Today, about 11 million Americans own recreational vehicles of some kind. Some have RVs, others prefer 5th wheels, and still others simply attach campers to their trucks and hit the road. One kind of RV growing in popularity along with all the others is the travel trailer.

Some like living in a travel trailer full time, while others use them for camping. It's time to take a look at travel trailer benefits and facts to see what the fuss is all about!

What is Considered a Travel Trailer? 

What is a travel trailer? Is it just another kind of RV? In some sense, yes, it is a "recreational vehicle." It has a sleeping and leisure space, it's "mobile," and you can hook it up to a campsite's electrical breaker. Other than that, though, there are significant differences between travel trailers and RVs, and also 5th wheels and campers.

RVs and travel trailers both boast benefits and upsides for travelers of all kinds. However, sometimes, one option may better fit a specific type of road trip or individual looking to hit the highway. One huge and obvious difference between the two options is that you have to tow a travel trailer, but you can drive an RV. As for amenities, they can be quite similar. Like RVs, travel trailers often come equipped with pop-outs or slide-outs. Even their lengths can be comparable, though the shortest travel trailer is often shorter than the shortest RV.

Travel trailers are often more closely compared with 5th wheels. Both 5th wheels and travel trailers need to be towed, but 5th wheels offer a bit more stability. This is because 5th wheels tend to be much bigger and heavier than travel trailers.

Despite all these commonalities, there is one significant difference between travel trailers and 5th wheels: in many states, it's legal for people to ride in a 5th wheel. Riding in travel trailers is always illegal, no matter where you are.

As for campers, they exist for one main purpose: shelter and sleep on the cheap. They take up much less space, going right on your vehicle, but they also offer much less space. If more than two people are in your travel party, consider something bigger. Like, say, a travel trailer!

Key Features of a Travel Trailer 

When shopping for a travel trailer, you need to be on the lookout for a few things. What should you be paying attention to?

Stairs: A travel trailer should have a good, functional, and stable set of stairs that can fold up or are otherwise easily stored.

Aluminum framing: Newer travel trailers are being constructed with an aluminum frame and fiberglass outer body. This makes newer trailers lighter than their predecessors - a win for your tow vehicle's mileage!

Stabilizer jacks: Unlike heavier vehicles, travel trailers are more susceptible to shaking or bouncing when you're inside. Stabilizer jacks can help dampen the effects, but they aren't always included in the purchase price of a trailer. Try to find one that includes them.

Beds: There is usually at least one bed in a travel trailer; can there be more? Innovative designers might include another sofa bed or Murphy (pull-down) bed to accommodate more sleepers. It depends on the manufacturer, as well as the length and floor plan.

Fridge: The refrigerator in a travel trailer will usually be smaller than in a larger RV or 5th wheel, and might be powered differently. Gas absorption fridges are lightweight, so that's likely what you'll encounter.

Backup camera wiring: It's somewhat trickier to back up with a travel trailer than in an RV. So, you'll need a backup camera. These don't usually come pre-installed in older models, but travel trailers these days tend to be pre-wired, enabling you to install your own.

Top Benefits Attached to a Travel Trailer 

What's so enticing about a travel trailer? What are some travel trailer benefits?

It's a good middle ground between a self-sufficient RV and a bulkier 5th wheel, true. But is that all there is to it? No. You have much more space in a travel trailer than in a camper. A 5th wheel can be more massive, but is it really what you need? Along with that, 5th wheels and RVs are also far more expensive to buy than your average travel trailer.

Think about paying for gas, and the mileage, too. With 5th wheels being heavier, they are more stable tow, but the weight isn't good for your tow vehicle's fuel economy. RVs are more or less self-sufficient, but likely require far more gas than a travel trailer's tow vehicle. Travel trailers are lighter, so not as much of a burden on your wallet.

Another big benefit? Mobility. With an RV, unless you tow another vehicle behind it, you're stuck with one vehicle your whole trip. However, you can unhitch your travel trailer from your tow vehicle and go wherever you want, leaving the trailer behind. Those who want to stay at your campsite can remain with it, while you go elsewhere. It's far more convenient! 

The Cruise America Travel Trailer 

Here at Cruise America, we understand how every travel trip is different. From the intrepid traveler to the first-time open road warrior, adventuring requires the right companion. With several options to choose from when it comes to the mobile home fleet, you can’t go wrong with any RV, camper, or travel trailer. 

As a shorter hauling, pull-behind, our travel trailer delivers tremendous flexibility and versatility for those making both a weekend getaway or a cross-country excursion. With a 30 gal. water tank, a 6 gal. water heater tank, a 35 gal. sewer water tank, 20 lb. gas tank, air conditioning, and more, feeling comfortable and getting all you can out of the “road lifestyle” isn’t an issue. 

Finding the Right Travel Trailer For You 

You kind of have to admit that travel trailer benefits speak for themselves. With that in mind, it's time to grab one for yourself! Whether you want to rent one for a road trip, or buy one to start living in a travel trailer.

If you need help finding the right travel trailer for you, Cruise America can provide it. The open road is waiting for you, so get in touch with Cruise America now!