Camping is enjoyed by many, but certainly not everybody enjoys doing it the same way. While some like the traditional style of roughing it, others prefer to maintain their creature comforts when they head out into the wild.
For people on each end of the camping-comfort spectrum, and everywhere in between, and for those on pretty much every kind of budget, there is a different type of camper trailer for you. Here are the eight most popular types of camper trailers:
1. Pop up trailers
For those with a slightly lower budget, and who lean towards a less homey style of camping, the pop up trailer is an excellent choice. It is small and light, so can be towed behind a smaller vehicle, and it does not require a lot of space when being stored. Typically, a pop up trailer will sleep four to six people, but it will likely be pretty limited in terms of space.
While some certain models have a toilet and shower, it typically is not a feature of these types of trailers. In addition, for those who like camping in all kinds of weather, keep in mind that these trailers won’t normally have heat or air conditioning.
2. Hybrid trailers
Somewhere between the pop up trailer and the travel trailer, a hybrid trailer offers easy storability and a compact design with added comfort and more space. Like pop up trailers, they are easy to pull, and light enough that many different vehicles can pull them.
These types of camper trailers offer a slightly more “roughing it” feeling, as the roof is still made of canvas, like a tent, but with more comfortable beds off the ground, and easier set up. Unlike most pop up trailers, hybrid trailers usually do have a small bathroom available.
3. Teardrop campers
So named for their teardrop shape, a teardrop trailer offers a roof, a couple of beds, and usually a small kitchenette which is stored on the outside of the camper. Modern models have an incredible number of features, considering how small the trailer is, but most often those features do not include a bathroom or shower.
A nice benefit of the teardrop camper is that it is easy to pull, due to its size, and they are a lest costly investment to make than some other camper trailers.
4. Truck campers
Resting on the truck bed instead of dragging behind the truck, these campers manage to fit quite a few features into a fairly compact space. Usually, they will have a small kitchenette, one to three beds, and a compact bathroom.
Truck campers are easy to store and more efficient on your vehicle’s fuel than other types of trailers. These types of camper trailers are also easier to drive with than a pull behind trailer, while still offering a moderate to high level of home-like comfort.
5. Travel trailers
Travel trailers are a nice middle-of-the-road option. They are going to be a bigger investment than truck campers, teardrop campers, hybrid trailers, and pop ups, and they do offer a little more comfort than those options.
However, they are less expensive than other options available on the market, and also less luxurious. These trailers will require a slightly more powerful vehicle to pull them, but aren’t that bad when it comes to fuel economy.
6. Fifth-wheel campers
If you’ve got a big truck to haul it with, a fifth wheel is going to be one of the most luxurious camping experiences you can have with a trailer. For large families, or people who want to go camping with a bunch of friends, the fifth wheel camper trailer is a great option.
These types of camper trailers will have several beds, a small bathroom and a full kitchen and dining area – usually the dining area also turns into a bed. Fifth wheel campers are cleverly set up, so that parts slide out. This is great because it means more space, but more moving parts can also mean more problems.
7. Toy haulers
These trailers are designed to hold a ton of gear and machines in them – ATVs, snowmobiles, kayaks, bikes, dirt bikes, wakeboards, golf carts – the list goes on. These trailers have a ton of storage space to accommodate people who have a lot of stuff to bring with them, and still provide a super comfortable camping experience.
Because of the weight associated with these trailers, they require heavy duty vehicles to tow them, so they are on the pricier side of camper options.
8. Motorhomes
While not exactly a camper trailer, a motorhome is the ultimate home on wheels when it comes to camping. It offers extreme luxury and is equipped with a ton of features including lots of storage space.
The only drawbacks of owning a motorhome are that there are pretty high costs associated with it – including maintenance and storage, and because of how big they are, they can actually limit the places where you can go.