Choosing the right RV is a huge decision. You want to make sure that you’ll be able to go everywhere you want, accommodate your family, and keep everyone comfortable on the road, but there are so many choices! At Carefree RV, we understand that picking the right RV can be a big task, so we’ve made a quick overview of three unique trailer types you’re going to encounter as you shop for the perfect RV for your family!
Travel Trailers
Travel Trailers are the most common type of car towable RV you’ll find on the road. Thanks to the universal nature of the 2” hitch, travel trailers can be towed by a wide range of vehicles. Travel trailers range from large 40’ luxury models loaded with residential amenities, to compact teardrop units that give you a bed and a dry place to sleep. Some very lightweight travel trailers can be towed by vehicles as small as a crossover SUV, while others require the bulk of a 1-ton truck to get them down the road. Across the board, travel trailers provide some of the best square footage for the dollar thanks to the flat floor plans which get the most out of every inch of space.
The biggest drawback to a travel trailer is towing. If they’re not hooked up and loaded properly, travel trailers have a tendency to sway on the road, which can be downright terrifying if you’re new to towing in the first place. This downside can be offset by arming yourself with the knowledge you need to safely hitch and pull your travel trailer.
Fifth Wheels
A fifth wheel trailer can be instantly recognized by the raised front section of the RV. This allows manufacturers to equip these RVs with the fifth wheel hitch that gives this vehicle type its name. A fifth wheel towing setup is much more stable on the road because some of the RV’s weight is distributed onto the towing vehicle’s suspension. This allows manufacturers to load fifth wheels with more features and heavier luxuries so that standard fifth wheels often feature amenities that are only available as options in a travel trailer, if at all.
The biggest downside to fifth wheels is that they require a vehicle that supports a fifth-wheel hitch. Though in recent years manufacturers have begun to create fifth wheels capable of being towed by vehicles as small as a half-ton truck, many of the high-end models still require a substantial amount of power to get moving on the road. If you don’t own a large truck already and aren’t looking to invest, then a fifth wheel may not be for you.
Toy Haulers
A toy hauler is actually a sub-class of car towable trailer, but these RVs are pretty unique so they’re worth a mention. Toy haulers are designed to give you a portable garage and living space all in one. In most cases, these RVs feature sparsely equipped back ends which are accessible through a ramp door so you can roll in your motorcycle or side by side and head out for an adventure! Toy haulers are usually less luxurious than comparable luxury RVs because manufacturers are forced to remove features to accommodate the storage space, however, this is often offset by other great amenities like onboard fueling stations, power bunks, and ramp doors that fold down into a porch for entertaining.
Toy haulers share some of the weaknesses of both fifth wheels and travel trailers, no matter what shape they come in. Loading your bikes into the back is convenient, but in a travel trailer setup, it shifts the balance of your RV and can cause uncomfortable sway. Toy haulers also require large towing vehicles in order to accommodate the weight of the trailer and the additional vehicles. These RVs are great for anyone who needs to bring lots of storage on the go, but it’s important to be sure you’re ready for the investment.
If you’re interested in checking out these unique RVs up close, then come in and see us at Carefree RV in Edmonton and Leduc, AB! Our expert staff will have no trouble helping you find the perfect RV for your needs, and we look forward to assisting you!
