Are you looking for a new travel trailer but aren’t sure what is best? Perhaps you have a small budget and want to know what the best value for your money is? Or maybe you are curious and want to know more? Whatever your reason might be, we have the answer for you!
These days, travel trailers are a popular option with those undertaking RV adventures around the US and Canada.
These light trailers can be towed by half-ton pickup trucks or full-size SUVs, something we don’t see with larger fifth wheelers! They are also cheaper, meaning that the market is full of new and pre-owned campers.
But with so many out there, how do you find the best camper trailer? Especially when you are working with a budget of $10,000 or less? It can be overwhelming, with the thought of this serious investment weighing on your mind. You find yourself drowning in the many options out there, unsure where to turn or who to trust.
Well, no more! Today we are here with all the answers you need! Keep reading to find out what the nine best travel trailers under $10,000 are and everything you need to know about them. Get ready to meet your new trailer today!
1. 2020 Keystone Springdale 1800BH Travel Trailer
Up first we have this fantastic offering from Keystone! Keystone is one of the most well-established RV manufacturers, known for its high build quality and value prices. The 2020 Springdale Travel Trailer could be an excellent option for you. Let’s take a quick look at the stats you need to know!
What you need to know
- Price – top of the budget
- Length – 21 feet
- Dry weight – 3,394lbs
- GVWR – 4,400lbs
- Fresh water tank capacity – 27 gallons
- Total gray water tank capacity – 30 gallons
- Total black water tank capacity – 30 gallons
- Payload capacity – 1,006lbs
- Hitch weight – 485 lbs
- Sleeps – 6
- Compact kitchen
- 1 Awning
- 20,000 BTU heater
- 13,500 BTU air conditioner
Thanks to the 485lb hitch weight and gross vehicle weight of 4,400lbs, you can tow this trailer with a half-ton pickup truck, full-sized SUV, or a light-duty pickup truck! This is fantastic for those that are worried about having the necessary capacity to tow their trailer.
The 1,006lb payload capacity is another fantastic feature, allowing you to pack your essential gear into the trailer instead of your tow vehicle. Gone are the days of being cramped in your car or truck, simply take advantage of your trailer and store your items there!
You also have the convenient pass-thru storage compartment at the front that allows you to haul gear to your destination and doubles as an easy place to store any dirty boots or outdoor gear. Now you don’t need to share your space with any muddy shoes or smelly raincoats.
The trailer sits at the top of our budget today, meaning it might not be suitable for everyone. However, if you have the budget, it is a fine trailer that provides you with space to haul your goods without any real towing issues. Be sure to consider the tax and licensing costs when setting your budget, as these could tip you over the $10,000 budget,
What about the interior?
Now that we have covered the stats, let’s get into the interior! In Keystone’s trailer, you can enjoy two water tanks in gray and black, which are a lovely touch. They allow you to support a full bathroom which is a rare treat in a trailer at this price. You get a sink, flushing toilet, and a small shower stall that will see you through any weekend adventures or long trips.
The freshwater and wastewater tanks are perfect for supporting your compact kitchen sink too. There is also a small RV refrigerator and a two-burner propane stovetop. What more could you want from this trailer?
What’s great about this trailer is the large dinette table that offers space for entertaining guests and enjoying some quality family time. The dinette can also be turned into an additional sleeping space should you require it. The flexibility of this ensures that you always have a trailer that can cater to your needs. You also get a queen-sized bed, which is a rare treat in a travel trailer for this price!
You also have a pair of bunk beds, meaning that the trailer can sleep up to six people. While there is space for six, if you want a more comfortable experience, we recommend capping the capacity at five people instead.
2. Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 16BHC Travel Trailer
If you want to purchase a trailer from a popular brand, then look no further than Gulf Stream! Every year this brand grows in size and popularity, creating more and more loyal followers that will purchase their products. Let’s take a closer look at the aluminum and wooden Ameri-Lite travel trailer and find out more about it!
What you need to know:
- Price – top end of the budget
- Length – 19 feet
- Dry weight – 2,950lbs
- Hitch weight – 330lbs
- Payload capacity – 460lbs
- Freshwater tank capacity – 30 gallons
- Gray water tank capacity – 36 gallons
- Black water tank capacity – 36 gallons
- Sleeps – 4 people
- Compact kitchen
- 1 awning
- 8,000 BTU air conditioner
- 16,000 BTU heater
With a hitch weight of just 330lbs, you can tow it with a mid-range SUV providing you have a robust tow package installed. This is wonderful news for those that don’t own pickup trucks or full-sized SUVs, now you can tow a trailer with ease. Be sure to check your towing package beforehand though to avoid any issues while you travel.
The Ameri-Lite sits at the top of the budget, so be mindful that you might go over budget by the time you pay for your license fees and taxes. It’s worth keeping an eye on any sales or haggling with sellers to see if you can lower the cost of the trailer. It is also worth waiting until the late summer or fall, as Gulf Stream often overproduces their products.
This means that they have a surplus that they often need to shift the leftover stock at the end of the season. If possible, holding on until then can help save you some money and still purchase a new trailer!
What about the interior?
Moving inside, Gulf Stream’s trailer has space for four to sleep. However, that’s not necessarily the case. The master bed, for example, is a convertible dinette table. And while that is a great, space-saving option, it also means it isn’t the most comfortable for two adults to stretch out on. If you are smaller, then you are unlikely to have an issue with this though.
You also get two comfortable bunks in the back, making this a good option for a single parent with two children who want to try camping or spend more time exploring the great outdoors. This would also be a good option for a petite couple, or parents with one child that is happy to sleep in separate beds.
Along with the sleeping space, you get a full bathroom with a flushing toilet, a sink, and a shower stall. The bathroom and the kitchen are supported by a 30-gallon freshwater tank and 36-gallon black water and gray storage tanks. There is a disparity in volume across the tanks, meaning you can bring in additional water in freshwater storage tanks for hand washing and cleaning dishes when you camp off the grid.
The kitchen features a small RV absorption refrigerator. The refrigerator was designed to be durable enough for bumpy roads, driving on gravel, and staying in more rural campsites. You won’t need to worry about any potholes or rocky terrain, and the trailer and its appliances can handle it! The refrigerator can also run off electricity from sn RV parks power shore, generator, or propane. This flexibility allows you to camp where you want without any worries.
You also have a two-burner stove which allows you to cook small meals inside. You don’t need to worry about any fires getting rained on or soggy meals with this trailer!
3. 2020 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS Travel Trailer
Forest River is one of the leaders in the RV industry and has been for a while. As part of the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, they get access to high-quality materials and components along with cost-efficient manufacturing technology. It’s this combination that makes the Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS a fantastic option! Sitting at the top of the budget, but just under, it’s a fine choice for anyone after a travel trailer. Let’s dive in and take a closer look as to why.
What you need to know
- Price – top of the budget
- Length – 21 feet
- Dry weight – 3,097lbs
- Hitch weight – 377 lbs
- Payload capacity – 708 lbs
- Total black water tank capacity – 23 gallons
- Total gray water tank capacity – 23 gallons
- Hot water heater tank – 6 gallons
- Sleeps – up to five people
- Compact kitchen
- 1 awning
- 13,500 BTU air conditioner
- 20,000 BTU heater
This trailer has some similarities to the bigger models in the Cherokee Wolf line, showing you just how good value this trailer is! With a weight of just over 3,000 lbs and a hitch weight of 377 lbs allowing you to tow it with a full-size SUV or a light-duty pickup truck. It’s the ideal choice for those that are after a lightweight trailer that’s easy to move around!
In the trailer, you get a 32-gallon freshwater tank that has more than enough power to support the bathroom shower, toilet, sink, and kitchen sink! You won’t need to worry about running out of water for dirty dishes or your hands with this tank. You also get a 23-gallon gray water storage tank and a black water storage tank of the same size.
What does this mean for you? It means that small families can boondock off the grid without the supplies of an RV park for several days at a time. You can enjoy plenty of off-grid camping and fun with your family.
What about the interior?
Inside, you can enjoy a comfortable interior, while still having a compact trailer. You get a queen-sized bed at the front that works as a master suite and two bunk beds. For even more sleeping space, you can convert the dinette into a sofa bed. This allows you to sleep up to five people comfortably. While other trailers on this list offer generous sleeping suggestions, this one is fairly accurate, making it a fine choice for families.
You also get a kitchen that comes with a two-burner stove and a good amount of storage space. There is also an RV refrigerator that can run on electricity or propane. We would advise bringing a separate cooler for beverages and cold snacks, as the RV refrigerator isn’t the biggest. Doing so will give you plenty of room to store all your food without any stress.
There is also a full bathroom, which is a real treat in a trailer at this price! The shower stall is quite large and features a six-gallon hot water heater that allows one person to have a long shower, or two quick showers instead. You don’t often find that in a trailer at this price!
You also have the 13,500 BTU air conditioner which provides more than enough power to keep you cool inside the trailer. No matter the weather outside you can feel cool and refreshed inside! We do recommend adding a small battery-powered tent fan to help keep the air circulating. This will be beneficial for anyone sleeping on the top bunk as the cool air tends to pool on the floor.
And in the colder weather, the 20,000 BTU heater will keep you warm. You won’t need to sleep in plenty of layers, simply crank the heat up and enjoy. The excellent heating system makes it the ideal option for those that want a travel trailer in the fall and early winter. It is worth noting that the freshwater and wastewater storage tanks and wastewater water lines are not insulated.
If you intend to use the trailer in temperatures below 32 degrees, you will want to take precautions to prevent your onboard water system from freezing up. The last thing you want is to have no access to water in these cold temperatures.
4. 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 145 RB Travel Trailer
That’s right, we’ve got another industry-leading RV brand here! Jayco sits under the umbrella of Thor Industries, offering access to high-quality materials and cost-efficient manufacturing that helps them keep the price down. It’s how we have a fantastic trailer here on budget for you. Let’s take a closer look at the trailer and find out more.
What you need to know
- Price – top of the budget
- Length – 16.5 feet
- Dry weight – 2,405 lbs
- GVWR – 3,140 lbs
- Payload capacity – 735 lbs
- Hitch weight – 220 lbs
- Hot water heater tank – 6 gallon
- Total gray water tank capacity – 19.9 gallons
- Total black water tank capacity – 19.9 gallons
- Fresh water tank capacity – 10 gallons
- Sleeps – up to three
- Compact kitchen
- 1 awning
- 8,000 BTU air conditioner
- 18,000 BTU heater
This trailer sits at the top of the budget with optional extras and trim levels that can drive the cost up, but if you leave these out then the trailer sits at the top of the budget. You will still need to factor in the added cost of the license fees and taxes, so be sure to consider this when looking at your budget and purchasing your trailer.
However, if you do want the added extras without the cost, it’s worth waiting for the clearance sales in the fall. Mant RV dealerships, especially in the Northern United States and Canada need to shift the leftover stock before the cold weather hits. These dealerships will often offer a great price that allows you to enjoy these added extras, without the added cost!
The trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,140 lbs and a hitch weight of 229 lbs, making it extremely easy to tow! If you have a light-duty pickup truck, a half-ton pickup truck, or a full-size SUV you should have no issues towing the trailer. You can even tow the trailer with some mid-size SUVs providing you have a robust towing package. These will allow you to safely tow the trailer at highway speeds without needing to worry, what more could you want?
There is a downside to this trailer though, the freshwater and wastewater storage tanks are on the small side. The freshwater storage tank can only hold 10 gallons of water, meaning it can’t fill the hot water heater tank more than once. That is far from ideal!
If you enjoy a hot shower every day, you will need to stay at an RV park that offers direct connections to its water resources or bring additional freshwater tanks so that you can wash your hands. For those that need a shower in the morning to start the day, we recommend strongly considering these factors before purchasing the trailer.
What about the interior?
Inside, the trailer has a dinette that converts into a bed and a sofa that can convert into a sleeping space too! This allows two or three people to sleep in an L-shaped configuration. It’s a fantastic option for a single parent with one child or a small family with one child. You can all sleep nearby and enjoy cozy nights together!
The kitchen features a two-burner propane stove top, microwave, and refrigerator. The absorption refrigerator can run on electricity or propane and is incredibly durable. It can withstand bumpy, gravel roads, keeping your food safe and ready to go!
What’s great about this trailer is the huge amount of storage options. You have two overhead storage bins in the kitchen that are great for storing non-perishable foods and any kitchen equipment that you need. There is also a wardrobe at the main access door which is the ideal location for storing dirty boots and coats. It keeps them tucked out of the main living area so that you can enjoy a clean space!
You can enjoy an 8,000 BTU air conditioner and 18,000 BTU per hour heater that will keep you warm in the fall and cool in the summer. No longer will you have the issue of being too hot and then too cold! There is also some underbelly insulation and skirting that can support a pair of hunters as they venture deep into a northern tier October hunting trip.
The trailer is so diverse it can cope with many different adventures that you and your family might want to undertake!
5. Sunray 129 Travel Trailer
If you are after a lightweight travel trailer, then look no further than Sunray’s offering! Their 129 camper measures 19-feet long and provides you with a cozy space to unwind. Let’s dive into some of the stats to find out more about this trailer!
What you need to know
- Price – top of the budget
- Length – 19-feet
- Dry weight – 1,840lbs
- Hitch weight – 140 lbs
- GVWR – 3,500lbs
- Freshwater tank capacity – 21 gallons
- Black water tank capacity – 24 gallons
- Compact kitchen
- 1 awning
- 13,500 BTU air conditioner
This trailer is the ideal one for anyone after a lightweight trailer! It comes with a hitch weight of 140 pounds and a gross weight of 3,500lbs meaning you can tow it with a full-size or midsize SUV! You would need a decent towing package to do this, so be sure to check yours before you attach it to the trailer. The last thing you want is for your towing package to break en route!
You also get a 21-gallon freshwater tank and 24-gallon black water storage tank that are the perfect size to support a small family. If you want to do some off-the-grid boondocking, you won’t need to worry about running out of water with this setup! Despite having two tanks, the trailer is still fairly lightweight and even comes with a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, what more could you want?
The air conditioner works to keep the interior cool even when it is hot and humid outside. You can enjoy some coolness and comfort in the evenings, offering some much-needed respite in the hotter months.
What about the interior?
Inside, the Sunray 129 is cozy without feeling cramped. The thoughtful layout and placement of the bed and bathroom features help to give the trailer a cozy feel and still plenty of space to move around. The toilet is even tucked into a bench area to offer more space!
The dinette in this model can also be converted quickly into a spacious bed that offers plenty of comfortable sleeping space for two average-sized adults to enjoy. You also get bunk space for kids, making it the ideal space for small families to use.
It’s worth noting that the different seams of the cushions can be quite firm and a little awkward, which some users haven’t found to be very comfortable. For two people to sleep in the trailer it’s worth investing in an air mattress to provide a smooth sleeping space and some more comfort.
The kitchen area includes a modest RV refrigerator and a two-burner propane stove, allowing you to cook some meals while you enjoy your adventures. The refrigerator is an absorption refrigerator, meaning it can run on propane or electricity, meaning you can still take your own food when you want to do boondocking. You also get a microwave! It isn’t often that you find a microwave in a travel trailer for less than $10,000.
Speaking about the price, this trailer sits under budget, allowing you to get your license fees and taxes sorted too. It’s worth noting that the cost of these fees and taxes could take your entire cost over the $10,000 budget. Be sure that you have the funds for this before going forward with your purchase.
6. 2018 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH Travel Trailer
In 2018 Dutchmen started to produce more travel trailers than the consumer demand, meaning you can find one of these trailers on clearance sale or gently owned for less than $10,000! They will tend to sit at the top of the budget, but they are a fantastic option for those that want the trailer without the hefty price tag. Let’s look at what the Aspen Trail trailer can offer you!
What you need to know
- Price – top of the budget
- Length – 21.4 feet
- Dry weight – 3,200lbs
- Hitch weight – 452 lbs
- Payload capacity – 651 lbs
- Total gray water tank capacity – 28 gallons
- Total black water tank capacity – 28 gallons
- Freshwater tank capacity – 27 gallons
- Hot water heat tank – 6 gallons
- Sleeps – up to 7
- Compact kitchen
- 1 awning
- 8,000 BTU air conditioner
- 18,000 BTU heater
Firstly, you will need a half-ton pickup truck to tow this 3,200lb trailer! It has a hitch weight of 452 lbs meaning to safely tow it, you will want a half-ton pickup truck, especially if you are towing on the highway or up inclines.
But they come packed with large freshwater storage and wastewater tanks that can supply modest size families for several days when camping off the grid. So if you want to remove yourself from the world for a few days, Dutchman’s trailer can help you do this!
What about the interior?
The trailer offers plenty of space for friends and family to sleep! You get a convertible queen size bed at the front of the trailer and a pair of bunks at the rear. You can even convert the dinette to a comfortable bed. While this offers space for up to seven people to sleep, realistically it can comfortably sleep five. This makes it a fine option for families or a small group of friends.
There is also a full bathroom at the back of the trailer, a rare find in a trailer for this price! You get a flushing toilet, shower stall, and a decent size sink. The basin of the shower stall is even deep enough to bathe a young child in! What more could you want?
You also get a kitchen that runs along the passenger sidewall, including a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a large pantry. There is also a decent size RV absorption refrigerator that can run on electricity or propane.
7. Rockwood Geo Pro 19FBS Travel Trailer
That’s right, we’ve got another fantastic offering from Forest River for you! Their Rockwood Geo Pro sits at the top of our budget today but is packed with fantastic features that justify the hefty price tag! It also features an outstanding build quality you are sure to love. Let’s dive in and look at this trailer in more detail.
What you need to know
- Price – top of the budget
- Length – 20 feet
- Dry weight – 3,075 lbs
- Hitch weight – 413 lbs
- Payload capacity – 1,338lbs
- Total gray water tank capacity – 30 gallons
- Total black water tank capacity – 30 gallons
- Freshwater tank capacity – 37 gallons
- Hot water heater tank – 6 gallons
- Sleeps – up to 4
- 1 power retractable slide out
- 1 awning
- Mid size RV kitchen
- 13,500 BTU air conditioner
- 20,000 BTU heater
With a 413 lb hitch weight and 3,075 lb dry weight, the trailer needs a robust tow vehicle to move it. Ideally, you will want a full-size SUV or a light-duty pickup truck that has a robust tow package. This is the only way you can tow the travel trailer at highway speed or up steep inclines. Be sure to check your tow package before setting off to avoid any issues en route.
So why is this trailer so big and heavy? Well, part of it is down to the large capacity freshwater tank and the two wastewater storage tanks. You won’t need to worry about running out of water with these beauties attached to your trailer. They work hard to keep your kitchen sink and complete bathroom supported, so everyone can keep it clean.
The large water tanks also make this trailer a fantastic option for boondocking trips away from RV parks. You can go off the grid without any issues with this trailer.
The front of this trailer also features a pass-through storage compartment that’s ideal for storing your haul gear. It keeps them out of the tow vehicle, offering you more space and ensuring that any dirty outdoor gear is stored away when you set up camp.
What about the interior?
Just looking at the floor plan you can see that a great deal of thought was put into it! You get a true queen size bed at the front and a comfortable sofa that converts to a bed. The layout is ideal for a small family that enjoys RV life.
You get a surprisingly large kitchen given the price tag of this trailer. It comes complete with a three-burner gas stove, microwave, and independent stove. There is also an RV absorption refrigerator that runs on propane or electricity to store your chilled goods and keep them safe on bumpy roads.
There’s even an outdoor grill station that’s ideal for when you want to cook outdoors. It also offers you the option to cook outdoors when you don’t want the heat of cooking in the RV, or to compete with the rooftop air conditioner.
You also get a modest entertainment center that sets this RV trailer apart from others on the market! The center can be watched easily from the sofa/dinette area as well as the queen size bed! The whole family can get cozy and enjoy a movie on a rainy day in this RV.
8. 2020 Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH Travel Trailer
Coachmen are another brand known for their reputation in the RV industry, specializing in travel trailers. They are renowned for their long-term value and thoughtful features throughout their models. Sitting near the top end of our budget today, this is a fine choice for those after a travel trailer. Let’s dive in and find out why.
What you need to know
- Price – top end of the budget
- Length- 21 feet
- Dry weight – 3,014lbs
- GVWR – 3,840 lbs
- Hitch weight – 340 lbs
- Payload capacity – 826 lbs
- Total gray water tank capacity – 25 gallons
- Total black water tank capacity – 25 gallons
- Freshwater tank capacity – 33 gallons
- Sleeps – up to 6
- Hot water heater tank – 6 gallons
- Mid-size RV kitchen
- 1 awning
- 13,500 BTU air conditioner
- 20,000 BTU heater
Thanks to its gross vehicle weight rating of 3,840 lbs and a hitch weight of 340 lbs, it’s an extremely easy vehicle to tow! Those with a full-size SUV, a light-duty pickup, or a mid-size SUB with a solid towing package at trim level can tow this trailer worry-free.
The payload capacity of 826 lbs is down to the large pass-thru storage area in the front of the trailer. There are also heaps of overhead storage space inside the camper! If you have a lot of gear to load for a trip, be sure to evenly distribute it to help with any sway problems trailers can have when traveling at highway speeds.
You get a strong air conditioner too that can keep the interior cool on hot and humid summer days. Why sweat outside when you can relax inside in the cool air? The awning too will also provide a shelf from the sun on half of the trailer, helping the air conditioner to perform effectively and keep you cool.
And if you enjoy hunting in the fall, the 20,000 BTU propane heater will keep you cozy! Enjoy the changing color of the leaves and have toasty feet in your trailer!
What about the interior?
Looking at the floorplan it’s clear that this trailer is laid out to appeal to families with multiple children. There is a master bed at the front of the trailer large enough to fit full-size bed sheets. No more struggling in cramped beds for you, this trailer allows you to get a good night’s sleep!
At the back, there is a pair of bunk beds that gives each child their own space. And for those traveling without children, these bunks can be converted into storage shelves! They are perfect for those that are traveling with a lot of items. The dinette area also converts into a bed that’s large enough for a teenager or adult. It’s the perfect trailer for those with lots of sleepy heads to accommodate.
The kitchen in the trailer comes with a two-burner stove and sink. There is also a mid-size RV absorption refrigerator that is large enough to hold your perishable items. If you are traveling with your family though, we recommend investing in a large cooler for your cold drinks and small packaged food like sliced meats.
For your non-perishable goods, there is a large pantry cupboard and plenty of overhead storage throughout the camper to keep your bellies happy and full. There is so much storage that everyone can have their own space for items. There’s no need for sharing now with this trailer.
You also get a bathroom with a flushing toilet, sink, and a modest shower that comes with a shallow tub basin. The basin is deep enough to bathe a toddler too!
9. Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD Pop-Up Camper
Now, this might be cheating, as technically the Flagstaff 176LTD is a popup or expandable camper, rather than a trailer, but we couldn’t leave it out! It is one of the most popular and lightweight campers on the market today, and super deserving of being included.
This camper sits just above the middle of the budget, making it a fine option for those that don’t want to spend $10,000 on a trailer! You can even pay your fees and taxes and come in under budget with this camper. So let’s look at it in a tad more detail to see if it’s the one for you!
What you need to know
- Price – decently priced
- Length- 17 feet
- Dry weight – 1,456 lbs
- Hitch weight – 162 lbs
- Payload capacity – 793 lbs
- Fresh water tank capacity – 10 gallons
- Sleeps – up to six
- Compact RV kitchen
- 1 awning
This camper is a towing dream! It’s light enough to be towed by a midsize SUV, or a robust sedan providing you have a decent towing package! This is wonderful news for those that don’t have a pickup truck or heavy-duty vehicle to tow their trailer with.
You also have an exterior awning that keeps the sun off you while you enjoy some relaxation outside. There’s also a screening area that keeps the bugs at bay so you don’t need to be bitten within an inch of your life anymore.
It’s worth noting that there isn’t a hot water heater included, but thankfully there is plumbing in place to accommodate one should you wish to add it. This provides you with the opportunity to install an aftermarket tankless water heater! You even get a 20,000 BTU heater that will keep you warm on a cool summer evening or early fall night.
If you are after an entry-level camper with space for small families that want to explore the great outdoors, then this is the one for you! It won’t break the bank and as they are so popular you can resell it in a few years when you want to upgrade to a larger model!
What about the interior?
Although it is small in size, you still get a compact RV kitchen! It’s in the midship and comes with a 2-burner propane stove top and a durable RV absorption refrigerator that can withstand the bumps of gravel or rough road. It features heavy-duty interior construction with very few moving parts that ensure the refrigerator is tough enough to handle a long life traveling on bumpy roads. It can also run on electricity or propane too, meaning you are covered no matter where you stay!
When it comes to sleeping, the camper claims it can sleep up to six people, but the reality is a little different. You get a pair of full-size beds, one with an expandable section, and a convertible sofa bed. While that is plenty of space, for a comfortable night’s sleep, we couldn’t recommend more than four people sleeping here. You could, though, squeeze young children in one of the full-sized beds.
FAQs
Get your last-minute queries answered here!
Should I buy a new or used trailer?
When it comes to travel trailers, there are lots of options for those looking to buy a new trailer. However, there is a growing demand for specific features like complete bathrooms, storage tanks, but also entertainment centers, complete kitchens, or powerful air conditioning units. And all of these drive the price up, making new trailers a very expensive option.
After adding these comforts you can end up spending well over the $10,000 budget that we have set ourselves. You might be able to find a new trailer for less, but it tends to be that those with a smaller budget are simply outpriced.
Having said that, new trailers are popular with small families or those looking for an entry-level RV. For first-time buyers, it’s a good way to try out the RV lifestyle and see if it is for them. After a few years, they tend to upgrade to larger trailers or motorhomes. This offers you an opportunity to purchase a two or three-year-old trailer for a reduced price. It’s worth keeping an eye on any sales to see if you can grab yourself a bargain!
Are tax and license fees included?
No, most RV dealerships and private sellers do not include taxes and license fees in the initial price. This means you can end up spending a few hundred dollars more than the listed price. Be sure to have the budget set aside for this to avoid any nasty surprises down the line!
Do travel trailers keep their value?
Not really. Just like cars and SUVs, once you drive them off the dealership, your trailer will depreciate. While this is bad news for those that will want to sell a trailer, it allows buyers to get a bargain!
For those interested in a trailer for less than $10,000, a used model that’s a few years old can be of great value. You can capitalize here if sellers are upgrading for growing families, rather than any damage or issues with the trailer.
To make sure that you are getting your money’s worth, check that it has passed all necessary inspections and check that all is well with the trailer. You will want a trailer that has been well maintained by its owner and is in excellent condition, you don’t want to be stuck with a damaged trailer! Keep an eye out for any sign of damages or issues that could be costly for you to repair.
Generally speaking, trailers will depreciate the same way RVs do. You can expect a depreciation of roughly 30% in three years. After that, you can expect to sell a trailer for around half its original price, especially when it reaches the ten-year mark.
Can I tow a travel trailer with a mid-sized SUV?
Generally speaking, you will need a full-size SUV, a light-duty pickup truck, or a half-ton pickup truck to safely tow your travel trailer on a highway. To be on the safe side, you will want to check the ratings stamped onto a metal plate in your driver’s side door to be certain that your SUV can tow the trailer.
More and more midsize SUVs are coming with towing packages and hitches on standard models, allowing you to tow with ease. However, that doesn’t mean that they have the towing capacity for items larger than a teardrop or popup camper. The chances of your midsize SUV being able to successfully and safely tow your trailer are slim.
Be sure to check that your SUV can tow your trailer and to check that all fastenings are secure to prevent any issues on the road.
Should I rent a trailer before buying one?
If you are unsure, it is worth renting a trailer before making your purchase. It allows you to get a feel for the trailer and see if it is worth investing in or not. Most RV dealerships allow you to rent travel trailers and toy haulers for a week or more to see if they will suit your lifestyle and needs. You can even find a few rental agencies that will have trailers on offer for you should you require them.
It’s worth renting the trailer for a long trip, taking it camping, or even leaving it on your driveway to see if it’s the right fit for you! You want plenty of time to explore the features it has on offer and determine if the trailer should be your next purchase or not.
Be sure to speak to your dealership or contact a few rental agencies to find out more about the cost of these trailers and if they are the right choice for you or not.
Final thoughts
And just like that, we have come to the end of our travel trailer journey today! As you can see, there are some fantastic options out there for those after a new trailer. Whether you want some space to unwind, a full-size bathroom, or a powerful air conditioning unit, there is something to suit everyone! Don’t forget to factor in the license fees and taxes when looking at your budget to avoid any nasty surprises down the line. Make the most of any end-of-season sales too, you can get lucky here and grab a real bargain!
Whatever trailer you choose, we are sure that any from this list is sure to be a wonderful fit for your lifestyle.
