In this article on towable RV basics, you will discover information about the history of towable travel trailers and the various types available today.
The history of travel trailers is traced back to the early 1920s in the United States and Canada. “Tin can tourists” is the name given to these early travelers. As time progressed, travel trailers became more livable and earned a new name in the 1930s and 1940s of the “house trailer”. By the 1950s and 1960s, the industry seemed to split, creating the two types that we see today, that of the recreational vehicle (RV) industry and the mobile home industry.
Today travel trailers are classified as a type of RV that includes Fifth Wheels, Pop ups, Truck Campers, Toy Haulers, and the like. Today’s towable RVs are much more comfortable and possess a distinct set of advantages for the RVer.
Travel Trailer
The small travel trailer is designed for travel and road trips. These generally are less than 18 feet long and contain simple amenities. Additionally, they are lightweight and quick to set up or prepare for travel. Most weigh less than 3,000 pounds and can be towed with a large car or small truck depending upon its tow capacity.
Mid-range travel trailers are 18 to 25 feet long, can weigh 5,000 pounds or more. They are generally towed with compact pickup trucks and SUVs. They have most of the amenities of the larger travel trailers, but sleep fewer people. Ironically, this could be considered the cornerstone of towable RV basics.
The seasonal or full-time user prefer larger travel trailers. These generally range from 25 to 40 feet long and contain all the comforts of a luxury condominium. These amenity-laden models can reach 12,000 pounds or more, requiring a large truck or SUV or purpose-built tow vehicle, highway tractor. Remember, most long-bed pickups have a maximum tow-weight of 15,500 pounds.
Multiple televisions and air conditioners are common in units of this size. Slide-out rooms and screen porches add to livability. By law, the limit of livable square footage in a travel trailer is 400 square feet. Many models offer that, plus any optional slide-outs.
Travel-trailers offer a possibility for those considering a full or part-time home. Plus they are often acceptable on flood-plains or areas outside of city limits where regular buildings are not allowed.
Popup Camper or Tent Trailer
Continuing the discussion of towable RV basics, let’s discuss the popular and lightweight pop-up trailers. Also known as a folding trailer, tent camper, or tent trailer, a popup trailer is a light-weight unit. However the pull-out bunks and tent walls collapse for towing and storage. Weighing less than 700 pounds these are suitable for towing by most vehicles, particularly compact cars, minivans, SUVs, or small pickup trucks.
Hybrid Toy Hauler Trailer
A blend between a travel trailer and a folding (tent) trailer. One type has rigid sides and pull-out tent sections (usually beds). To reduce its height for towing, the top section of walls and its roof lower over the bottom section. The hybrid is perfect for taking your ATV or extra storage. At the same time, having the benefit of a hard sided trailer that can be more comfortable during inclement weather.
Toy Hauler Trailer
A fifth-wheel or travel trailer designed to be part living space and part garage for transporting ATV’s, racing cars, bicycles, rafts, or other personal recreation devices. Additionally, toy haulers are popular with boondockers because of their larger fresh water capacity, fuel tank, and generator.
Fifth Wheel Trailer
A pickup or medium duty truck tows a 5th Wheel. The truck bed is equipped with a special in-box hitch called a fifth wheel bolster. The front of the trailer body extends over the truck bed which shortens the total length of the vehicle and trailer combined.
It’s possible that larger fifth-wheel trailers (over 40 feet and 18,000 pounds) require a semi-truck for towing. Fifth-wheel trailers have become increasingly popular since they first became commercially available in the late 1960s. For some pickup truck owners the downside of a fifth-wheel trailer is that the special hitch takes up valuable space inside the box.
Hi Lo Trailer
In a Hi Lo, the upper half folds down over the lower half. The total folded height is about five feet. The Hi Lo offers reduced wind resistance during travel and more storage options. Otherwise they contain everything other travel trailers have (except for a full-height closet).
Teardrop Trailer
A discussion of towable RV basics must include the Teardrop Trailer. This compact, small, lightweight travel trailer resembles a large teardrop. Motorcycles of capable of towing teardrops as well. Teardrops are typically only a place to sleep because of their very low profile. However they often come with small outdoor kitchens.
Truck Camper or Slide-in Camper
A truck camper mounts in the bed of a pickup truck. The truck camper weight and center balance point must match with the capabilities of the pickup truck. This is to maintain safe handling of the vehicle while driving. Those who do not wish to own a motor home or trailer usually prefer truck campers. It is for only part-time use so the truck remains available for daily use.
The smallest truck campers provide a sleeping area with perhaps an ice box and storage cabinets. While top-of-the-line campers feature a refrigerator/freezer, propane range/oven, microwave, air conditioner, furnace, water heater, and bathroom with shower. However, with the introduction of slideouts, new designs offered increased width while no longer requiring additional length.
A full size slideout-equipped camper requires a three-quarter or 1 ton pickup trucks (Chevrolet/GMC 2500-3500, Ram 2500-3500, and Ford F-250-350). These trucks are usually have long box bed lengths and sometimes dual-mounted rear tires (for the heaviest camper models).
A Summary of Towable RV Basics
Towable RVs offer many advantages over their motorized counterparts. But in the end, the decision is up to you and your personal preferences and style.
