When the need for a change of scenery hits, most people vacation at an over-priced, animated, character-driven theme park. The true adventurer packs up and heads cross country in a recreational vehicle (or RV). You may be hesitant to go out and rent or buy such a large vehicle. If you want the convenience of a RV (kitchen, bathroom, etc…) without the high cost, you should give camping trailers a try.
What is So Great About RVing?
People fall in love with RVs because they bring the conveniences of home on the road with you. Imagine not having to pay for hotel stays and fast food restaurants? You have the opportunity to enjoy healthy, home-cooked food everyday. You can sleep in the same bed every night. There’s just something about having the freedom to go anywhere without having to make reservations that brings more and more people to the world of RVing.
Trailers For Beginners
The inexperienced RVer may not be ready to take a full-sized RV on the road. Camping trailers make great “training wheels” for the first time RVer. These trailers are also known as pop-up or tent trailers. Great for camping trips, these trailers do not have a motorized rig. You can hook one up to your SUV or other family cars. You can easily disconnect the trailer for easy set-up. You basically have a tent with all of the necessary modern conveniences. The tent is similar to a regular open-air tent. Within the trailer is a refrigerator, stove, bathroom with toilet and shower, dining area, and sleeping space.
In terms of traveling, you have the convenience of being able to detach your car and drive as you please. With RVs, once you are settled in for the night, you cannot leave. What if you need to run to the store for a quick errand? Do you want to risk waking everyone up? Trailers re-emphasize the freedom that so many RVers strive for.
How Big Will It Be?
Though this sounds like a lot to pack into a portable trailer, it is relatively small in size. When closed, you will be towing a trailer that can be as small as eight feet and can be as large as 15 feet. When open, however, they can be between 15 – 23 feet. This much space could hold as many as eight people. However, do not try to squeeze that many people in a small trailer. The larger trailers are made for such a large party.
Precautions and Prices
Be very careful when you purchase or rent camping trailers. Before you get one, check with your auto dealer or maker to ensure you have the right vehicle to handle it. Make certain you have the right hitch, anti-swaying devices, and the correct tire inflation. Trailers can wreck severe damage on a car if the car is too weak to pull them. The average prices for camping trailers range from $4,200 - $5,200. Larger sizes can run you up to $12,000. If these purchase prices seem too high and you don’t plan on using it all that often, you can rent your trailer instead.
By Tamara C. Jude