How to Choose a Trailer to Suit Your RV Lifestyle in Baird, TX
If you’re considering investing in an RV to help you live a more adventurous life, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices out there when it comes to RV trailers. By following these tips, you can find the best trailer that will suit your RV lifestyle.
Consider what your vehicle can tow
Unless you plan on buying a new vehicle as well, you’ll need to find an RV trailer that fits your vehicle’s towing capacity. If you have a truck, your choices will be more broad as you likely have a pretty high towing capacity. But if you have a car or a crossover, you will be more limited in the types of RV trailers you can tow.
Generally, a pop-up trailer is a good option for most vehicles. These trailers range in weight from 1,000 to 4,000 pounds, which is towable for most smaller vehicles. The downside to a pop-up trailer is that it’s a rustic RV experience that’s more akin to tent camping than luxury RV camping. Since a pop-up trailer often has tent sides, there’s not much protection from the elements or noise, and you’re less likely to find one with a bathroom attached. But if you don’t need luxuries when you’re camping, this might be the best option for you.
Travel trailers are among the most popular types of RV. They can be basic like pop-up trailers but with solid walls, but you can also find them with amenities like a built-in bathroom or kitchen. They weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 pounds, making them compatible with a wider range of tow vehicles. When determining how much weight your vehicle can tow, make sure you take into account the weight of the trailer when you add cargo, passengers, or even water in the tanks.
Hybrid or expandable trailers weigh anywhere from 2,500 to 5,500 pounds, making them suitable for smaller tow vehicles. Once you reach your destination, you can expand the space using pull-outs, which means they’re suitable for larger families or those who prefer more room.
Finally, fifth-wheel trailers are made to be towed by pickup trucks. Though you may have an SUV that can tow the weight (around 7,000 pounds and up), a fifth-wheel is designed for the front to extend over a pickup truck’s bed, so an SUV will be unable to tow one. Fifth-wheel trailers are the epitome of luxury with a ton of living space and amenities for the ultimate camping experience.
Set a budget
Once you know what type of RV trailer your vehicle can tow, it’s time to set a budget.
Pop-up trailers are generally the least expensive and range from around $10,000 to around $30,000 new. You may also be able to find a travel trailer for as low as $10,000, but they can also cost as much as $150,000 for well-equipped models. An expandable trailer can be had new for $10,000 to $40,000, while a fifth-wheel trailer can cost you anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000 or even more.
Jayco offers a lot of mid-price travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers that fit into a variety of budgets. You can also look for a used RV trailer if you have a low budget and don’t mind settling for a pre-owned model.
Consider your travel plans
Larger trailers will have more trouble finding campgrounds to stay at, especially in more rural areas. If you plan on traveling off the beaten path to local state or rustic campgrounds, you’ll need a smaller trailer like a pop-up or a compact travel trailer. If you opt for a fifth-wheel trailer, you’ll need to plan your route more carefully since you’ll need to consider campsite space rules as well as bridge height or road weight limits.
An RV can be the gateway to a new adventurous lifestyle, but you need to make sure you choose the right one for your vehicle, budget, and travel plans. If you’re ready to take the plunge, contact RVs of West Texas to see what options are available for you.