Travel Trailer

A travel trailer provides the means for people to have their own “home away from home” on a journey or a vacation, without relying on a hotel, and enables them to stay in places where there are none available.

The world's first leisure caravan, or travel trailer, was built by the Bristol Carriage Company in the late 19 th century for a Dr. W. Gordon-Stables. It was an 18 ft design, based on their Bible Wagons, which the Doctor named "Wanderer".

The travel trailer varies from basic models, which can be as simple as a tent on wheels, to those which have several rooms with all the furniture, furnishings and equipment of a home.

In recent years, there has been a vast increase in the popularity of the travel trailer and caravanning. Contributing factors for this include excellent summer weather, fear of traversing abroad due to potential terrorist activities and political unrest, as well as substantial increases in property values, which afforded people the opportunity to raise capital by re-mortgaging their homes.

The growth in popularity of caravanning has also been enhanced by the improvements in quality and facilities of both the travel trailer and caravanning sites, making caravan holidays possible all year round.

The travel trailers is used by a variety of people, although common traits are the love of outdoor life and a willingness to help other caravanners. Some make use of their RV’s only during their annual vacations, whilst others take regular breaks at the thousands of trailer and camping sites around the world.

Today travel trailers are classified as a type of RV along with motorhomes, five wheel trailers, pop-up trailers, and truck campers.

The smaller travel trailer and pop-up are still made with touring in mind. These generally are less than 18 ft long and contain simple facilities. By design, they are lightweight and quick to set up or prepare for travel. Most can be towed with a large car or small truck depending upon its towing capacity.

Middle range travel trailers are approximately 18 – 25 ft long and are generally towed with compact V-8 powered pickup trucks and SUVs. They have most of the amenities of the larger travel trailers, but with the capacity to sleep fewer people.

The larger travel trailer is made with the seasonal or full-time user in mind. These generally range from 25 – 40 ft long and contain all the comforts of a luxury condominium. Because these homes can reach 12,000 lb or more, they require a purpose-built tow vehicle, large truck or SUV to haul them. Multiple televisions and air conditioners are commonplace in units of this size. Expandable slide-out rooms and screen porches add to comfort.

A recent innovation in the travel trailer range is what is commonly known as the "toy box”. Half living area and half garage, these trailers allow additional recreation items to be transported along with the standard travel trailer. It boasts a folding rear ramp for motorcycles, ATVs, small watercraft, and the ilk. It has an in-built generator which provides power for air conditioning, television, and microwave.

With such a wide selection on the market today, you can choose the perfect travel trailer to suit your needs.

Happy RVing!