A travel trailer may seem like a great option for your next vacation – they’re typically cheaper than RVs and offer more flexibility in where you can go.
However, there are a few reasons why you may want to avoid travel trailers.
What is a Travel Trailer?
A travel trailer is a type of towed camper that is typically towed by a van, SUV, or truck and has a hitch that connects it to the back of the tow vehicle.
Top 8 Reasons to Avoid Travel Trailers
While many RVers find reasons to love their travel trailer, there are several reasons why you might want to avoid this type of towable camper.
Below are the 8 most common reasons why you should avoid buying a travel trailer to go RVing.
1. Travel Trailer Values Decrease Rapidly
Travel trailer values decrease rapidly over a relatively short period of time. This is due to the fact that travel trailers are often used for a short period of time and then sold. The value of a travel trailer can drop by as much as 50% in just a few years.
2. Towing Travel Trailers Can be Unsafe
Many RVers believe that travel trailers are not safe to tow, or at least not as safe as 5th wheels. These types of towable campers are prone to trailer sway or “fish-tailing.” This happens when the trailer swings from side to side, making it more difficult to control. Subsequently, travel trailers are more easily tipped while being towed than other types of towable campers.
3. Travel Trailers are Produced in Bulk
Travel trailers are produced in large quantities and rapidly in order to keep costs low. This is partially due to the high demand for travel trailers, as they are the most popular camper. However, this often means lowered production quality for the consumer. You may find your brand new travel trailer falling apart on your very first camping trip.
4. Limited Storage in Travel Trailers
One of the main downsides to using a travel trailer is the limited amount of available storage. Ceilings of these towable campers are not as high as they are in fifth wheels, limiting indoor storage. Additionally, this RV type is known to have less outdoor storage as well. Making it more difficult to find places for your essential RV items.
5. Travel Trailers Require a Lot of Fuel to Tow
Travel trailers require a lot of fuel to tow because they can be large and heavy. This means that you will need to use more fuel to tow a travel trailer than you would to tow a smaller RV, such as a tear-drop trailer.
6. Can’t Ride in a Travel Trailer While Traveling
You can’t ride in a travel trailer while traveling. It is illegal and unsafe to do so. If something goes wrong while someone or something was traveling in the trailer, the driver would not know or be able to assist.
7. Travel Trailer Campers Strain Your Tow Vehicle
If you are planning to purchase a travel trailer, be aware that these types of campers can put a strain on your tow vehicle. You may also need to upgrade your tires and brakes to accommodate the increased weight. Additionally, if your travel trailer is over the tow capacity of your vehicle, that will cause a lot of problems for your tow vehicle and trailer as well.
8. Travel Trailers Require a Lot of Maintenance
Travel trailers are a lot of fun, but they require a lot of maintenance. You need to clean them regularly, and you also need to inspect them for damage. If you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, your trailer could start to deteriorate rapidly, especially if it is not stored and sealed properly.
There Are Many Reasons to Avoid Travel Trailers but Here are Some Advantages
Despite the various reasons you should avoid buying a travel trailer, they are the most popular rv type for RVers. As such, we wanted to share some of the advantages this type of towable camper has over other types of RVs.
They are easy to tow and can be hitched to a wider variety of tow vehicles than a fifth wheel. Travel trailers are also very versatile and are actually pretty great for RV camping, road trips, and even full-time RV living. A travel trailer can be a great option for finding the freedom and flexibility to go where you want, when you want.
If You’re Avoiding Travel Trailers – How Do You Find Your Perfect RV Camper?
Looking for the right type of camper can be a daunting task, but with a little research and patience, it’s definitely doable!
There are a few things to consider when narrowing down your search, such as what size RV you need, what kind of amenities you’re looking for, and what your budget is.
Once you have a good idea of what you want, start scouring websites and dealerships for the perfect match. It might take some time, but eventually you’ll find the right RV for you!
What’s Another Reason to Avoid Travel Trailers?
We covered many of the reasons you should not buy a travel trailer. What are some reasons we missed? Do you already own a travel trailer?
If so, what don’t you like about it? (Maybe we’ll add it to our list of reasons to avoid travel trailers!)
