping vs trailer camping.

Considering that when camping you will be preparing all of your meals yourself the time you spend cooking and preparing meals will constitute a significant portion of your vacation. Especially if you have a large family. For this reason, your camp kitchen is an important consideration. 

Trailers do have some advantages when it comes to cooking. The biggest I would say is the refrigerator. Most trailers these days come with a refrigerator plenty large to store all the cold food you would need for a week. 

Additionally, you will have a sink plumbed with hot and cold water. Many trailers also have a small oven for baking and most will have a microwave that can be used when plugged into external power. 

The downside is that most trailers, other than the behemoths, have very little preparation space. Some may have a small counter, but they aren’t at all practical for cooking a meal for a family. 

The largest downside is that you are stuck inside while cooking. When everyone else is outdoors enjoying the fresh air or sitting by the fire, you are stuck inside only looking at the fun through a small window. 

Kitchen equipment for tent camping these days is pretty great. My camp stove boils water significantly faster than my stove at home. We have a custom kitchen box that my Dad built years ago, but there are also many off-the-shelf camping kitchen organizers. 

Ice chests have come a long way, and you can even get an electric ice chest that will run off your car battery and keep your food at the perfect temp (they are a bit pricey). Want hot water on tap? There are portable water heaters that will give you just that. 

Most importantly, you are outdoors while cooking. I prefer the outdoor cooking experience so much that even when we had a trailer I still set up my outdoor kitchen and did all my cooking out there. Making the interior trailer kitchen almost useless. 

Cooking Winner: Tent Camping

Trailer Camp in Mojave Desert.

Based simply on this five-point scoring system trailers would win by a score of 3 to 2. However, these aren’t by any means all of the factors to consider. Just the ones that are easiest to directly compare. 

Next, I will dive into the additional advantages and drawbacks of both tent and trailer camping. 

Additional Advantages and Drawbacks to Tent Camping

A pros and cons table of tent camping, to help you decide if tent camping vs trailer camping is right for you.

✔️ Easy to Store Your Gear

A simple tent camping setup won’t take up much space. Obviously, no more storage space than you have in your car. So finding a place to store it all when you get home isn’t much of a challenge for most people. 

✔️ Easy To Maintain

Most quality tent camping gear will last decades with little to no maintenance. You may have to clean your stove from time to time or open up your tent when you get home to let it dry out if it was wet when you packed up. Aside from that, you pack it away once you’re home and it’s ready to go when you need it. 

✔️ Go More Places

With tent camping, you will have fewer limitations on where you can camp. This will open up options for the type of camping that you can do. Not only are certain areas simply inaccessible to trailers or RVs, but certain campgrounds outright forbid them. 

Additionally, many campgrounds that do allow trailers may only have a limited number of sites with parking spaces big enough to accommodate trailers, especially large ones.

✔️ Easy To Drive and Make Stops While Driving

One of our favorite things to do when going camping is checking out the towns we drive through on the way to and from our campsite. We found that when we had a trailer it was much more difficult to find parking, in some cases causing us to completely skip a town we would have loved to explore. Many parking lots in small towns simply aren’t designed to accommodate a car and trailer combo. 

✔️ Experience The Elements

Perhaps the biggest benefit to tent camping is that you are forced, in a good way, to interact more with nature. When laying in your tent you will hear the birds in the morning, perhaps the wind blowing through the trees, or the water of a nearby river. All of this is lost when sleeping in a trailer. 

Sleeping in a tent also just feels more unique. For all of the comforts that a trailer provides it sort of feels like sleeping in a cheap apartment on wheels. 

If you go with tent campers or pop-ups, you can gain back some of the experience of being in nature while also having many of the conveniences provided by trailers.

Drawbacks of Tent Camping

❌ increased time to pack and unpack.

Above I mentioned that trailers have an edge when it comes to the time it takes to set up camp. They also have a significant edge when it comes to packing and unpacking at home. With trailers, you can simply leave most of your camping gear packed away. When it is time to go, pack your clothes and load up on fresh food and you are ready to head out. 

Packing your car with all your tent camping gear can be a bit of a game of Tetris. I like to think I have the process pretty dialed in but it still takes me a couple of hours at a minimum to get all packed and ready to leave. 

Then it is at least another hour or two to unpack all the gear and store it away when I get home. 

❌ Some Limitations In Bear Country

In some areas with high bear activity tent camping is prohibited during certain times of the year. I have only personally seen this in certain areas of Glacier and Yellowstone National Park, but have heard there are other areas with similar restrictions. 

While these restrictions are relatively few and far between it is worth noting if your desired destinations all have heavy bear activity. While most wild animals won’t bother a tent in any way, some people are going to simply feel more comfortable with the walls of a trailer separating them from the creatures of the forest.

❌ Can’t Lock It

There is no practical way to lock a tent. Anyone with a pocket knife could simply cut a hole in the side. So you can’t leave any valuables in your tent. I have never personally had this be an issue, but for folks who are extra security conscious having a hard-sided trailer with a door you can lock may give you peace of mind. 

Additional Advantages and Drawbacks to Trailer Camping

A pros and cons table of trailer camping.

✔️ More Storage Space

Having a trailer dramatically increases your storage space and allows you to bring a lot more luxuries on your trip. Whether it is extra toys for your kids or luxuries for you, you’ll have more room to bring it, whatever ‘it’ is. 

✔️ Better Access to Food and Gear Underway

A great thing about trailers is that, for the most part, you can easily access your food and gear without much work. When we had a trailer it was super nice to be able to pull over in a scenic spot and put together a picnic lunch without having to unpack anything other than what we were using. 

Even a well-organized pack job for tent camping will likely require you to pull out a few things to be able to access all you would need to make a picnic lunch, or at the very least, it would be more work than if you had a trailer. 

✔️ Eliminate Unwanted Noises

I mentioned above that an advantage to tent camping is that you still get to hear the sounds of nature. The flip side to that is you will also hear all the sounds of a campground. 

You may want to go camping for some peace and quiet, but you may end up next to a family reunion that wants to get drunk by the campfire and sing kumbaya until someone forces them to stop. 

If you don’t want to be that guy in your underwear yelling ‘keep it down over there’ then a trailer might be good for you. 

Drawbacks to having a trailer

❌ maintenance.

Trailers require maintenance. A lot of maintenance. Consider for a moment that a trailer is essentially a hosue on wheels bouncing down the road. Even a well-built house would have things rattle loose.

Then consider that most trailer interiors are built out of wood that is hardly more stable than cardboard held together with staples that are thinner and more flimsy than the ones that are in the stapler on your desk. And you have a recipe for constant maintenance. 

I won’t even get started on all the issues that we dealt with on the two trailers that we owned, but just know going into it that a trailer requires a lot of maintenance. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. 

If you are seriously looking into a trailer the best advice I could give is to find a Facebook group for owners of whatever your preferred brand of trailer is (there are groups for every major brand and most small ones) and follow the posts for a couple of months to get an idea for what the common issues are. 

❌ Dumping The Black Water Tanks

While you may get used to it, dumping the black water tanks certainly isn’t the part of camping you look forward to. Mechanically speaking it is a relatively easy process. 

However, what they don’t tell you at the dealership is that it isn’t always easy to find a dump site. Not all campgrounds have them. Even those that do, may only have one or two for the entire campground. Meaning that if you are leaving on a weekend you may have to sit in line, while everyone else pours their week’s worth of poop down a pipe waiting for your turn to do the same. Not the best way to start off a long drive home. 

Additionally, it’s just an extra thing to manage when you are supposed to be relaxing on vacation. Wondering if the poop tank is full isn’t the thing I want occupying my mind when I’m trying to relax in nature. 

❌ Need For Electricity

Just about all of the features that make a trailer desirable require electricity to function. The lights, the heater, the water pump, and most likely the fridge. All trailers will come with a battery standard, however, the stock battery setup will typically only power the trailer for a day or two. 

This means for any trip longer than that you will either have to camp in a campground with an electrical hookup or invest in some sort of charging system for your trailer. There are solar systems that can keep you charged when it’s sunny or gas-powered generators. 

❌ Storage When Not In Use

If you have some space on your property to park your trailer then this won’t be an issue. However, if you don’t you will have to take it to a trailer storage lot which will run you a fee. Exactly how much depends on the size of your trailer and where you live.

Tent Camping Vs Trailer Camping: The Final Showdown

As you can see both tent camping and trailer camping have a ton of things in their favor and a few noteworthy drawbacks. There are many considerations when deciding which one is ultimately right for you, to make it simple, here are the primary appeals and drawbacks of each one last time. 

Tent Camping

Tent camp set up in Santa Barbara.

Primary Advantages : Connection to nature, cost-effective, go anywhere

Primary Drawback: Lack of comfort, limited protection in inclement weather (especially wind), and time to pack and unpack. 

Trailer Camping

Trailer Camp Set Up in Santa Barbara.

Primary Advantages: Increased Comfort (including in bad weather), keeping it loaded and ready to go, and increased storage. 

Primary Drawbacks: Cost, maintenance, limited on where you can go.

As I mentioned we’ve owned two trailers in the past. We started with a tent trailer and then tried a hard-side trailer. For various reasons, we decided to sell both and are back to camping in our tent. 

I love our tent and it works well for our family. That being said, I do miss the comfort and convenience of a trailer and am always on the lookout for one that would suit our family’s needs and is in a price range we can afford. 

So for now, tent camping takes the cake for our family. But as we get a little bit older, and our backs get a little bit achier, I could easily see getting back into a trailer. 

Ultimately, whether you are in a tent or a trailer, the important thing is that you are getting out there with your family, having adventures, and making memories!

Travel Trailer Vs. Camper: What’s the Difference?

travel trailer vs tent trailer

About the Author

Tom Davidock

If you’re beginning your search for a Recreational Vehicle (RV) and are trying to sort out the differences between the various options, you’re not alone. One common point of confusion that many people have is the difference between a camper and a travel trailer. These two terms often spark confusion and are occasionally used interchangeably, “camper” and “travel trailer.”

image of a teardrop camper and standard travel trailer

While these terms might seem synonymous, they denote distinct categories of RVs, each offering its own set of features, advantages, and charm. However, don’t worry too much about the terminology. The best way to find the perfect RV is to see it in person and decide if it fits your needs and travel style. In this article, we’ll look at the nuances between campers and travel trailers and shed some light on their terminology, design, functionality, and what sets them apart.  

Defining the Terminology: Camper and Travel Trailer

Before we delve into the distinctions, let’s look at the core definitions of “camper” and “travel trailer.” Aside from truck campers, both can fall under the category of towable RVs.

Camper:  A camper is a term often used as an umbrella category encompassing various types of recreational vehicles (RVs) that are designed for temporary accommodation and travel. Specifically, a camper can refer to a smaller type of RV that can be towed behind a vehicle or affixed to the bed of a pickup truck, creating a self-contained living space. You may also hear campers referred to as camping trailers or camper trailers. Still, regardless of name, these compact units typically provide essential amenities, including sleeping space and basic kitchen facilities, making them ideal for those seeking a cozy and efficient camping experience.

Travel Trailer:  On the other hand, a travel trailer is a larger type of RV designed to be towed behind a vehicle, such as a truck or SUV. These trailers offer a spacious living area, a kitchenette, bathroom facilities, and sleeping quarters. Available in various sizes and layouts, travel trailers provide flexibility, allowing you to detach the trailer from the towing vehicle once your campsite is established and allowing you the freedom to explore your surroundings independently. Not to be confused with a 5th wheel, a travel trailer is towed from the bumper of a vehicle.

While the terms “camper” and “travel trailer” might sound interchangeable, their specific meanings highlight the contrasting nature of these two categories of RVs. While a travel trailer can be a large RV, a camper, by definition, is typically quite a bit smaller and won’t have the extra space afforded by their bigger RV counterparts. Let’s dig a little deeper into the various types of trailers and campers. 

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The Different Types of Campers

Campers come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored to different preferences and travel styles. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different types of campers available in recreational vehicles.

Pop-Up Campers: 

Pop-up campers, also known as tent trailers, are a popular choice for those seeking a lightweight and compact RV. A pop-up trailer features collapsible walls, which can be expanded when parked to provide additional living space. When folded down, they become more streamlined and easier to tow, making them suitable for various vehicles. Pop-up campers are especially favored by campers who value versatility and convenience. Despite their relatively modest size, these campers can offer sleeping areas, basic kitchen facilities, and sometimes even bathroom amenities.

two pop-up campers at a campground

Truck Campers: 

A Truck camper, also called a slide-in camper, is designed to fit directly onto the bed of a pickup truck. This unique design allows for easy installation and removal, providing a self-contained living space that travels with the truck. Truck campers offer a compact and efficient layout, making them an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or those who prioritize mobility. Despite their smaller footprint, truck campers often include sleeping areas, a kitchenette, and bathroom facilities, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of home while on the road.

Teardrop Trailers: 

Teardrop trailers are known for their distinct teardrop-shaped design, prioritizing aerodynamics and efficiency. These compact campers are perfect for individuals or couples seeking a cozy and minimalistic camping experience. While they may appear small on the outside, teardrop trailers often feature ingenious interior layouts that maximize space. They typically include sleeping quarters, a small kitchen area, and sometimes basic amenities. Teardrop trailers are easy to tow and maneuver, making them an ideal choice for those who value simplicity and style. Some manufacturers will put these in the category of small travel trailers.

Off-Road Campers:

As the name suggests, off-road campers are designed to tackle rough terrains and adventurous trails. These campers have robust suspensions, reinforced frames, and off-road tires, allowing you to explore remote and challenging destinations. Off-road campers often come with features such as higher ground clearance, heavy-duty construction, and specialized amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. These are great options if you plan to travel on rough terrain or maneuver down narrow roads in more remote areas.

Off Road Camper in forest

The Different Types of Travel Trailers

Travel trailers come in various shapes and sizes, each catering to different preferences, group sizes, and travel experiences. Let’s delve into some different types of travel trailers, each offering unique features and advantages.

Conventional Travel Trailers: 

Conventional travel trailers are the quintessential choice for many RV enthusiasts. They come in various sizes, layouts, and floor plans, making them versatile for individuals, couples, families, and even larger groups. From compact units with all the essentials to spacious models with slide-out extensions, conventional travel trailers offer an array of amenities. They typically include sleeping quarters, a kitchenette, dining areas, and bathroom facilities. 

Red trucking towing a travel trailer

Toy Haulers: Blending Adventure and Comfort

Toy haulers are travel trailers designed with a twist— they come equipped with a garage area at the rear, which can be used to transport motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles, or other adventure gear. This unique feature combines the convenience of an RV with the ability to bring along your favorite outdoor toys. Toy haulers often feature fold-down beds, convertible seating, and ample storage space. 

Ultra-Light Travel Trailers: Towable with Ease

Ultra-light travel trailers are engineered to be lightweight and easy to tow, making them an excellent choice for those with smaller tow vehicles or who want improved fuel efficiency. These trailers are designed with lightweight materials and streamlined construction, allowing you to hit the road without needing a heavy-duty truck. Despite their compact size, ultra-light travel trailers offer essential amenities, including sleeping quarters, kitchen facilities, and sometimes even bathroom amenities. 

Travel trailer with tent rooms at campground

Luxury Travel Trailers: Embracing Elegance

For travelers who seek the epitome of comfort and style, luxury travel trailers offer a lavish experience on the road. These trailers feature high-end amenities, upscale finishes, and a focus on sophisticated design. From luxurious furnishings to gourmet kitchens and spacious living areas, luxury travel trailers provide a home-away-from-home experience. 

Similarities Between Camper and Travel Trailer

Campers and travel trailers accomplish the same goals in the diverse landscape of RVs, offering travelers the freedom to explore the world while enjoying the comforts of home. While these two categories might have distinct features and designs, they share an essence that draws enthusiasts to both options. When differentiating between the two, it’s essential to highlight the significant similarities that make them both appealing choices for those seeking a mobile lifestyle. 

Home Away from Home:

At their very heart, campers and travel trailers offer a familiar refuge amidst the unfamiliarity of new landscapes. Whether you’re traversing mountains, lounging by serene lakes, or nestled in your local RV park, these vehicles provide a cozy space to sleep, eat, or relax each day.

Sleeping Quarters:

Both campers and travel trailers accomplish one of the primary goals of an RV, providing comfortable sleeping quarters. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends, these vehicles cater to varying numbers of occupants with their diverse floor plans. From snug sleeping areas to spacious master bedrooms, the sleeping arrangements allow you to wake up refreshed and ready for the day’s escapades.

Interior of teardrop camper

Kitchen and cooking:

Both campers and travel trailers will offer some type of kitchen facilities that allow you to cook on the go. From preparing your morning coffee to crafting gourmet campfire dinners, the equipped kitchenettes in both options empower you to savor culinary delights while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. While the size of the kitchen and available amenities will vary with the size of the RV, this shared feature is something you can expect in either option.

Bathroom Amenities:

Most campers and travel trailers will provide some type of bathroom facilities. Depending on their size and layout, both offer bathroom amenities ranging from basic toilet facilities to more comprehensive setups that include showers. Small campers may be limited in bathroom options, with very small ones only offering a portable toilet and outdoor shower. However, having these amenities within reach eliminates the dependency on external facilities.

image 8

Flexibility and Exploration:

Both campers and travel trailers embrace the spirit of adventure by granting you the freedom to change your destination and itinerary as your wanderlust dictates. Whether you’re traversing remote camping spots, exploring national parks, or simply embarking on a spontaneous road trip, the flexibility these options provide ensures you can adapt your journey to your desires and discoveries.

Differences Between Camper and Travel Trailer

While these two categories share commonalities that make them both alluring options for travelers, it’s essential to recognize their distinct characteristics and functionalities. Let’s delve into the key differences that set campers and travel trailers apart, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal RV for your adventures.

1. Design and Size:

Campers:  Campers are smaller and designed to be affixed to the bed of a pickup truck or towed by a smaller vehicle. Their size is inherently limited due to the dimensions of the truck bed or the smaller size of the vehicle towing it. This design makes campers an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or those who prefer a more minimalist approach to camping.

Travel Trailers:  In contrast, travel trailers encompass a broader spectrum of sizes and layouts. From compact units to expansive models with slide-out extensions, travel trailers often offer more spacious living areas, separate sleeping quarters, and comprehensive kitchen and bathroom facilities. This versatility makes them a better option for individuals, families, and larger groups seeking varying comfort levels.

2. Towing and Mobility:

Campers:  Campers are usually easy to tow and usually offer an easier learning curve for folks unfamiliar with towing an RV. For truck campers, they provide a seamless integration with the towing vehicle, as they become a single unit when attached to the bed of a truck. This configuration enhances maneuverability, especially in tight spaces, and simplifies the overall towing experience. Since the campers are usually smaller, they will also improve fuel efficiency when getting to and from the campsite. A small camper will also offer better gas mileage for your tow vehicle. A small camper will be a great choice if you want to be nimble and take spontaneous road trips. 

image 9

Travel Trailers:  Travel trailers are designed to be towed behind a separate vehicle, such as an SUV or truck. This towing setup allows for greater mobility once you’ve reached your destination. You can unhitch the travel trailer and use your vehicle independently to explore local attractions, run to the grocery store, or embark on day trips. Larger travel trailers will require some practice when towing and maneuvering the vehicle. Unless you have a smaller trailer, It will take some skill to maneuver through parking lots or a tight campsite. Also, due to their large size, your fuel economy when towing will be much less than with a camper.

3. Living Space and Amenities:

Campers:  Due to their smaller size, campers have a more compact layout that generally results in limited interior space. While they offer sleeping quarters and basic kitchen facilities, the overall living area is more confined than travel trailers. This is one of the main differences when shopping for your first RV.

Travel Trailers:  Their larger dimensions typically provide more spacious living areas. Depending on the model, they can include features like separate bedrooms, comfortable seating arrangements, full kitchens with appliances, and even more luxurious amenities. Many travel trailers will offer slide outs, providing much more space when set up at the campground. The extra room allows for greater comfort and a more home-like atmosphere.

4. Storage:

Campers:  Campers have a more limited storage capacity due to their compact size. While they offer some storage solutions, you’ll need to be selective about the items you bring along on your journey. Unlike a large travel trailer, campers will have fewer options to transport or store their camping gear or supplies.

Storage compartment in fifth wheel RV

Travel Trailers:  The larger dimensions of travel trailers usually translate to more storage space. These trailers often feature ample cabinets, closets, and storage compartments, allowing you to bring a wider variety of gear, equipment, and personal items. While smaller travel trailers won’t have much space, they’re still usually a better choice for a large family with more things to bring along.

5. Tow Vehicle Requirements:

Campers:  If you choose a towable camper, you won’t need as big of a tow vehicle. An SUV can usually tow a small teardrop trailer or pop-up camper. However, truck campers usually require a larger pickup truck due to their design that attaches directly to a bed of a truck. The camper’s weight and dimensions will influence the specific truck requirements. 

Travel Trailers:  Travel trailers can be towed by a broader range of vehicles, including SUVs, half-ton trucks, and some larger crossover vehicles. The towing capacity and appropriate hitching system will vary based on the size and weight of the travel trailer.

By understanding these key differences, you can better evaluate whether a camper or a travel trailer aligns with your travel style, group size, and preferences. Each option offers distinct advantages that cater to various needs, ensuring you can embark on your journeys with the perfect RV companion.

Comparing Campers, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, and Motorhomes

Travel trailers and campers are just two categories of RVs. If you’re looking at different options with more features, two significant contenders in this realm are fifth wheels and motorhomes. These options offer distinct advantages, designs, and functionalities that set them apart from campers and travel trailers. Let’s delve into how fifth wheels and motorhomes differentiate themselves from campers and travel trailers, allowing you to make an informed decision that aligns with your travel aspirations.

Fifth Wheels:  

Fifth wheels are a unique category of RVs that require a special hitch installed in the bed of a pickup truck. This hitching mechanism provides enhanced stability during towing, making fifth wheels attractive for those seeking a smoother towing experience. Fifth wheels often boast more living space than traditional travel trailers due to their design extending over the truck bed. This design allows for additional slide-out rooms, creating a spacious, home-like interior. The hitching system also results in a tighter turning radius, allowing for greater maneuverability when navigating tight spaces. Fifth wheels are a popular choice for long-term travelers or those who prioritize ample living space while on the road.

Fifth wheel RV at campground

Motorhomes:  

In contrast to both campers and travel trailers, motorhomes are self-contained units with their own engines. This all-in-one design seamlessly combines the living area with the driving space, eliminating the need to tow a separate vehicle. Motorhomes come in different classes—Class A, Class B, and Class C—each offering varying sizes, layouts, and amenities. Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, resembling a bus in appearance and offering expansive living spaces. Class B motorhomes, or camper vans, are compact yet versatile, ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking mobility. Class C motorhomes fall in between, often built on a van chassis with a distinctive cab-over design, providing additional sleeping or storage space. Motorhomes provide the convenience of having everything in one unit, making them a popular choice for those who want to seamlessly transition from driving to living without disconnecting or hitching. However, since you have an engine, maintenance costs will usually be higher for motorhomes. 

Class C RV riving on the highway

In Summary: Finding Your Perfect Match

The world of RVs offers various options, each catering to different preferences, group sizes, and travel styles. While campers and travel trailers provide a sense of home on wheels, fifth wheels offer enhanced stability and spacious interiors. At the same time, motorhomes bring together convenience and comfort in an all-in-one package. Understanding the distinctions among these options empowers you to select the perfect companion for your journeys. Whether you’re drawn to the compact mobility of campers, the spacious elegance of fifth wheels, the versatility of travel trailers, or the seamless convenience of motorhomes, each choice promises a unique adventure on the open road. The decision ultimately rests upon your priorities, travel aspirations, and the experiences you seek to create.

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  • Tent Trailers vs. Travel Trailers – What are the Benefits of Each?

December 23, 2015

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travel trailer vs tent trailer

At Bucars RV we carry a large selection of both used and new towable RV’s. Among these towable RV’s we carry two great body types the travel trailer and the tent trailer also known as the pop-up or fold down trailer. Both of these body types have unique benefits that suit varying types of needs. We want to help you figure out which body type is best for your family. Of course the best way to do this is to come down and visit our lot and see them for yourself, but if you can’t make it to us this article can help you with your decision. Please keep in mind if you have any questions about travel trailers or tent trailers you can call us at 1-800-267-8348, we are always eager to help.

The Benefits of a Travel Trailer

The travel trailer has a ton of benefits when RV’ing and this is why it is the most popular body type among all RV’s. Travel trailers can vary in towing weight ranging from ultra lightweight to larger models with an abundance of living space. The beauty of a travel trailer is that you will be able to find a model that will suit the towing capacity of your current vehicle. Not having to buy a new vehicle so you can tow your RV is a huge benefit of the travel trailer.

Another great benefit to travel trailers isn’t only the variety of sizes and weights they offer but the variety of features and layouts as well. Travel trailers come in endless sizes and many feature garages, roof top patios, bay windows, fireplaces, offices, hideaway beds, expanding sides, and lowering roofs. If you can dream it, chances are someone has already built it.

One other undeniable benefit of the travel trailer is that it is detachable from your tow vehicle. This means you can leave your trailer at the park and use your car or truck for shopping and sightseeing.

Bucars is proud to carry some of the most popular and awarded travel trailer models available in Calgary. These models include the Venture RV Sporttrek and Sonic models and the K-Z RV Spree Escape, Spree Connect, Spree Sportsmen and Coyote MXT models .

The Benefits of a Tent Trailer

Tent trailers are the perfect RV body type for those who want the convenience of an RV without a large trailer or RV taking up space on their property or having to pay to store it. The tent trailer is incredibly easy to store and takes up the least amount of space among all RV body types. Tent trailers are often bought as a first trailer for families, they are lightweight enough to be towed by virtually any car and can be found in many lengths with options such as hot water, refrigerator, air conditioning and washrooms.

The tent trailer is by far the most affordable body type among RV’s and is perfect for those who are looking to take their first steps into RV’ing. Tent trailers are a good introduction to the RVing lifestyle with monthly payments that can start as low as $99, perfect for first-time buyers or families with young children.

Even though tent trailers are the most compact trailer available they still offer plenty of living space. Many tent trailers include facilities for kitchen, dining and sleeping. Some models even include a slide-out section to increase floor space in the centre of the unit. Not only can they offer great living space they also can offer great features such as stoves, refrigerators, toilets and showers. So even though they take up less space it doesn’t mean you are giving up amenities as a result.

Bucars is proud to carry a large variety of quality used tent trailers . We encourage you to come visit us and see our available tent trailers for yourself, or call us at 1-800-267-8348.

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The Complete Guide to Pop-Up Trailer Campers

You’ll never have to worry about sleeping on the floor again while indulging in the great outdoors.

opus trailer tents

By Chris Chin

It may be hard to believe right now, but fall is just around the corner — which means, with the scorching ambient temperatures and the soupy humidity of summer begin to subside, we’re about to be in the ideal temperatures for camping season.

While there are a variety of ways to accommodate sleeping arrangements once the fire burns out, the smores supply wanes, and the time to turn in for the night approaches — rooftop tents , regular tents , camping trailers , camper vans , et cetera — in this case, we’re talking about pop-up tent trailer campers .

Which, of course, may beg the question:

What Exactly Is a Pop-Up Tent Trailer?

When it comes to camping, you can always go the bougie glamping route with a decked-out motorhome, a camper bus , or even a fancy-schmancy Airstream ; yet these are big, cumbersome and pricey compared with the freedom and flexibility of other forms of camping. On the opposite side of the spectrum, one can go back to basics with a simple tent. Even with padding, though, trying to sleep on rough terrain however can be a major turnoff for many. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternative happy mediums in between — one of which is the pop-up tent trailer camper.

Think of it as a basic camping tent—or even, in some cases, a mobile compartmentalized gazebo—mounted permanently atop a small trailer chassis and equipped with onboard amenities. More than that, though, it’s all efficiently bundled together with sleeping arrangements that your back might appreciate — in a package almost any car can tow.

sylvansport trailer tent

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Trailer Tent

Pop-up trailer tents often come equipped with items similar those of a much larger camper, but in pint-sized portions. For example, depending on the model, you might find a small cooking station, hardtop and dinette seating surfaces, extra storage spaces, a kitchenette sink, even air conditioning. The standard features list tends to include integrated electronics and plumbing, flexible connectivity options for water, propane, and power hook-ups, and more.

But at the same time, trailer tents are not as cumbersome or expensive as full-sized trailers, which need heavy-duty pickups or beefy SUVs and lots of space to haul. Most pop-up tent trailers weigh less than 3,000 pounds meaning they can be hitched up to most mid-to-full-size vehicles, like your average crossover SUV . Additionally, many pop-up trailer tents collapse into it their chassis for mobility purposes; yet when set up at one’s favorite camping site, they’re screened off to keep nature out.

trailer tent inside

There are a few disadvantages, though — particularly if you’re a stickler for square footage, or if you have large groups of people with you, as tent trailers are meant to be a compact and efficient way to camp. And you do need a vehicle with some sort of tow hitch to be able to drive off with one. Those without a factory hitch would have to consider aftermarket options.

And then there’s cost. While they are significantly cheaper than a larger camper or “destination” trailer , they still can cost a pretty penny—at least, when compared to your average tent that costs a few hundred bucks. Most brand-new pop-up campers range from as little as $7,000 to over $20,000 for the larger, more lavishly equipped models.

collage of a camping chair, an air mattress, and a coleman stove

The Best Trailer Tents

Like the trailer and motorhome market, there is a plethora of household names in the pop-up trailer tent market —as well as a few startups growing in popularity.

OPUS Camper

opus camper

OPUS Camper , a subsidiary of trailering outfitter PurpleLine USA from Pittsburg, California, made a name for itself for offering a full lineup of luxury pop-up tent trailers geared towards overlanders. Feature rich and fitted with all-terrain tires and beefed-up suspension, OPUS campers are the Land Rovers of tent trailers.

Should you despise manual labor, all their models feature its in-house “OPUS Camper Inflation” technology, which means they can all be popped up and collapsed with a simple touch of a button in a matter of minutes. But be ready to fork over a nice chunk for this level of amenities; the base Opus Lite costs nearly as much as a brand-new compact car, starting at $19,900.

SylvanSport

sylvansport camping trailer

SylvanSport is a known brand among hiking and kayak fans, and has since expanded to make its own camping trailer, the SylvanSport GO. Starting at $10,995, the SylvanSport is an affordable option for the camping couple or small family.

It utilizes a simple-yet-sleek skeleton design with an integrated a pop-up rooftop tent pod that provides sleeping quarters for up to four people. Should you not need to utilize said tent pod, the SylvanSport also doubles as an outdoor activity trailer, offering the flexibility to haul bicycles, kayaks and even dirt bikes without having to dismantle the tent pod.

rear view of airstream x rei base camp travel trailer

Known for their “A-frame” style campers, Aliner is a reputable and well-respected brand for this unique type of pop-up. It may not be a pop-up tent trailer in the traditional sense, as it features solid walls rather than soft fabric walls, but they still come standard with integrated systems such as electronics and plumbing.

They also provide more secure and private quarters, in the event wild animals are a campsite issue. And because of its fixed design, there are fewer moving and expensive parts, so these A-frame pop-ups are on the more affordable side, with some offerings starting at under $10,000.

Starcraft / Jayco

starcraft jayco trailer tent

Not to be confused with the popular videogame, Starcraft and its parent company as of the 1990s Jayco are both household mainstream names known for RVs, campers, and pop-up tent trailers. Both offer pop-up tent trailer campers with similar designs and floor plans, offering a ton of flexibility, versatility, and onboard amenities.

Starcraft currently doesn’t have any new model pop-up trailers in its current lineup, and the most recent model from Jayco is the 2019 Jay Sport. But pre-owned examples from both manufacturers are abundant on the second-hand market.

But wait, there’s more

This is just short list of some of the most popular manufacturers in the pop-up trailer tent market as there are plenty of other outfitters producing similar trailers. Other notable brands include Taxa with their Woolly line of trailers geared towards overlanders , Forest River RVs and Coachmen . So rest assured, if you’re in the market for a pop-up tent trailer, there’s no shortage of options.

camper van in the woods

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Pop Up Camper vs Travel Trailer: Why We Got A Pop-Up!

By: Author Brennan Valeski

Posted on Last updated: September 16, 2021

Categories Auto & RV , Pop Ups , Travel Trailer

Pop Up Camper vs Travel Trailer: Why We Got A Pop-Up!

I remember back when I was a teenager and my parents faced the tough choice between a standard travel trailer or a tent trailer. I traveled to every single place with them, learning all about the decision making process. We also considered some hard side travel trailers with canvas pop outs, also known as hybrid trailers.

For most, I would recommend a pop-up tent trailer as it's much less difficult to store and easier to tow. If you need something larger, would like a shower and bathroom, or have a larger budget, then a travel trailer is a good option as well.

We decided to go for a pop-up tent trailer, so I figured I'd share some of the pros and cons of each option we went through to pick the best camper for our family.

Tent trailers feel more like camping

A common negative to traditional travel trailers is that they can feel like you're in a house or apartment, and not in nature enjoying the beautiful weather.

Due to the construction of a travel trailer, you're limited to how many windows you can open to create a cross breeze. Whereas with a tent trailer, you can open all the canvas and let tons of fresh air inside.

However, you could also go for a hybrid trailer with canvas sides if this is something you wish to do. Many times I'd find myself going outside and riding my bike to enjoy the weather. This is really only an issue when doing activities inside the camper. Not to mention, a pop-up camper will feel more cozy inside due to it's compact design.

Tent trailers are much easier to store

The neighborhood we lived in, like many places, did not allow for trailers to be stored on property behind the side fence. Therefore, your only option is to pay for trailer storage when you're not using it.

With a tent trailer however, it's got such a low clearance that it can fit low under the fence to where the HOA would never find out. We were even able to fit and store our pop-up inside the garage to keep it sheltered from weather. This also saves time from having to drive to a storage facility for pick up.

Travel trailers are much more waterproof

When camping inside a conventional travel trailer, it's like staying in a small hotel. This home on wheels protects you from all the rain and weather, and you'll stay quite dry.

A well kept tent trailer will also keep you dry, yet the canvas walls do tend to condensate the water from outside. This causes corner areas around the bed frames to get wet if they touch the walls. It's not a huge issue, yet this does mean that you'll have to air out your camper to dry before closing it back up when you get home.

Tent trailers weigh much less

A tent trailer can weigh about 2,500 pounds where a similar travel trailer may weigh up to 4,500 pounds. We were actually able to tow our Rockwood Freedom with a van!

travel trailer vs tent trailer

The van we towed it with was a 2007 Honda Odyssey for those wondering. If you don't have a truck to tow a heavy camper, this is a great option. That's my dad opening the hatch to the right. Which leads to my next point, if you plan to use a van you'll have all that extra covered rear storage right in your vehicle.

The main reason why tent trailers weigh much less is due to their canvas sides. They also don't have as many wood cupboards or amenities that add to the weight.

Being able to tow our camper with a van also allowed us to drive more people when going on outdoor excursions. Our family friends in many cases would ride with us since they were limited to driving trucks with their travel trailers. This also made longer road trips to different states a whole lot more comfortable.

Tent trailers are easier to back up

One of the most frustrating parts of camping is to get your trailer to back up "just right" to fit into the campsite. With a pop-up camper, your job is much easier. You won't be moving as large of a trailer so it's got less room that it takes up on the site. That means less trees and other objects to worry about when backing up.

In addition, when you're towing a tent trailer you can typically see right over it. The only time you can't is when the ac unit is in the way (which doesn't happen too often).

Some people also install an RV back up camera or their travel trailer comes with one. This does help for larger trailers and campers, yet it's no silver bullet. You'll still have a tougher time in most cases if you have a larger camper.

Travel trailers are more convenient to pack/unpack

A major benefit to a travel trailer is that you can leave a lot of your camping supplies inside the camper. This makes packing and unpacking a whole lot easier since you already have most of your stuff ready to go once you park on the campsite.

With a pop-up camper, we'd spend several hours preparing our camping checklist and making sure we had everything packed perfect. Then once we got back home it would take a couple hours to clean out the van.

Traditional trailers have a lot more storage inside than a tent trailer. Not to mention, once you're at the campground you park it and unload right away since you don't have to pop it up. This makes going for a quick weekend trip a lot more feasible, with less preparation required in advance.

This is really the #1 drawback to owning a tent trailer for my family.

Tent trailers are a lot cheaper

The cost of a tent trailer will be at least $10,000 cheaper than a travel trailer when new. That's a large difference in the amount of money, so you'll have to make sure that a travel trailer is really worth it for you. We were able to get our pop-up camper used for a really good deal on Craigslist.

In addition, tent trailers will be less expensive to insure since they have less parts that can break. They also save money in fuel since they weigh much less and are more aerodynamic on the highway.

Few pop-ups have a bathroom or shower

This one is actually both a pro and con at the same time. Some pop-ups will have a bathroom or shower, typically only behind a curtain. It's not really too fun having little to no privacy when going to the bathroom. Or if you don't have one, this means you'll have to walk over to the campground bathroom when you gotta go.

It's usually not too bad to go to the campground bathrooms as long as you're in a state or national park (they're usually cleaner). We would try to grab spots somewhat close to the bathroom to make it less of a walk.

The major upside to not having a bathroom is no dump station lines!

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Being able to skip and avoid these long lines of RVs and trailers will save you a lot of time and headaches when leaving your campsite. These lines can sometimes last for over an hour if it's a holiday weekend and everyone is leaving at the same time.

Of course you could also opt for a portable travel toilet to setup inside your camper for when you really gotta go.

We had a great experience using this Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet .

Be sure to grab the holding tank deodorizer , as these toilets do get smelly if the tank is left open. You'll also want to get special toilet tissue  as regular toilet paper will clog it up.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

To dump these travel toilets all you have to do is detach the tank a pour the sewage into a regular toilet. We would usually avoid number two (other than emergencies) and keep it to only number one inside the tank to make it easier for dumping and cleaning.

If you're camping with girls, having a portable toilet will also be very useful as they can't really pee in a bottle like boys.

Travel trailers have more space (in general)

This is not always the case depending on the trailer. I've been in quite a few tent trailers that are very spacious, yet in general travel trailers have more space. You also have more room for movie nights and having other people stay over.

When preparing meals with a family of four it was somewhat challenging and cramped at times inside the pop-up camper. Many times we would eat outside to enjoy the weather, so this was really only a problem when there was bad weather.

Traditional trailers provide more insulation

The hard walls of a travel trailer offer more privacy and insulation inside. Now a tent trailer does keep in cool air and heat decent, yet not as much in comparison. When it got really cold or hot inside, it does not maintain the temperature as well as travel trailer counterparts.

Using a tent trailer is still much better than a traditional tent since you're off the ground. However, many times I'd still find myself curled up inside a sleeping bag despite being on a pop out bed.

Longer setup time on a pop-up

This has got to be the worst part of a pop-up camper is the setup time. When you get to a campground with a travel trailer you park and you're done. With a tent trailer, you've got to crank up the top (if it's not electric), pull out the beds and support them, and setup the kitchen.

This aspect also adds the most time to unloading and loading your pop-up camper. The added stress of reaching a certain check out time can be frustrating with the extra campsite procedures. This means you'll have to start packing up to leave a lot sooner than other campers.

Travel trailers offer better security

When you go hiking or biking on trails and leave your campsite you'll lock up the door. The hard sides of a travel trailer prevent anyone (or animals) from getting inside when you're not there. Not to mention if you're traveling with someone who doesn't love camping, this will make them feel a lot safer.

With a tent trailer the lock on the door is there more to deter potential intruders. If someone wanted to get inside they could just lift the Velcro canvas on the camper. Then, unlock the door from the outside by reaching inside.

Most campground are filled with families and pretty safe, so this isn't something you'd really have to worry about. If you have any valuables you could also choose to lock them inside your vehicle.

Pets work better in a travel trailer

When going on camping trips we would always bring our two dogs Draco and Daisy.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

The only downside to having pets in a tent trailer is that if you leave them at the campsite and they bark, everyone nearby could hear them. This can be annoying to fellow campers and can even get you kicked out of the park. Many campgrounds do not allow unattended pets in pop-ups also for the fear that they could get out.

With a travel trailer, the walls are much more soundproof (and hard) which makes it easier to leave your dogs at the campsite. If your dogs are small and quiet (like ours most of the time) it wasn't usually an issue. Regardless you'll want to at least check the camping restrictions if you have pets.

To Conclude

Choosing between a travel trailer vs tent trailer can be a tough decision. You will have to decide what will work better for your family. For us, it was better to choose a pop-up camper for easier storage, saving money, and being able to tow it with our van.

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Published: Dec 9, 2023 by Peter Donovan · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Camping in a Tent vs a Trailer: Evaluating Comfort, Convenience, and Cost

Choosing between tent camping and trailer camping often comes down to the type of outdoor experience I'm seeking.

With a tent, I immerse myself fully in nature, sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sounds of the wilderness. It's a traditional and minimalistic approach to camping that requires me to be resourceful and flexible.

an RV parked at a campsite

On the other hand, opting for a trailer provides a different level of comfort and convenience, akin to bringing a slice of home on the road. I enjoy amenities such as a bed, kitchen, and sometimes even air conditioning while still being able to park at a scenic campsite.

The decision also hinges on practical considerations. When I opt for tent camping , I must be mindful of the weather conditions, as a tent offers limited protection against the elements.

Packing is more challenging too, as I need to carry all necessary gear, sometimes to remote locations.

However, the simplicity of a tent allows me to be more spontaneous and adventurous. With a trailer, I experience less worry about rain and cold, and I can carry more supplies. I also have to consider the logistics of towing and parking a trailer, which can limit where I can set up camp.

Ultimately, the choice between tent and trailer camping depends on my personal preferences and the kind of adventure I'm in the mood for.

Whether seeking a rustic experience connected directly with nature or a more comfortable retreat that a trailer offers, both styles of camping promise memorable experiences in the great outdoors.

Tent vs Trailer Camping Basics

Practical comparisons, pros and cons of tent and trailer camping, choosing your camping adventure, frequently asked questions.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

When planning a camping trip, the choice between tent camping and trailer camping can greatly impact my experience.

Each style has distinct essentials that cater to different preferences, from the simplicity and closeness to nature with tent camping, to the enhanced comfort and amenities offered by trailer camping.

Tent Camping Basics

For tent camping, my focus is on lightweight and waterproof gear. The essentials include:

  • Tent: My shelter from the elements. Invest in a sturdy tent, considering size and weather resistance.
  • Sleeping Bag: Choose based on the climate. A sleeping pad provides additional insulation.
  • Gear: Necessary items include a camp stove , lighting , and camping equipment like chairs and a table.
  • Packing: Everything must fit in my vehicle, so I plan for space-efficient packing.
  • Setup: I ensure I know how to set up a tent quickly , as it's part of my campsite establishment.

Trailer Camping Advantages

Trailer camping, by contrast, offers built-in comfort and often includes:

  • Amenities: Features such as a kitchen, beds, and a bathroom enhance my camping experience.
  • Electricity and Climate Control: These provide comfort in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Storage: Ample space allows for less restrictive packing.
  • Ease of Setup: Once parked, my travel trailer or RV is ready to inhabit.

The cost for trailer camping is generally higher due to the price of the camper or trailer and potential RV rentals, but for those seeking a camping style that blends the outdoors with the comforts of home, the investment can be well worth it.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

When examining the practical aspects of tent and trailer camping, key factors such as setup time, comfort levels, mobility, cost, and weather resilience come to the forefront.

I'll explore these to guide you through the specifics.

Setting Up Camp

Setting up a tent requires selecting a flat, ideally soft area, assembling the frame, and securing the tent with stakes. T

his can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the tent.

In contrast, setting up a camper or travel trailer often involves parking in a designated spot and may include extending slide-outs or an awning with the push of a button, which is considerably quicker and less labor-intensive.

Comfort and Convenience

For comfort, trailers generally offer built-in bedding solutions such as mattresses, which are more comfortable than a sleeping pad or air mattress in a tent.

They also typically include bathrooms , cooking facilities, and food storage , significantly enhancing convenience over tents, where such facilities require separate camping gear and often expose you to the elements.

Mobility and Flexibility

Mobility with a tent is high; it's lightweight and can fit into a backpack or vehicle without needing much space.

Tents afford the flexibility to camp in remote or undeveloped locations that are inaccessible to trailers.

However, a trailer provides the advantage of keeping all your gear packed and ready to go, though it requires a capable towing vehicle and may restrict where you can camp based on size and weight considerations.

Cost Considerations

Cost varies greatly between tent camping and trailer camping. Tents are generally less expensive and require fewer maintenance costs.

Purchasing a used trailer can offer some savings, but the initial investment is still higher than a tent.

a camping trailer parked at a campsite

Additionally, trailers involve additional costs such as insurance, maintenance, and potentially higher camping fees .

Weather Preparedness

Tents can be made waterproof and designed for various weather conditions , but they're more susceptible to damage in storms and less insulating in the cold .

Trailers offer sturdy durability in adverse weather and provide better protection and comfort during rain or cold weather, thanks to their solid construction and insulation.

When deciding on the type of camping that suits your preferences, considering the pros and cons of both tent and trailer camping is essential.

Each offers a unique experience with varying levels of comfort, convenience, and connection to nature.

Tent Camping Pros and Cons

  • Connection with Nature: I find that tent camping offers a more authentic experience in the wild, allowing for a closer connection with the environment.
  • Cost-Effective: Campground fees for tent spots are generally lower, and the initial investment in a tent is typically less than a trailer.
  • Less Comfort: Sleeping in a tent usually means sleeping on the ground, which can be uncomfortable for some, even with sleeping mats or air mattresses.
  • Vulnerable to Weather: Tents provide less protection against elements, making camping in extreme conditions more challenging.

Trailer Camping Pros and Cons

  • Amenities and Comfort: My travel trailer feels like a home away from home, featuring beds, electricity, and sometimes even air conditioning and heating.
  • Cooking and Food Storage: With a trailer, I enjoy the convenience of built-in cooking facilities and refrigeration which are great for family meals.
  • Cost: Investment in a trailer can be substantial, not only in purchasing but also in maintaining and storing it.
  • Limited Spontaneity: Travel trailers require designated spaces, often needing reservations in advance, which can reduce the spontaneity of your camping trips.

When I plan a camping trip, my choice between tent camping and trailer camping centers on several factors. If I'm on a tight budget and eager for a back-to-basics experience close to nature, I opt for a camping tent.

Tent camping allows me to immerse myself in the outdoors, with the added bonus of honing my camping gear skills each time I set up camp.

In contrast, when seeking comfort and convenience , especially with family or during extended road trips , I lean towards a travel trailer.

a travel trailer parked in the snow at a campsite.

Sure, it's an investment, but the value lies in the built-in cooling , heating , and air conditioning —luxuries that make it a home away from home. It's perfect for glamping .

I find a variety of locations play a role in my decision as well. A secluded beach or rugged mountain terrain might beckon me toward the simplicity of a tent.

But, if I'm planning a vacation where I want to avoid the hassle of setting up camp and carrying heavy loads, a camper trailer offers the luxury of bringing my supplies along without the backache.

Here are a few considerations:

Ultimately, whether I'm seeking a peaceful escape or a trip filled with relaxing comforts, my choice reflects the experience I want to have.

The beauty of camping, in any style, is that it reconnects me to the outdoors, reminding me to appreciate simplicity and luxury alike.

When considering the dynamics of camping, many enthusiasts find themselves weighing the benefits of tent versus trailer camping.

What are the pros and cons of tent camping compared to using a trailer?

Tent camping offers a more authentic outdoor experience and usually requires a lower financial investment up front than a trailer. However, it lacks the comfort and amenities like plumbing and heating that trailers provide .

How does the cost of tent camping compare with renting a camping trailer?

The cost of tent camping is typically lower than renting a camping trailer, making it more accessible for those on a tight budget. But considering the added shelter and features of a trailer, the extra cost can be justified for those seeking more luxury and convenience .

What are the advantages of tent camping over RV or trailer camping?

Tent camping allows for greater flexibility in terms of location, as many sites inaccessible to trailers are open to tents. Tents have a minimalistic nature that encourages deeper engagement with the outdoors.

What features do pop up campers offer compared to traditional tent setups?

Pop up campers serve as a middle ground, offering portability similar to tents, but with features more akin to a trailer like off-ground sleeping areas and sometimes built-in utilities.

How do trailer tents and traditional tents differ in terms of convenience and comfort?

Trailer tents, also known as tent trailers, combine the mobility of traditional tents with the comfort of RVs, usually including beds and sometimes kitchenettes. Traditional tents, while less convenient to set up, encourage a more hands-on camping experience .

Is the popularity of tent camping declining in favor of RV or trailer camping?

While RV and trailer camping are growing in popularity due to their convenience and comfort, tent camping remains a beloved classic for its simplicity and closer connection to nature.

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an RV parked at a campsite

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Camping Trailer vs. Travel Trailer: Understanding the Differences

By TAXA Habitat Specialists \ April 21, 2023

Camping Trailer vs. Travel Trailer: Understanding the Differences

While some might call this a game of semantics, comparing the camping trailer and travel trailer categories might provide clarity when selecting a vehicle for your next adventure. The differences are subtle — but they do exist.

First, what is a trailer (vs. a motorhome)?

Before we look at the more specific differences between different types of trailers, what actually defines a trailer? The generally-accepted criteria for this is that they aren’t powered by an engine and aren’t self-propelled (and therefore “trail” a tow vehicle). This is different from motorhomes and RVs, which do have engines and can be driven on their own. However, trailers often have much more flexibility and can be more cost-efficient, which has resulted in a boom in popularity.

Camper vs. travel trailer

When we look at the trailer category, there are two primary terms you’ll see: Camping trailers (campers) and travel trailers. Engineers craft camping trailers specifically for the camping experience. Many trailers, regardless of naming specifics, possess the capability to drive on rough terrain, withstand harsh elements , and store belongings in tight spaces. However, camping trailers are uniquely crafted to excel at these tasks and are kings of efficiency and practicality. Many call camping trailers “adventure vehicles,” or as we at TAXA like to say, mobile human habitats purposefully designed to inspire the journey towards and into nature. These trailers engage with the natural world instead of running from it.

On the other hand, travel trailers are built with comfort and often luxury in mind. However, many require external hookups for things like water and electricity, as they’re expected to be used at established campsites with these in place. They are typically larger, with more amenities that lend themselves to someone living within the trailer for extended periods. This is in contrast to campers, where lots of time is spent outside and the trailer is primarily used for sleeping and eating, rather than the majority of your time.

Some would say there is some crossover territory between camping and travel trailers. However, in general, the intention of a travel trailer is to provide a living space that more closely resembles what you probably have back home. Rather than being immersed in the wild, the travel trailer serves up modern living in a mobile environment.

Feature differences

Camping Trailers: Typically smaller and lighter than travel trailers, campers also usually possess a more rugged build for camping terrain and adventures ( such as overlanding ). These trailers embrace the fact that many people camping may not have access to civilization (at least as they know it) while using them. Consequently, engineers design most camping trailers with solutions for electricity, water, and storage for days on end. In essence, camping trailers provide the necessities, oftentimes elegantly, but do not burden campers with luxury.

Travel Trailers: Rather than durability or efficiency, travel trailers pride themselves on convenience. Most require an RV hookup and take up more space than a camping trailer. Of course, these differences usually mean a more robust power system, more storage, and larger bedrooms. Many also possess well-equipped kitchens , living areas, and bathrooms. All of this extra space and comfort does come with an increased price tag, however.

Woolly Bear camping trailer from TAXA Outdoors

Other comparisons & differences

Travel trailers and campers aren’t the only types of similar vehicles that get confused. With all the slight variations and different names, it can be difficult to keep everything straight, so we’ve summarized a few more common comparisons below:

5th wheel vs. travel trailer

5th wheels are often a similar size to travel trailers (larger than campers and other smaller trailers), but the primary difference between these is in how they connect to the tow vehicle. Travel trailers connect via a bumper-level hitch, while 5th wheels connect to a hitch that is inside the bed of a truck. This means that 5th wheels can also only be towed by a pickup truck, not other vehicles that most other trailer categories can use .

Pop-up vs. travel trailer

On the other side of the spectrum from these larger trailers and RVs, pop-up campers are typically the smallest category of trailers. They have designs that collapse and “pop up” for storage and use. This means they can be towed by a wider variety of vehicles, but also have less storage and living space (unless you have a hybrid pop-up camper like our Mantis and Cricket habitats).

Toy hauler vs. travel trailer

As the name implies, a toy hauler’s primary purpose is to store and transport things like motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, and more. While some have living space and amenities like a small kitchen, this is secondary to the function of storage. Because they can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, this purpose is what sets them apart from travel trailers and campers.

Camping in Cricket from TAXA Outdoors at night

Finding the perfect trailer for your adventures

To summarize, travel trailers insulate campers from the wild while camping trailers immerse them in it. Neither choice is right or wrong — however, comparing these two might shed some light on how each category fits what you’re looking for in your next vehicle.

At TAXA Outdoors, we provide adventure vehicles specifically for those wanting to journey into the outdoors. Our trailers can be important tools that enable survival and enjoyment while keeping the focus of your journey outwards.

Whether you’re looking to rent for a week or purchase for the long haul, TAXA Outdoors partners with an extensive network of high-quality dealers across the country. To connect with a dealer that can help find the perfect vehicle for you, use our Find a Dealer tool . Or, to find the right TAXA habitat for your journey, talk to one of our specialists who can point you in the right direction.

Camping & Overland Trailer Accessories to Enhance Your Adventure

Recapture Nature

Tent Vs. Trailer Camping: Which One Should You Choose?

by harris | Camping

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Camping is a lot of fun, no matter how you do it. Whether you’re roughing it in a tent or opting for the more luxurious choice of a trailer, you’re going to have a great time experiencing the great outdoors. 

That being said, there are quite a few key differences between camping in a tent and camping in a trailer that you need to consider before making your trip. 

In this article, we are going to go over the pros and cons of tent camping and trailer camping so that you can decide which is best for you.

The Lowdown: Should You Choose a Tent or a Trailer?

travel trailer vs tent trailer

This article is going to get into the nitty-gritty of the tent/trailer debate. However, I want to start off by giving you a quick summary of what each camping style has to offer. 

You should choose a tent if you are looking for the full camping experience, are looking to spend less money on your camping trip, and want to be able to camp anywhere. 

You should choose a trailer if you want to be more comfortable during your camping trip, you can afford to spend a lot more money than you would for a tent, and you don’t mind missing out on some of the joys of roughing it like sleeping outside and not having electricity.

Tent Camping Pros and Cons

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Tent camping is the most popular form of camping. There’s something special about getting out into nature and being away from it all. It awakens a sense of adventure, and you can go out to places where only those who are willing to rough it can make it to. 

This section is going to discuss the benefits and downsides of tent camping. 

Tent Camping is Affordable and Lightweight 

travel trailer vs tent trailer

One of the advantages of tent camping is that it is available to everyone. 

Anyone can get set up with basic camping gear for about $200 or even less. The two basic things you need are a tent and sleeping bag. 

Once you’ve covered these two essentials, you can then add other items to your camping setup, such as a sleeping pad, camp stove, cooler, flashlight, shovel, and cooking utensils. Don’t forget to bring food and water with you too. You should also make sure to bring the right clothes for the occasion.

In addition to being relatively cheap, most tent camping equipment is also light and easy to pack. Some lightweight camping setups weigh less and ten pounds. This is a big plus if you plan to hike long distances to your campsite.

You Can Camp in Places a Trailer Can’t Access

travel trailer vs tent trailer

The ability to camp anywhere in the wild is the biggest advantage of tent camping. Sure, camping in a trailer is comfortable, but can you bring your trailer to the top of a mountain? I don’t think so.

When you’re camping in a tent, you can stay in a developed campground with other campers or go out into the wild and find your own spot with no one around for miles. You’re not limited to developed campgrounds that have the right facilities for a camper.

Let’s say you want to camp in the mountains. Any mountain or hilly terrain is going to require you to have a tent if you really want to explore and camp in a special place. 

There will be places for trailers at the base of the mountain sometimes, but if you want to wake up to a truly gorgeous sunrise high above the earth, you’re going to have to hike up and set up your tent.

There’s Something Special About Roughing It

travel trailer vs tent trailer

In the modern age that we live in, our connection with the way humans lived in the past is almost gone. 

Camping in a tent allows you to reconnect with your primal side. When’s the last time you caught the sunrise or gazed up at a starry night’s sky and saw a shooting star? 

These activities are becoming all too rare in this day and age. Tent camping enables experiences that can really light up the soul and give us a sense that there is more to existence than our 9-5 jobs and living comfortably.

You are forced out into nature when you camp in a tent. Sometimes the transition out of comfort is hard at first, but it is worth it for what you can experience. 

Tent camping also won’t give you the temptation to hide from the elements the way an RV or a trailer can. 

Anyone who has been on a rainy camping trip knows what a bummer it can be. They may also know the joy of bonding with your loved ones, playing cards in a tent all day while escaping the miserable rain. 

You can have a similar experience camping in a trailer, but it’s not quite the same. There is also the chance that you’ll just end up watching movies all day if your camper has a TV.

No Distractions

travel trailer vs tent trailer

We live in a world of endless distractions. Between our phones, TV, the internet, and having to keep our lives running, our attention spans have been spread thin. 

To add to this, we are also in the middle of a mental illness epidemic, and certain psychological disorders are being attributed to our use of technology such as smartphone addiction and nomophobia. 

Tent camping gives us a break from the constant distractions that plague our modern existence. Be careful, though; excessive smartphone users have been observed to show withdrawal symptoms when separated from their smartphones. It is also possible to retreat from distractions with a trailer or RV, but it’s not as easy. Having electricity and other amenities such as TV and satellite internet may tempt you.

You have to get away from it all when you are camping in a tent with no electricity. This may be unpleasant at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. 

There is so much more to life than using our phones or watching TV. It may seem boring at first because of the lack of constant stimulation, but after a few days, you’ll get used to it and even more in tune and connected.

Rather than watching Netflix in the evening, tent camping forces you to sit around the fire pit and watch the flames dance and the embers fly. You can tell stories, have fun with those you are closest to, and even lay out under the stars when it’s a clear night.

Not Ideal for Road Trips

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Tent camping is not ideal for road trips. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of this way of camping. 

Road tripping is such a fun way to travel, especially when you have a good chunk of time to devote to it. Don’t get me wrong; it is still possible to road trip and sleep in a tent every night. 

It is going to be a hassle, however. Setting up your tent takes up a lot of your time and energy every night. You will also be limited in the places you can visit and things you can do if you have to find a place to pitch your tent every night. 

You will have to avoid cities completely, and you won’t be able to sleep at rest stops or travel centers the way you can in a trailer or RV. 

However, you might be able to find a new campsite at every new location on your road trip. It is definitely possible if you plan ahead. This will get tiring, though. There is a good chance you will end up staying in hotel rooms some nights instead of campsites, which can make your road trip significantly more expensive. 

The way to get around this is to have a vehicle that you can put a temporary bed in the back of. Vans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks with camper shells are all great vehicles for sleeping in. This will allow you to sleep in rest areas and in parking lots when you are in urban areas and then sleep in your tent when you are camping.

Less Food Storage

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Less food storage is another downside to tent camping. You will have to bring less food with you because you might have to carry your food to your campsite. Most of your meals will also be plain and simple, so make sure you don’t forget your hot sauce!

It is possible to camp close to your car at certain campsites. You can bring a lot more food in this case and still eat pretty well. However, it still won’t compare to a trailer or RV where you will have a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, and maybe even a barbecue grill to cook with.

Tent Camping is a Lot of Work

travel trailer vs tent trailer

There is a lot that goes into camping in a tent. 

First of all, you have to have all your gear packed up and ready to go. Then you have to haul it all out to your campsite and set it up. Packing up can also be a hassle when you’re ready to move to your next campsite or go home. If conditions were wet, your gear might be soaked, making it even more of a pain to pack up. 

Trash is also an issue. Whatever you brought with you needs to be packed out. You’ll need to bring bags for this purpose, and you’ll need to save enough space in your pack to place the filled bags in. 

Going to the bathroom will be more difficult as well. Number two in the wild can be quite the task. It is important to bury your waste so that dogs or wild animals don’t get into it and make a mess. 

Doing this can be quite a hassle in the middle of the night. Who wants to leave a warm and cozy sleeping bag to go out into the cold dark night?

Trailer Camping Pros and Cons

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Trailer camping is the much more luxurious version of camping. It allows you to bring the comforts of city living with you into the wild to explore nature. 

Some people say that trailer and RV camping isn’t real camping. However, this view is pretty limited and probably comes from people who don’t know how to do trailer camping the right way. 

Trailer and RV camping can undoubtedly limit your trip in certain ways and add a lot of extra distractions. On the other hand, a trailer or RV can also add a lot of extra options and comforts to your camping trip. 

In this next section, we’re going to go over the pros and cons of camping in a trailer or RV.

You Can Take the Comforts With You

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Let’s face it; not everyone wants to rough it. 

Some individuals have no interest in sleeping in a tent and never will. Others are simply scared of sleeping outside. There are bears and mountain lions and coyotes and bugs and raccoons and all other manners of wild pests that might disturb you or even put you in danger. 

Any seasoned camper knows that these fears are usually overblown, but they do have some merit as there are freak accidents that do happen. 

Camping in a trailer or RV might be the first step in overcoming one’s fears of the great outdoors.

There are also elderly people who developed a love of camping when they were young and strong but no longer have the vitality to carry heavy gear and sleep on the ground. A trailer or RV will allow them to continue to get out into nature many years past the time that their bodies will allow them to camp in a tent.

Great for Group Camping Trips

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Going for a weekend trip with a big group of friends or taking a week-long family reunion camping trip? Having an RV or trailer along can make the experience more comfortable and more fun for everyone. 

Some of your group may still have to camp in tents, but having a trailer or RV will give you a lot of extra options. 

First of all, you’ll have a toilet that everyone can use. The toilet may only be able to accommodate a certain amount of people, but you’ll at least have it for emergencies or if anyone gets sick. The rest of the time, people can go number two the good old fashioned way. 

You’ll also have a shower that can be shared. You may have to ration out your showering water if your campsite does not have hookups, but having access to a shower is a luxury that cannot be overstated when you’re out in the wild. 

Mealtime is also going to be a blast if you’ve brought your trailer along. Bring a barbecue with you, and everyone will have a good time grilling. You won’t have to worry about grabbing coolers and ice if you bring a refrigerator along. 

Also, if you have members in your group who are not as comfortable with camping, they can still make it to the camp out because you’ll have a place in the trailer or RV for them to sleep. Those in your group who are more accustomed to roughing it can stay outside the camper in tents.

Eat Like a King

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Your mealtime options will open up greatly with a trailer or RV. You are often limited to granola, sandwiches, and hot dogs when camping with a tent. 

However, you can bring whatever food you like when you go camping in a trailer or RV. The oven and stovetop will allow you to cook almost anything. You could even bring along a slow cooker if you wanted to get fancy with it. Start your meal in the morning and come back from your day of outdoor fun to a nice slow-cooked meal.

I highly recommend bringing a barbecue grill with you on your camping trip. Grilling up burgers at your campsite is a lot of fun and makes for a delicious meal. 

It should also be mentioned that your food will be much safer in a trailer or RV. Bears and other animals getting into your food can be a real problem when you are tent camping. Sometimes these animals will even tear through your tent to get to the delicious human food. This is not a problem when you have your food safely locked up inside your trailer.

Accommodate Different Standards of Comfort

travel trailer vs tent trailer

You can accommodate different standards of comfort with a trailer or RV. Some people like solo camping, but let’s face it, camping with friends and family is a lot more fun. 

A trailer or RV will allow you to bring along your less hardened campers without too much trouble. Most trailers and RVs can sleep many people. Commonly, you can fit at least six people.

Let’s say you love the great outdoors, but your wife or husband isn’t on board. Or maybe you have kids who aren’t ready to go on a hardcore camping trip. 

Purchasing a camper will allow you to go on outdoor excursions that you love and bring the family along as well. They can hang back at camp while you’re out roughing it. 

You might also be an avid camper that would really like to bring your friends camping with you. Your less outdoorsy friends will be much more likely to come to your weekend camping bonanza if you’ve got a trailer for them to hang out in.

Less Work Setting Up Camp

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Setting up camp is much quicker and easier than setting up your tent and getting camp ready. 

With certain campers and level ground, you don’t have to do anything to set up your camp. Just pull up, and you’re ready to start having fun. 

You may need to level your trailer or RV with jacks or leveling blocks if the ground is unlevel. If you have a really fancy trailer or RV, it may take a little time to set up the pull out sections and get everything hooked up and squared away. This usually won’t be more than 30 minutes to an hour.

Great for Road Trips

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Trailers and RVs have a huge advantage over tent camping when it comes to road trips. There are so many more places that you can park and sleep for the night when you have a trailer or RV. Most cities will also have places that you can park. Walmart and Home Depot are two examples. 

Rest areas will also be available for you to park in and sleep overnight. You will be able to save money this way and sleep comfortably in a space that you are familiar with. This is not an option for tent campers who are forced to find a place to camp every night.

This article is owned by Recapture Nature and was first published on February 29, 2020

You Can Still Tent Camp

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Tent campers that hate trailers and RVs are just jealous. Having a trailer or RV doesn’t mean that you can’t still sleep in a tent at night. In fact, many avid explorers will travel around in their camper and use it as a base camp. They leave the trailer behind to hike to campsites that are inaccessible to a trailer or RV. It really is possible to have the best of both worlds. 

Having both a trailer and a tent is ideal when you will be traveling to many different locations on a backpacking tour. This will allow you to go on several different expeditions and also have a comfortable place in between. 

A cozy cushy camper where you can relax and watch Netflix is going to be really nice after three days of hiking and roughing it. If you’re going to move on to another adventurous trip, it’s good to have a break in between.

A Trailer or RV Can Distract You From “Real Camping”

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Some people still look down on trailer and RV campers and say that using them is “not real camping.” I want to dispel this myth but also go over why some people have this conception. 

As I’ve explained above, it is absolutely possible to go camping in a trailer or RV and still get the full or even an enhanced camping experience. 

That being said, the trailer or RV may be a trap for some campers. They may end up being held back from getting the full experience. You will not have the option to run away from the wild when you are camping in a tent. 

This option will always be available to you if you are camping in a trailer or RV. Less disciplined campers may be tempted to hang out inside and watch movies all day or be on their phones. This would be a shame because there is so much that nature has to offer us.

Some of us are addicted to our modern lifestyles. The modern world has given us so much, but there is also a lot of our human experience that we are now missing because of it. 

Going into nature and getting away from modern technology can be very pleasurable and even healing. It would be a shame to miss out on this because you have brought modern technology with you. 

Some campers are able to handle having comfort and technology along with them. They are still able to get a full camping experience. Other campers are too addicted to modern comfort and technology to be able to fully settle into the beauty of nature with access to their addiction close by. 

This is why some people think of RV and trailer camping as not real. It is because some aren’t able to have a real camping trip with a trailer or RV around. 

Your Campsite Might Be Crowded

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Trailers and RVs are often confined to campgrounds that have the amenities to support them. This is not always the case as many camper aficionados that Boondocking, which means parking your camper in unestablished campsites. 

A crowded campsite is not necessarily a bad thing. Having neighbors will give you ample opportunity to socialize and make friends. You might even start traditions where you and your new camping friends meet at the campsite where you first met every year. 

For some, however, camping is a way to get away and enjoy peace and solitude. This is going to be harder to do at established campsites. As mentioned above, you always have the option to go boondocking if you want to be alone in the middle of nowhere. You will just have to forego going to the most popular campsites.

Trailer Camping is Expensive

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Trailers and RVs are expensive. A new RV can cost between $10,000 and $300,000.  

You can always go the used route, but that is risky. A used trailer or RV might break down, and mold is a common problem as well. This article would probably be a no brainer if trailers and RVs were cheap. Of course, you would want to have one for your camping trip. There would be very little downside. That is not the case, however.

There are other expenses besides the cost of purchasing a trailer or RV. Upkeep is important. Trailers and RVs have many different appliances and parts that all need to be maintained. Leaks need to be fixed, and many electrical components are a risk for problems that will need to be fixed. 

On top of all that, trailers and RVs need to be taken care of every month. Leaving an RV without checking on it for long periods will attract rodents, mold, and insects. Many trailers have been ruined by neglect. 

On top of all that, gas is very expensive. Trailers and RVs can have a gas mileage rating of anywhere between 7-20 mpg. In my experience, most get between 10-15 with the higher mileage trailers and RVs being very expensive.

Conclusion 

Tents and trailers both have their benefits and downsides. The mode of camping you choose will depend on your outdoor preferences and your budget. 

If you enjoy roughing it and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on camping gear, then tent camping is your best bet. However, if you prefer comfort and have money to spare, trailer camping is the better option. 

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Hi I'm Harris, the guy behind Recapture Nature. I love the outdoors since I was a child. I remember having the most fun when outdoors hiking, rafting, visiting caves or camping as a child. continue reading..

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Rooftop Tent Vs Camper Trailer? 21 Pros & Cons

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It can be challenging for camping enthusiasts to decide which camping sleeping accommodation is the best fit, but luckily for everyone, there are numerous options available on the market today.

Two of the most popular options amongst many campers are rooftop tents and camping trailers. However, many of us wonder what is truly the difference between the two and which is ultimately better?

By conducting some research, we have discovered a few of the pros and cons of rooftop tents and camping trailers, and we aim to help you decide which is the best for you in the rooftop tent vs. camper trailer battle:

Here’s The Difference Between A Rooftop Tent & Camper Trailer:

A rooftop tent is designed to be fitted to the top of a vehicle while a camping trailer is hitched to a vehicle. Rooftop tents usually sleep 1 to 4 people, while it will depend on the type of camping trailer you have how many people can sleep inside it. Additionally, camping trailers usually have more features.

Table of Contents

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Online Roof-Top Tent Stores:

Pros of a rooftop tent:.

Many positives are surrounding owning a rooftop tent.

Below we will look at four of the most relevant positives associates with rooftop tents:

1. Above Ground Camping:

One of the biggest positives of owning a rooftop tent is that you can set up your tent above ground.

This provides an element of safety out in the wild that you usually wouldn’t have when using a ground tent.

Not only will you be safer from dangerous ground animals, but you also won’t have to worry about pitching a tent on level ground.

2. Internal Storage:

Another big benefit to rooftop tents is that you can often store clothing and bedding in the tent when camping.

As long as you adhere to your permissible load limit, you can pack as many lightweight items as you can.

3. Affordable Camping & Versatility:

Rooftop tents range in sizes and prices.

They are often more affordable than other camping accommodation options, and there is usually one to suit any budget.

4. Easy Setup and Takedown:

Rooftop tents are relatively easy to set up, with many manufacturers boasting quick and easy setup times.

You can purchase a rooftop tent that sets up in a few minutes or even sixty seconds.

5. Easy Maintenance:

Maintaining a rooftop tent is simple and easy to do, and mostly inexpensive.

The only maintenance required is lubricating the moving parts frequently and annually treating the tent’s canvas with Scotchguard.

Cons of A Rooftop Tent:

Now that we have looked at a few key positives, we will look at three negatives associated with rooftop tents:

  • Although they are straightforward to set up and take down, at times, they can be a hassle. Once you have set up your rooftop tent, you can’t drive anywhere with your vehicle, and you would have to disassemble it before moving to your next camping location or visiting the shop.
  • Rooftop tents tend not to have as much space as other forms of camping accommodations. They generally only consist of one room and usually only sleep a maximum of four or five people. There is also usually not that much space for gear and other camping necessities.
  • This one might not bother many used to using tents for camping, but rooftop tents do not have toilets, nor do they have space for a toilet.
  • Climbing up and down the ladder can become tedious and tiring, and there is the chance you could fall and hurt yourself. It can become a hassle having to climb up the ladder in the middle of the night after going to the bathroom.
  • Some rooftop tents retain moisture, which leads to a damp feeling throughout, which is unpleasant to occupants. Additionally, if the tent gets wet, you will need to wait for it to dry or dry it yourself before packing it away as the moisture can lead to damage.

Pros of A Camper Trailer:

After looking at the negatives and positives of rooftop tents, you’re probably eager to learn the positives of camper trailers.

Let’s have a look below at four positives associated with camper trailers:

1. Multiple Features & Use:

The biggest pro for most camper trailers is that they include many features.

Whereas with rooftop tents, you might only have a built-in bed and a few accessories, camper trailers can house much more. Often in a camper trailer, you can have a fridge, a stove, a bed, and even a small bathroom area.

It will largely depend on the size and how much you want to pay, but there are many more features that you can have.

2. Durable & Extreme Camping:

With a camper trailer, they are built to endure a variety of conditions and are extremely durable.

You can use the trailer on rugged terrain and in cold climates.

3. Lightweight Towing:

You might think that camper trailers are inconvenient because they have to be towed.

This isn’t the case as they are lightweight and easier to tow than caravans and travel trailers because they are more compact.

4. Easy Camping & Storage:

Camping is easier as you can unhitch the trailer and leave it at your campgrounds whenever you need to use your vehicle for other excursions.

You will have more storage and be able to store gear, bedding, and clothes in your camper trailer.

Cons of A Camper Trailer:

As with many things, there are a few negatives involving a camper trailer.

Below we will look at the main cons associated with this form of camping accommodation:

  • Camping trailers will result in your vehicle using more fuel as it will need to pull the weight of the camper trailer.
  • Many camper trailer models are pricey and can cost you anywhere between $5000 and $30000 depending on the features and amenities it includes. Usually, a camper trailer is going to cost you more than a rooftop tent .
  • Maintenance can be costly, and it can be expensive if you require any custom modifications.
  • Camper trailers often have a longer set up time than rooftop tents, and this can be a hassle for some people who want a camping experience without much fuss.
  • Some camper trailers don’t do that well with rain or wind.

So Which Is Better A Rooftop Tent Or A Camper Trailer?

Deciding whether a camper trailer or rooftop tent is better will ultimately depend on your preferences and needs.

Both have their unique positives and advantages, while they both have negatives associated with them.

For families, a camper trailer might be better suited; however, there are rooftop tents that can accommodate up to a family of four.

It’s best to consider you and those you will be camping with and what amenities and features you need before deciding which is ultimately the best choice.

The Best Rooftop Tents To Buy:

We’re going to look at two of the best rooftop tents!

With the large variety available, we’ve whittled it down to two rooftop tent brands that are guaranteed to give you value for money.

1. Roofnest Sparrow

travel trailer vs tent trailer

Should you be looking for a rooftop tent that can sleep two people and be utilized on most vehicles, then the Roofnest Sparrow might be worth considering.

This rooftop tent has a unique square design, which makes it stand out amongst the competition. It is also relatively affordable at a rough price of $2900.

The interior is fairly spacious, and the tent itself is lightweight at only 130 pounds. Inside, the tent is 83 inches long by 49 inches wide, and there is a 7.5 ft ladder that attaches to the side of your car so that you can easily access the rooftop tent.

Additionally, due to this tent’s pop-up style, you can easily set it up and collapse it within a few minutes.

Roofnest uses only the best materials in the construction of their rooftop tents, and as such, the Sparrow is durable and long-lasting.

It is made with an ABS fiberglass shell and has quilted fabric on the inside for adequate insulation. Moreover, the canvas of the tent is waterproof as well as mildew and UV resistant.

You will have a custom built-in mattress that is roughly 3 inches thick for that added comfort, and for breathability, there are 4 sides to allow air to flow throughout.

2. Ikamper Skycamp 2X

travel trailer vs tent trailer

For those looking for a rooftop tent that can be set up quickly, the Skycamp 2X by brand Ikamper could be ideal for you.

This rooftop tent can sleep two adults or up to three children comfortably with the large interior space. You can look at paying roughly $3200 for the Skycamp 2X, but for the quality, you receive it’s well worth the money spent.

Some rooftop tents have an issue with causing a higher fuel consumption, but this is not the case with the Skycamp 2X.

This rooftop tent is designed specifically to be aerodynamic and lightweight so that you can travel without being too concerned with how much gas you are using.

The tent is also customizable and comes in a number of different colors. Additionally, you will find that there is also a built-in 1.8-inch high-density foam mattress, and the interior features an aesthetically pleasing world map graphic.

Inside the rooftop tent, you will see that the Skycamp 2X has been designed to last with the breathable 300gsm poly-cotton canvas, honeycomb aluminum panel flooring, and waterproof rainfly.

As an added benefit, the shell of the tent is double layered FRP with 1-inch air insulation.

Top 5 reasons to buy a camper trailer

Roof Top Tents Vs. Campers: The Pros and Cons

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Camping Trailer vs Travel Trailer - Which One to Choose?

Dec 27, 2022 by Mark Wilcox

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Are you trying to decide which type of trailer is right for your next camping trip? You may be wavering between a travel trailer and a camping trailer, unsure about which one will best suit your needs and budget.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the key differences between these two types of trailers so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase or rent. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option in order to give you a better understanding of what kind of benefits are associated with each one.

Both travel trailers and camping trailers can provide memorable experiences on the open road; however, understanding their distinctions will allow for tailored trips suited specifically for you!

Why choose a camping trailer?

Camping trailers are the perfect choice for those seeking an adventure in the wilderness. Unlike traditional RV travel trailers, they have been designed to withstand rough terrain, harsh elements and contain all your supplies without taking up much space.

“Adventure vehicles” as they are often called, camping trailers offer a unique way to be in and explore nature. While other vehicles may run away from the natural world, camping trailers allow you to embrace it while having all the necessary comforts of home.

They are incredibly efficient while sustaining practicality so you can experience nature at its finest with minimal fuss. It’s no wonder why camping trailers have become a popular choice for many looking to access or explore places where most wouldn’t even dare go.

Today’s camping trailers are made to stand the roughest terrain you can throw at them. Different brands and models offer plenty of features to make your camping experience comfortable, like power outlets and multiple slide outs. Whether you’re a family of four or two couples wanting an outback adventure, these trailers are designed for a rugged getaway without sacrificing luxury.

A suspension system tailored to off-road travel also ensures a smoother ride, even when you stray from conventional roads. Best of all, many campers come equipped with solar power technology so that keeping a full battery, ready for your next destination, is just that much easier.

Not every camper has the luxury of civilization while they sleep in the great outdoors. That’s why camping trailers are designed to focus on the essential needs necessary for long trips away from space, time, and other resources. They are typically smaller, lighter builds that are built for rugged utility rather than luxury.

Camping trailers offer a more economical alternative to travel trailers and provide more features designed to make the camping experience more comfortable. While they may not be suitable for long-distance road trips, camping trailers are usually lighter and simpler than their travel trailer counterparts and can often fit in shorter camp sites, allowing them to access off-the-beaten-path campsites.

They’re also outfitted with preferable equipment like stabilizer jacks (to keep the trailer from rocking or shifting), larger refrigerators and higher ceilings that are ideal for avid campers looking to embrace all the outdoors has to offer. And because of their simple design, they can be equipped with optional solar power systems that most travel trailers don’t have access to.

Despite their seemingly lack of amenities, camping trailers have the ability to store food, water, and even electricity for days at a time - giving campers a minimum level of comfort as if they were still within civilization. This serves as an amazing testament to the capabilities of modern engineering, which can provide just enough functionality for having an enjoyable outdoor trip.

Why choose a travel trailer?

A travel trailer is an incredibly versatile alternative for those looking to take their camping experience on the road. Much more than just a tent, travel trailers boast many amenities that allows you to enjoy all the comforts of home while experiencing the great outdoors and exploring new landscapes.

Travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from compact models perfect for lightweight, solo adventures to large versions ideally suited for larger groups of campers who need extra storage space and more luxurious features.

Many different customization options are available as well so you can truly tailor your trailer to your unique tastes. Basically, travel trailers incorporate the best of both worlds: a little slice of home away from home wherever your travels may lead you.

Travel trailers are a popular choice when it comes to venturing off the beaten path and enjoying the outdoors. They have some distinct advantages over camping trailers, making them more suitable for extended trips and activities such as fishing, hunting, and general outdoor recreation.

Travel trailers provide more features compared to their traditional counterparts, with often-desired amenities like air conditioning and heating, larger kitchen space with sink and refrigerator, built-in plumbing for potable water, an expanded sleeping area, additional cabinets for storage of supplies, a better tow-ability due to lighter weight models, an increased overall range of motion and flexibility around tighter spaces and turns due to its independent wheelbase design.

They provide a great compromise for those looking for something more comfortable than tent camping while at the same time avoiding being confined to the traditional “grid” of camping areas during their outdoor adventures. With these updated camper options, adventurers have more freedom than ever to explore off-road and find that perfect little nook nestled in nature’s lap.

Travel trailers are typically stocked with amenities such as slides, private bedrooms and bathrooms, full-sized kitchen appliances, and technological features like Wi-Fi that make them ideal for those seeking the luxuries of home while exploring new places. Carefully designed layouts maximize living space within its small frame, meaning travelers no longer have to sacrifice home comforts when stepping away from civilization.

Camping trailer vs travel trailer

It really depends on your needs and what you want out of the camping experience. Both provide the freedom to get away from it all and explore nature, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

If you’re looking to take shorter trips with fewer amenities, a camping trailer can be a great choice. They tend to be more lightweight and simpler than travel trailers, but still provide the basics for a comfortable camping experience.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to go further and enjoy more of the comforts of home while you’re out in nature, then a travel trailer is likely your best bet. It offers more features and customization options, so you can truly make the trailer your own.

No matter which you choose, both camping trailers and travel trailers offer a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore new places. So, pick one that fits your needs and get out there! Enjoy the fresh air, open roads, and captivating views!

Camper Grid

Pros And Cons Of Hybrid RV (Vs Travel Trailer)

Pros And Cons Of Hybrid RV (Vs Travel Trailer)

  • BEGINNERS GUIDE

G. Yoganand

In this article, lets check advantages and disadvantages of hybrid RV. This will help in deciding whether you should buy them or not.

A hybrid RV takes a hard-sided travel trailer and adds pop-ups on either one or both ends to offer more sleeping room. Some models may even have more than 2 pop outs. Pop outs adds more sleeping capacity at reduced weight and also keeps the price down.

These campers are also known as expandable travel trailers.

Hybrid campers vs hard sided travel trailers

Compared to other travel trailers, a hybrid RV is lighter, more affordable, and can be towed by popular tow vehicles, including minivans and SUVs.

Most hybrid RVs have a length of about 13 to 25 feet . The best thing about these hybrid trailers is their average sleeping capacity of about 6 people . This means that you can go camping with your friends and family.

A hybrid travel trailer is a great alternative to a traditional or standard travel trailer . If you want an upgrade from your tent or pop-up, then a hybrid travel trailer is the perfect option for you.

Check out the following pros and cons of a hybrid RV to help you make the best camper buying decision.

Pros of Hybrid RV

1. Lightweight

One of the reasons to choose a hybrid RV over other campers in the market is their lightweight. Compared to traditional or standard travel trailers, hybrid RVs are lighter. When you go camping, you will need a lighter trailer to tow for conveniences.

Due to their lightweight, hybrid trailers are easier to tow than other trailers. They are compact when not in use. The additional parts that include bed sections do not add extra weight to the trailer.

Average weight of hybrid campers is between 2,000 to 5,000lbs. Most of them are less than 20 feet, which makes them lighter.

Because of their lightweight features, it becomes easy to store a hybrid trailer. You can easily store the trailer either at home or at the storage. This is a great advantage for people with limited indoor storage for their RV.

2. More Amenities and Storage

When choosing a travel trailer, one of the essential features is the amenities and storage that the RV provides. A travel trailer with more amenities ensures that you have everything you need to make your camping experience fun and comfortable. Different travel trailers come with various amenities.

For Hybrid RVs, they come with a lot of amenities that include expandable beds, bigger kitchens, a cooler to store perishable supplies. Additionally, these trailers come with more storage than other trailers to store your camping supplies, cooking supplies, food, and clothes.

With the many amenities and more storage space, hybrid trailers allow you to go camping for many days compared to other trailers since they enable you to carry much stuff. Moreover, with a hybrid RV, you are able to go camping with your friends and extended family since you have enough storage and amenities.

Some models also include bunkhouse or bunk beds. Added features like awning also help increase the camping area around the travel trailer. Getting special accessories can also help organize the interior in a better way.

Some model also have storage to transport bigger items. These models are called as hybrid camper toy hauler where in you can carry an ATV or bike.

3. Less Expensive

Hybrid travel trailers are known for their reasonable prices. They are less expensive than traditional travel models.

Most of the modern hybrid trailers cost less between $18,000 to 435,000. This makes it more affordable and popular among campers. Expect to pay higher if you want more luxury and modern amenities.

If you are on a budget, hybrid trailers are the ideal option for you. You will not only save on your cash but also you will get a trailer with a sleeping capacity of about 4 to 6 people and one that is lightweight.

Additionally, when buying a hybrid RV, you will find a variety of sizes available in the market at different prices so that you can pick the one that meets your budget. When buying a hybrid trailer, it is essential to note that their cost depends on the amenities and size.

4. Easy and Quick Set-Up

With hybrid RVs, you don’t have to worry about setting up the trailer when camping. You can easily set up the beds, kitchen, and other pop-outs in less than five minutes. This is especially for new models that are well designed for easy setup.

When you out there for camping, you will need a trailer that is not complicated. This is to ensure that you can be able to set it for sleeping, cooking, and when leaving the trailer during the day.

Additionally, after a long day of camping activities such as hiking, you will need a trailer that is easy to set up for the night. When buying a hybrid RV, it is always essential to understand how to set it up.

5. Best Camping Experience

Another reason to buy a hybrid RV is that it gives you the best camping experience. If you are a camping enthusiast, or you want to go camping for the first time, a hybrid RV will give you the best moments and experience. This is because they offer a tent-like experience when you are outdoors.

Hybrid trailers bring you close to nature. While camping, you will be able to experience the weather, watch the sunsets, and enjoy your camping activities. Hybrid trailers are designed with a zip down tents that allows you to see around the campsite and let in fresh air throughout your camping.

6. Easy Towing

If you have a small tow vehicle, you can still experience travel trailer camping through a hybrid RV. This is because they are lightweight and can be towed by any type of tow vehicle.

For other heavy-duty travel trailers, you will need a larger tow vehicle. Moreover, hybrid RVs are smaller in size compared to other travel trailers, which makes them easily towable by a small vehicle.

7. More Sleeping Capacity

If you plan to go camping with your friends and family, a hybrid trailer is the best option for you. This type of trailer allows more people to sleep than traditional travel trailers. The beds can be enlarged to accommodate more people.

Its not that these campers sleep only upto 6, you will find hybrid campers that sleep 6 or 8 and even 10. That’s the beauty with these pop out travel trailers. Based on how many people would be there, you need to choose the right floor plan.

8. Access to the Interior

With a hybrid trailer, you have complete access to the interior. You will be able to utilize the interior part of the trailer when traveling. This includes the storage space for storing your traveling gear and supplies.

Furthermore, with a hybrid trailer, it is not a must that you open up the track to pack your items. This is not possible with pop up campers and traditional trailers.

9. Complete Bathroom

A hybrid RV comes with all the luxuries of a bathroom. The bathroom of this trailer is separate from the shower, which is not the case with traditional trailers.

With a complete bathroom, it becomes easy to take a shower while you are out there away from your home.

Cons of Hybrid RV

Don’t be excited with all the pros that we saw. These campers do have some problems as well. Lets see all the issues with hybrid campers now .

1. Can get very Hot or Cold

One of the major cons of a hybrid RV is problems with extreme temperatures.

Hybrid camper can get really hot specially when you are parked directly under the sun. Since the pop out may not have strong insulation it will heat that region making it hard during harsh weather.

There are ways to make these campers stay cool. Like for example, using Pop up gizmos can help reduce the heat and also cold.

These trailer lacks better temperature and climate control features. The air conditioner will not work at high efficiency as the insulation isn’t great.

These issues are caused by the canvas, which prevents insulation on both the inside and outside temperatures.

When camping with a hybrid trailer during the cold weather, it can get very cold, especially at night, even with a furnace. The same case happens in the summer, where it gets very warm inside when the sun heats the tent.

This can be very uncomfortable, especially if you are spending a lot of time in the trailer or traveling with your pet.

Without proper temperature control, especially during the cold weather, condensation may occur, which leads to dampness and growth of mold and mildew. In most cases, the mattresses are affected when a trailer does not have temperature control.

Even though there are chances that the canvas wont do much in protecting the camper from such weather, these campers aren’t that bad. One can always try different things like putting on pop up gizmos to make it more comforting.

2. Less Privacy

These campers have reduced privacy as the portion of the camper that has tent or pop outs can be visible specially at night when the lights are on. Also, what you speak inside can be heard to certain extend. This is a point that hard sided travel trailers score over these campers.

This can be a limitation specially when you have kids or if you want more privacy in a crowded campground.

Another thing that affects you is when you see sun rays lighting the sleeping pop out area early in the morning. This can be very annoying specially when you are in no mood to wake up that early.

2. More Maintenance

Hybrid RVs require regular maintenance and repairs than pop-ups. The soft-sides are not strong and durable, and therefore, they are easily damaged by extreme temperatures.

This causes both the soft and hard sides to wear and tear with time, and this requires repairs and maintenance. Some maintenances and repairs can be costly since you will need professional services.

Additionally, as you continue camping with your hybrid trailer, leaks may occur between the expandable parts of the trailer. You will need to regularly inspect the trailer for such leaks and fix them as soon as you notice them.

Hybrid RVs do leak between the canvas and the hard side of the travel trailer. The rain and condensation can therefore annoy you with wet bed. This can become a major issue as the water damage is one of the biggest problems that starts all other issues like mold.

If you fail to fix these leaks, they will allow water to enter the interior of the trailer and cause damages. With a hybrid RV, you will be required to air out the mattresses to prevent dampness from condensation.

Most hybrid camper can last many years if proper care and maintenance is done from time to time.

3. Less Tank Space

Though hybrid RVs are compact, they have less tank space. This is to help them lightweight.

The size of the trailer is small when traveling before it’s expanded, and this reduces the space for the tank and storing camping items. Less tank space means that for a long trip, you will need to fill and empty the tanks, which can be tiring and uncomfortable.

On average hybrid trailers have a capacity between 30 to 60gal per tank. This can also limit you on the number of you on the trailer to limit water usage.

4. Can shake

Since hybrid trailers are lighter and have the shape of pop up portions, you will experience some movement, shaking, and bouncing. This is because of the beds that hang off at the ends of the camper, creating leverage.

As you travel, any movement on one bed causes the trailer to bounce, which can be irritating. You may also experience the movement at night when sleeping, which can interfere with your camping experience.

Hybrid RVs combine the benefits of traditional trailers and pop up campers to ensure you have the best camping experience. Despite the various benefits that come with these trailers, there are also some cons. When deciding on the best hybrid trailer for you, make sure it is the right option.

Are they Worth it?

Hybrid campers offer more sleeping capacity due to popouts. These campers are secure enough and also give you real camping experience at reasonable price. These reasons makes them worth a buy. Moreover, their lightweight design puts less pressure on towing vehicle’s mpg keeping the expenses low .

Hybrid campers offer more sleeping space, more features and comfort as compared to pop up campers. For this reason, they are also priced much higher than pop up campers. However, pop ups can fold to a much small box like structure which makes them easy to transport and store.

Because of the unique camping experience hybrid campers provide and due to their popularity, many manufacturers have hybrid campers in their lineup. The ones that are popular include forest river, Jayco, K-Z and Coleman.

Here are some of the best hybrid RVs you can consider .

  • Forest River Rockwood Roo 24WS
  • Palomino SolAire eXpandable : This is one of the biggest hybrid campers you can buy.
  • Jayco Jay Feather hybrid travel trailer
  • Keystone Bullet Crossfire
  • K-Z Escape E180RBT
  • Forest River Flagstaff Shamrock : This hybrid RV comes with 3 pop outs.
  • Aerolite Hybrid Travel Trailers : This is one of the best lightweight hybrid campers

Possibility of bear breaking into a camper makes some of the campground only allow hard sided campers. Hybrid camper will have pop outs that a bear can break but would be very hard to tear. Overall it should be secure but even then you need to check with the campground if they have nay restriction with hybrid RVs.

travel trailer vs tent trailer

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9 Best Rugged Camper Trailers for Off-Road Adventures

These are our choices for the best off-road, adventure-ready camper trailers. Not only are they super-capable, but they're also four-season comfortable.

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best rugged camper trailers

With the ever-growing movement toward deeper backcountry adventures, the market for truly rugged camping trailers is stronger than ever. There are plenty of trailers that have been somewhat adapted for off-grid use. And, there are some that are designed specifically for rugged-duty in places and paths that don’t come close to resembling civilization or roads.

We’ve scoured the planet to bring you a collection of some of the toughest among rugged off-road and off-grid camping trailers. Each has its own character and design, but all feature equipment (often standard) that pushes them from the “adapted” category to a higher realm of serious terrain and severe climate management.

In addition to key ingredients such as upgraded off-road suspension systems, extra-sturdy frames, and bodies built from high-strength modern composite materials and metal (often aluminum) skeletons, these rugged trailers offer modern creature comforts. Comfortable bedding, roomy dining space, fully featured kitchens (some inside and out), and sophisticated electronic systems and climate control apparatus make them easy to live in.

Now, let’s dive right into the best off-road capable camper trailers out there.

9 Best Off-Road-Capable Camper Trailers

Arkto campers g12 : $49,350+.

Arkto Campers G12

  • Base weight: 3,500 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 397 lbs.
  • GVWR: 4,600 lbs.
  • Overall length (w/spare tire): 19 ft., 4 in.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft., 2 in.
  • Exterior height (roof closed): 7 ft., 10 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 8 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
  • LPG capacity: 20- or 30-lb. tank
  • Freshwater tank: 37 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $49,350 

The 2024 Arkto G12 camping trailer is a perfect example of the kind of rugged rig that can provide all of the equipment and conveniences necessary for extended backcountry exploration. Based on a sturdy off-road-capable galvanized steel chassis that includes a Timbren axle-less heavy-duty suspension, room for 33-inch-tall tires, protective underbelly pan, electric brakes, and tri-axis off-road hitch coupler, the Arkto G12 can easily handle the dirt road less taken.

Arkto Campers G12

Composite body construction is topped with a pop-up roof to give the Arkto G12 a low profile for easy travel and full-height headroom once you’ve arrived. The Arkto G12 camping trailer features a large slide-out kitchen with a 12,400-BTU dual-burner gas stove and stainless-steel sink with a hot- and cold-water faucet. A slide-out 75L dual-zone fridge/freezer , large (12 cubic feet) pantry, and fold-down table/food prep deck are also part of the Arkto G12 kitchen gear.

With the top popped up, the Arkto G12 offers standing room and can sleep four persons on its residential-size queen bed, large bench, and single seat/bench connection that creates additional sleeping surfaces. Powder-coated aluminum cabinetry totals 25 cubic feet of interior storage space.

Additional interior features include LED lighting, a 10-speed roof fan with rain cover and remote control, and a portable toilet that can be accessed from the inside or outside of the Arkto G12 camping trailer.

Arkto Campers G12

The extensive roster of standard equipment for the Arkto G12 includes a 270-degree awning, outdoor shower with enclosure, Truma Combi furnace/hot water heater, 37-gallon freshwater tank, and a full-size spare tire and carrier.

Dual 100A batteries, a battery management system with touchscreen control panel and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 15A shore power plug are also standard. Options for the Arkto G12 run the gamut from battery and inverter upgrades to solar power systems and an electric toilet.

Bruder EXP-7 GT : $160,250+

Bruder EXP-7 GT

  • Base weight: 5,291 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,716 lbs.
  • Overall length: 22 ft., 11.5 in.
  • Exterior width: 6 ft., 3.4 in.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 5.6 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 6
  • Freshwater tank: 52.8 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 19.8 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $160,250

The newest model in the Bruder lineup of camping trailers meant for rugged duty is the EXP-7. Borrowing the best ideas from the Bruder EXP-6 and EXP-8 travel trailers, the Bruder XP-7 can be ordered in two different coach designs, the EXP-7 PT (pop top) and the EXP-7 GT (hard top). Aside from some minor design and size distinctions, the two Bruder EXP-7 models are basically the same.

Bruder EXP-7 GT

The new Bruder EXP-7 is designed with a solid roof and offers a higher level of insulation that helps control temperatures inside during extreme weather. The hard top EXP-7 GT also offers more storage space than the pop top EXP-7 PT. Both can handle any terrain with Bruder’s patented heavy-duty air suspension system.

The suspension setup includes incorporates eight mono-tube remote-reservoir shock absorbers designed to offer safety and performance when being towed on the highway or off-road. Bruder boasts that its suspension system has nearly three times more usable wheel travel than other dual-axle off-road trailers.

Both EXP-7 models offer the critical components needed for a comfortable and convenient living space. A large couch, fold-up seat, lounge, and master bed can sleep up to six people. Charging outlets and wireless connectivity can be found aside the master bed. The interior bathroom is easily accessed and features a toilet, wash basin, shower, and storage space.

The two-way kitchen can be accessed from the inside or outside, and it comes with a portable induction cooktop and room for a larger portable gas BBQ. A 57L outdoor and 136L inside fridge make extended adventures easy to manage.

Bruder EXP-7 GT

Both models of the Bruder EXP-7 are built like tanks. The trailer’s body is made from 60mm thick marine-grade, closed-cell, quad-weave, epoxy-bonded composite that is sturdy and well-insulated thermally and acoustically. The freshwater tank is inside the body instead of underneath, safe from heat or cold temperatures.

Options for the Bruder EXP-7 are numerous, and include items such as large off-road tires , provision for Starlink, and a 240V generator and external power outlet.

Crawler Caravans BATU 535 : $81,814+

Crawler Caravan BATU 535

  • Base weight: 3,814 lbs.
  • GVWR: 5,952 lbs.
  • Overall length: 24 ft., 6 in.
  • Exterior width: 6 ft., 8 in.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 6 in.
  • Freshwater tank: 36 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 12 gals.
  • Black water tank: 4.5 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $81,814

Crawler Caravans offers a wide variety of rugged off-road recreational vehicle products that range from the Crawler ANKA rooftop tent to the huge Crawler OTAG 830 MAN camper truck. In between those is our favorite Crawler camping trailer, the Crawler BATU 535.

The BATU 535 features a riveted aluminum body and a standard double-axle independent suspension system. A suspension upgrade for severe terrain duty comes in the form of the Crawler Dynamic Suspension (CDS). It is a level-adjustable air suspension system that offers three different settings — camping, road, and off-road mode.

Crawler Caravan BATU 535

When it comes to interior comfort amenities, the Crawler BATU 535 trailer hits a homerun. A combination furnace supplies hot water and space heating, the master bedroom is spacious, a large 65L refrigerator can hold a shopping cartload of food, and a powerful air conditioning system keeps occupants cool. The master bedroom includes a sliding door with a flyscreen and curtain.

The Crawler BATU 535 camping trailer also sports a seating area that can accommodate six people and a movable folding table that transforms the area into two bunk beds. Generous storage space can hold everything you need for long trips, with storage areas designed to carry equipment for recreational pursuits like cycling, fishing, and hunting.

Crawler Caravan BATU 535

Standard kitchen equipment starts with a chrome countertop, chrome sink, hot- and cold-water faucets, a three-burner stove, numerous storage cabinets and drawers, and a 152L refrigerator. The bathroom has an aluminum privacy door, a steam evacuation fan, a cassette toilet, a folding sink, and a hot and cold adjustable shower head.

Some available options that we would definitely include are a 325W solar system, awning side panels, air conditioning system, upgraded extra battery, and the water tank anti-freeze system. We would also go for the optional 12,000-pound capacity winch for the Crawler BATU 535’s tail.

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 : $142,500+

Imperial Outdoors ExploreRV X195

  • Base weight: 5,500 lbs.
  • GVWR: 9,920 lbs.
  • Overall length: 26 ft., 1 in.
  • Exterior width (including fenders): 7 ft., 6 in.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 9 in.
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 60 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 60 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $142,500

Imperial Outdoors is a recreational vehicle builder created by Nelson Industries, an experienced custom ice-fishing house manufacturer. The company’s decades of acquired know-how creating well-insulated severe cold-weather habitats makes the four-season capability (down to -40 degrees F) of its newest ruggedized off-grid camping trailer no surprise to us.

Imperial Outdoors ExploreRV X195

Additional feature highlights of the new XploreRV X195 are a fully boxed and powder-coated steel perimeter frame, a 240W roof-mounted solar system with a 360A lithium battery, and 60 gallons of fresh and gray water capacity.

The exterior composite walls and one-piece composite floor are fully insulated. The well-equipped XploreRV X195 kitchen offers a cooktop, refrigerator, sink, and plenty of storage. A full bathroom offers a shower and dry flush toilet.

Creature comforts inside the Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 camping trailer make the living space a relaxed place for up to four people, day or night. A cold-weather furnace quickly brings the inside of the XploreRV X195 up to a cozy temperature when needed.

And, during warm summer days, the low-profile high-efficiency 12V roof-mounted air conditioner can cool off occupants in no time at all. A full-size walkaround bed and convertible dinette provide sleeping space for up to four persons. That same dinette can be reconfigured into conversational and mealtime roominess when the sun comes up.

Imperial Outdoors ExploreRV X195

The Xtreme Package of standard upgrades for the Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 includes the Cruisemaster ATX independent suspension system with airbags, disc brakes, and a parking brake. Large off-road tires, an articulating hitch, an onboard air compressor, a front-mounted utility box with LPG and generator storage, heated and insulated water tanks, and an upgraded lithium battery and 240W roof-mounted solar system with an inverter and monitor panel are part of the package.

Kimberley Kampers Kruiser T-Class T3 : $176,544

Kimblerly Kampers’ Kruiser T-Class T3

  • Base weight: 5,600 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,705 lbs.
  • Overall length: 24 ft., 4.8 in.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft., 10.8 in.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 8.4 in.
  • Freshwater Tanks: 53 gals. main; 32 gals. rear
  • Gray Water Tanks: 16 gals. under shower; 32 gals. for sink
  • Base MSRP: $176,544

Kimberley Kampers has been building rugged off-road camping trailers for 30 years, and the company continues to knock out superbly designed and built small camping trailers, midweight hybrids, and large luxury T-Class caravans. The Kruiser T-Class T3 caravan is the largest and our favorite among the Kimberley Kampers family of off-road-capable rugged camping trailers.

Kimberley Kampers’ Kruiser T-Class T3

The Kimberley Kruiser T-Class T3 features an airbag suspension system with monotube shocks. The suspension is adjustable for the best possible ride quality over any type of terrain. The suspension can be raised or lowered for ideal towing stability, or to level the trailer at the campsite.

An electric-over-hydraulic vented disc brake system offers superior braking performance over the typical drum brakes usually found on camping trailers, and the system includes a one-touch parking brake.

The Kimberley Kruiser T-3 camping trailer’s sturdy body is made from a combination of high-grade alloys, thermoplastic materials, marine-grade stainless steel, and hot-dipped galvanized steel. Inside the Kimberley T3, you’ll find a full-size shower (with a curved-glass enclosure) and en suite with dual overhead fans, composting toilet, vanity, sink, and lights. A full-size queen island bed, elevated junior bunk beds over the queen, and a convertible couch/bed provide sleeping arrangements for up to six people.

Kimblerly Kampers’ Kruiser T-Class T3

Kitchen facilities in the Kruiser T-3 can be found inside and out. Standard inside is a large benchtop with a generously sized sink, hot/cold water faucet, 190L fridge/freezer, dual-plate induction cooktop, and microwave. The outside kitchen offers a large sink, hot/cold water faucet, two-burner stove/grill, and 20-pound LPG tank in standard kit.

The standard power system for the Kruiser T3 includes an AC charger, AC inverter, DC charger, DC output, two solar regulators, and a smart monitor.

Among the many options for the Kimberley Kruiser T-3, the one we like most is the mobile repeater station and signal booster for reception in remote areas.

MDC XT17 HRT : $74,990+

MDC XT17 HRT

  • Base weight: 6,446 lbs.
  • Overall length: 25 ft., 2 in.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft., 10 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft.
  • Sleeping capacity: 3 to 4 people
  • Freshwater tank: 42 gals.
  • Gray water tanks: 21 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $74,990

The MDC XT17 HRT is the flagship of the company’s full line of rugged camping trailers. It was designed and built to handle rough roads (or no roads at all) and keep its occupants comfortable and well cared for during extended off-grid adventures.

Features such as a powerful conditioner, an internal shower and en suite, inside and outside kitchen facilities, and roomy living space make the MDC XT17 HRT camping trailer a worthy option for those with an active outdoor lifestyle looking for a comfortable backcountry basecamp.

MDC XT17 HRT

Underneath the XT17 HRT trailer’s sturdy aluminum alloy body structure is an off-road capable chassis that begins with a fully welded frame made of a 6×2-inch galvanized steel hot rolled rectangular tube. Supporting that is an X-Track independent suspension system with coil springs and twin shock absorbers on each side.

Combined with aluminum alloy wheels, large off-road tires, and 12-inch electric brakes, the undercarriage of the XT17 HRT offers adventurous explorers the confidence to travel far from the highway and go places few others can reach.

The external stainless-steel slide-out kitchen provides a campout atmosphere to the XT17 HRT. It includes a propane-fired cooktop, a washboard sink with a hot/cold water supply, and a separate slide-out refrigerator. The standard issue 13.8-foot manual fold-out awning creates cover from sun or rain for the outdoor kitchen.

MDC XT17 HRT

Inside the MDC XT17 HRT camping trailer, a queen-size pillow-top innerspring mattress (in the rear slide-out) and a convertible dinette can sleep up to four people. The bathroom offers a Thetford cassette toilet and a wet-bath shower.

Other interior features include internal laminated benchtops with a glass-lid propane stove/convection oven combination, a microwave, and a fully plumbed sink with a glass lid. A Dometic air conditioner , Truma hot water system, and Dometic heater make for easy living in the XT17 HRT.

OPUS 15 Hybrid : $53,495+

OPUS 15

  • Base weight: 5,159 lbs.
  • GVWR: 6,393 lbs.
  • Overall (closed) length: 23 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft.
  • Exterior height: 8 ft., 10 in. (roof closed)
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 5 in. (open); 5 ft., 5 in. (closed)
  • Freshwater tank: 63 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 17 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 10 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $53,495

OPUS Camper currently produces four rugged off-road-ready camping trailers. Three of the four are lightweight low-profile trailers that blossom into standing-room tent structures. The fourth (our favorite in the OPUS line) is the Opus 15, the company’s largest and only hard-sided camping trailer.

The sturdy OPUS 15 body is made using Dibond aluminum composite panels with an aluminum frame sub-structure. A fully hot-dip-galvanized and welded-steel frame mates the OPUS 15 body to an independent trailing arm suspension system that features dual shock absorbers and large springs positioned for optimum performance off-road or on the highway.

OPUS 15

The Opus Camper OP15 trailer is a live-in hard-sided camping trailer with a pop-top that offers full standing room inside and a rear slide-out carrying the king-size bed. All buttoned up, the Opus Camper OP15 offers a low profile for easy towing. Once parked and all opened up, it presents a spacious feel with large windows and a well-thought-out interior layout.

In addition to the master king bed are large bunk beds, and a full bathroom with shower, sink, and flush toilet. The dining area offers plush seating and an adjustable table.

OPUS 15

Interior equipment includes a Truma Combi Eco furnace (hot-water system), Dometic 13,500-BTU roof-top air conditioner, TV with indoor and outdoor mounts, stereo system with four speakers, and numerous 110V and USB ports.

Cooking is done outdoors using a nicely executed slide-out kitchen featuring a stainless-steel sink, four-burner stainless steel stove, and a food-prep deck. A 12V fridge/freezer combo is on a second outdoor slide-out.

Off-grid adventure in the OPUS Camper OP15 is made easily accessible with standards such as three 100A AGM batteries, a 300W solar panel setup, and utility storage for two 6-gallon fuel cans as standard. You can boost that capability with options such as a DC charger, or lithium batteries and an upgraded charger.

Palomino Pause 20.3 : $124,995+

Palomino Pause

  • Base weight: 7,859 lbs.
  • GVWR: 9,459 lbs.
  • Exterior width: 6 ft., 10 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 9 in.
  • LPG capacity: Two 30-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 76 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 30 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 30 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $124,995

At first glance, the Palomino Pause 20.3 may not look like a camping trailer that can handle rugged duty. But don’t judge the Pause 20.3 by its cover. Underneath the skin there lies a sturdy structure supported by a lightweight but strong aluminum huck-bolted frame and off-road suspension from MorRyde.

The MorRyde independent air ride suspension system comes with Bilstein off-road shocks, delivering 25 inches of ground clearance and a comfortable and secure ride over any road surface. An articulating hitch is standard equipment.

Palomino Pause

The Garmin O.N.E Control system standard on the Pause 20.3 camping trailer can perform one-touch trailer leveling, off-road navigation, entertainment, and smart control over some electronic functions.

A roof-top 600W solar system, two 540A lithium batteries, a 3,000W inverter, and two 50A solar chargers are also standard issue. Solar upgrades available for the Palomino Pause 20.3 camping trailer include two more 540A lithium batteries and two 300W portable solar panels.

The Pause 20.3 body features a composite floor, walls, and roof. No wood is used in this trailer’s construction. Heated and insulated water tanks are standard, as is a puncture-proof underbelly, full body wrap, automotive-style off-road rear bumper, and polyurethane-coated front wall and extrusions.

Inside the shell of the Pause 20.3 camping trailer is a folding queen bed, convertible seating, a foldable table/bed, a large and fully equipped bathroom, rear pantry storage, and all-aluminum cabinetry.

Palomino Pause

An indoor and outdoor kitchen are standard on the Pause 20.3 camping trailer. A 15.6 cubic-foot refrigerator, 12V dual-zone cooler, 21-inch oven, three-burner cooktop, microwave oven, and 16-inch round stainless sink provide everything a camp chef needs to prepare meals.

An extended slide-out exterior kitchen makes outdoor cooking a breeze with a 12V dual-zone cooler, combination grill/griddle, collapsible sink, pull-out prep table, and outdoor pantry.

Tribe Trailers Expedition 500 : $55,000+

Tribe Trailers Expedition 500

  • Base weight: 3,660 lbs.
  • GVWR: 4,100 lbs.
  • Overall length: 16 ft., 8 in.
  • Exterior height (closed/open): 6 ft., 11 in.; 9 ft., 6 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: 3 to 4 persons
  • Gray water tank: 18 gals.
  • Black water tank: 18 gals.
  • Base MSRP: $55,000

The Tribe Trailers Expedition 500 is a rugged and compact hard-side pop-up camping trailer with a long list of amenities and creature comforts. It also offers heavy-duty construction and an off-road capable suspension system to make off-grid camping adventure possible. The Tribe Expedition 500 deserves serious consideration when looking for a rugged off-road towable.

Tribe Trailers Expedition 500

One of the things that makes the Tribe Expedition 500 camping trailer a natural choice for off-grid exploration is the ease of towing created by the design of the trailer’s lightweight all-aluminum collapsible body. The Expedition 500 is designed like a box within a box.

The top box can be lowered onto the lower box to go from a tall and roomy 9 feet, 6 inches high (measured from the ground) in full campsite setup to a low-profile, easy-to-tow 6 feet, 11 inches. Add the beefy independent A-arm suspension system with dual air shocks and coil springs, and you have a rugged camping trailer with serious off-road travel abilities.

Tribe Trailers Expedition 500

In a relatively small space (approximately 11 feet long, 7 feet high, 7 feet wide when open) the Tribe Expedition 500 packs in a 51×78-inch master bed up front, a convertible dinette that can sleep another adult or two children, a kitchen with a gas stove and sink, and an enclosed combination bathroom/shower with a sink and toilet.

Large windows help make the interior feel larger than it is, and the overhead storage cabinets can hold all the gear you want to keep warm and dry inside the cabin of the Tribe Expedition 500 camping trailer.

An outdoor slide-out kitchen offers a portable stove, a food prep area, and a separate slide-out for a refrigerator. The Tribe Expedition 500 features an electrical system that includes interior and exterior LED lighting, a 200A lithium battery, water tank level sensors, a voltage monitor for AC and DC power, a 1,000W inverter, and a solar power system control unit.

Rugged Camper Trailer Buying Guide Need to Know

What makes a camping trailer rugged.

If you’re wondering what to look for when searching for the rugged off-road capable camping trailer best suited for your brand of outdoor adventure, we have some recommendations.

Sturdy Construction

Much of the recreational vehicle industry builds camping and trailer bodies using a method referred to as “stick and tin.” This construction is similar to the wood framing of a home covered by aluminum. It’s fine for general use, but not the best choice for extreme terrain or weather conditions.

The better choices are those trailers with metal (usually aluminum) skeletons draped with modern composite sheeting. They can offer weight savings and better structural integrity.   

Upgraded Suspension

Axle-less suspension systems like those made by Timbren are a first step up from the average trailer with beam axles beneath its coach. For the next step up, made to handle rough or dirt roads and remain smooth on the highway, independent suspension air-ride systems such as MORRryde produce are your entry ticket into the rugged trailer category.

Articulating Hitch

When browsing for a rugged camping trailer, you will often see the term “articulating hitch.” It’s a key piece of equipment. If it’s standard, great. If it’s an option, get it. An articulating hitch provides a revolving joint between the tow vehicle and the trailer that helps the trailer and its suspension system more easily navigate rough terrain.

MDC XT17 HRT

Need-to-Know Trailer Talk

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum safe permissible weight for a trailer, including all cargo, fluids, LPG, and optional equipment.

Base, Dry, Tare, Unladen: You may see it expressed differently depending upon the manufacturer, but they mean the same thing — the total weight of a base-model trailer in standard equipment trim, with no cargo, fluids (freshwater), or LPG.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): Sometimes referred to as Rated Cargo Load, is the maximum amount of cargo weight the trailer can safely hold. This includes everything you load (all gear food, bikes, etc.) into the trailer, full water tanks, filled propane tanks, and batteries.    

Tongue or Hitch Weight: The manufacturer’s published tongue weights are established using base-model trailer weights. It should be between 10% and 15% of your trailer’s weight when fully loaded. More than 500 pounds of tongue weight can place stress on the rear suspension and adversely affect the steering and overall handling of anything less than a ¾ -ton or larger pickup truck.

A weight-distributing hitch can mitigate these problems by leveraging some weight off the hitch and back onto the axles. An easy way to accurately measure your trailer’s tongue weight is to use a drive-on public scale. See this Blue Ox guide to measuring tongue weight.

Jeep Wagoneer L towing an Airstream camper trailer

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Stuart Bourdon profile

A passion for anything automotive (especially off-road vehicles), camping, and photography led Stuart to a life exploring the mountains and deserts of the Southwest and Baja, and a career in automotive, outdoor, and RV journalism. He has held editorial staff positions at publications such as Four Wheeler, 4Wheel & Off-Road, Jp (all-Jeep), Trailer Boats, and Camping Life. When not behind a camera or in front of a computer, Stuart can often be found behind the wheel.

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Home » RV Lifestyle Topics » Camper Van Or Travel Trailer – Which One Should I Buy?

Camper Van Or Travel Trailer – Which One Should I Buy?

Camper van and travel trailer

Camper vans and travel trailers can be great options for those who want to camp in comfort. Although they have much in common, they are very different from each other and it can be difficult deciding on which one to buy.

I researched and looked at both types during my search for a camping solution. I liked a lot of what travel trailers had to offer but the convenience of a camper van was nice as well.

I’ve looked at large travel trailers and small travel trailers and tried to figure out which would be best for me. I have always leaned towards the smaller ones because I like the coziness and the simplicity of keeping it small. I never wanted a huge trailer that would be cumbersome to tow around.

This is what led me to look more at camper vans because of the smallness and the convenience of being able to drive anywhere.

I also loved the idea of being able to custom build a camper van which would make it more affordable than buying a manufactured Class B.

If you find yourself in this position of trying to decide between a trailer or a van, I can show you my research notes and why I chose what I chose in the end.

I understand that deciding on the perfect type of RV can be a difficult process. It’s normal to be unsure since it’s such a large expense. It’s important to make the best decision for yourself and choose the one you’ll actually use and get the most out of.

Let’s compare the two options in a few key areas.

Camper Van VS Travel Trailer

It’s likely that if you are looking between a camper van and a travel trailer, you are looking at mostly small travel trailers. Since small trailers aren’t a lot bigger than what a van offers, this is a fair comparison.

Both require you to live more minimal than you would in a larger motorhome or fifth wheel.

Although the size of some of the smaller trailers can be similar to the size of a camper van, there are a few key areas in which they differ. This is where it becomes easy to decide on which is best for you as long as you know what you want.

Let’s discuss the following key areas.

Cost of ownership Size Liveability Mobility Quality

Cost Of Ownership

Expect to pay: $50,000 – $100,000

A van can be quite expensive if you are looking to purchase a newly manufactured van. Some of the more premium models on the market can be in the $150,000 or more range.

This is a huge expense for anyone looking to purchase a van. Unless this is your primary residence and you have the funds to afford it, this type of purchase doesn’t make much sense for the average consumer. Especially when you consider the small size of a van.

The good news is that there are more affordable options so the high cost mentioned above isn’t always the case. You can purchase brand new Class B vans for around $70,000 and much less than that if you choose to go with a used one.

A used van is a great choice since RVs depreciate. You can get an almost new one for much less than the MSRP or for whatever it was bought for when it was brand new.

The other option is to build your own. You can get an empty van and then turn it into a camper if you have the skillset and interest to do so. If not, you can hire someone to do it for you. The cost for a van of this type would be considerably less than purchasing a new one.

Another cost to consider is maintenance. Not only do you have the maintenance costs of the RV itself but also the van. Although there isn’t a lot of maintenance to the RV portion of the van other than winterizing and making sure it stays leak-free.

You’ll have to get oil changes, tire rotations, tire replacements, and other routine vehicle maintenance. These costs can add up depending on how much you use the vehicle.

Travel Trailer

Expect to pay: $10,000 – $35,000

A travel trailer can be much less than a camper van unless you choose to build your own camper van and buy a cheap, used van. If you choose a newer van or if you buy a pre-manufactured van, you will pay much less for a travel trailer.

However, there are other costs that you must consider if this is the route you go. A trailer has to have a vehicle that can tow it. If you do not currently have a vehicle capable of this, you will have to purchase one and that is an added cost.

With a tow vehicle, it will create wear and tear on that vehicle which may also lead to more maintenance costs.

In my case, during my search, I was focused on purchasing a trailer that had a loaded weight of 5500 lbs or less. My Nissan Frontier with 4.0L V6 engine can tow up to 6500 lbs but I never like to get close to the max on towing weight.

Most small travel trailers that I looked at were below 4000 lbs when fully loaded so it wasn’t a big deal for my vehicle. If I would’ve had to purchase a vehicle to tow a trailer, I wouldn’t even have considered one.

So if the cost is your main concern, travel trailers are likely going to be less expensive. Just don’t forget about the tow vehicle when making the decision.

Small red travel trailer

Camper vans offer a very limited amount of living space and can be among the smallest RVs on the market. The typical van measures from about 19 ft – 25 ft in length from the front bumper to the rear bumper.

With the engine compartment, dashboard, driver and passenger seating taking up space, you are left with a tiny footprint on the inside in which you can live.

Although they are small, they still contain almost everything you could ever need while out on the road. Many of them have full showers, bathrooms, kitchen areas, dining areas, sleeping areas and comfortable seating that allows you to unwind and enjoy.

Camper vans serve a crowd of people who want to take up minimal space but want the convenience of traveling anywhere their heart desires. They don’t want the restrictions that are attached to having a larger camper.

Although small, most offer more space than a van can provide. Small teardrop trailers are smaller than vans but larger teardrop trailers can be even larger than the living area in a van.

Trailers also have options that vans don’t often have and that includes slide outs. These slide outs allow you to slide parts of the trailer out while it is parked to create additional living space. Some aren’t even livable until these sections have been slid out.

With slide-outs, a trailer can be very room and make for a very comfortable living arrangement. You won’t see this feature on the smallest trailers but as you go up in size, this will become an option that you’ll see more of.

Overall, travel trailers provide a good amount of living space for the money that you pay.

Liveability

How easy is it to actually live and spend time in a camper van? One would think that it could get a little claustrophobic spending time in such a small space. However, you might be surprised at just how much space you have in one.

Most Class B vans are cleverly designed to maximize space. Although it will never be like living in a much larger RV, it is quite cozy and fun in my opinion.

I travel in mine with my wife and a small dog and we find it to be quite comfortable. The trade-off is that it is highly versatile and the mobility of it allows you to go to places you couldn’t go with an RV with a larger living space.

Dining area in camper van

Depending on the size of the trailer, they can be quite livable. It’s like pulling a little house around behind your car that has everything that you need. You can cook, stay warm or cool, watch TV, take showers, use the bathroom just like you would at home.

You probably won’t miss any of the comforts of home if you spend time in a travel trailer. Even a small one is designed to have a livable amount of space and is usually set up to maximize that space.

A travel trailer is an obvious choice if you are traveling with a larger family. If you have children, you’ll need the extra space that a trailer can provide over a van.

This is where a camper van will shine over a travel trailer. Camper vans are very versatile and are easy to take wherever you want.

Since the van is an all-in-one solution, you have your vehicle and your home all in one space. You don’t have to hitch up to a trailer and then worry about towing it.

Vans are a huge benefit for those who want to stay small and nimble in their camper and be able to travel and see places that larger RVs can’t.

I’ve never had an issue taking my van anywhere and I feel comfortable driving it anywhere that I have driven my personal mid-sized truck. I can back it into a spot easily and be gone in minutes when it’s time to leave.

Trailers are not as nimble and are more difficult to travel with. Although a small trailer can be easy to tow, it’s still something extra that has to be pulled by your vehicle and it can make you a bit uncomfortable having it behind you.

People who aren’t used to towing trailers and only do it every once in a while can have some anxiety about doing this. There is always that chance that you can turn too sharp and hit something or misjudge how much space you need.

Of course, backing into a spot is difficult for many people and a small campground can be difficult to navigate with a trailer. The bigger the trailer, the more difficult it will be.

If you are considering a small trailer, like a teardrop trailer, read about my comparison to a camper van .

Car towing camper trailer

For the most part, the class B motorhomes that I looked at were noticeably higher in quality than were the travel trailers. You would expect them to be higher quality for the price you pay.

Most of the finishes are what you would expect and they just have an overall feel of quality. Some of the more premium-priced ones are even higher in quality.

I care about quality but this may not matter to some people as much. To me, the quality of the parts you can see is an indication of the quality of work that you can’t see.

If I see a low quality, sloppy job done on the shower caulking, for example, I can only imagine the low quality of work that is probably behind the shower walls.

With Class B motorhomes, most of the areas seem to be high quality and I always had a good feeling when looking at them.

During my journey to find a camping solution, one thing stood out as I looked at various travel trailers; the quality is pretty low.

As I walked through trailer after trailer, I noticed the quality was lacking from all the small details. Things like trim not lining up, terrible caulking job, cheap parts, paper-thin walls, etc.

I understand that campers use thinner walls to maintain a lower overall weight but I was amazed during my search that manufacturers could get away with such cheap finishings. It didn’t give me a lot of confidence in purchasing one.

It isn’t like this across the board but a lot of them do not maintain the quality that I like to see in something this expensive.

In the end, I was much happier with the quality and care that I used to build my camper van than I was with any travel trailer that I looked at.

The following video shows some issues you might expect from travel trailers and RVs in general. These issues aren’t always present but it’s good to know what to look for.

Which Is Better?

Ask anyone and you will get a different answer to this question. The one that is better for you may not be better for someone else.

For example, a camper van was better for me because I don’t want the hassle of pulling a trailer. I don’t care how nice the trailer is, I would rather stay in the small space of a van than have to go through the trouble of hauling a trailer all over the place.

That’s my take on it and I’m sure yours is different.

It comes down to what the person wants. If you are looking for more space to live in, you are probably going to be happier with a travel trailer than you would be with a camper van.

On the other hand, a camper van is great for those people who like to travel and see more. It’s great for those who want to be able to drive and not have to worry about any size restrictions since a camper van is small enough to go anywhere.

You are not limited with a camper van like you would be with a larger trailer.

Below, I have outlined some examples of when it would be best to have each type.

Who Should Buy A Camper Van?

A camper van might be a good solution for you if…

  • You plan on traveling more and don’t want the worries of size restrictions or the burden of towing a trailer.
  • You want to boondock often and stay somewhat stealthy.
  • You are camping alone or with one other person and don’t need a lot of space.
  • You like the idea of taking less stuff so you can enjoy your journey more.
  • You have more money to spend on a camping solution.
  • You are looking for something with good fuel economy.
  • You are handy and like the idea of building your own camper van.
  • You want your driving area connected to your living space so you don’t have to exit the vehicle.

Who Should Buy A Travel Trailer?

A travel trailer will probably be a better solution for you if…

  • You have a family and need more space or you are just someone who likes having a lot of space.
  • You plan on staying at RV parks most of the time. If you plan on pulling into an RV park and parking for the week, a trailer will serve you well.
  • You have less money to spend.
  • You already have a good towing vehicle or are willing to purchase one.
  • You don’t mind towing a trailer behind a vehicle.
  • You have a good place to store the trailer when not in use.
  • You don’t mind exiting your vehicle to access your living area.
  • You want to be able to disconnect from your trailer at an RV park and have a personal vehicle to drive.

Bottom Line

A camper van and a travel trailer might appeal to the same people but they will likely disagree on some of the main features. If you are looking for a home away from home that provides the space you need for you and your family, a travel trailer is your answer.

If you are looking for a vehicle that will take you to places far and wide and give you a cozy, safe place to stay, a camper van could be the answer.

One isn’t necessarily better than the other and it will all depend upon what you aim to use it for.

If you are stuck deciding on what type to pursue, the best thing to do is what I did when I was in the same position. I went searching my local area at RV dealerships and looked at dozens of different models of each type.

Doing this will allow you to get a feel for what it is like inside each type and you’ll start to learn which is best for you.

Nothing can take the place of seeing them with your own eyes so make a plan to step foot inside each of these and determine which one you’ll go with.

Dan Collins

I consider myself an outdoor enthusiast. I love to travel and go to places that most people don't get a chance to go. I want to see it all and live life to the fullest while I'm alive. My camper van is helping me to do just that. I write about my experiences to help inspire others to do the same.

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel Trailer Vs Tent Trailer: Why I Picked A Hard-Side Trailer!

    A tent trailer will often cost $10,000 less than a traditional trailer when purchased new. That's a huge amount of money, so be sure you have a good reason to pick a travel trailer when you could save a lot of money. Not only are tent trailers less expensive to buy, they are also significantly less money to insure because they have fewer ...

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    Spacious Interior. One of the main reasons I chose a travel trailer over a tent is the spacious interior. Unlike tents, travel trailers offer more headroom, wider sleeping areas, and a separate living space. Some travel trailers also have a small elevated shower, which is a luxury tents don't provide.

  3. Tent vs. RV Camping

    That said, the RV has a LOT more room and is a lot more comfortable. Having a full-size queen bed is a lot comfier than the bed in the camper van. There was not a ton of room in the van, so that made things like getting dressed in the morning and cooking a bit difficult with two people.

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    RV vs Tent Set-Up. For the quickest set-up, most tents will beat out an RV. The size of the tent can add more complexity and an extra set of hands may be required. ... For instance, a campervan is typically much easier to move locations than a travel trailer, just as a tent for two is easier to pack up and relocate than a tent for a family. RV ...

  5. Tent Camping Vs Trailer Camping: A Definitive Comparision

    If you're shopping on a budget you could easily keep it under $1,000. In comparison, even the cheapest new trailer is going to cost you over $10,000, probably closer to $20,000. You can save some money going with a used trailer, however, you will want to really do your research if you go that route.

  6. RV vs tent camping: Which is right for you?

    Tent camping costs vs RV costs. Tent camping is usually the cheaper option. Good tents can be as cheap as $40 and primitive campsites without hook-ups are usually cheaper than spots for RVs. However, you'd be surprised at the deals you can find RVing. With platforms like Outdoorsy, renting a cushy RV is more affordable than ever before. If ...

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    Let's delve into the key differences that set campers and travel trailers apart, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal RV for your adventures. 1. Design and Size: Campers: Campers are smaller and designed to be affixed to the bed of a pickup truck or towed by a smaller vehicle.

  8. Tent Trailers vs. Travel Trailers

    The tent trailer is incredibly easy to store and takes up the least amount of space among all RV body types. Tent trailers are often bought as a first trailer for families, they are lightweight enough to be towed by virtually any car and can be found in many lengths with options such as hot water, refrigerator, air conditioning and washrooms.

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    SylvanSport SylvanSport. SylvanSport is a known brand among hiking and kayak fans, and has since expanded to make its own camping trailer, the SylvanSport GO. Starting at $10,995, the SylvanSport is an affordable option for the camping couple or small family. It utilizes a simple-yet-sleek skeleton design with an integrated a pop-up rooftop tent pod that provides sleeping quarters for up to ...

  10. Pop Up Camper vs Travel Trailer: Why We Got A Pop-Up!

    The cost of a tent trailer will be at least $10,000 cheaper than a travel trailer when new. That's a large difference in the amount of money, so you'll have to make sure that a travel trailer is really worth it for you. We were able to get our pop-up camper used for a really good deal on Craigslist.

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  13. Camping Trailer vs. Travel Trailer Comparison Guide

    Travel Trailers: Rather than durability or efficiency, travel trailers pride themselves on convenience. Most require an RV hookup and take up more space than a camping trailer. Of course, these differences usually mean a more robust power system, more storage, and larger bedrooms. Many also possess well-equipped kitchens, living areas, and ...

  14. Travel Trailer Types 101: A complete guide to the different styles

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  15. Tent Vs. Trailer Camping: Which One Should You Choose?

    Tent campers that hate trailers and RVs are just jealous. Having a trailer or RV doesn't mean that you can't still sleep in a tent at night. In fact, many avid explorers will travel around in their camper and use it as a base camp. They leave the trailer behind to hike to campsites that are inaccessible to a trailer or RV.

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    It is also relatively affordable at a rough price of $2900. The interior is fairly spacious, and the tent itself is lightweight at only 130 pounds. Inside, the tent is 83 inches long by 49 inches wide, and there is a 7.5 ft ladder that attaches to the side of your car so that you can easily access the rooftop tent.

  17. Beginner's Guide to RV Trailers

    Sitting only about 4 feet high when towed, pop-up trailers can be raised by hand crank or electrically at a campsite. Most have tentlike sides and extensions that pull out of either end. Some ...

  18. Pop up camper vs travel trailer (detailed guide to decide)

    1. Pop up camper or tent trailer is less costly. Rv's in general are very costly and you can have a one that could be more than $1,50,000 and you also get modest ones like pop up camper or a tent trailer. A pop up camper can be bought in a price as low as $1,000 to around $7500. Now, that's a very good price you can afford.

  19. Camping Trailer vs Travel Trailer

    Camping trailers offer a more economical alternative to travel trailers and provide more features designed to make the camping experience more comfortable. While they may not be suitable for long-distance road trips, camping trailers are usually lighter and simpler than their travel trailer counterparts and can often fit in shorter camp sites ...

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    1. Airstream Flying Cloud - Travel Trailers. Best for: a luxury travel trailer for couples to families that will last for decades and has the best resale value. Overall Length: 23' to 30' (depending on model) GVWR: 6000 to 8800 lbs. MSRP: $94,400 to $124,500.

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    Expect to pay: $10,000 - $35,000. A travel trailer can be much less than a camper van unless you choose to build your own camper van and buy a cheap, used van. If you choose a newer van or if you buy a pre-manufactured van, you will pay much less for a travel trailer. However, there are other costs that you must consider if this is the route ...