RV buyers are blessed with is choice. It can also be overwhelming for a first-time buyer when you realize the number of different manufacturers and models available, especially if you’re not sure what you want.
There are three basic considerations when choosing a travel trailer. How much weight can I tow? How many people will be using the camper? How long will we be spending in our travel trailer? Budget is also important, but given the tremendous selection available, you’ll be able to find a model that fits your basic criteria. New travel trailers range in price from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the manufacturer and model.
Let me give you an example. We knew that when shopping for our travel trailer, we needed a model that we could tow with a standard, half-ton V8 pickup. We also knew that we wanted a bunk room for the kids, which further narrowed the available options. There are many travel trailers with bunks, but few with a completely separate bedroom. Third, we knew this trailer would be our home for the next three years, so double slides were a must, and triples would be nice.
Answering these three questions narrowed down the list of possible models. Then we could look at the budget and find something suitable that we could afford. Many potential buyers start with their perceived budget and look first at the price. The truth is the price is irrelevant if the camper doesn’t fit your needs. It also doesn’t matter, because you’ll be able to find a model that fits your needs for a price you can afford. It’s a huge market.
What Size Travel Trailer Should I Buy?
Travel trailers need to be sized (and shaped) to match your tow vehicle. You can sort your potential list by either trailer weight or trailer length. Weight is the most common place to start, but there is a lot of confusing information about towing on the Internet. You can ignore most of it.
(For a deeper dive into all things towing, you should spend some time reading Hitch Hints from Andy Thompson at Can-Am RV in London, Ontario. His articles are featured on the RV Lifestyle Magazine website and are absolutely the best resource available on towing.)
However, weight can provide a helpful place to start your search. You’ll need to figure out how much weight you are comfortable towing. As a general rule of thumb, when matching a trailer size to your tow vehicle based on weight, here’s where I would recommend you start:
- Compact Sedan/SUV: 3,000-5,000 pounds
- Midsize SUV/Minivan/Large Sedan: 5,000-7,000-pounds
- Large SUV/Half-ton Truck: 7,000-10,000-pounds
- Heavy Duty Pickup: 10,000-pounds+
There are more factors to consider for your tow vehicle than weight. Aerodynamics is arguably more important, but these numbers will get you in the ballpark if you’re looking to maximize the size of your RV.
You could also consider sizing your RV by length once you have a better understanding of weights, aerodynamics and towing. A good place to start with this approach would be:
- Compact Sedan/SUV: up to 22 feet
- Midsize SUV/Minivan/Large Sedan: 20-28 feet
- Large SUV/Half-ton Truck: 24-32 feet
- Heavy Duty Pickup: 30 feet and up
These are ballpark figures to get you thinking about possible travel trailer sizes for your vehicle. Whether you chose weight, length or a combination of both, you’ll get a rough idea of what size travel trailer you should choose. Then you can move on to the next question.
How Do I Choose a Floorplan for my Travel Trailer?
Let’s say you’ve decided on a 24 to a 28-foot travel trailer in the 7,000-pound range. You now need to decide how many people are going to use it, and how long they plan on staying.
If you’re a couple looking for a weekend getaway every couple of months, then most trailers in your size range will have plenty of space. You could get yourself a toy hauler if you have bikes, ATVs or motorcycles to bring along.
If you’re a family of seven who wants to take a month-long summer vacation then you’re going to want plenty of sleeping space. You’ll need a floorplan with bunks, a convertible dinette and a pullout sofa. Slides would be optional, but likely a welcome addition should you run into weather that forces everyone inside.
You now need to decide how many people are going to use it, and how long they plan on staying.
If you going full-time, then you’ll want it all. Two, or even three, slide-outs. Two separate sleeping areas (if you have kids). A U-shaped dinette or a freestanding table and chairs, a large sofa, and plenty of storage, including a pantry cabinet would be good options.
You should take a headcount and figure out how many nights a year you’ll be staying in the RV. Combine this with your preferred RV size from the previous section and you’ll have an excellent starting point for your shopping trip.
How Much Does a Travel Trailer Cost?
The question is up to you. You can find campers to fit any budget. So you’ll need an idea of how much you can afford, either a lump sum or a regular payment. Then you need to find a dealer.
If you’re near a larger city, you’ll have access to almost every RV manufacturer and brand. A quick Google search will show you the RV dealers in the area and you can see what product lines they carry. Those of us in rural areas may have a more limited selection of manufacturers.
Once you have a list of the brands available in your area, you can go online and start your research. Look for a travel trailer that meets your list of requirements for size, layout and price. Most dealers have transparent pricing on their websites. RVTrader.com will also give you an idea of pricing on your chosen models.
My best advice is don’t settle on a particular brand until you’ve met the dealer and their service department.
Once you have a solid idea of what you’re looking for and a rough idea of the cost, it’s time to contact your local dealer. My best advice is don’t settle on a particular brand until you’ve met the dealer and their service department. Every single RV will have issues. Read that last sentence again.
Regardless of the brand quality, perceived or actual, you’re going to need service. You need a dealer that stands behind what they sell and is willing to do the work to make it right. It’s a tough call, but the biggest problem most RVers have (us included) is after-sales support.
If you don’t have a great feeling about the dealership, move on to another. If you know more experienced RVers, ask them for a dealer reference. Someone who has experienced a particular dealer is the best source of information.
Don’t Try to Find the “Perfect” Travel Trailer
Choosing your travel trailer is a big decision. An RV is a large investment of time and money, so it’s important to get it right. But don’t hold out for perfect. The perfect RV doesn’t exist.
The perfect RV doesn’t exist.
Even after you choose your new travel trailer, even if you did everything right, you’re going to come across things that you wish were different. I’m questioning whether the kitchen island was a good idea and I still find the bedroom cramped, but neither of these issues is that big of a deal. We did our homework and this RV is a good fit for our family.
Yours will be too. Don’t get caught up in the hype. Do your homework. Make your list. Buying more RV than you need can be as bad as buying something that’s a little too small. You can’t find the perfect travel trailer, but you will find one that’s right for you.
