The Best Camping Trailers

The Best Camping Trailers

(CC) Bill & Vicki Tracey/Wikimedia Commons

Camping trailers are a marriage between a scaled down recreational vehicle and a luxurious tent. They mimic a box that you may tow with a truck, SUV or---depending on size--even a passenger car. What makes the best camping trailers so versatile is the fact that you may greatly expand the size of them with fold up and pop out sides that add height and width to the initial box dimension. Depending on the size, you may accommodate 2 to 8 campers during the night inside the trailers. Since they are so much cheaper than RVs, you will find that they are the best compromise when it comes to camping in a manner that is more comfortable than a tent but not quite as luxurious as a full sized RV.

Jayco Offers Three Camping Trailers of Graduating Sizes

(CC) Bill & Vicki Tracey/Wikimedia Commons
(CC) Bill & Vicki Tracey/Wikimedia Commons

You know the Jayco name from the manufacturer's fifth wheels, motor homes and also toy haulers. Jayco also specializes in camping trailers it markets under the names "Jay Series," "Baja" and "Select;" costs start at about $7,860. The smallest camping trailer--it has a travel length of about 16 feet 9 inches--features a hitch weight of 210 pounds, while the biggest one---with a travel length of 20 feet 1 inch--has a hitch weight of 285 pounds. Unloaded, the smaller trailer weighs 1,960 pounds whereas the bigger one weighs in with 3,250 pounds. The fact that Jayco offers graduated sizes and weights of its trailers makes them some of the best in the market for consumers restricted by the abilities of their towing vehicles. Whereas the smaller trailer offers the basic necessities, the larger model also features a shower and accompanying gray water tank.
Standard features include a stainless steel cook stove that may be taken outside, privacy curtains and oak cabinetry.

Coleman Provides Series Specific Versatility

Coleman camping trailers distinguish themselves by the wide array of features that come standard. The manufacturer offers four series of camping trailers: the "Highlander," the "American," "Evolution" and also the "Destiny" series. Costs vary greatly among the individual models within the series and also the series themselves. Amenities of the various models vary by series and price, but all Coleman camping trailers feature onboard fire extinguishers, propane tanks, propane detectors and alarms, mesh lined windows and for the most part also onboard refrigerators.
Optional accessories make these some of the best camping trailers. Specifically sized screen rooms attach seamlessly to a number of models to provide a screened-in porch or room option. Attachable outdoor showers add versatility to the camper, and bike or boat mounts provide extra towing capacity while on the road.

Coachmen Offers Inexpensive Camping Trailers

Starting at about $5,650, Coachmen camping trailers are the best models for the budget conscious consumer. Coachmen is usually associated with full sized RVs, but it also makes the Clipper camper series; these small camping trailers offer everything you need for a budget friendly getaway. An attached cargo trunk allows for 25 cubic feet of exterior storage, and most models offer sufficient space for 6 to 8 sleepers. Indoor or outdoor shower facilities come standard, and optional accessories include awnings, screen rooms and mattress heaters.

Article Written By Sylvia Cochran

Based in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia Cochran is a seasoned freelance writer focusing on home and garden, travel and parenting articles. Her work has appeared in "Families Online Magazine" and assorted print and Internet publications.

Write for Trails.com
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