The Differences Between Camping Trailer Vs Travel Trailer

Camping Trailer Vs Travel Trailer

Camping trailers are a lot like large, enclosed tents, with many of the same features of travel trailer. The major difference between the two is that they’re built on a frame for stability and can be towed by an automobile. They have many of the amenities that people enjoy when camping.

A travel trailer is a self-contained unit with everything you need for comfort while traveling. Travel trailers are typically towed by pickup trucks or other trucks with adequate towing vehicle capacity. They are similar to motorhomes in that they include many interior amenities such as beds, kitchen areas, and bathroom facilities. But unlike motorhomes, they don’t require a special license or permit for highway travel and aren’t subject to higher gas taxes.

What Is A Camping Trailer Vs Travel Trailer?

Camping trailers are also referred to as travel trailers or 5th wheels. Travel trailers are made from the same materials and have the same basic frame as a modular home. Instead of being towed behind a car or truck, they are towed by an automobile on a trailer hitch.

Camping trailers usually go up to 10 feet in height, although some units can be up to 12 feet high. These are often known as teardrop-shaped units that look like cargo vans or small station wagons with a roof and floor above where people sit. They can also be called vans, motorhomes, and truck campers.

Travel trailers are about 16 feet long, and other models can be up to 20 feet long. These are often known as class A motorhomes or two- or three-bedroom vans. They look more like a regular house because of the enclosed walls, but they have many camper elements in common. They also have separate front and rear beds for sleeping.

Why Choose A Camping Trailer Over A Travel Trailer?

  • Camping trailers are similar to travel trailers, except that they’re designed for a temporary living when camping in an RV park. Camping trailer owners typically park their units outside on a campground parking lot to use them during the day or overnight while RV parks are open.
  • Travel trailers and class A motorhomes are typically used for extended trips, usually over summer vacations or during the winter holidays. They are parked in front of a home and used from time to time by the owner.
  • Some of these units are rented out during the year, either through RV parks or through travel trailer rental agencies. These units can typically be rented out for six months and longer.
  • Many campgrounds do not allow camping trailers to park on their property, but they allow RV parks to have them. Many campgrounds also do not allow motorhomes to be parked on the premises. Motorhomes are sometimes referred to as a Class A motorhome, because they meet the requirements for being a class A motor vehicle in most states, and require a special license.

What Is A Travel Trailer?

Travel trailers are used for recreational purposes. They typically are loaded with all the amenities required for a full-time residence. They may have dual sinks, a dining area, and a galley kitchen. Some models feature electric heaters on the ceiling and include some form of water heating unit, which can be gas or propane.

Some models have a queen-sized bed in the back along with another queen-sized bed in the living room for sleeping when it’s cold. Most of these travel trailers come with flushing toilets and tub/shower combination toilets or shower stalls in the bathroom facilities.

Is A Travel Trailer Considered An Rv? 

Travel trailers and motorhomes are not registered vehicles by the state but can be towed behind any vehicle with a trailer hitch. Travel trailers are not subject to federal or state registration fees.

Travel trailers change in size depending on the year of manufacture and how many additional amenities and features they have. Some off-the-shelf models feature amenities such as stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, VCRs, and DVD players. Although some models have double bedrooms, most travel trailers have two twin beds or one queen bed for sleeping.

Different Types Of Camping Trailers

Camping trailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are short, like a standard-sized camper-trailer. Some are taller than most camping cars and can be used as a large floor unit that is mounted on a truck bed or work trailer. In some models, the bed is raised and used for sitting or seating for the cook/cooking area. Others are longer than most cars and are designed to be towed behind an automobile on a trailer hitch.

Teardrop Campers: Campers that are more than 10 feet high are called teardrop campers. They can be up to 12 feet high. These are closely related to the small cargo vans and may look similar to a small station wagon with a flat surface on top. These are really just camper on wheels and are often used for camping, both as a short-term stay in a campground or as a place to live year-round. They are not considered motorhomes but can be towed by any automobile on the road.

Popup Campers: Campers are the smallest type of camping trailers. They are usually about eight feet long and can be as much as nine feet high. These models can be parked on the ground or mounted on a trailer hitch. They usually have two beds and are insulated, have a small stove and sink, and have living quarters for two people.

Hybrid Travel Trailers: Hybrid travel trailers have more options than other types of camping trailers. They usually have a queen bed, a king bed, an electric stove, microwave and sink, and LED interior lighting. The windows are electric powered and can be opened to let in the fresh air.

5th Wheel Trailers: 5th-wheel trailers are similar to recreational vehicles or motorhomes. They have living quarters for six people, a kitchen and bathroom, and sleeping accommodations for two or more people. They are usually designed to be towed by pickup trucks or other large vehicles and have a section underneath where a car is stored.

Toy Hauler Trailers: Toy hauler trailers are designed to haul children’s toys, motorcycles, ATVs, and other toys. These are often behind a motorhome or towable by an SUV or pickup truck. Some models have living quarters, a shower, and a toilet and some have a canopy on the top of the trailer.

Tandem Trailers: Tandem trailers are very similar to toy haulers and have living quarters for one or two people. They can also be towed by small vehicles like cars, campers, or trucks and are often equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping accommodations for two or more people. They can have a canopy on the top of the trailer and a storage compartment underneath.

Travel Trailer Rv Category

Recreational vehicles with living quarters are the largest type of camping trailers. They have kitchen facilities, are equipped with large beds that fold out of the walls, and can be parked in front of a campsite or someone’s backyard.

Class A RVs:

Class A RVs are the most expensive type of recreational vehicle. They are used as travel trailers, camper vans, motorhomes, or a combination of all three. These models have two axles and are about 45 feet long. Manufacturers have increased the living space by turning the back part of the vehicle into the living quarters and adding a slide-out where a bed is placed.

Class B RVs:

Class B  RVs are smaller than Class A RVs. They are called camper vans because they look like small vans. They have two axles and are about 17 feet long. They have a bathroom and kitchen facilities, but the bed is usually located in the back of the vehicle where it is separated by a wall.

Class C RVs:

Class C RVs are the Cadillac of recreation vehicles. They are different from the other two because they have a raised roof and look more like a bus than a van. Some Class Cs have sleeper seats along the sides of the vehicle.

Class D RVs:

Class D RVs, also known as trailers, are the smallest type of recreational vehicle. They are about 12 to 20 feet long and can be towed by a car or truck. They have an open front and a rear that can be enclosed with curtains.

Pop-up Camper/Trailer

Campers typically have a roof, but not all are made as tight. Pop Up Campers are trailers that are easy to transport and set up in one piece, although some models are foldable. This is much like a tent camper but can have amenities such as water and electricity hookups. The essential element of a pop-up trailer is its ability to be packed up and towed at short notice.

A Truck Camper Pros:

  • Minor changes to the vehicle.
  • Convenient to Drive
  • People can attach an extra trailer for things like boats.
  • It can be easily be positioned in a backyard or garage
  • Also, can find campgrounds on other less accessible roads.
  • Great for short trips, weekends

Truck Camper Cons:

  • Top-heavy. May be an issue on winding paths and in strong winds.
  • Limited Storage space

Travel Trailer Pros:

  • A significant, open living space
  • Low Profile Roof For Extra Storage space.
  • Towed With Any Vehicle Rated For The Weight Of Your Trailer
  • The trailer has a full bathroom
  • Feels like home.
  • More space onboard.
  • For lengthy trips, snowbirding, and cruising full time.

Travel Trailer Cons:

  • It requires skillful movement to turn around and backward
  • The trailer, from a tow vehicle perspective, cannot be accessed
  • Can not tow a trailer or other vehicles
  • Need Off-site Storage When Not In Use.
  • Difficult To Maneuver In Tighter Spaces.

The 5 Most Common Rv Problems And How To Deal With Them

The five most common RV problems will happen while using a recreational vehicle. Here is how to overcome them.

1. Water

Water can come into a recreational vehicle during the winter season, especially in colder areas. This can make it hard for someone to get around and feed themselves because they cannot flush the toilet or wash dishes due to water issues inside their recreational vehicle. 

2. Electrical issues

Electrical problems are not only a nuisance but can be dangerous for someone who is using a recreational vehicle. Electrical problems often happen when the temperature goes below freezing outside. When this happens, an RV’s electrical system does not work as it should, which can cause fires inside the recreational vehicle.

3. Snow

While this does not seem like a problem for someone who lives in a cabin with their trailer it can be for people who use their recreational vehicle to park it on their property. People can deal with this issue in different ways.

4. Maintenance

Maintenance can be a huge problem for someone who uses an RV. This is because if the RV does not have regular maintenance, it can break down and need to be replaced entirely, which is very expensive. 

5. Going To The Bathroom

People usually do not realize that they are not using a restroom until it is too late. People will often find minor cuts on their legs or knees while traveling inside of their recreational vehicle, which could have been avoided if they had used a restroom before getting on the road trip.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to experience the outdoors without the hassle of setting up camp, renting a trailer might be just what you need. However, using a trailer while you travel can be difficult, and problems may arise when you aren’t experienced enough. If you’re looking for a trailer that’s affordable, easy to use, and capable of taking on the elements, then you need to look no further than the Coleman® Travel Trailer. This fully-equipped recreational vehicle is one that you can take with you wherever you go – camping in the woods or enjoying the day at a big outdoor event like an RV show.