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What To Look For
When looking for a camping trailer, do not exceed the limits of the vehicle that will tow it. The trailer should not exceed 85 percent of the rated weight of your vehicle or its maximum tow weight, whichever is lower. For example, if your car is a Ford Focus, don't buy a trailer heavier than 2,500 pounds. Buying a bigger vehicle for the purpose of hauling a camping trailer defeats the purpose of choosing a camping trailer over an RV.
Common Pitfalls
Shopping for a used camping trailer is akin to shopping for a house and a used car at the same time. Some of the trailer's parts, such as furnishings, carpet, sinks and appliances, are nothing like what you would encounter in any car or truck. Yet the trailer does have automotive parts, such as the wheels, electrical system, suspension and tow bar. Many buyers treat buying a used trailer either one way or the other, when in reality looking for a used trailer combines elements of both procedures.
Where To Buy
New trailers are like new cars and should be purchased from a dealer. Used trailers, like used cars, can be purchased from a variety of sources, such as dealers and individual owners. However, the complications of buying a used trailer from a private individual or a small-time dealer are much the same as with buying a used car. What you see and drive off with is pretty much what you get, so shop on a "buyer beware" footing.
Cost
Size and weight determine how many features the camping trailer can carry, and these features are a good, basic guide to cost. The modest 2007-model iCamp Lite is listed at just under $4,200 and weighs only 1,550 pounds (lb). The 2009-model Aliner Scout is a 2,000-lb. pop-up trailer listed at $7,250, while the 2009-model Jayco Select 14HW weighs 4,550 lbs., despite being a pop-up, and costs $16,250. At the far end of the spectrum are trailers that compete with big RVs in terms of features and comfort, weighing as much as five tons and costing in excess of $20,000.
Comparison Shopping
Many look at a camping trailer as a cheap substitute for a Class-A RV, and in fact many of the models weighing two tons or more are as well-equipped as a comparable RV. This makes them flexible enough to meet all basic requirements. However, most of the lighter camping trailers cannot provide the same range of comforts as a big rig. That usually means trading one feature for another, so focus carefully on the features you absolutely want. The Aliner Classic, for example, has a refrigerator and a microwave, but no bathroom facilities.
