If you’ve been looking into what kind of trailers might suit you and your traveling needs, it’s possible you’ve considered the A-frame trailer.
Regardless of how much you like them, though, the cost will probably be a major consideration when it comes to making your purchase. If you need to know how much an A-frame trailer might set you back, look no further than this article.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the features A-frame trailers has to offer and learn more about how it affects their purchase price.
What To Love About The A-Frame Trailer
If you haven’t seen an A-frame trailer, their look might surprise you. Non-traditionally shaped (just like an A-frame house), these trailers are triangular in shape.
These trailers have much more to offer than just their unique shape. If you’re wondering what’s appealing about the A-frame trailer, here are some great reasons to make the investment:
1. Fuel Economy
A-frame trailers are great for gas costs.
They collapse for flat towing. Tucked neatly behind your towing vehicle, they won’t add significantly to drag.
A-frame trailers also tend to be quite light, due to this collapsible feature. Less weight means better fuel economy, of course.
2. Towability
The trailers are lightweight, which is a distinct positive when it comes to towing. You don’t necessarily need a heavy-duty truck to enjoy your A-frame.
Weighing a maximum of 3,500 pounds, these trailers can be towed by most vehicles equipped to tow.
You won’t mind the exceptional visibility either. Towing flat means you can easily see what’s going on behind and around you, using the mirrors your vehicle’s already equipped with.
3. Set Up Time
Unlike other campers, A-frame trailers are assembled in a matter of moments. In less than a minute and a half, you can go from having your A-frame trailer in its towing state to crawling right into your bed.
4. Access To Virtually Anywhere
The small size of the A-frame camper means that most RV parks and parking lots can accommodate you and your vehicle.
Whether you’re just looking for a bite to eat, to grab some groceries, or an extended stay in a tight site, your A-frame is up to the task.
The other perk to an A-frame (or any trailer) is that you can detach your trailer and use your towing vehicle for local excursions or shopping trips.
Unlike traveling in a large RV, where you would have to tow your driving vehicle to get the same advantages.
5. Floorplan Options
A-frames come with a number of floorplans.
While you may not have a state-of-the-art kitchen and a spacious bathroom, you can find a variety of setups that suit you and your travel companions.
You’ll even come across toy-hauler setups, if that’s what you’re in the market for.
It Can’t All Be Good
While there is a lot to love about them, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for your A-frame trailer.
1. Size
These trailers are quite compact.
Frequently, your setup is only between 10 and 14 feet long. This doesn’t account for the interior space already spoken for by appliances and furniture. You can imagine how close quarters can be once you’re inside.
While this small size is often an asset, it may be a drawback for longer trips, especially if you’re traveling with a group of people. Before leaping into a purchase, make sure the size of the A-frame trailer will be sufficient for your needs.
2. Heating And Cooling Woes
You’ll love that these spaces are small—a small heater or air conditioner will offer the cooling you need for this area.
However, the same collapsible feature that will save you gas while you’re hauling, will cost you money when you’re talking about heating and cooling.
Because the trailer is made to collapse, you won’t have the same sealing that’s available on other trailers.
If you’re looking to travel for long periods of time or during extreme weather, this may be a problem for you.
Just expect your A-frame to be a little more drafty than other models, and know you’ll need to compensate for those leaks when heating and cooling.
3. Vulnerable To Wind
A-frame trailers are generally hard-sided.
This helps give more protection (and use) in windy scenarios than possible with canvas-based popups.
That being said, you will need to avoid setting up and taking down your A-frame during high wind activity.
Before your A-frame trailer is properly together or collapsed, a gust of wind can easily catch the frame. In a moment, your trailer can be badly damaged or people could be injured.
While it’s usually possible to avoid setting up and taking down in windy conditions, it may limit areas you can stay with your A-frame.
You’ll probably want to avoid wide open spaces, and choose covered areas that can shield you from the wind instead.
If you do stay in areas prone to wind, you may need to allow some flexibility in your schedule when comes to arriving and departing.
A-Frame Prices
Now that you know more about A-frames—both the positives and the negatives—you’re probably wondering how much they might set you back.
Here are details of a few models—complete with specs and features—so you can better understand what your money will get you when it comes to A-frame trailers.
You can expect your A-frame trailer to cost between 11,000 and 20,000 dollars. Here’s what you’ll get at different price points. The following prices were obtained from the manufacturer websites and were correct at the time of writing.
1. Aliner Scout-Lite: $11,299
The Aliner Scout-Lite offers a lot at a great price point.
While the trailer is small, the high ceilings help make it feel spacious. In a pinch, the optional air conditioner can run on a regular extension cord. Tiny enough to make even a camping spot work, this A-frame trailer can be a great option.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Length: 13 feet.
- Box Size: 10 feet.
- Width: 78 inches.
- Height (closed): 57 inches.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 2,500 pounds.
- Unloaded Weight: 1,180 pounds.
Coming standard with this model are the following features:
- Fan.
- Outlets.
- Skylights.
- Sink.
- City water hookups.
- Solar port.
Additional options for this model include:
- Awning.
- 5,000 BTU air conditioner.
- High wind kit.
- Off-road package.
2. Forest River Rockwood High Wall A122S: $14,454
This model offers extra storage—something you’ll love when traveling in your A-frame trailer.
With access both from the top and the side, this storage space is located near the tongue. While it makes for a longer length, the storage space is invaluable.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Length: 18 feet, 10 inches.
- Box Size: 12 feet.
- Width: 84 inches.
- Height (closed): 61 inches.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,283 pounds.
- Unloaded Weight: 2,120 pounds.
Coming standard with this model are the following features:
- Slatewood interior.
- Wood-look flooring (dependent on chosen floor plan).
- Synthetic leather seating.
- Stainless steel-look sink and appliances.
- Electric water pump.
Additional options for this model include:
- Hanging wardrobe.
- 20,000 BTU forced air furnace with electric ignition.
- Bike rack.
- ProRac Systems kayak carrier.
- ProRac Systems tie downs.
- ProRac Systems 40-watt solar panel.
3. Forest River Rockwood Premier High Wall A214HW: $19,823.35
Even when driving an A-frame collapsible trailer, you can travel in style.
If luxury is what you’re looking for, consider this Rockwood model.
It comes with storage, cherry wood cabinetry, a full bathroom, and even a power lift.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- Length: 20 feet, 10 inches.
- Box Size: 14 feet.
- Width: 84 inches.
- Height (closed): 68 inches.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,353 pounds.
- Unloaded Weight: 2,700 pounds.
Coming standard with this model are the following features:
- Hardwall shower with residential flush toilet.
- Extra large 3-way refer.
- Memory foam mattress.
- Thermostatically controlled heated mattress.
- Power roof lift assist.
- Front dormer.
- Solar panel prep.
Additional options for this model include:
- Portable solar panel.
- Awning/screen room.
- ProRac Systems upright bike carrier.
- Bike rack.
- 20,000 BTU forced air furnace with electric ignition.
- Hanging wardrobe.
- Power front jack.
Used Or New?
The prices listed here reflect the cost of a new model.
If you’re looking for an awesome A-frame trailer for an even better price, consider buying a used model.
Like other vehicles, RVs and campers depreciate quickly. Even a young, lightly-used A-frame can cost several thousand dollars less than the current year’s model.
If you’re shopping on a budget, or just have other things you want to spend your money on, don’t forget to look at what used inventory is available.
Final Words
As you can see here, there’s a significant range when it comes to prices of A-frame trailers. Like the luxury models? Just need something to get you from point A to point B?
Whether you’re looking to spend a lot or want to spend just a little, there’s a trailer out there that can work for you.
What has your experience with A-frame trailers been?
Found a deal you just can’t help but share?
Have a question we didn’t cover here?
We’d love to hear from you—leave us a note in the comment section below.
