Choosing camper trailer options that are right for you is tough. After all, there are infinite numbers of makes, models, and configurations nowadays. Luckily, this guide to choosing the right camper trailer for your needs and budget makes the decision a lot clearer, and so much simpler. Instead of getting overwhelmed by all the choices, simply follow these eight tips to narrowing down the options and finding the perfect camper trailer for you and your family.
- Decide on Size
The size of your camper trailer doesn’t just affect your budget, it affects the quality and comfort of each and every camping trip. It all comes down to how many people you’ll typically be taking, and how long you’re going for usually. If you’re planning trips with just yourself and your partner or looking for something to pack up and go on weekends, then a small, compact camper trailer makes perfect sense. But if you’re looking to take the entire family out for a week or two at a time, then you need to think bigger.
- Think About Storage
Another factor you’ll need to be conscious of is the amount of storage you’ll need. Long-haul trips require more supplies than you might think, and it starts to add up quickly when you factor in everything from camp chairs to towels, cookware to tools, and everything in between.
- Don’t Forget the Towing Capacity
To avoid disappointment, make sure you figure out what weight your vehicle is rated to tow before you fall in love with a camper trailer that’s much too heavy. You can find this out in your owner’s manual, or simply ask your dealer. If you’ve got a larger SUV or truck, you’re probably pretty safe, but these days even small cars have options for towing camper trailers, so don’t despair!
- Choose Off-Road Capabilities
When choosing camper trailer options, you’ll also need to decide whether to stick with a standard camper trailer or go with a camper trailer that has off-road capabilities. If you’ve never been off-roading before, it might be best to stick with the more affordable standard camper trailer, which still allows you a variety of terrains. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, then opt for the off-roading camper trailer—you won’t regret it next time you come face to face with a monster of a hill or it’s time to cross a creek.
- Explore the Features
If this is your first-time looking into a camper trailer, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised at all the features you can have. Whether you’re looking for a basic camper trailer to serve purely as a place to sleep at the end of the day, or a deluxe model with all of the creature comforts like hot water, LED lights and extra batteries and water tanks (and everything in between), there are loads of options to help you create the camper of your dreams.
- Think About Cleaning
One thing you might not have thought of when choosing camper trailer options is how much time you want to spend cleaning. If you want to keep the outdoors on the outside of your trailer, make sure you choose one with a hard floor. Soft floor campers, aside from taking a lot longer to set up, tend to get much dirtier and are a lot harder to clean.
- Figure Out the Set Up
A fancy, elaborate camper trailer is all well and good until you realize it takes an eternity to set up and take down, especially if you get to the site late or there’s inclement weather. Make sure you figure out exactly how much time you want to be spending on the set up of your camper before choosing camper trailer models, because that’s going to directly affect your enjoyment of the trip.
- Set Your Price
Last but never least, your budget is going to play a huge role in choosing camper trailer models. Whether you’re looking for new, used, decked to the nines or the bare minimum, camper trailers come in every possible price range and budget. You can spend a ton of time just looking at all the possible models, but if you narrow down your price range right from the get-go, you’ll save yourself significant time and energy. Plus, you won’t accidentally get your heart set on a model that’s more than your budget. The best part about camper trailers? They let everyone, on any budget enjoy a fabulous vacation across the country.