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What Are The Advantages to Owning a Travel Trailer?

Feb 8, 2022 | News, Press Releases

travel trailerThis article will address the question: Is it worth buying a travel trailer? We’ll discuss the advantages of owning a trailer as well as the costs and maintenance. Let’s take a look at the top reasons to own a travel trailer.

Is it worth buying a travel trailer?

A travel trailer is a great investment if you love to travel and have a vehicle that can tow 5,200 pounds (2.350 kilos) of dry weight.

Let’s take a look at the top reasons to own a travel trailer.

A trailer gives you space. Many trailers are large enough to accommodate between one and 10 people. You can also store your luggage, personal effects, and other items.

Travel trailers are more practical for many reasons. This holds especially true when considering bathrooms. It is 100 times more fun to have your own toilet and shower than to share facilities with strangers, especially during cooler or humid months.

You don’t even have to pitch tents. All you need to do is arrive and park.
Travel trailers are convenient to take a detour in your car without having to unhook the trailer — no need to drive around in a large vehicle trying to find a large enough parking space.

Renting a travel trailer can be a cost-effective way to travel. A travel trailer is a freedom in a definite way. It should be considered an investment vehicle.

The pros and cons of owning a campervan or a motorhome

Camping is becoming more popular every day. This growth is due to the explosion in motorhome rentals, as well as the large mobilization of life. Many people have taken up full-time camping and are now able to travel directly with their house.

Many people have experienced the evolution of their journey through the different vehicles — trailer, camper, and the motorhome. Some people have also found that the vehicle was not right for them.

While travel trailers, motorhomes, and campers may look similar, they can be used in different ways that can help or hinder your ability to travel. We reflect on the benefits and drawbacks of travel trailers. However, camper and motorhome owners are growing in numbers.

It may not be a good idea to always travel with your home. It may sound absurd, but when you go to a new place to see it in detail, it is the least you can do to get to know your surroundings as well as possible.

Travel trailers offer flexibility. You can easily set up a trailer and travel anywhere you like.

A travel trailer needs the right vehicle to pull it. A small trailer can be pulled by a standard car, but larger models require a bigger vehicle. Although most people can learn to pull a trailer, it may take some practice and advice to get the hang of it.

How much does a travel trailer cost compared to a motorhome?
The main argument in favor of a travel trailer is its price. You can find new trailers for families for as low as 15,000 dollars, while motorhomes or campervans can easily triple that price.

If you have only a small car, you need to take into consideration the capabilities of the vehicle. It must be the able to tow the weight of your travel trailer. You won’t have to double your investment. A car needs to be replaced every 8-10 years. However, a travel trailers can be towed for 10 years or more if maintained properly. It is important that when you are on the road, your vehicle has the necessary equipment such as a jack, tools, aluminum pipe bender, spare tire, etc.

You could use a travel trailer for as long as you like and have owned three other vehicles during the same time period. Motorhomes can last up to 20 years. However, engines degrade over time, making it difficult to use them. The motorhome is a home-motorized vehicle, which means it depreciates over time and loses value. Travel trailers hold their value better.

Large families and space. The majority of motorhomes can sleep four people. However, some campers can sleep only two people. If you have a larger family, you’ll need a larger motorhome that can sleep five to six people. Your towing vehicle sets the maximum number of passengers for your travel trailer. Usually, there are five seats and seven on some models. Most three-room travel trailer can accommodate six people. There are also larger ones.

Living in small spaces may feel uncomfortable. Since they don’t have to be restrained in their position with the space lost from the engine and cabin, travel trailers tend to be more spacious.

The table can be placed next to the cabin to take advantage of the space. The travel trailers offer more options for layout, making them more adaptable to families and giving them a more homey feeling.

RVs can serve as a second home or for an extended vacation. A motorhome is a great option if you love camping and want to spend your vacations in peace and quiet.

You can also leave your travel trailer at a campsite for the summer months, holidays, or all year. On weekends, you can use it as a second residence. You can use your campsite’s weekend offer for one, two, three or more weekends.

Conclusion
Each type of camping vehicle has its advantages and disadvantages. You should choose your RV according to your own needs and preferences. You will definitely find more benefits if you choose a travel trailer. Travel trailers are a versatile option that can be used for many purposes and suit many different tastes.

Are travel trailers worth the money?

Travel trailers are easier to tow and maintain. While some models may be considered too small, there are many other factors that determine the quality of a travel trailer.

Are travel trailers still worth the price?
The value of a travel trailer is rather durable. Travel trailers can keep their value for between five to 15 years.

Article submitted

 

Tobin Agency

The Tobin Agency has specialized in Recreational Vehicle Insurance since 1975. They are a family owned agency with strong ties to the RV lifestyle.

When you call the Tobin Agency for a quote or to service your existing policy you will speak to a "live" licensed insurance producer with an understanding of RV Insurance. Call Tobin Agency to experience the "Tobin Touch"!

Matt 'RV' Misener Sales Manager, Steele Rubber Products

With an extensive background in sales and customer service, 'RV Matt' has cultivated a reputation of finding solutions for your sealing needs. Despite his title, he enjoys helping in the design and innovation of new products. A father of four daughters, he enjoys family time, outdoor sports and helping his community.

Fantasy RV Tours

FANTASY RV TOURS is among the world’s most distinctive RV tour companies, providing sought-after RV vacations to exceptional destinations. With more than 20 years in the RV industry, Fantasy is one of the global leaders in RV caravan travel.  The company joined with CREATIVE WORLD TRAVEL in 2005, which has shown RVers new ways to vacation since 1970.

Up Close RV

When Colonel Michael Lockwood was serving in the military he lived in an RV and often found it difficult to find nearby, long-term campground space. As he commuted more than an hour to work, he saw abundant space in homeowners' driveways and thought it would be great to be able to rent space to park his RV. After a more than 40 years in the Army, Lockwood retired and decided to help fill the need for more RV space by starting Up Close RV. MIchael and his team are experienced RVers who know all about the great experiences and the obstacles RVers can face. They can help new RVers prepare for life on the road.

Chris DoughertyTechnical Director, RV Enthusiast magazine

Think about your favorite teacher in high school–that’s Chris. He’s friendly, even tempered, and very, very knowledgeable. A Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association (RVDA) and RVIA certified RV technician, Chris was a student of, and mentored by, his friend Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor. He wrote for a number of RV sources before spending the past few years as the Technical Editor for Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines. A lifelong RVer, including 10 years as a full-timer, Chris has owned or worked on every type of RV from pop-up to bus conversion. Chris and his wife, Karen, currently travel with a fifth wheel or truck camper.

Gardens RV Village

James “Tim” T. Wilson is the principal broker for Gardens RV Village, an RV retirement community located in Crossville, Tennessee.

For RV enthusiasts who live in The Gardens motorcoach retirement community, traveling and exploring this incredibly beautiful, diverse and bountiful country is a prominent focus in lives. There’s also a lot of fun to be had at home in their Tennessee haven. Gardens homeowners find their days surprisingly full as they cram in everything from pot luck dinners, games and bridge tournaments to RV campouts.

Life in The Gardens has been compared to when you’re in grade school and you finally get out for summer recess: It’s more than just a retirement community on top of a mountain. It’s the closest-knit group of the most caring and loving people you’d ever want to meet.

Greg DewaltPRVCA Education Director

Greg Dewalt is education director at the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association, where he leads the education program for the association's members. He operated his own consulting and training business for 20 years, assisting RV dealers with training programs, customer care and increased profitability. 

As a high school student, Dewalt performed pre-delivery inspections (PDI) and worked on trailer hitches at his family’s RV dealership. After eight years of service in the U.S. Army, he returned to the family dealership. Overall, he has more than 37 years of experience working in the RV industry on both the dealer and manufacturer side of the business.

Dewalt earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy and continued his education in sales, management, parts, service and as a Master Certified RV Technician.

RV Safety and Education Foundation

Not often does an entity come along that positively impacts all segments of a given industry equally. The RV Safety & Education Foundation, RVSEF, does that within the RV Industry. Thanks to the RVSEF, headquartered in Merritt Island, FL, today’s coaches are much safer.

The brainchild of John Anderson, A ‘Weigh We Go now RVSEF, first appeared in 1993 when John discovered that many RVs leaving the factory were decidedly overweight; many even before the owner loaded it. With product and personal safety at risk, John pushed on and began weighing RVs of all types in order to record and analyze the extent of the issue. Weighing is still one of the main tenets of RVSEF activities to this day and it still gathers data at many RV shows, conventions and rallies across the country. 

Today, RVSEF works closely with the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV Dealer’s Association (RVDA) in coordinating safety programs. Not to be construed as a consumer advocate, RVSEF is decidedly and purposely, a “safety advocate” and a champion for all involved in the RV lifestyle. Its efforts and dedication have improved the products created by RV builders as more manufacturers became aware of weight limitations and most now design their coaches with weight distribution and cargo carrying capacities in mind. 

Steven RayePhoenix Fire and RV Training

Steven Raye has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years and has worked his way thru the ranks to Chief Officer and trustee of his fire company.  Presently, he is on the board of directors for The Sussex County NJ Fire Training Academy. 

In 1973, Raye took over the management of the service department for the RV dealership his father had started in 1960.  Through his years at the dealership, he served on the Board of Directors and was a Trustee for the education fund for North Hampton Community College Bethlehem, PA and Board of Advisors RV training North Hampton Community College, and the National Recreational Vehicle Training Institute at Northampton Community College, for the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Campground Association (PRVCA)

He owns and operates Regins RV Service, an on your site service company, and Phoenix Fire and RV Training. He maintains his Master RV Service certification through continuous training and education, just as he has done since the first issuance in 1998 and is a member of the Society of Certified RV Professionals. 

Tom RomeroNational Accounts and Training Manager for REESE (Horizon Global)

Tom Romero has 40 years of experience in the RV, marine and automotive aftermarkets. He joined REESE (Horizon Global) in 2001 and has been with the company for 20 years, providing sales and technical training on REESE towing products.

His passion is to provide RV towing education to everyone from the dealers to the consumers so they can enjoy the best RVing experience.

The Flipping NomadCortni Armstrong

In her mid twenties, Cortni Armstrong was desperately trying to save her Dad's businesses after he suffered a stroke. Meanwhile, her lease was coming up for renewal and she found out that all of her roommates had made plans that didn't involve her. With no salary to back her up, a family friend helped Cortni move into an RV.  At first she was embarrassed and felt like it was her rock bottom.

A year later, Cortni had embraced the lifestyle and grew to love living tiny. The only problem was she didn't love the interiors offered in stock RVs.  Cortni took matters into her own hands and renovated a basic RV into her tiny dream home on wheels.  That experience made her think that maybe other people don't like the stock interiors either, and that there might be an opportunity there.  Thus, The Flipping Nomad was born.

Freedom in a CanShari Galiardi and David Hutchison

As engaging professional speakers and life-long educators, David Hutchison and Shari Galiardi bring stories from their mid-life adventure to large industry travel shows, intimate college campuses, open "tiny houses" in REI parking lots, and a growing online audience. Travelling with their vintage camper for more than nine years and 150K miles to 49 states, 8 Canadian provinces, more than 100 National Parks & Monuments, and countless other public lands, they have pursued what it means to live the good life and sustain it. As presenters, they “are consummate story-tellers, skillfully weaving practical know-how, sustainability tips, stories and images… guaranteed to change the way you think about your everyday way of being in the world," B. Beaulieu. The couple writes about all things camping and off-grid living for The Dyrt’s online magazine, Renogy Solar, and Northwest RVing. 

Randy SobelRV Electricity

Mike Sokol has been a live-sound, recording, and design engineer for over 38 years as well as a musician for 50 years who has run sound for thousands of Worship, Music, and Political events. In addition to teaching audio production at all levels, he’s been a contributing editor for magazines such as Church Productions, EQ, Electronic Musician, and Mix, as well as a technical consultant to Apple Computer and Microsoft. During the past ten years he’s presented over 600 seminars and Hands-On Workshops across North America at Churches, recording schools, universities, and professional audio organizations such as the Audio Engineering Society, the Society of Broadcast Engineers and NARAS (Grammy Awards Group).

Randy SobelPresident, Sobel University

Randy Sobel is president of Sobel University, which has developed RV sales and management training that currently reaches 500 Dealerships in the U.S and Canada. In more than 28 years, Sobel has presented numerous times at the RVDA, RVIA, 20 Groups, State and Provence Associations meetings as well as most Factory Dealer meetings. His training material has changed drastically over the years to stay current and relevant. Sobel still trains in two RV Dealerships most weeks as well as holding University courses in Tacoma and Atlanta.