Best Travel Trailers
A travel trailer is a big purchase. For this reason, it makes perfect sense that potential RV buyers often ask, “What are the best travel trailer brands?”
While this is a perfectly legitimate and wise question, it’s impossible to offer only one answer. After all, everyone is going to be looking for something different in an RV! What one person considers perfect might be less than stellar to the next guy.
Let’s back up for just a second and look at exactly what we’re talking about. Camping trailers – otherwise known as travel trailers or non-motorized RVs – are one of the two main categories to choose from when looking to rent an RV. Though there are certain elements of RVing that are universal, there are also many unique considerations to take into account when renting a travel trailer.
Fortunately, there are quite a few top-rated travel trailer brands out there. Picking the best travel trailer for you means focusing on things like layout, weight, and trailer type, in addition to travel trailer quality ratings.
The best way to begin the travel trailer shopping process is by narrowing the list of potential trailers based on quality and functionality. You can do this by checking out travel trailer reviews, along with personally viewing and even using the trailers yourself before purchasing.
Not sure where to begin? Below is a list of the best-quality travel trailers out there. Take a look at each, and then decide which ones you should look into:
- Airstream
- Winnebago
- Forest River
- Jayco
- Keystone
- Oliver
- Happier Camper
Best Travel Trailer Brands
Of course, just seeing a list of the best travel trailer brands isn’t very helpful – you need details. Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork for you and gathered some of the most important details of each company to help you choose the best travel trailer for you.
Airstream
Easily one of the best travel trailers in history is the super unique Airstream. These “silver bullet” trailers last for years and years. Even a model that is decades old is likely to be in decent condition today!
Airstream was recently purchased by Thor Industries, and the company has made a point of modernizing the interiors of these trailers. Nevertheless, the quality and traditional look remain.
Starting price: $34,700
Rent an Airstream and give it a test run today!
Winnebago
The Winnebago company is most well-known for its well-built motorhomes. In fact, some people simply refer to all motorhomes as Winnebagos. That said, the company also makes some of the best-built travel trailers on the market.
We love the solid construction of these trailers. Additionally, we appreciate the awesome customer service the company provides. Because of this customer service, Winnebago has a loyal following and even hosts Winnebago-specific RV rallies for fans.
Starting price: $25,000
Rent a Winnebago trailer to try it on for size.
Forest River
One of the most popular RV manufacturers out there, Forest River offers shoppers a huge variety of options in terms of style, layout, and price.
These RVs are well-reviewed, and Forest River gets many return customers. These customers often join the Forest River forum in order to get answers to questions about their rigs, and overall these forums are very positive. This is especially telling when you consider the huge variety of RVs offered by the company, and the enormous numbers of customers enjoying those trailers.
Starting price: $13,000
Give a Forest River trailer a try. Rent one today!
Jayco
Another of the super popular RV brands, Jayco, makes some of the best travel trailers on the market. Just read a few travel trailer reviews and you’ll see that this company consistently puts out quality products. The layouts created by Jayco are very livable, and the company stands behind its products. Best of all, Jayco trailers are affordable.
Whether you’re looking for a super lightweight hybrid or a big family bunkhouse trailer, Jayco has a travel trailer that will work perfectly for you and your budget.
Starting price: $10,000
Why not rent a Jayco trailer to take it out for a spin?
Keystone
Just as well known as Jayco or Forest River, Keystone is another quality company that puts out quality products. People love the Keystone Outback, as well as the Passport, leaving good travel trailer reviews on both.
We love the numerous floor plans offered by Keystone, and there seems to be something that will work for every situation. These trailers are also sturdy and well-built, especially considering the price point.
Starting price: $15,585
Rent a Keystone here on RVshare.
Oliver
Oliver is new to the travel trailer world, and they’ve certainly made a grand entrance. While the company only offers two types of travel trailers at the moment, they have raised the bar for similar fiberglass travel trailers everywhere.
Both of their trailers are on the small side, with one coming in at 18½ feet and the other at 23½ feet. Each one can sleep up to three people comfortably and is built to your specifications. On top of all that, Oliver trailers exceed expectations when it comes to quality of construction, making for some very happy campers indeed.
Starting price: $48,900
Happier Camper
The best travel trailer for the solo traveler (or those who want to tow with a small vehicle), the Happier Camper is both incredibly versatile and amazingly well-built.
Choose from the 13-foot or the 17-foot model. From there, use the camper’s “Adaptiv” system to create the living environment that works for you.
What is Adaptiv? It’s a cube-based modular furniture system. When you’re ready to eat, create a table and chairs. When it’s time for sleep, build a bed. The system uses no screws or glue, so you can change your setup whenever you see fit.
Starting price: $24,950
Rent a Happier Camper trailer today to see if it’s for you.
Pros of Travel Trailers
In a world of too much work and too much technology, the idea of slowing down and exploring nature on an RV adventure sounds more appealing to travelers of all ages.
From Niagara Falls to the Grand Canyon, there’s no better way to explore the breathtaking vistas across our beautiful country than driving right alongside them.
“We’re checking a lot of stuff off our bucket list and we’re meeting great people,” Eileen, a blogger and RV enthusiast told Money Sense about her and her husband Jon’s decision to embrace the RV lifestyle. Like so many other travelers, they’re on a mission to see as much of North America as they possibly can — already visiting Florida, Texas, New Orleans, and Nevada, just this year.
Flexibility
Since travel trailers attach to a regular-sized truck or SUV, you can drive with your caravan in tow, or you can detach the trailer if you need to travel or park somewhere without it. This not only gives you the option to drive with less weight, but it also allows you to be more flexible about where you travel – something that’s not always possible with a large RV.
Maintenance Issues are Independent
With camping trailers, mechanical issues are independent – that is to say, your tow vehicle and trailer will not generally affect each other in a mechanical sense (assuming that the problem is not the hitch). With a motorized RV, for example, if the structure is damaged or the wheels are damaged, you may be forced to stay put and get help to come to you. With a camping trailer, if your trailer is damaged, you can simply unhitch the trailer and drive your tow vehicle to get supplies or to look for assistance.
Renting a Camping Trailer is Cheaper
Camping trailers are cheaper to rent than similarly outfitted motorized RVs. Costs may be the same, however, if you include the cost of renting a vehicle to tow the trailer. If you don’t have an existing vehicle that is capable of towing the rented trailer, costs will be roughly equivalent.
Maneuverability is Better
With proper hitching, trailers tend to be somewhat more maneuverable than similarly-sized motorized RVs. If you select a pop-up trailer you’ll be even more maneuverable, as they can collapse down to make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Cons of Travel Trailers
Reversing with a massive trailer behind you isn’t easy. If you get caught somewhere with limited room and you’re forced to back up, it could take you a while to turn around. This is the biggest con to travel trailers, as it can cause serious complications if you drive yourself into a tight spot, literally!
With a travel trailer, you have to hook everything back up to your truck and test the brakes and brake lights. You’ll want to look for pull-through campsites when possible, or else you’ll have to deal with that annoying reverse when setting up or breaking down!
Triple-towing – towing something behind your trailer that is already behind your vehicle, is illegal in some states. Just be sure to read up on the laws if you plan to tow more than a trailer.
Renting a Caravan with RVshare
Want to shop around a bit more before buying? Why not try a few different trailers on for size? By renting one of the thousands of RVs available on our site, you can try almost any RV on the market, which means you’ll be closer to buying the best travel trailer you can.
An RV vacation is also one of the cheapest ways to travel in groups these days, on average costing up to 57% less than other forms of travel.
Still, for many newbie RVers, renting a giant motorhome isn’t exactly how they want to test drive their vacation out on the road. They also may not be keen on the idea of piling into a minivan and camping out in tents along the way.
So, what’s a would-be road tripper to do?
The answer is simple: rent a caravan. Big enough for a family and all their road trip essentials, yet small enough not to feel overwhelming, caravan rentals are great options for vacationers new to the RV lifestyle.
If you rent from RVshare, instead of renting from a big agency or dealership with a dedicated rental fleet, you’ll tour the country in a privately owned rig — which will likely be in good shape and well-appointed, since it’s actually used by its owners for family vacations. Plus, since private owners don’t have to worry about employing a customer service team or keeping the lights on in a big dealership floor environment, they can generally afford to rent their vehicles for a fraction of big dealership prices.
RVshare has hundreds of styles that will please anyone’s taste. From the most basic pop-up units to the most unique fifth wheels, we have them all. The easiest way to find exactly what your family needs as fast as possible is to just go to the search box at the bottom of the page, enter where you’re located, and when you’ll need it.
Easily filter your search with the panel on the left-hand side and play around with it. Explore the site and ask as many questions as you want about any of the units you like.
Once you’ve decided that renting an RV is definitely a smart choice for your next vacation, the real fun can begin. The process of choosing an RV to rent can definitely be a smooth and satisfying experience if you use the right rental company or peer-to-peer platform. The first step is deciding what exactly you’re looking for in an RV. Some preferences to keep in mind while narrowing down your search and browsing listings include:
- Location
- Size and length
- Style
- Special features
- Price
- Age
When looking for RV trailers for rent, you’ll need to think about the size and type of trailer you need. RV trailers are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different size groups. For a single individual or a couple, a pop-up travel trailer or a teardrop trailer might be well worth considering.
Although small in size, these travel trailers provide all the basic amenities you’ll need while out on the road. Keep in mind that with a smaller travel trailer, everything has to naturally be smaller in scale, so expect a smaller stove, fridge, and bath facilities. You’ll probably need to stock up on supplies more frequently, depending on how long you’ll be traveling. You may also need to scale down the amount of luggage you bring with you.
For families, a larger travel trailer would probably be a better option. You can find RV trailer rentals ranging in size all the way up to fifth-wheels. If you’re considering a fifth wheel, bear in mind that you’ll need a special hitch installed in the bed of your truck to tow it. The larger the travel trailer, the more towing capacity your vehicle will need to have. For an average-sized travel trailer, a light truck or SUV should be fine.
If you’re not certain whether or not your vehicle will be able to handle towing a travel trailer, always check with the person or the company you’re renting from to find out how much towing capacity you’ll need for the model you’re considering, then check with your vehicle’s manufacturer or manual.
What to Know When Renting an RV Trailer
To rent an RV trailer, a standard driver’s license is typically enough. It’s important to find out if the rig will be covered by your auto insurance policy during the rental period, or whether you need to purchase special coverage. At RVshare, every rental comes with 24-hour roadside assistance.
Before heading out with your RV travel trailer rental, make sure you understand how to hitch and unhitch the trailer from your vehicle. Also, make sure an owner’s manual is included just in case you run into any problems during your travels.
Caravan Rental Near Me Prices
The price of renting a caravan will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors.
First of all, certain markets are simply more expensive than others. There are few ways around that complication if you’re taking off from an expensive destination town.
Furthermore, the type of caravan or RV you’re renting will heavily impact your final price. If you need a large, all-inclusive Class A motorhome that’ll house and sleep your big family, you’ll pay more than you would for a tiny campervan or a modest tow-behind trailer.
What is the Difference Between a Motorhome and a Trailer?
The difference between a motorhome and a trailer has to do with how they’re powered. Motorhomes and RVs have engines in the vehicle. Trailers are towed behind a vehicle – usually a half- to full-ton pickup truck for larger trailers, but smaller pop-up and teardrop campers can be towed by cars.
One of the benefits of traveling with a trailer rather than a motorhome is that when you set up camp, you can unhook the trailer and leave it set up while you use the vehicle to explore the area. When you travel by RV, you either need to drive your whole rig for sightseeing days or tow a separate vehicle behind it.
Types of Travel Trailer Rentals
Trailers come in a variety of sizes. Larger trailers offer a lot more space and amenities and can include bathrooms, entertainment areas, bedrooms, and more. The smallest trailers can be just a raised sleeping space for a little more comfort and protection from the elements than a tent. When you’re trying to decide which travel trailers might be right for you, you’ll want to consider how much space you need, how much you have to spend, and whether you have or are willing to buy a vehicle capable of towing your new trailer.
Here are a few different types of caravans you might be considering for your trip:
Trailers, including pop-up campers, fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, and other tow-behind vehicles, are not motorized and will require a tow vehicle. However, many small trailers can be towed even with a mid-sized SUV, and some of the smallest may be towable with a regular sedan. Depending on the size and type of trailer you look at, your price — and the amenities and comforts — will vary widely. For instance, some fifth-wheel trailers boast upwards of 500 square feet and even have two separate bedrooms, while tiny teardrop trailers include little more than a single bed. No matter what, though, trailers have a great added bonus – you’ll always have a separate vehicle available to explore your destination once you arrive.
On the RVshare platform, three of the most popular camping trailer types are the fifth wheel, travel, and pop-up trailers.
Fifth Wheel Trailer
Fifth wheel trailers cover a substantial size range (from 20-45+ feet in length), but more commonly tend towards the larger side of the spectrum. They have poor fuel economy and are often quite costly to rent compared to other towable trailers. They are usually outfitted for luxury (and can be customized to sleep more passengers). With a fifth-wheel trailer, you can generally expect to find flat-screen televisions, large and comfortable sleeping arrangements, multiple toilets, and high-quality furnishings.
Fifth-wheel trailers connect with a U-shaped coupling mounted in a truck bed. Because the trailers are so large, you’ll need a large pickup truck to tow a fifth-wheel. Exactly how large of a pickup you need will be determined by the size of your fifth wheel and the towing capacity of the truck. For many trailers, a half-ton truck like a Ford F-150 will work but many people who are shopping for a fifth-wheel go ahead and get a three-quarter-ton truck like a Ram 2500 or a Ford F-250. Some owners on RVshare also rent pickup trucks alongside their fifth wheel, so be sure to ask!
Travel Trailer
Travel trailers serve as the standard trailers, and as a result, you are likely to find a huge variety of configurations listed on the RV marketplace. Travel trailers range in size from 14-40 feet long, so you will be able to find a travel trailer that suits your particular needs. Travel trailers are more affordable and have marginally better fuel economy when compared to fifth-wheel trailers.
Of course, many travel trailers are outfitted very comfortably, so don’t assume that fifth-wheel trailers have exclusive access to luxury!
Travel trailers have a conventional box shape, which allows for a larger variety of towing vehicles without requiring modifications. On the other hand, because of the shape, the hitch can be a bit less stable than that of fifth-wheel trailers and may even cause an uneasy “sway” if the load is imbalanced.
Pop-up Trailer
Pop-up camper trailers are quite unique. They have a smaller frame and size than other trailers and are easy to tow (not to mention much more maneuverable!) since they are meant to be collapsed down when in motion. When you are ready to set up camp, the camper “pops up” and folds out into its full size.
Pop-up campers usually have canvas for walls and the roof, with a hard bottom, although some campers do have hard sides and a solid roof as well. There is considerably less room in these than in the larger travel trailers and fifth wheels and usually pop-up trailers don’t have heat. Some pop-ups do have bathrooms and even showers, but they’re on the more expensive end of the spectrum. Kitchens can range from a single-burner stove to a fully-functional kitchen.
Because of their small size profile, minimal weight, and minimal amenities, pop-up trailers are usually cheaper than other trailers and have much better fuel economy. As a rule, they require far less investment – not just in money, but in energy as well. Pop-up trailers are excellent for couples, families, or small groups that would like to go for short trips but are not concerned with luxury interiors and amenities (though there are premium models available, too!).
Teardrop Trailers
These lightweight towables are the smallest of the bunch. Teardrop trailers usually range between eight to 10 feet long. They have enough room for one or two people to sleep comfortably, and many models have a small cooktop on the outside. Teardrops are so small and lightweight that you can tow most models with a regular car.
As pop-up and teardrop trailers are small, towing them is easy with most vehicles (provided that you have hitching capability). You may be able to use your existing vehicle to tow your pop-up trailer, saving you the trouble and expense of having to rent a separate vehicle for towing.
Depending on the size and type of caravan you want to rent, you might pay as much as $250 per night or as little as $60, although these prices don’t include additional fees for insurance, extra mileage, or fuel. Of course, it’s usually cheaper to find a caravan for hire by owner – in some markets, travel trailers and other caravans are available through RVshare for as little as $10 per night!
Toy Haulers
Toy haulers are built for people who enjoy bringing all their toys along camping. Big toys. Toys like ATVs, golf carts, bikes, and kayaks. Toy haulers usually have a garage area, separate from the living space inside the trailer, where these vehicles can be stored. They even have ramps, so you can drive your ATV right into the garage at the end of a ride.
Toy hauler trailers can sleep from 2-8 adults, and usually have interiors with plenty of amenities including fully functional kitchens, a bathroom and shower, an entertainment space, and slideouts for extra room.
As with many trailers, the vehicle you need for towing a toy hauler is going to depend on how large and heavy of a trailer you choose. You can use a half-ton truck like a Ford F-150 for toy haulers that are under 6,000 pounds, but for a larger trailer, you’ll want to consider a 3/4-ton or full-ton truck. Don’t forget to factor in the weight of the toys you’re hauling as well!
Why Rental Camper Trailers Help You Spend Less Money
It’s important to look beyond the surface when thinking about the cost of renting a camper trailer. You’ll find that a daily rate for a camper usually breaks down to be less than the cost of flying to a destination, staying at a hotel, and renting a car. You’re essentially bundling the cost of your flight, hotel, and rental car when you rent an RV. What’s more, you actually save more money as you add more people to your vacation plans. The cost of an RV rental will be the same regardless of how many friends or family members you have sleeping inside of it each night. By contrast, the final cost of airfare and hotel stays increases with every person you add to your trip.
Safety Considerations
If you rent a camping trailer, you’ll need to be aware of the laws and safety issues that come with driving one. In some states, having passengers sit in the trailer while you are in motion is illegal. In others, passengers are allowed to be in the trailer so long as there are adequate safety mechanisms. State law varies, so it is worth consulting the laws of those states you intend to travel through.
Aside from the legal issue, sitting or sleeping in a trailer while it is in motion can lead to serious injury if precautions are not taken. Unlike motorized RVs, camping (non-motorized) trailers – particularly older models – may lack proper suspension. They may also lack seatbelts and other safety mechanisms. If you intend to have passengers stay in the trailer while traveling, take the time to find a camping trailer that is equipped with sufficient safety devices.
Renting a Caravan In the USA
It’s never been easier to rent a caravan for your next road trip. With so many caravans for rent online, there’s truly something for everyone and at every price point.
RVshare has some of the best caravan rentals in the USA and is one of the most trusted RV rental companies out on the market. With thousands of caravan rental deals all over the country, RVshare has been dubbed “the Airbnb of RVing” by CNBC.
You might also be able to score a discount by renting the caravan for a longer period of time, like a full week or a month. Many dealerships — and even RVshare owners — offer discounts to renters looking for a long-term caravan rental. You’ll also want to be sure to check out online reviews from previous customers, which might alert you to bad customer service, poor vehicle construction, and other issues before it’s too late. After all, even the cheapest option is, in reality, quite expensive if it ends up costing you the enjoyment of your trip!
RVshare offers listings for caravans of all shapes, types, and sizes across the entire country. That means that no matter where you’re starting, you’ll likely find a vehicle that will fit your needs and your budget. To factor in additional costs, simply click on an individual listing, and you’ll see a total breakdown of any fees the owners will assess beyond the daily rental rate. You’ll also find details about the RV’s amenities, as well as its owners’ expectations of renters (minimum age requirements, whether or not pets are allowed onboard, and any other requirements).
Once you’ve chosen the perfect caravan rental for your next road trip, simply complete your reservation online through our safe and secure booking system. Have questions about a specific listing? We make it easy to communicate directly with RV owners before you commit to a booking. This makes it easy to find the rental that’s right for you.
In addition, every rental booked online through RVshare.com comes with 24-hour travel concierge and roadside assistance. So whether you run into bad weather, a flat tire, or other unforeseen event out on the road, you and your group can rest assured help is always just a phone call away.
Thanks to RVshare, it’s never been more affordable to connect with nature and explore the great outdoors. An RV gives you the freedom to take fun detours, make stops on your own schedule, and bring along the items you need to feel comfortable while you’re traveling. Use the terrific rental options out there to make sure your next vacation is one that reflects what you love to do.
Looking for even more RVing tips and tricks – both during the purchase process and for your first camping excursion?
Here are just a few RVshare blog posts to help you out.
