Towable RVs
Towing more than the line
Travel TrailerThese RVs are separate towable units hauled behind a car, truck or other vehicle. It's the best of both worlds: once you arrive at your destination, simply unhitch the RV portion and drive off to tour unencumbered. The towable option is handy if you are going to explore twisting scenic roads or want to go into the big city for a few hours.
Fifth Wheel
Some fifth wheels are so big even a heavy-duty pickup truck can't tow them, while others are featherweights. Regardless, this trailer hitches to the bed of a truck.
- Price range: $15,000 to $100,000.
- Handling: They can be tricky to maneuver and take longer to park than motorized RVs.
- Towing: You'll need a truck to tow one of these. A car (and some vans) simply aren't powerful enough. Be sure to check the weight rating.
- Mileage: Another gas guzzler, as are most RVs - amount will vary with the size of the truck and Fifth Wheel itself.
- Features:
- A kitchen, eating area, living room, bedroom and self-contained bath.
- Sleeps two to six.
- Disadvantages: If you have a family, you'll need a truck with an extended cab since you can't drive with anyone inside the trailer.
Travel Trailer
Depending on the weight and size of the trailer, these units are hitched to the back of a truck, van or even a car. Many people prefer these to Fifth Wheels, since they're usually less expensive and don't require a special tow vehicle, yet still provide plenty of room.
- Price Range: $10,000 to $65,000.
- Handling: Longer trailers can sway and require wide turns. They can also be a challenge to back up.
- Towing: The tow vehicle depends on the trailer itself. You might be able to use an SUV or a light truck.
- Mileage: Can vary with size of trailer and tow vehicle. However, once you're set up, you can save gas costs by driving the tow vehicle only.
- Features:
- A kitchen, eating area, living room, bedroom and self-contained bath
- Can sleep up to ten.
- Disadvantages:
- Less space underneath for storage.
- The family must travel in the tow vehicle, but since it's often the family vehicle it's not as restrictive as driving a Fifth Wheel.
Pop-Up Trailer
These collapsible trailers travel folded up, but can expand to a surprising size. The front and back (and in some models, the sides) unfold to create living space. The sides are usually made of canvas, but waterproof fiberglass versions are available. The quintessential starter trailer for a family, your car or van can easily tow a pop-up. And though they're relatively expensive, they can house a large family.
- Price Range: $3,000 to $15,000.
- Handling: Fairly easy, but backing up can be tricky.
- Towing: You can use your standard car or van - no need to buy a truck.
- Mileage: Good for an RV.
- Features:
- Most models have a two or three burner stove, sink (cold water only) and a small fridge.
- Many units also offer a slide-out for the dinette, increasing the already spacious living area.
- Sleeps two to ten.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited storage space.
- Limited features in basic units.
- Set-up and tear-down make one-night stays more trouble than they're worth.
- Canvas sides aren't great in the rain.
Truck Camper
This unit is loaded onto the bed of a pickup truck. Some models have slide-out options (some as many as three or four) that expand to increase living space. If you already own a truck, campers are an affordable solution for those who like to camp in remote locations or want a transitional RV.
- Price Range: $4,000 to $30,000.
- Handling: Like your truck.
- Towing: No need to tow anything.
- Mileage: Not great, but once you load the camper off, you resume normal gas consumption.
- Features:
- Varies with number of slide-outs, but standard amenities include a stove and sleeping space.
- Easy to load the camper on and off the truck.
- Sleeps two to four comfortably.
- Disadvantages:
- Not as many features as your Class A or Fifth Wheel.
- Not suited to large families.
