We’re all about camper trailers. It’s pretty much all we think about. But not everyone eats, sleeps, and breaths trailers, so we’ve put together a guide for everything you need to know about trailers before you purchase your first trailer, upgrade to a new one, or set out on your first camping trip. Camper trailers are a fantastic way to get out into nature with the family, keep your vacation affordable, and relax in style. After all, there’s nothing like upgrading from a tent to a trailer to teach you about the finer things in life. From purchasing to owning, the perks and pitfalls, and a few things you might not have thought of, this guide to all about camper trailers will help you become a camper for life.
- Think of the Perks
Whether you know all about camper trailers or are just starting to explore your options, it’s worthwhile to talk about the pros of owning one. camper trailers are both an easy way to ease into camping in comfort and a luxury upgrade from tents if you’ve already been camping for years. They make travelling a reality and affordable, because it’s easier to pack up the trailer and hit the road than saving up for a destination vacation. They’re easier to care for than an RV or cottage, and they let you explore nature better than you would otherwise.
- Don’t Forget the Towing
You definitely can’t talk all about camper trailers without talking about towing. Since camper trailers are a separate unit that hitch onto your vehicle, there’s a decent amount of skill involved when towing them. You’ll need to be able to think quickly while driving but avoid sudden movements, park with a trailer, possibly reverse into campsites, and handle any sudden inclement weather that can throw you off balance. If you’re new to the trailer game, make sure you drive around town with your trailer before hitting the road to get yourself well-acquainted with the challenges of towing a camper trailer.
- Consider Cost
Anyone who knows all about camper trailers would say trailers are a great investment, and they’d be right. They’re affordable, especially if you cut out any frills, and they tend to keep their value over the years. Camper trailers are durable and hardy (they need to be, to withstand the harsh outback!), so you won’t have a ton of repairs and maintenance over the years. However, you need to factor in a few costs that campers entail, such as gas, the cost of stocking up on food before heading out, and random expenses like ice for the cooler, power you use on-site, and camping fees. While camping in a trailer is definitely one of the most affordable vacations you can take, it’s important to keep in mind that there are still a few minor expenses.
- Choose New or Used
You’re going to need to decide if you want to purchase a new or used camper trailer, and it’s not as simple a decision as you might think. Used trailers tend to be lower priced, which might fit your budget more, but they also don’t usually come with a warranty so if something goes wrong, you’re on the hook. A new camper trailer is more of an upfront investment, but you’ll get many more years out of it than a used trailer, it’s easier to resell down the line, and it comes with many more modern amenities than older trailers do. Plus, there are financing options available, so you don’t have to front all the funds right away.
- Remember the Upkeep
Choosing a camper trailer over say, a cottage, is definitely less upkeep, but that doesn’t mean that you can just park your camper trailer in storage at the end of the season and forget about it. Camper trailers do require occasional maintenance, which is something people tend to overlook when thinking about investing in one. Aside from the general repairs that come up, you’ll need to deep clean out every season including detailing to treat it and prevent any mould or mildew. You’ll also want to clean the inside after every camping treat to clear out the build-up of dust and dirt (especially if you’re been off-roading). It’s not an insane amount of work and it definitely shouldn’t prevent you from purchasing a trailer, but it’s something to keep in mind if you weren’t aware.
